Trazodone belongs to the class of medications called antidepressants. It is used for the treatment of the symptoms of depression. It works by affecting the balance of chemicals in the brain that are associated with depression. It may take up to four weeks before the full beneficial effects of this medication are seen.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

The recommended adult dose of trazodone ranges from 150 mg to 300 mg daily taken in two or three divided doses with a meal or light snack. The dose is usually started at a low level and increased gradually until the best dose is found.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones given here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important that this medication be taken on a regular schedule exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue on with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue on with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Desyrel® is available in strengths of 50 mg and 100 mg.

50 mg: Each orange, round, scored tablet contains trazodone 50 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: cornstarch, dibasic calcium phosphate, FD&C Yellow No. 6 Aluminum Lake, lactose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, povidone, and sodium starch glycolate. May or may not contain castor oil and ethylcellulose.

100 mg: Each white, round, film-sealed, scored tablet contains trazodone 100 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: cornstarch, dibasic calcium phosphate, lactose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, povidone, and sodium starch glycolate. May or may not contain castor oil and ethylcellulose.

Trazodone should not be used by anyone with a known or suspected allergy to the medication or its ingredients.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor. Your health professional may be able to help you deal with some of the effects.

The following side effects may go away as your body becomes used to the medicine; check with your doctor if they continue or become bothersome.

More common
• dizziness or lightheadedness
• drowsiness
• dryness of mouth (usually mild)
• headache
• nausea and vomiting
• unpleasant taste

Less common
• blurred vision
• constipation
• diarrhea
• muscle aches or pains
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common
• confusion
• fainting
• muscle tremors

Rare
• fast or slow heartbeat
• skin rash
• unusual excitement

Stop taking this medication and check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Rare
• painful, inappropriate erection of the penis (continuing)

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.

Blood pressure: Trazodone may cause low blood pressure and possibly cause a feeling of lightheadedness when moving from sitting or lying position to a standing position.

Occupational hazards: Trazodone may impair the mental or physical abilities required for potentially hazardous tasks, such as driving or operating machinery. Avoid undertaking such activities while taking trazodone until you determine that you are not affected in this way.

Priapism: Trazodone has been associated with prolonged or inappropriate erections (priapism) for a number of men taking this medication. If this occurs, stop taking the medication immediately and contact your doctor.

Seizures: Grand mal seizures have been reported for a small number of people taking trazodone. Most of these people were already taking medications for a previously diagnosed seizure disorder.

Pregnancy: The safety of trazodone for use during pregnancy has not been established. It should not be used by women who may become pregnant unless, in the opinion of their doctor, the expected benefits justify the potential risk. If you are or may be pregnant, talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of this medication.

Breast-feeding: Nursing mothers should not take trazodone unless the potential benefits justify the possible risks to the child. If you are breast-feeding, talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of this medication.

Children and adolescents: The safety and effectiveness of trazodone have not been established for use by those younger than 18 years.

The following may affect how trazodone works or increase the risk of side effects:

• alcohol
• barbiturates (e.g., phenobarbital, secobarbital)
• benzodiazepines (e.g., diazepam, lorazepam)
• buspirone
• carbamazepine
• indinavir
• ketoconazole
• MAO inhibitors (e.g., tranylcypromine, phenelzine)
• medications that lower blood pressure (e.g., hydrochlorothiazide)
• ritonavir
• SSRIs (e.g., citalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine)

Trazodone may affect how the following medications work:

• digoxin
• phenytoin
• warfarin

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. In many cases, interactions are intended or are managed by close monitoring. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications that you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.