Trazodone is a generic prescription antidepressant, but it’s usually not a first-choice drug for treating depression. It works by adjusting levels of serotonin in the brain to help people better control their moods. In terms of safety, it has many of the same side effects and risks as other more commonly used antidepressants.
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Trazodone overview
BRAND NAMES:
No brand name versions
Generic Names:
Trazodone HCl
Uses:
Treats depression
Therapeutic Classes:
Antidepressant, central nervous system agent
Forms:
Tablet
How it’s taken:
By mouth
What is Trazodone used for?
Trazodone is FDA approved to treat major depressive disorder in adults. Healthcare providers may prescribe it off-label to treat anxiety if other treatments don’t work.
What form(s) does Trazodone come in
Tablet
50 mg
100 mg
150 mg
300 mg
What are common Trazodone doses?
For depression in adults: 150 mg taken in divided doses, but dosages may increase or decrease during treatment
Common Trazodone prescriptions
traZODone HCl
30 tablets disp packtraZODone HCl
100mg tablettraZODone HCl
150mg tablettraZODone HCl
300mg tablettraZODone HCl
50mg tablet
How to take Trazodone
Take your medicine as directed.
The dose may need to be changed several times to find the most effective dose.
This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask the pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
Take trazodone tablets shortly after a meal or light snack.
The tablet can be swallowed whole, or you may break the tablet in half along the score line. Do not break the tablet unless a doctor tells you to.
Do not crush or chew the tablet.
Store the medicine in a tightly-closed container at room temperature out of the light and out of the reach of children.
What to do if you miss a dose of Trazodone
Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose.
Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Trazodone contraindications
This medicine is not right for everyone.
Do not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to trazodone.
Do not use trazodone if you’re currently taking or recently stopped taking a type of drug called a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI).
Trazodone warnings
Tell any doctor or healthcare provider who treats you that you are using this medicine.
Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.
Call your healthcare provider between appointments if you have any symptoms or side effects that concern you.
This medicine may worsen depression or cause thoughts of suicide or violence. Talk with your doctor right away if you have changes in mood or behaviors that concern you.
Before taking this medicine, tell the prescribing healthcare provider if you have:
Heart problems or have had a recent heart attack
Heart rhythm problems
Bipolar disorder
Liver problems
Kidney problems
Other serious medical conditions
Before taking this medicine, tell the doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
This medicine may cause the following problems:
Serotonin syndrome (more likely when used with certain other medicines)
Heart rhythm problems (QT prolongation)
Low blood pressure
Eye problems and vision changes
Low sodium levels
Bleeding and bruising
Painful or long-lasting erections
This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
Do not stop using this medicine suddenly until consulting with the prescribing healthcare provider.
Trazodone interactions
Because of possible drug interactions, tell the prescribing healthcare provider about all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements you are using before taking this drug.
Tell other healthcare providers you are using this medicine before they prescribe new medications.
Do not use trazodone if you currently take an MAO inhibitor (MAOI) or have used an MAOI in the past 14 days.
Do not use this medicine together with the antipsychotic medications pimozide and thioridazine.
Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.
Tell your healthcare provider if you also are taking:
Stimulants
Other antidepressants
Medications to treat mental health conditions such as bipolar disorder
Opioids
Migraine headache medications called triptans
Drugs that make you pee (diuretics)
Blood pressure medications
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin or ibuprofen
Blood thinners
St. John’s wort
Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol.
Some drugs slow down or speed up the body’s metabolism of trazodone. If these drugs are combined with trazodone, doses may need to be modified.
Some examples include ritonavir, indinavir, itraconazole, ketoconazole, carbamazepine, and phenytoin
Trazodone side effects
Serious side effects
Trazodone can cause serious side effects. Talk to a doctor if you notice any signs or symptoms of a possible serious side effect, including:
Thoughts of hurting yourself or others, unusual behavior
Anxiety, restlessness, fever, sweating, muscle spasms, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, seeing or hearing things that are not there
Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat
Sudden increase in energy, feeling irritable, trouble sleeping
Confusion, weakness, muscle twitching
Lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting
Unusual bleeding or bruising
Painful, prolonged erection of your penis
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Less serious side effects
Drowsiness
Dry mouth
Headache
Dizziness
Fatigue
Nausea and vomiting
Vision changes
Sources:
Trazodone hydrochloride tablet prescribing information, NIH National Library of Medicine
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