What is Trazodone ?

Q: What are the side effects of trazodone?

Some of the common side effects of trazodone are: Headache, Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Constipation, Weakness.

Q: How many hours does trazodone last?

The half-life of trazodone ranges from five to 9 hours. This means it will take about seven hours (on average) for the body to remove half of the medication. A single dose of trazodone will stay in the body for one to three days in a healthy adult.

Trazodone is an oral antidepressant medication that affects neurotransmitters in the brain. These neurotransmitters include acetylcholine, norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin.

Trazodone is primarily used to treat major depressive disorder by increasing mood, appetite, and energy levels, and decreasing anxiety and insomnia related to depression. It helps restore the balance of serotonin in the brain.

Trazodone Uses

Trazodone is used to treat depression and belongs to the class of medications known as serotonin modulators. It increases the amount of serotonin in the brain, helping maintain mental equilibrium. This medication improves mood, appetite, and energy levels while reducing depression-related anxiety and insomnia.

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Trazodone Side Effects

Common Side Effects:

Headache
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Constipation
Weakness
Nervousness
Dizziness
Muscle pain
Rash
Sweating
Itchy eyes

Serious Side Effects:

Chest pain
Irregular heartbeat
Loss of consciousness
Fainting
Seizures
Shortness of breath

If you experience any serious symptoms, contact your doctor immediately. Most people do not experience severe side effects. Seek medical help if any serious side effects occur.

Precautions

Before taking Trazodone, inform your doctor if you have any allergies or medical history, particularly:

Bipolar disorder
History of suicide attempts
Heart disease
Liver disease
Kidney disease
Blood pressure issues
Glaucoma

How to Take Trazodone

Trazodone is available as a tablet or extended-release tablet. Take the regular tablet with a meal or light snack two to three times a day. The extended-release tablet should be taken on an empty stomach at bedtime. Follow your doctor's instructions closely. Do not chew or crush the extended-release tablets.

Your doctor may start you on a low dose and gradually increase it. Continue taking Trazodone even if you feel well. It may take up to two weeks or longer to feel the full benefits.

Dosage Forms and Strengths

Generic: Imipramine

Form: Oral tablet
Strengths: 50 mg, 100 mg, 150 mg, 300 mg

Dosage for Major Depressive Disorder

Adult dosage (ages 18+): Start with 150 mg per day in divided doses.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s close to your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Overdose

In case of overdose, seek emergency medical attention. Symptoms of overdose can include severe dizziness, fainting, or irregular heartbeat.

Warnings for Serious Health Conditions

Heart Disease: Trazodone may cause irregular heartbeat and prolonged QT interval. Your doctor will monitor you closely if you have heart issues.

Angle-Closure Glaucoma: Trazodone can enlarge the pupils and trigger an angle-closure attack.

History of Mania or Bipolar Disorder: Trazodone can increase the risk of psychotic episodes.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Pregnancy: Limited human research exists. Animal studies show potential risks. Discuss with your doctor.

Breastfeeding: Trazodone can pass into breast milk and may affect the breastfed baby. Consult your doctor about breastfeeding while on this medication.

Storage

Store at room temperature (68ºF - 77ºF). Keep away from heat, light, and moisture. Store out of reach of children.

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Trazodone vs. Amitriptyline

Trazodone	Amitriptyline
Trazodone is an oral antidepressant that affects neurotransmitters in the brain.	Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant with sedative effects.
Used for treating depression by increasing serotonin levels.	Used for depression and mood improvement by affecting certain brain chemicals.
Common Side Effects:	Common Side Effects:
Headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, weakness	Nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, headaches, dry mouth

Before starting Trazodone, consult your doctor. In case of side effects, seek immediate medical attention. Carry your medication when traveling for emergencies and follow your doctor’s instructions precisely.

For more information or medical assistance, contact Medicover at 040-68334455.

Citations

Behavioral effects of trazodone in Alzheimer's disease., ID:10.1016/j.sleep.2003.06.006

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is trazodone addictive for sleep?

Trazodone is not addictive, with dry mouth, drowsiness, dizziness, and lightheadedness being common side effects. In some conditions, such as sleep apnea, Trazodone can give advantages over other sleep aids.

2. Are trazodone and Xanax the same thing?

Xanax is equivalent to trazodone it can induce side effects such as feeling exhausted and drowsy. It can influence day-to-day tasks when this happens during the day. Xanax and other benzodiazepine medications, however, can be addictive, unlike trazodone, even though you've been taking them as instructed.

3. What are the side effects of trazodone?

Some of the common side effects of Trazodone are:

Headache
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Constipation
Weakness

4. How quickly does trazodone work for sleep?

Depending on the form used, patients who take the medication for a sleep disorder will feel the sedative effects within 30 minutes. Patients who take the medication as an antidepressant for one or two weeks will not notice symptom improvement and can take up to four weeks for the maximum effects to occur.

5. How many hours does trazodone last?

The half-life of Trazodone ranges from five to 9 hours. This means it will take about seven hours (on average) for the body to remove half of the medication. A single dose of Trazodone will stay in the body for one to three days in a healthy adult.

6. Does Trazodone calm you down?

Trazodone is an antidepressant medication which works in the brain to balance chemicals. It's used to combat anxiety, depression, or a mixture of anxiety and depression. If you have issues such as low mood, poor sleep and poor focus, it will help.

7. Can trazodone worsen anxiety?

The depression will not get better if you suddenly quit taking this medication or do not take it. You may have signs of withdrawal as well. These include depression, restlessness, and difficulty sleeping. Your doctor will steadily lower your dosage over time if you need to avoid taking this medicine.

8. Can trazodone help with panic attacks?

As a prescription drug used for the medical treatment of depression, Trazodone is approved by the FDA. In addition to depression, this medication can also be used as a treatment for insomnia by a doctor or mental health professional and may also be used to relieve anxiety and panic attacks.

Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.