Desyrel (Trazodone)

Description

Indications

Trazodone is a medication utilized for treating depression by restoring the balance of serotonin, a natural chemical in the brain. It may also aid in improving your mood, boosting your energy level, increasing your appetite, and reducing anxiety and insomnia associated with depression.

Uses and Dosage

Trazodone is administered orally in tablet form and is usually taken with a meal or light snack, two or more times a day. To ensure consistency, take the medication at the same time(s) every day and follow the instructions on your prescription label closely. Do not exceed or reduce the dosage, take it more frequently, or take it for longer than prescribed.

Swallow the tablets whole or split them in half along the scored mark.

Your doctor may begin you on a low dose of trazodone and gradually increase it every 3 to 4 days, but never more than once. Once your condition is under control, your doctor may decrease your dosage.

Although trazodone can manage depression, it cannot cure it. It may take up to two weeks or more before you feel the medication’s full benefits. Continue to take trazodone even if you feel better.

Do not stop taking trazodone abruptly without first consulting your doctor. Suddenly ceasing the medication may cause withdrawal symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, headache, confusion, anxiety, agitation, difficulty sleeping, extreme fatigue, seizures, pain, burning, or tingling in the hands or feet, frenzied or abnormally excited mood, ringing in the ears, or sweating. Your doctor may gradually lower your dose.

Side Effects

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention:

• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• constipation
• changes in appetite or weight
• weakness or tiredness
• nervousness
• dizziness or lightheadedness
• nightmares
• muscle pain
• dry mouth
• rash
• sexual problems in males; decreased sex drive, inability to get or keep an erection, or delayed or absent ejaculation
• sexual problems in females; decreased sex drive, or delayed orgasm or unable to have an orgasm
• uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body
• stuffy nose
• tired, red, or itchy eyes

Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any serious side effects:

• chest pain
• fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
• loss of consciousness (coma)
• fever, sweating, confusion, fast or irregular heartbeat, and severe muscle stiffness or twitching, agitation, hallucinations, loss of coordination, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• fainting
• seizures
• shortness of breath
• unusual bruising or bleeding
• nosebleeds
• small red or purple dots on the skin
• erection lasting more than 6 hours
• headache
• problems with thinking, concentration, or memory
• weakness
• problems with coordination

Caution

Prior to taking trazodone, inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have any allergies to this medication, nefazodone, or any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients that may cause allergic reactions or other issues.

Before using trazodone, discuss your medical history with your doctor or pharmacist, particularly if you have a personal or family history of bipolar disorder, suicide attempts, heart disease (such as irregular heartbeat or heart attack), liver disease, kidney disease, blood pressure problems, or personal or family history of angle-closure type glaucoma.

This drug may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision. Using alcohol or marijuana can intensify these effects. Refrain from driving, operating machinery, or performing any activity that requires alertness or clear vision until you can safely do so.

Trazodone may cause QT prolongation, a condition that affects the heart rhythm. QT prolongation can occasionally result in serious (rarely fatal) fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms, such as severe dizziness and fainting, that require immediate medical attention.

Low potassium or magnesium levels in the blood may also increase the risk of QT prolongation. This risk may increase if you use specific medications (such as diuretics/”water pills”) or have conditions such as severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting.

Older adults may be more vulnerable to the side effects of this medication, particularly drowsiness, dizziness, and QT prolongation.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only if absolutely necessary. Discuss the potential risks and benefits with your doctor.

As untreated mental/mood problems can be severe, do not stop taking this medication unless instructed to do so by your doctor. If you are planning to get pregnant, are pregnant, or believe you may be pregnant, discuss with your doctor the advantages and risks of using this medication during pregnancy.

This medication passes into breast milk. Consult with your doctor before breastfeeding.

Form and Strength

Desyrel is available in the following forms and strengths:

• trazodone scored tablet:
  • 50mg
  • 100mg
  • 150mg

FAQ

What mental illnesses does Desyrel treat?

Desyrel can treat depression and anxiety.

Is it bad to take Desyrel every day?

Desyrel is safe to take for a long time. There do not seem to be any lasting harmful effects from taking it for many months, or even years.

Resources

1. https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/trazodone/#:~:text=Trazodone%3A%20a%20medicine%20to%20treat%20depression%20and%20anxiety%20%2D%20NHS
2. https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/trazodone/common-questions-about-trazodone/#:~:text=Trazodone%20is%20safe%20to%20take,anxiety%20that%20keeps%20coming%20back
3. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/trazodone-oral-route/description/drg-20061280
4. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a681038.html
5. https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-6750/desyrel-oral/details
6. https://www.drugs.com/mtm/desyrel.html