Trazodone is an antidepressant drug that is prescribed to treat the symptoms of depression. Besides treating depression, doctors may also prescribe trazodone to treat anxiety, schizophrenia, or uncontrolled movements that occur as a side effect of other medications.
Trazodone 100mg is an antidepressant used primarily to treat depression. It may also be used for relief of an anxiety disorder (e.g., sleeplessness, tension), or chronic pain. Trazodone works by helping to restore the balance of a certain natural chemical (serotonin) in the brain.
Besides treating depression, doctors may also prescribe trazodone to treat anxiety, schizophrenia, or uncontrolled movements that occur as a side effect of other medications.
Your doctor may prescribe trazodone to treat insomnia or other sleep disorders.
A study in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry in 2014 found the drug to be very effective in treating sleep disturbances in people with Alzheimer's disease.
Trazodone improved nighttime sleep but did not affect thinking or brain function.
Taking the drug did not lead to daytime sleepiness or naps.
Take Trazodone exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose.
Trazodone is available in varying dosages. A Trazodone dosage begins at 50 mg, then includes 100, 150 and 300 mg. In many patients, the tablets can be divided to get a more specific, correct dosage.
Your physician will usually begin you on the lowest possible dose that will be effective for you, and then they may increase it at intervals ranging from one to two weeks to ensure efficacy.
When you begin taking a medication like TRAZODONE, it can take several weeks for its full effectiveness to begin. For the treatment of depression Trazodone may start to help improve symptoms in around one to two weeks, but for maximum effects, it can take anywhere from four to six weeks.
Trazodone 50 mg is considered a relatively small dose of this drug. The starting dose used to treat insomnia is usually anywhere from 25 to 50 mg, taken close to bedtime. Your doctor may increase your dosage above Trazodone 50 mg, but for insomnia, not much more than this is recommended because it can actually have the opposite effect at higher doses and cause insomnia. Trazodone 100 mg is the next highest dose above 50 mg, but still not a relatively high dosage on its own.
For depression, the starting dose is usually anywhere from 50 to 100 mg, which would be taken daily potentially in divided doses. If someone experiences a lot of drowsiness with trazodone, even if it’s being used for the treatment of depression, they’re advised to take it close to bed, or take their largest dose near bedtime.
Trazodone also might cause some people to have auditory hallucinations while taking the drug.
Many drugs may affect the way trazodone works, and Trazodone may affect other drugs you are taking and cause problems. It's very important to let your doctor know about all drugs you are taking, including illegal drugs and any over-the-counter (OTC) herbs or supplements.
Trazodone may make you feel drowsy and may affect your judgment. Until you know how trazodone will affect you, don't drive or operate machinery. Drinking alcohol may make some side effects of trazodone more severe and cause problems.
Before taking trazodone, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to nefazodone; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: personal or family history of bipolar disorder, personal or family history of suicide attempts, heart disease (e.g., irregular heartbeat, heart attack), liver disease, kidney disease, blood pressure problems, personal or family history of glaucoma (angle-closure type).
This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy or blur your vision. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness or clear vision until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).
Trazodone may cause a condition that affects the heart rhythm (QT prolongation). QT prolongation can rarely cause serious (rarely fatal) fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms (such as severe dizziness, fainting) that need medical attention right away.
The risk of QT prolongation may be increased if you have certain medical conditions or are taking other drugs that may cause QT prolongation. Before using trazodone, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the drugs you take and if you have any of the following conditions: certain heart problems (heart failure, slow heartbeat, QT prolongation in the EKG), family history of certain heart problems (QT prolongation in the EKG).
Low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood may also increase your risk of QT prolongation. This risk may increase if you use certain drugs (such as diuretics) or if you have conditions such as severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting. Talk to your doctor about using Trazodone safely.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially drowsiness, dizziness, and QT prolongation (see above).
Since untreated mental/mood problems (such as depression) can be a serious condition, do not stop taking this medication unless directed by your doctor. If you are planning pregnancy, become pregnant, or think you may be pregnant, immediately discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medication during pregnancy.
This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. Symptoms of overdose may include: painful/prolonged erection, slow/rapid/irregular heartbeat, unusual drowsiness, unusual dizziness, vomiting, trouble breathing, seizures.
Take Trazodone exactly as directed by your doctor. Don't stop taking trazodone on your own because stopping suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms that include anxiety, agitation, and difficulty sleeping. If you miss a dose of trazodone, take the missed dose as soon as you remember.
If it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Don't double your dose to make up for a missed dose.
Store Trazodone at room temperature between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store the drugs in the bathroom. Keep all drugs away from reach of children and pets.
