Has your doctor prescribed Trazodone for depression? Or is someone close to you using this medication? Today, we will talk simply and directly about what this medication is for, how to use it, and what you need to be careful about. This will answer many of the questions you have in mind.
What is Trazodone?
Simply put, Trazodone is a medication used to treat depression. Our brains contain a neurotransmitter called serotonin, which is a chemical. It acts like a 'happy hormone' that controls our mood. People with depression may have low levels of this serotonin. Trazodone works by increasing the amount of serotonin in the brain, helping to improve your mood.
Doctors may sometimes prescribe this medication for other conditions, so if you have any questions about why you were prescribed this medication, ask your doctor.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medicine
Before you start taking Trazodone, it is very important to tell your doctor about your health history. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
- Suicidal thoughts: If you have previously thought about or attempted suicide.
- Other mental illnesses: If you have another mental illness, such as bipolar disorder.
- Bleeding problems: If you have bleeding problems.
- Eye diseases: If you have the eye disease called glaucoma.
- Heart disease: Heart disease, or if you have had a previous heart attack.
- Heartbeat irregularities: If you have an irregular heartbeat.
- Liver or kidney disease: If you have kidney disease or liver disease.
- Sodium level: If you have low sodium levels in your blood.
- Allergies: If you are allergic to Trazodone or any other medicine, food, or dye.
- Pregnancy: If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother.
Giving this information to your doctor will help him treat you safely and more effectively.
How exactly do I use this medicine?
To get the most out of a medication, it is essential to use it correctly.
- How to take: Swallow this pill with a glass of water. Take the prescribed dose at the prescribed time, as directed by your doctor.
- When to take: This medicine should be taken on an empty stomach, at least half an hour before a meal, or two hours after a meal. Do not take it with food. It is usually recommended to take this at night before going to bed.
- Do you break the pill? Do not crush or chew this pill. However, if there is a score line in the middle of the pill, it is okay to break it in half and drink it.
- Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly: Never stop taking this medicine suddenly without your doctor's advice. This can cause serious side effects or make your condition worse. If you do stop taking it, do so under the supervision of your doctor, gradually reducing the dose.
- If you miss a dose: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.
- If you accidentally take too much medicine (Overdosage): If this happens, immediately go to the nearest Emergency Department (ETU). Or call the National Poison Information Center at the Colombo National Hospital .
- Do not share: This medicine is for you only. Never share it with others.
Other medications that may interact with Trazodone
You need to be very careful if you are taking other medications while taking Trazodone. Some medications can react with Trazodone and cause dangerous conditions.
| Never take Trazodone with this medicine! | |
|---|---|
| MAOI antidepressants | Eg: Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, Parnate |
| Linezolid, Methylene blue (intravenous) | These are used for antibiotics and other treatments. |
| Pimozide, Thioridazine, Mesoridazine | Some medications for mental illness. |
| Cisapride, Dronedarone, Saquinavir | Medications for heart disease, HIV, and other conditions. |
| Some fungicides | Eg: ketoconazole, itraconazole, fluconazole |
| Be especially careful if you take Trazodone with these things. | |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | Increases drowsiness and dizziness. |
| Aspirin and NSAIDs (painkillers) | E.g. ibuprofen, naproxen. Increases the risk of bleeding. |
| Anticoagulant | Ex: warfarin, enoxaparin |
| Other antidepressants and psychiatric medications | Increases the risk of serotonin syndrome. |
| Sleeping pills, epilepsy pills | E.g. phenobarbital, carbamazepine. Increases drowsiness. |
| Herbal Supplements | Ex: St. John's wort, kava kava |
This list is not complete, so tell your doctor about all the medications, vitamins, and herbal products you take.
Things you should be careful about when taking medication
Be aware of changes in your mind.
Especially when you first start taking this medicine, or after changing your dose, watch yourself for suicidal thoughts or sudden changes in your mood or behavior. If you experience any of these symptoms, tell your doctor or a loved one immediately. It may take several weeks for this medicine to take full effect. Therefore, it is important to continue taking it for as long as your doctor tells you to.
Drowsiness and dizziness
This medicine may make you feel drowsy or dizzy. Therefore, do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you. Especially if you are elderly, do not get up suddenly from a sitting position. Stand up slowly. Also, avoid drinking alcohol completely. Alcohol can increase these side effects.
Dry mouth and eyes
Your eyes may feel dry and your vision may be blurry. Contact lenses may be uncomfortable. Chewing sugar-free gum and drinking plenty of water may help with dry mouth. If these symptoms persist, tell your doctor.
Side effects that may occur due to medication
Like any medication, Trazodone can cause side effects. Some of these are serious, while others are common.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Serotonin syndrome | Confusion, agitation, rapid heartbeat, muscle tension, excessive sweating, fever, vomiting, diarrhea. |
| Changes in heart rhythm | Fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, chest pain, difficulty breathing. |
| Abnormal bleeding | Black stools, red/dark brown urine, vomiting blood, red/purple spots on the skin. |
| Prolonged or painful erection | This is a condition that requires emergency medical treatment. |
| Suicidal thoughts | Increased depression, worsening mood. |
| Common side effects that should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Drowsiness | This may be reduced when the medicine is taken at night. |
| Dry mouth | Drinking water and chewing sugar-free gum may help. |
| Constipation | Eating fiber-rich foods and drinking water are important. |
| Changes in sexual desire or function | Don't hesitate to talk to your doctor about this. |
Take-Home Message
- Trazodone is a medication used to treat depression. It should only be used under the advice of a doctor.
- Be sure to tell your doctor about any other illnesses you have and any other medications you are taking.
- Do not stop taking the medicine suddenly. This may worsen the condition.
- If you experience suicidal thoughts or significant mood changes during the initial period of taking the medication, inform your doctor immediately.
- Avoid driving as it may cause drowsiness and dizziness. Avoid drinking alcohol completely.
- If you accidentally take too much medicine, go to the nearest Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
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