Trazodone hydrochloride (
Desyrel®) is a prescription medicine used for the treatment of
depression (also known as major depression or clinical depression).
The drug was once manufactured by Bristol-Myers Squibb. However, brand-name trazodone is no longer being manufactured. Generic trazodone is still available and is made by several manufacturers.
It is not entirely clear how the drug works, since no other medications work exactly like it.
The drug acts on a specific chemical within the brain known as serotonin. This is one of several chemicals used to send messages in between nerves; however, when serotonin levels become unbalanced, it can cause a variety of conditions, including depression. Trazodone helps to block the reuptake of serotonin so that more is available for the nerves in the brain, returning the serotonin back to its "normal" levels. However, unlike selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (
SSRIs), it may also block certain serotonin receptors.
When and How to Take Trazodone
General considerations for when and how to take the drug include the following:
- The medication comes in tablet form. It is taken by mouth, usually one to three times a day.
- If the medication makes you drowsy, try taking it before bedtime.
- It is best to take it after a meal or snack. Your system generally absorbs the medication better after eating.
- Trazodone should be taken at the same time(s) each day to maintain an even level of the drug in your blood.
- For the drug to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. The medicine will not work if you stop taking it.
Dosage Information for Trazodone
The dose that your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- Your age
- Other medical conditions you may have
- Other medications you are currently taking.
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
Side Effects of Trazodone
As with any medicine, side effects are possible. However, not everyone who takes the medication will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
The most common side effects include:
(Click Trazodone Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report to your healthcare provider.)
You can also read about specific side effects in the following eMedTV articles:
Drug Interactions With Trazodone
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking It?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking this drug if you have:
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you may be taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Alternatives to Trazodone
Depression, even in its most severe form, is highly treatable. As with many illnesses, getting treatment for depression early is more effective and reduces the chance of recurrence.
The most common forms of treatment for depression are medication (
antidepressants) and psychotherapy ("talk therapy"). In some cases of severe depression, healthcare providers may recommend electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Some people may also try complementary or alternative treatments for depression
(see Natural Remedies for Depression).
Trazodone is generally quite effective at treating depression. It is also generally well tolerated. However, side effects can occur, or the medicine may not work as well as needed. In these cases, your healthcare provider may recommend an alternative to trazodone. Examples of alternate medications for depression include:
What If I Take an Overdose?
People who take too much of this drug may have overdose symptoms that could include:
- Drowsiness
- Vomiting
- Priapism (a painful erection of the penis that does not go away)
- Breathing problems
- Seizures
- Irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia)
- Loss of life.
If you happen to overdose on trazodone, seek immediate medical attention.
How Should Trazodone be Stored?
Trazodone should be stored at room temperature away from moisture or heat. The tablets should be kept in an airtight container.
Keep this medication and all other medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you do not take your trazodone as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
Although brand-name trazodone tablets are no longer available, generic trazodone is available in three strengths:
- 50 mg tablets
- 100 mg tablets
- 150 mg tablets.
Currently, only generic trazodone is available for sale
(see Generic Desyrel).
