trazodone
Brand names: Trazodone Hydrochloride
# Trazodone: What You Need to Know Trazodone is a medication doctors prescribe to treat depression. It works by helping balance chemicals in your brain that affect your mood. When you take trazodone, it can help reduce sadness, anxiety, and other symptoms of depression. Many people find that this medicine helps them feel better and improves their sleep, since it can make you drowsy. Your doctor will tell you the right dose for your situation, and it's important to take it exactly as prescribed. There are some important safety things to remember when taking trazodone. Don't mix it with alcohol or other drugs that make you sleepy, because trazodone can make these effects stronger and more dangerous. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you take, especially blood thinners like warfarin or heart medications like digoxin, because trazodone might change how these drugs work in your body. Never take trazodone if you're also taking a type of antidepressant called MAOIs, and wait at least 14 days after stopping MAOIs before starting trazodone. Common side effects include feeling sleepy or dizzy, but contact your doctor if you have any concerning symptoms or if the medicine doesn't seem to be helping.
Known Interactions
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS CNS Depressants: Trazodone may enhance effects of alcohol, barbiturates, or other CNS depressants ( 7 ). CYP3A4 Inhibitors: Consider trazodone dose reduction based on tolerability ( 2.5 , 7 ). CYP3A4 Inducers: Increase in trazodone dosage may be necessary ( 2.5 , 7 ). Digoxin or Phenytoin: Monitor for increased digoxin or phenytoin serum levels ( 7 ). Warfarin: Monitor for increased or decreased prothrombin time ( 7 ). MAOIs MAOIs should not be used within 14 days of trazodone [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 )]. Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressants Trazodone may enhance the response to alcohol, barbiturates, and other CNS depressants. Cytochrome P450 3A4 Inhibitors In vitro drug metabolism studies suggest that there is a potential for drug interactions when trazodone is given with cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) inhibitors. The effect of short-term administration of ritonavir (200 mg twice daily, 4 doses) on the pharmacokinetics of a single dose of trazodone (5
Source: FDA-approved drug labeling via openFDA
Most Reported Side Effects (FAERS)
- DRUG INEFFECTIVE1,181 reports
- FATIGUE1,129 reports
- NAUSEA1,098 reports
- HEADACHE909 reports
- PAIN808 reports
- DIARRHOEA793 reports
- OFF LABEL USE711 reports
- VOMITING676 reports
- INSOMNIA673 reports
- DEPRESSION656 reports
Source: FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). Voluntary reports do not establish causation.
Check interactions with trazodone:
SafeCheck provides drug interaction information from FDA-approved product labeling (openFDA). This is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making medication decisions.