Trazodone

Trazodone is used to relieve many of the symptoms of depression including feelings of sadness, worthlessness, or guilt; loss of interest in daily activities; changes in appetite; tiredness; sleeping too much; insomnia; and thoughts of death or suicide.

Trazodone Directions

Take trazodone exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain the instructions to you. Take each dose of Trazodone with a full glass of water. Take trazodone with a meal or a light snack as Food increases the absorption of trazodone by the body and it may help to decrease dizziness. Do not stop taking trazodone without first talking to your doctor, even if you begin to feel better. It may be several weeks before your symptoms begin to improve, and you may require continuous treatment for quite some time.

Trazodone Precautions

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities while taking trazodone. Trazodone may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities. Dizziness may be more likely to occur when you rise from a sitting or lying position. Rise slowly to prevent dizziness and a possible fall. Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking trazodone.

Trazodone Side Effects

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking trazodone and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately: an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); a prolonged (4 hours or longer), painful, or inappropriate erection; or an irregular heartbeat or chest pains. Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take trazodone and talk to your doctor if you experience any of the following: dizziness or drowsiness; headache; insomnia or vivid dreams; dry mouth, upset stomach, nausea, or vomiting; diarrhea or constipation; tremors; blurred vision.

Trazodone Drug Interactions

Before taking trazodone, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medications: digoxin (Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps), phenytoin (Dilantin), a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate), or warfarin (Coumadin).

Missed Dose of Trazodone

Take the missed dose of trazodone as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next one as directed. Do not take a double dose of trazodone.

Trazodone Overdose

If you suspect and overdose of trazodone, seek emergency medical attention immediately. Symptoms of a trazodone overdose include drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, seizures, an irregular heart beat, difficulty breathing, painful erection, and death.