Trazodone

What trazodone is for

Trazodone can be used to treat mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety.

It's thought to work by increasing the levels of chemicals in your brain linked to mood, such as serotonin. When these levels are normal, this may reduce stress and negative thoughts.

How to take trazodone

Trazodone comes as tablets, capsules or a liquid that you swallow. How much you need to take depends on why you're taking it.

Your doctor may prescribe a low dose to start with and increase it after a week or more.

When taking trazodone:

• swallow tablets or capsules whole, with water, once or twice a day
• take it with, or just after food, to reduce the risk of side effects
• take it at bedtime if you're having trouble sleeping as trazodone can make you feel sleepy

Always check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine. Ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice if you're not sure how to take it or have any problems taking it.

If you miss a dose of trazodone

If you forget to take trazodone, take it as soon as you remember, unless it's nearly time for your next dose.

If it's nearly time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose at the usual time.

Do not take 2 doses to make up for a missed dose.

If you take too much trazodone

Taking an extra dose of trazodone can be dangerous.

How to stop taking trazodone

Your doctor may suggest you stop taking trazodone if you've been feeling better for some time.

But do not suddenly stop taking it because it may cause withdrawal symptoms.

Your doctor will gradually reduce your dose over several weeks or months. Always follow your doctor's advice.

Side effects of trazodone

Like all medicines, trazodone can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.

Some side effects should ease after a couple of weeks as your body gets used to the medicine, but some can last longer.

Common side effects

Common side effects of trazodone include:

• feeling sleepy, dizzy or tired
• headaches
• feeling sick (nausea)
• difficulty pooing (constipation)
• muscle pain
• a dry mouth

If you feel sleepy, dizzy or tired after taking trazodone, do not drive, ride a bike or use machinery until these symptoms have gone away.

Serious side effects

Trazodone can sometimes cause more serious side effects, although most of them are rare.

Possible serious side effects of trazodone include:

• an allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) – causing symptoms such as a swollen throat or tongue, a raised, itchy rash and difficulty breathing
• a long-lasting, painful erection (priapism)
• blood disorders, causing symptoms such as your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellow (jaundice), unexplained bruising or getting more infections than usual, like a sore throat or skin infections
• feeling very low and having suicidal thoughts

Who can and cannot take trazodone

Most adults can take trazodone, but's not suitable for everyone.

For example, it may not be suitable if you have:

• ever had an allergic reaction or serious side effect from trazodone or another similar antidepressant
• ever had thoughts of self-harming or ending your life
• a history of bipolar disorder
• heart, kidney or liver problems
• epilepsy
• an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)

Before taking trazodone, tell your doctor if you have any other medical conditions.

Breastfeeding and trazodone

Tell your doctor if you're breastfeeding.

Trazodone is sometimes used while breastfeeding, but it's best to check because the medicine can pass into your breast milk.

You may be able to take it if the benefits outweigh the risks. Sometimes your doctor might want to switch you to a different type of antidepressant.

It's possible for breastfed babies to get side effects from trazodone, so speak to a healthcare professional or call NHS 111 if you have any concerns about your baby.

Pregnancy and trazodone

Tell your doctor if you're pregnant or you get pregnant while taking trazodone.

Trazodone can be used during pregnancy if needed. Your doctor will talk to you about the risks and benefits of taking it while you're pregnant.

If you need to take trazodone while you're pregnant, your doctor will prescribe the lowest possible effective dose.

You may be advised to give birth in hospital so you and your baby can be closely monitored after you've given birth.

Find out more about taking trazodone during pregnancy on the Bumps (Best Use of Medicines in Pregnancy) website

Taking trazodone with other medicines, food and drink

There are some medicines, remedies and supplements that may not mix well with trazodone.

These include:

• other antidepressants, such as amitriptyline, fluoxetine or moclobemide
• antifungal medicines, such as itraconazole
• epilepsy medicines, such as carbamazepine or phenytoin
• sleeping pills, tranquilisers or other sedatives
• erythromycin, an antibiotic
• levodopa, used to treat Parkinson's disease
• warfarin, used to prevent blood clots

Do not use the herbal supplement St John's wort when taking trazodone.

Before taking trazodone, tell your doctor if you're taking any other medicines, herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements.

Food, drink and alcohol with trazodone

You can eat normally while taking trazodone.

It's best not to drink alcohol while taking trazodone as it can increase the risk of side effects.