What is the most important information I should know about trazodone?
Before taking
trazodone, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you
have
bipolar disorder (manic depression),
schizophrenia or other
psychiatric illness, a history of
drug abuse or
suicidal thoughts, or if you have recently had a
heart attack.
You may have thoughts about suicide when you first start taking an antidepressant,
especially if you are younger than 24 years old. Your doctor will need to check you at regular
visits for at least the first 12 weeks of treatment.
Trazodone works best if you take it after a meal or a snack.
Call your doctor at once if you have any new or worsening symptoms such as: mood
or behavior changes,
anxiety,
panic attacks,
trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable,
agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless,
hyperactive (mentally or physically), more depressed, or
have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.
Trazodone can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be
careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.
Do not
drink alcohol while you are taking trazodone. Alcohol can increase
drowsiness and
dizziness caused by trazodone.
Stop taking trazodone and call your doctor at once if you have a penis erection that is
painful or lasts 4 hours or longer. This is a medical emergency and could lead to a serious
condition that must be corrected with surgery.
What is trazodone?
Trazodone is an antidepressant medication. It affects chemicals in the brain that may
become unbalanced and cause depression
Trazodone is used to treat depression.
Trazodone may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking trazodone?
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to trazodone.
Before using trazodone, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:
-
bipolar disorder (manic depression);
-
schizophrenia, or other psychiatric illness;
-
a history of drug abuse or suicidal thoughts; or
-
if you have recently had a heart attack.
If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment
or special tests to safely take this medication.
You may have thoughts about suicide when you first start taking an antidepressant,
especially if you are younger than 24 years old. Tell your doctor if you have worsening
symptoms of depression or suicidal thoughts during the first several weeks of treatment, or
whenever your dose is changed.
Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or
symptoms. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits for at least the first 12 weeks of
treatment.
FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell
your doctor if you are
pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
Trazodone may pass into breast milk and could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this
medication without telling your doctor if you are
breast-feeding a baby.
Do not give trazodone to anyone younger than 18 years old without the advice of a
doctor.
Print
Email
Save
FDA Alerts
Media Gallery
Medicare's drug plans are subsidized by the US federal government and offered through insurers.
