Trazodone is used to treat depression and anxiety.
Take Trazodone exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instruction on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Take this medicine after a meal or a light snack. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Trazodone is available as a tablet, capsule or as an oral solution.
If you are taking an oral solution, shake the bottle well before you take it to ensure that the liquid is evenly mixed. Use the measuring spoon or cup provided to measure your dose.
Trazodone must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it suddenly as this may worsen your condition.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you had a recent heart attack as Trazodone may not be suitable for you.
Do not give this medicine to children unless instructed to do so by the doctor.
DO NOT take Trazodone if you are currently taking or have taken a medicine that is used to treat depression known as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid, phenelzine and tranylcypromine in the last 14 days.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- suicidal thoughts or attempts
- mood disorders including bipolar disorder (mania and hypomania)
- heart disease
- history of epilepsy (fits or seizures)
- head injury
- thyroid problems
- enlarged prostate
- difficulty passing urine
- glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye)
- kidney disease
- liver disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Trazodone to the elderly. Elderly may be more sensitive to the side effects.
Your doctor may need to perform blood tests to make sure that your liver function is normal before you take this medicine and thereafter depending on your doctor’s advise.
Medicines for depression such as Trazodone may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviour. As depression and some psychiatric disorders are themselves associated with an increased risk of suicide, it is important for you or your family members to monitor your condition especially at the start of treatment and if your dosage is still being adjusted. If you experience new or sudden changes in mood, behaviour, thoughts or feelings, or a worsening of your depression with suicidal thoughts or attempts, harm to self or harm to others, contact your doctor immediately.
Trazodone may cause drowsiness, dizziness or blurred vision. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects include any of the following: headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, indigestion, stomach wind, stomach pain, dry mouth, weight gain, increased hunger, sweating, hot flushes, back or limb pain, ringing in the ears, and tremor.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- having thoughts of self-harm
- unusual changes in mood or behaviour (being too depressed, agitated, or having compulsive and impulsive behaviour)
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- painful erection of the penis
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
DO NOT take Trazodone if you are currently taking or have taken a medicine that is used to treat depression known as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid, phenelzine and tranylcypromine in the last 14 days.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- other medicines for depression e.g. fluoxetine
- medicine for fungal infections e.g. ketoconazole, itraconazole
- certain antibiotics e.g. clarithromycin
- medicines for epilepsy (fits or seizures) e.g. carbamazepine, phenytoin
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Trazodone.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.