Trazodone

Antidepressant · Triazolopyridine

Indications

Depression with or without anxiety.

Dosage

Adults: Initially 150 mg daily taken in divided doses after meals or as a single night-time dose. May be increased after 1 wk to 300 mg daily. Max 600 mg daily. Elderly: Initially 100 mg daily in divided doses after meals or as a single night- time dose. Max 300 mg daily. Children: Not recommended.

Adverse Effects

Drowsiness, dizziness, headache, nausea, postural hypotension. Priapism, blood dyscrasias, hepatic dysfunction(discontinue), hyponatraemia, wt loss, anorexia, SIADH, CNS disturbances, arrhythmias, nasal congestion, dyspnoea, skin reactions, flu like symptoms.

Risk Factor (Pregnancy/Lactation)

Pregnancy: Risk cannot be ruled out. Lactation: Caution advised or effect undetermined. Contraindications: Acute MI. Precautions: Epilepsy, severe hepatic, renal or cardiovascular disease, psychosis, hyperthyroidism, BPH, narrow angle glaucoma. Monitor for suicidal ideation. Advise patients to report signs of hepatic impairment incl asthenia, anorexia, GI upset, jaundice. Elderly. Withdraw gradually.

Interactions

Potent CYP3A4 inhibitors, carbamazepine, muscle relaxants, volatile anaesthetics, alcohol, CNS depressants, MAOIs, clonidine, digoxin, phenytoin, St John's wort, other serotonergic agents, oral contraceptives, cimetidine, agents that prolong QT interval, antihypertensives, warfarin, phenothiazines.

Advice to Patient

Take immediately after meals. Contact prescriber if there is headache, muscle cramps/tremors, constant dizziness, change in gait, change in vision, eye pain, chest pain, palpitations, fast heartbeat, abnormal thoughts, agitation, change in behaviour or if there is worsening of condition. Avoid alcohol and caffeine during therapy. Take sufficient amount of fluids (2-3 litres per day) to maintain hydration, unless restricted by the prescriber. Change position slowly from sitting or lying to standing.

Pharmacokinetics

Onset of action: Therapeutic (antidepressant): Up to 6 weeks. Absorption: Well absorbed. Metabolism: Hepatic. Half-life elimination: 5 to 9 hours( prolonged in obese patients). Time to peak, serum: Immediate release: 30 to 100 minutes; delayed with food (up to 2.5 hours). Extended release: 9 hours; not significantly affected by food. Excretion: Primarily urine (74%, <1% excreted , unchanged); secondarily feces (approx.21%).

Brands with this active ingredient

• Deprel
• Trazolam
• Trazolam
• Trazonil
• Zazadone

Compiled by Healify Pharmacy from published drug references. How we compile it →

Always consult a pharmacist or doctor.