List of adverse effects of trazodone
Trazodone is a medication primarily used to treat major depressive disorder, with additional uses for conditions such as anxiety disorders and insomnia. Despite its therapeutic benefits, trazodone can cause a range of adverse effects. This article aims to provide a comprehensive list of these effects, categorized by their frequency and severity. It is important for patients and healthcare providers to be aware of these potential risks to manage them effectively.
Common Adverse Effects[edit | edit source]
Common adverse effects of trazodone are those that occur in more than 1% of patients. These include:
Less Common Adverse Effects[edit | edit source]
These effects occur in less than 1% of patients but are still noteworthy:
- Orthostatic hypotension (sudden drop in blood pressure upon standing)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Muscle aches
- Confusion
- Nasal congestion
Rare and Serious Adverse Effects[edit | edit source]
Rare, but serious adverse effects of trazodone include:
- Serotonin Syndrome - A potentially life-threatening condition caused by excessive levels of serotonin in the brain.
- Priapism - A prolonged and painful erection that can cause permanent damage to the penis.
- Cardiac arrhythmias - Irregular heartbeats that can be life-threatening.
- Liver damage
- Seizures
Psychiatric Adverse Effects[edit | edit source]
Trazodone can also have effects on mental health, such as:
- Agitation
- Anxiety
- Hallucinations
- Paranoia
- Suicidal thoughts or behavior in individuals under 25 years old.
Withdrawal Symptoms[edit | edit source]
Discontinuing trazodone suddenly can lead to withdrawal symptoms such as:
Interactions[edit | edit source]
Trazodone can interact with other medications, leading to increased risk of adverse effects. These interactions include:
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
- Alcohol
- Warfarin
- Digoxin
Precautions[edit | edit source]
Patients with certain conditions should use trazodone with caution, including those with:
Conclusion[edit | edit source]
While trazodone is an effective medication for treating depression and other conditions, it is associated with a range of adverse effects. Patients should be closely monitored by healthcare providers for any signs of these effects, especially when starting treatment or adjusting dosage.
This list is incomplete; you can help WikiMD by expanding it.
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD