Brand name:
Trazodone HCl 100mg
l
Generic name: Trazodone hydrochloride
Why is Trazodone HCl RX prescribed?
Trazodone HCl RX is prescribed for the treatment of depression.
Most important fact about Trazodone HCl RX
Trazodone HCl RX does not provide immediate relief. It may take up to 4 weeks
before you begin to feel better, although most patients notice improvement
within 2 weeks.
How should you take Trazodone HCl RX?
Take Trazodone HCl RX shortly after a meal or light snack. You may be more
apt to feel dizzy or light-headed if you take the drug before you have
eaten.
Trazodone HCl RX may cause dry mouth. Sucking on a hard candy, chewing gum,
or melting bits of ice in your mouth can relieve the problem.
If you miss a dose...
Take it as soon as you remember. If it is within 4 hours of your next
dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule.
Never take 2 doses at once.
Storage instructions Trazodone HCl RX (Trazodone, Desyrl)
Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container away from
light and excessive heat.
Trazodone HCl RX side effects
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity,
inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine
if it is safe for you to continue taking Trazodone HCl RX.
* Side effects may include:
Abdominal or stomach disorder, aches or pains in muscles and bones, anger or
hostility, blurred vision, brief loss of consciousness, confusion, constipation,
decreased appetite, diarrhea, dizziness or light-headedness, drowsiness,
dry mouth, excitement, fainting, fast or fluttery heartbeat, fatigue, fluid
retention and swelling, headache, inability to fall or stay asleep, low blood
pressure, nasal or sinus congestion, nausea, nervousness, nightmares or vivid
dreams, tremors, uncoordinated movements, vomiting, weight gain or loss
Why should Trazodone HCl RX not be prescribed?
If you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to Trazodone HCl RX
or similar drugs, you should not take Trazodone HCl RX. Make sure your doctor
is aware of any drug reactions you have experienced.
Special warnings about Trazodone HCl RX
In clinical studies, antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal
thinking and behavior in children and adolescents with depression and
other psychiatric disorders. Anyone considering the use of Trazodone HCl RX
or any other antidepressant in a child or adolescent must balance this
risk with the clinical need. Trazodone HCl RX has not been studied in children
or adolescents and is not approved for treating anyone less than 18
years old.
Additionally, the progression of major depression is associated with
a worsening of symptoms and/or the emergence of suicidal thinking or
behavior in both adults and children, whether or not they are taking
antidepressants. Individuals being treated with Trazodone HCl RX and their caregivers
should watch for any change in symptoms or any new symptoms that appear
suddenly--especially agitation, anxiety, hostility, panic, restlessness,
extreme hyperactivity, and suicidal thinking or behavior--and report
them to the doctor immediately. Be especially observant at the beginning
of treatment or whenever there is a change in dose.
Trazodone HCl RX may cause you to become drowsy or less alert and may affect
your judgment. Therefore, you should not drive or operate dangerous
machinery or participate in any hazardous activity that requires full
mental alertness until you know how Trazodone HCl RX affects you.
Trazodone HCl RX has been associated with priapism, a persistent, painful erection
of the penis. Men who experience prolonged or inappropriate erections
should stop taking Trazodone HCl RX and consult their doctor.
Notify your doctor or dentist that you are taking Trazodone HCl RX if you have
a medical emergency, and before you have surgery or dental treatment.
Your doctor will ask you to stop using the drug if you are going to
have elective surgery.
Be careful taking Trazodone HCl RX if you have heart disease. Trazodone HCl RX can cause
irregular heartbeats.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Trazodone HCl RX
Trazodone HCl RX may intensify the effects of alcohol. Do not drink alcohol
while taking Trazodone HCl RX.
If Trazodone HCl RX is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either
could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important
to check with your doctor before combining Trazodone HCl RX with the following:
Antidepressant drugs known as MAO inhibitors, including Nardil and
Parnate
Other antidepressants such as Prozac and Norpramin
Barbiturates such as Seconal
Central nervous system depressants such as Demerol and Halcion
Chlorpromazine
Digoxin (Lanoxin)
Drugs for high blood pressure such as Catapres and Wytensin
Phenytoin (Dilantin)
Warfarin (Coumadin)
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
The effects of Trazodone HCl RX during pregnancy have not been adequately studied.
If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, inform your doctor
immediately. This medication may appear in breast milk. If treatment
with Trazodone HCl RX is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you
to discontinue breastfeeding your baby until your treatment is finished.
Recommended dosage for Trazodone HCl RX
ADULTS
Overdosage
Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. An overdose
of Trazodone HCl RX in combination with other drugs can be fatal. If you suspect
an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.
