Trazodone is an antidepressant drug that is prescribed to treat the symptoms of depression. Trazodone is in a class of medications called serotonin modulators, which work by moderating levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain. Besides treating depression, doctors may also prescribe trazodone to treat anxiety, schizophrenia, or uncontrolled movements that occur as a side effect of other medications. People taking Trazodone should be aware of this and continue taking the drug as directed even if they do not see immediate improvement.

Instructions and Uses:

Use Trazodone as directed by your doctor. Take this medication by mouth, usually once or twice daily after a meal or snack or as directed by your doctor. If drowsiness is a problem and you are taking 1 dose daily, take it at bedtime. A daily doze of Trazodone may range from 150mg to 375 milligrams.It may take 1 to 4 weeks for Trazodone to work. Do not stop taking Trazodone without checking with your doctor. If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up. If more than one dose is missed, restart medication and advise your doctor or pharmacist at your next appoitment. Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Trazodone.

Precautions:

The most common problem with Trazodone is sedation (drowziness, lack of mental and physical alertness). This side effect is especially noticeable early in therapy. In most patients, sedation decreases or dissapears entirely with time, but until then patients taking Trazodone should not perform hazardous activities requiring mental alertness or coordination, including driving and similar activities. The sedative effects is increased when Trazodone is taken with other central nervous system depressants, such as alcoholic beverages, sleeping medications, other sedatives or antihistamines. It may be dangerous to take Trazodone in combination with these substances.Trazodone may increase heart rate and stress on the heart. It may be dangerous for people with cardiovascular disease, especially whose who have recently a heart attack, to take this drug. In rare cases where patients with cardiovascular disease must take Trazodone, they should be monitored closely for cardiac rhythm disturbances and signs of cardiac stress or damage.

Side Effects:

Common side effects of Trazodone include:
- Headache
- Muscle ache Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, or stomachache
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Dizziness or loss of balance
- Dry mouth or dry eyes
- Confusion
- Blurred vision
- Ringing in the ears
- Nervousness or confusion
- Loss of interest in sex (erectile dysfunction in men).

Serious side effects can occur. If you have any of these side effects stop taking Trazodone and call your doctor right away:
- Worsening depression
- Suicidal thoughts
- A severe rash or hives
- Swelling of the face, lips or tongue
- Chets pain
- Difficulty breathing
- A painful erection that will not go away
- Panic attack
- Unusual bruising or bleeding
- Seizure

Trazodone also might cause some people to have auditory hallucinations while taking the drug. However, evidence of this is preliminary and needs further investigation.

Storage:

Store Trazodone at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C) in a tight, light-resistant container. Store away from heat, moisture and light. Protect from temperatures above 104 degrees (40 degrees C). Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Trazodone out of the reach of children and away from pets.