Trazodone
Trazodone is used to relieve many of the symptoms of
depression including feelings of sadness, worthlessness, or guilt; loss of
interest in daily activities; changes in appetite; tiredness; sleeping too much;
insomnia; and thoughts of death or suicide.
Trazodone Directions
Take
trazodone exactly as directed by your
doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist,
nurse, or doctor to explain the instructions to you. Take each dose of
Trazodone with a full glass of water. Take
trazodone with a meal or a light
snack as Food increases the absorption of trazodone by the body and it may
help to decrease dizziness. Do not stop taking trazodone without first
talking to your doctor, even if you begin to feel better. It may be several
weeks before your symptoms begin to improve, and you may require continuous
treatment for quite some time.
Trazodone Precautions
Use caution when driving, operating machinery,
or performing other hazardous activities while taking trazodone. Trazodone
may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or
drowsiness, avoid these activities. Dizziness may be more likely to occur
when you rise from a sitting or lying position. Rise slowly to prevent
dizziness and a possible fall. Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase
drowsiness and dizziness while taking trazodone.
Trazodone Side Effects
If you experience any of the following serious
side effects, stop taking
trazodone and seek emergency medical attention or
contact your doctor immediately: an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing;
closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); a
prolonged (4 hours or longer), painful, or inappropriate erection; or an
irregular heartbeat or chest pains. Other, less serious side effects may be
more likely to occur. Continue to take trazodone and talk to your doctor if
you experience any of the following: dizziness or drowsiness; headache;
insomnia or vivid dreams; dry mouth, upset stomach, nausea, or vomiting;
diarrhea or constipation; tremors; blurred vision.
Trazodone Drug
Interactions
Before taking trazodone, tell your doctor if
you are taking any of the following medications: digoxin (Lanoxin,
Lanoxicaps), phenytoin (Dilantin), a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor such
as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate),
or warfarin (Coumadin).
Missed Dose of
Trazodone
Take the missed dose of trazodone as soon as
you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled
dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next one as directed. Do not
take a double dose of trazodone.
Trazodone Overdose
If you suspect and overdose of
trazodone, seek
emergency medical attention immediately. Symptoms of a trazodone overdose
include drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, seizures, an irregular heart beat,
difficulty breathing, painful erection, and death.
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July
13, 2008 - 
