Desyrel

Trazodone Hydrochloride Drug Information

• Desyrel Overview

  Desyrel is used to treat depression. It may help to improve your mood, appetite, and energy level as well as decrease anxiety and insomnia related to depression. Trazodone works by helping to restore the balance of a certain natural chemical (serotonin) in the brain.

• Desyrel Warnings

  Antidepressant medications are used to treat a variety of conditions, including depression and other mental/mood disorders. These medications can help prevent suicidal thoughts/attempts and provide other important benefits. However, studies have shown that a small number of people (especially people younger than 25) who take antidepressants for any condition may experience worsening depression, other mental/mood symptoms, or suicidal thoughts/attempts. Therefore, it is very important to talk with the doctor about the risks and benefits of antidepressant medication (especially for people younger than 25), even if treatment is not for a mental/mood condition. Tell the doctor right away if you notice worsening depression/other psychiatric conditions, unusual behavior changes (including possible suicidal thoughts/attempts), or other mental/mood changes (including new/worsening anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, irritability, hostile/angry feelings, impulsive actions, severe restlessness, very rapid speech). Be especially watchful for these symptoms when a new antidepressant is started or when the dose is changed.

• How to Use Desyrel

  Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start using trazodone and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Take Desyrel 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. If you are taking 2 doses each day, it may help to take 1 of the doses at bedtime. Follow your doctor's directions carefully. Dosage of Desyrel is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. To reduce your risk of side effects, your doctor may start you at a low dose and gradually increase your dose. Take Desyrel exactly as prescribed. Do not increase your dose or take Desyrel more often than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and the risk of serious side effects may be increased. It is important to continue taking Desyrel as prescribed even if you feel well. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day. Do not stop taking Desyrel without consulting your doctor. Anxiety, agitation, and trouble sleeping can occur if the drug is suddenly stopped. It may take 2 to 4 weeks before you notice the full effects of Desyrel. Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

• Desyrel Precautions

  Before taking trazodone, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to nefazodone; or if you have any other allergies. Desyrel may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using Desyrel, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history,personal or family history of bipolar disorder, personal or family history of suicide attempts, heart disease (e.g., irregular heartbeat, heart attack), liver disease, kidney disease, blood pressure problems, personal or family history of glaucoma (angle-closure type). Desyrel may make you dizzy or drowsy or blur your vision. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness or clear vision until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis). Trazodone may cause a condition that affects the heart rhythm (QT prolongation). QT prolongation can rarely cause serious (rarely fatal) fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms (such as severe dizziness, fainting) that need medical attention right away. The risk of QT prolongation may be increased if you have certain medical conditions or are taking other drugs that may cause QT prolongation. Before using trazodone,certain heart problems (heart failure, slow heartbeat, QT prolongation in the EKG), family history of certain heart problems (QT prolongation in the EKG, sudden cardiac death). Low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood may also increase your risk of QT prolongation. This risk may increase if you use certain drugs (such as diuretics/"water pills") or if you have conditions such as severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting. Talk to your doctor about using trazodone safely. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of Desyrel, especially drowsiness, dizziness, and QT prolongation (see above). During pregnancy, Desyrel should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Since untreated mental/mood problems (such as depression) can be a serious condition, do not stop taking Desyrel unless directed by your doctor. If you are planning pregnancy, become pregnant, or think you may be pregnant, immediately discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Desyrel during pregnancy. Desyrel passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

• Desyrel Misdose

  If you miss a dose of Desyrel, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

• Desyrel Interactions

  Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.digoxin. Taking MAO inhibitors with Desyrel may cause a serious (possibly fatal) drug interaction. Avoid taking MAO inhibitors (isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, safinamide, selegiline, tranylcypromine) during treatment with Desyrel. Most MAO inhibitors should also not be taken for two weeks before and after treatment with Desyrel. Ask your doctor when to start or stop taking Desyrel. Other medications can affect the removal of trazodone from your body, which may affect how trazodone works. Examples include azole antifungals (such as itraconazole, ketoconazole), HIV protease inhibitors (such as ritonavir, indinavir), macrolide antibiotics (such as erythromycin), rifamycins (such as rifampin), drugs used to treat seizures (such as phenytoin), among others. The risk of serotonin syndrome/toxicity increases if you are also taking other drugs that increase serotonin. Examples include street drugs such as MDMA/"ecstasy," St. John's wort, certain antidepressants (including SSRIs such as fluoxetine/paroxetine, SNRIs such as duloxetine/venlafaxine), among others. The risk of serotonin syndrome/toxicity may be more likely when you start or increase the dose of these drugs. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other products that cause drowsiness including alcohol, marijuana (cannabis), antihistamines (such as cetirizine, diphenhydramine), drugs for sleep or anxiety (such as alprazolam, diazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants, and narcotic pain relievers (such as codeine). Check the labels on all your medicines (such as allergy or cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely.

• Desyrel Side Effects

  What are Desyrel side effects?

  Side effects are physical, mental or emotional symptoms which occur in addition to or outside of the desired effect of a therapeutic treatment such as an over-the-counter or prescribed drug or medication. Side effects from Desyrel may occur at the beginning or at the end of treatment and may also depend on the length of time an individual remains on the treatment. Side effects, also known as adverse effects, are generally more likely to occur when starting treatment. Individuals may also experience side effects from Desyrel as a result of an interaction with other medications.

  Side Effects of Desyrel

  The side effects of Desyrel may vary in number and intensity for many different reasons. Factors such as age, weight, gender and ethnicity may influence the side effects of Desyrel. Also, an individual’s state of general physical health and seriousness of the disease or illness as well as an increase or decrease in dosage may lead to side effects. Further, side effects from Desyrel may also occur as a result of an interaction with certain herbal supplements, foods or drinks.

  Prescription drug side effects can be serious and may cause patients to stop the treatment. However, when side effects from the use of a prescription drug, such as Desyrel, do occur a patient should consult their physician. A physician may prescribe an additional treatment in order to control the symptoms or an adjustment in the dosage may be made. In addition, changes to diet, exercise or other lifestyle activities may help to lessen the side effects of Desyrel.

  By understanding side effects and the factors which may influence the occurrence of side effects patients are empowered to take an active role in their care. Patients who have specific questions about the side effects of Desyrel, or any other medication, should contact their physician. General information about Desyrel and the side effects associated with Desyrel are described in the following:

  Common Desyrel Side Effects

  Severe

  • hypotension

  Less Severe

  • xerostomia
  • constipation
  • drowsy
  • dizziness
  • fatigue
  • dysgeusia
  • headache disorder
  • nausea
  • vomiting

  Less Frequent Desyrel Side Effects

  Severe

  • acute confusion
  • tremor
  • hypertension
  • syncope
  • concentration difficulty

  Less Severe

  • myalgias
  • weight gain

  Rare or Very Rare Desyrel Side Effects

  Severe

  • excitement
  • suicidal ideation
  • bradycardia
  • seizure disorder
  • cholestasis
  • priapism
  • allergic dermatitis
  • skin rash
  • abnormal hepatic function tests
  • secondary angle-closure glaucoma
  • leukopenia
  • ataxia
  • Paresthesia
  • nasal congestion
  • hyperhidrosis
  • akathisia
  • anemia
  • chest pain
  • Urinary Hesitancy
  • menstrual disorder
  • flatulence
  • hallucinations
  • hematuria
  • hypomania
  • appetite changes
  • libido changes
  • increased urinary frequency
  • hypesthesia
  • agitation
  • alopecia
  • aphasia
  • apnea
  • breast engorgement
  • achalasia of esophagus
  • cerebrovascular accident
  • chills
  • chronic heart failure
  • Jaundice
  • serotonin syndrome
  • tachycardia
  • prolonged QT interval
  • torsades de pointes

  Less Severe

  • blurred vision
  • general weakness
  • Mydriasis
  • diarrhea
  • weight loss
  • nightmares
  • sialorrhea
  • Erectile Dysfunction
  • twitching
  • symptoms of anxiety
  • edema

• Desyrel Storage

  Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard Desyrel when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.