Desyrel

The active ingredient in Desyrel is trazodone hydrochloride, which is an atypical antidepressant. More specifically, it is a serotonin receptor antagonist and reuptake inhibitor. The exact mechanism of action is not clear. However, it is believed to impact the brain's serotonin levels, which are chemicals that control your mood.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide, before using Desyrel. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Desyrel:

After eating or as a snack, take Desyrel.

It could take up to two weeks for your symptoms to improve.

You may experience unpleasant side effects (such as anxiety, confusion, tingling, or feelings of electric shock) and withdrawal symptoms if you abruptly stop using Desyrel. Before quitting the medication, see your doctor.

The most common side effects of trazodone include:

• Dry mouth.
• Sleepiness.
• Dizziness or lightheadedness.
• Blurred vision.
• Vomiting or nausea.
• Low sodium levels (hyponatremia).
• Constipation.
• Changes in blood pressure, including hypotension.
• Trouble sleeping.
• Tiredness.
• Weight loss.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Desyrel. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Suicidal thoughts or actions. Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor.
• Fast heartbeat, lightheadedness, perspiration, flushing, tremors (shakiness), muscle rigidity, muscle twitches or spasms, uncoordinated movement, distress, seizures, distress, hallucinations, and coma are all symptoms of serotonin syndrome.
• Chest pounding, shortness of breath, chest discomfort, and dizziness or fainting are symptoms of an abnormal cardiac rhythm (QT prolongation).
• Priapism (painful and prolonged erections).
• Bruising that doesn't go away, black feces, pink or crimson urine, coughing up or vomiting blood, or unusual bleeding from the gums or nose are all signs of severe bleeding.
• Unconsciousness, hallucinations (seeing things that aren't real), headaches, nausea, and exhaustion are all signs of low blood-salt levels.
• An allergic reaction to the medication.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Desyrel. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Desyrel, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including whether you have:

• Kidney or liver problems.
• Either a recent heart attack or heart disease.
• Bleeding or blood clotting disorders.
• Epilepsy or seizures.
• Angle-closure glaucoma.
• Prolonged QT syndrome.
• Substance abuse issues.
• Suicidal thoughts or actions.
• Personal or family history of mental health issues.
• Bipolar disorder (depressive manic episodes).
• Or use alcohol, barbiturates, and other CNS depressants.

Boxed Warning

• A boxed warning warns patients and physicians about potentially harmful pharmacological side effects. Trazadone is one medication used to treat depression that may increase suicidal thoughts or behaviours. Children, teens, and young adults are more at danger.

If you have used an MAO inhibitor (monoamine oxidase inhibitor) within the last 14 days, avoid using Desyrel. There may be a harmful medication interaction, and there may be an increased risk of serotonin syndrome.

Among the MAOIs are tranylcypromine, phenelzine, isocarboxazid, linezolid, and methylene blue injection.

Typically, it takes 1-2 months before you see the full impact of trazodone for depression. However, some people may experience an improvement in their mood approximately a week after commencing medication. Keep in mind that your HCP will have you start with a lesser dose to reduce your chance of side effects. They will gradually increase your dose over time until you find a dose that works best for you. If you are unsure whether trazodone is working, see your healthcare provider.

When Desyrel is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Any other antidepressants, like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors

(SSRIs) or tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs).

• CNS depressants like antihistamines or medicine for allergies or colds, sedatives, tranquilizers, sleeping medicines, prescription pain medicine like tramadol, or narcotics.
• Phenytoin.
• St. John's wort.
• Digoxin.
• A diuretic or "water pill".
• Medicine to treat anxiety, mood disorders, or mental illness, such as schizophrenia.
• Aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), other antiplatelet drugs, warfarin, and other anticoagulants.
• Migraine headache medicines like sumatriptan, Imitrex, Maxalt, Treximet, and others.

Adults: The typical initial dose of trazodone for treating depression is 150 mg orally, split into smaller amounts and taken throughout the day. Your provider might gradually increase your dose over time. The maximum daily dose is 400 mg.

If you miss a dose of Desyrel, take it as soon as possible, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for the next dose. Do not take two doses at the same time.

Store Desyrel at room temperature and out of reach of children.

Teva Pharmaceuticals is the manufacturer of Desyrel.

There are several lower-cost generic versions available.

Do not stop taking this medication all of a sudden. Speak to your healthcare provider if you wish to quit taking it. Stopping Desyrel abruptly can cause withdrawal symptoms like nausea, headache, and trouble sleeping. Your provider will gradually taper your dose down until it is safe to completely stop it.

Several decades of data on the use of Desyrel in pregnant women have not shown any drug-associated risks of major birth defects, miscarriage, or other harmful outcomes to mother or fetus. However, talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

Desyrel may be found in your breast milk, but its effects on the baby or milk production are not known. Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.