What Does Trazodone Do?

Trazodone is an antidepressant medication primarily used to treat depression in adults and children over the age of 12. It’s also sometimes used to treat anxiety, insomnia, and nerve pain. Trazodone is in a class of drugs called serotonin receptor agonists, commonly known as “SNRIs.”

How Does Trazodone Work?

Trazodone works by increasing the amount of serotonin (a natural chemical) in the brain that helps regulate mood, sleep, appetite, and behavior. It also affects the balance of other chemicals in the brain related to emotions such as dopamine and norepinephrine.

Uses of Trazodone

• • Treating depression in adults and children over the age of 12

 

• • Treating chronic pain, including nerve pain

 

• • Treating insomnia and improving sleep

 

• • Managing anxiety disorders

 

• • Treating symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

 

• • Treating binge eating disorder

 

• • Managing obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

 

Dosage and Administration

When used to treat depression, Trazodone is usually taken in the evening while lying down or shortly before going to bed. It is important that it is taken as prescribed, because taking too much of the medication can be dangerous and lead to overdose. The starting doses for adults ranges from 150mg to 300mg per day and is increased gradually. The dosage should not exceed 400mg per day.

When using the pill to treat nerve pain, the starting dose for adults is 100mg per day and is increased gradually if necessary.

For the treatment of insomnia, adults usually start with a low dose of 50mg per day and increase gradually. The dosage should not exceed 150mg per day.

For treating anxiety disorders, adults usually start with a low dose of 25mg per day and increase gradually but no more than 150mg per day.

Side Effects

Though Trazodone is generally well tolerated, there are some potential side effects that should be monitored for. Here are some of the more common side effects of Trazodone:

• • Sedation and Drowsiness: Trazodone can cause drowsiness or sedation and is usually taken at night for this reason. It is advised that people remember to not drive or operate machinery until they know how the medication will affect them.

 

• • Weight Changes: Trazodone can cause changes in weight, but these changes are generally mild and have not been linked to any long-term health risks.

 

• • Nausea and Vomiting: Nausea and vomiting can occur with use of Trazodone and usually go away after a few days.

 

• • Headache: This is a very common side effect but usually goes away after a few days of use.

 

• • Sexual Dysfunction: This can include decreased interest in sex, decreased sensation, and difficulty with arousal or orgasm.

 

• • Gastrointestinal Problems: These can include constipation, diarrhea, and stomach pain.

 

• • Extreme Anxiety and Aggression: Very rarely, some people may experience an increase in anxiety and/or aggression, which should be reported to a physician immediately.

 

Precautions

Trazodone has been known to interact with many other medications, so you should let your doctor know of any medications, supplements, and over the counter remedies you are taking.

It is important to also be aware of some of the other potential risks of taking Trazodone. It is not recommended to be taken by people with a history of substance abuse, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia. Trazodone can also interact with street drugs that could increase the risk of overdose or death. Abruptly stopping the medication can cause withdrawal symptoms and should always be done under the supervision of a doctor.

It is important to talk to a doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant. Trazodone is classified in the FDA pregnancy category C and has been known to cause harm to an unborn fetus.

Conclusion

Trazodone is a medication typically used to treat depression in adults and children over the age of 12. It can also be used to treat certain other psychiatric and chronic pain conditions. It works by increasing levels of serotonin, a natural chemical in the brain that helps regulate emotion, sleep, and behavior.

Trazodone is generally well tolerated and has very few serious side effects. However, it is important to be aware of the potential side effects and drug interactions, as well as any potential risks if taken by people with certain medical conditions such as bipolar disorder, substance abuse disorder, and schizophrenia.

If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, it is important to speak with your doctor before taking Trazodone. Taking Trazodone with other drugs can be dangerous, so it is important to make sure to tell your doctor about any other medications you may be taking.

Trazodone should always be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor and never be taken in higher doses than recommended. It is also important to be aware of potential withdrawal symptoms if stopped abruptly, so it is always best to wean off the medication slowly with the guidance of your doctor.