Trazodone Description

Generic Name : TRAZODONE

Pronunciation : (traz' oh done)

Trade Name(s) : Depryl 25, Tazodac, Trazolon, Traze, Trazodep, Trazonil, Trittico,

Why it is prescribed: Trazodone is an antidepressant drug used to treat depression and anxiety. Trazodone has also been used to treat the shakiness, anxiety, and depression associated with alcoholism.

When it is to be taken: Follow the instructions on your prescription label. Trazodone should be taken shortly after a meal or light snack to decrease the chance of dizziness or lightheadedness.

How it should be taken: Trazodone comes in the form of tablets. Your prescription label tells you how much to take at each dose. Do not stop using this medication without consulting your doctor. It may take up to four weeks before you feel the full effect of trazodone.

Special Instruction :
1. Because trazodone causes drowsiness in some people, do not drive a car or operate dangerous machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
2. If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember and take any remaining doses for that day evenly spaced intervals. However, if you remember a missed dose when it is almost time for your next dose, omit the missed dose and take only the scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose.

Side Effects :
1. Dry mouth. Suck sugarless hard candy or chew sugarless gum.
2. Dizziness, lightheadedness, or faintness, especially when getting up from a sitting or lying position. Try getting up slowly. Contact your doctor if this problem continues or severe.
3. Drowsiness, muscle aches, nausea. Contact your doctor if these effects last more than a few weeks or are severe; it may be necessary to decrease your dose.
4. Prolonged or inappropriate erection. Stop taking trazodone and contact your doctor immediately.

Other Precautions :
1. Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding should inform their doctors.
2. Alcoholic beverages can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.
3. Tell your doctor what prescription and nonprescription drugs you are taking, especially antihistamines, medicine for allergies or colds, sedatives, tranquilizers, barbiturates, narcotics, medicine for depression, pain relievers, sleeping aids, medicine for high blood pressure, digoxin, phenytoin, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors.
4. Tell your doctor if you have had a recent heart attack or have a history of heart disease or high blood pressure.
5. Before you have surgery with a general anesthetic, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking trazodone.

Storage Conditions :
1. Keep this medication in the container it came in and out of the reach of children.
2. Store it away from light, heat, and moisture.