Overview snapshot plus critical facts
Trazodone is an antidepressant commonly supplied as trazodone hydrochloride in tablet form. It is prescribed primarily for mood disorders but is also used at lower doses for sleep disturbances.
Drug class: a serotonin-modulating antidepressant that has been classified in older texts as tetracyclic. The medication is available in standard tablet strengths such as 50 mg and 100 mg; some compounding pharmacies can prepare an alternate possibility strengths when required.
For handling and guidelines for organizing on a computer, there are memory and storage, each with a different role. see Storage facility efficiency tips. To compare treatment choices and approximate costs, use Options and concise comparisons and Prices indicative (AUD).
Symptoms and signs and main uses
Prescribers may recommend trazodone for several clinical situations. Typical uses include:
- Treatment of major depressive disorder when clinically appropriate.
- Low-dose therapy to improve sleep continuity in patients who benefit from a sedating antidepressant.
- Adjunctive use for certain anxiety presentations or chronic pain syndromes under specialist direction.
Only take trazodone when it is prescribed to you by an authorised clinician. Do not share your supply. To review medicines that interact with trazodone, see Drug interactive engagement considerations.
Guidelines for taking trazodone
Follow the directions on your prescription label as well as the Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) leaflet that accompanies your brand. If your brand or dose changes, examine the new CMI before continuing.
- Many people find taking trazodone with food or a light snack reduces stomach upset.
- Abrupt cessation can cause withdrawal-type symptoms; do not stop suddenly unless advised by your prescriber.
- Antidepressant benefits for mood typically require several weeks (often one to four weeks) to emerge; keep taking medication as instructed.
If you need help splitting or swallowing tablets, ask your pharmacist about brand-specific direction and insight. For what to do if you miss a dose, see In the event you miss a dose, follow these guidelines.
The method of operation
Trazodone acts on serotonin pathways. It antagonises certain serotonin receptors and partially inhibits serotonin reuptake, which together can improve mood and sometimes aid sleep consolidation.
Because it affects serotonergic systems, be careful combining trazodone with other serotonin-affecting medicines. Review Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic social the act of engaging in dialogues influence perceptions and decisions. and Warning bulletins and safety precautions to take to follow before starting or changing therapy.
Missed today information and guidance
If you miss taking a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless the next scheduled dose is near. If the next dose is due soon, skip the missed tablet and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two times the dose to offset a i skipped a dose.
How to keep items in the term storage describes a place or method for preserving goods or information.
- Keep tablets in their original container to protect them from light and moisture.
- Recommended a storage solution should balance access and protection. temperature is 20 to 25 degrees C; short excursions between 15 and 30 degrees C are generally acceptable.
- Avoid storing medication in bathrooms or near heaters where humidity and heat vary.
- Store out of reach of children and pets at all times.
Refer to the notes the CMI for expiry details and any brand-specific containers and shelves organize storage space effectively. instructions, or ask your pharmacist if unsure.
Fire safety directives and cautions and cautions
Do not use trazodone if you have had a severe adverse reaction to it or to similar agents such as nefazodone. Avoid coadministration with sodium oxybate. If these situations apply, contact your prescriber immediately.
Before we begin trazodone, tell your clinician if you have any of the following:
- Cardiac disease, prior heart attack, arrhythmias, or low blood pressure.
- Expecting a child, planning to conceive, or breastfeeding.
- A history of suicidal thinking, bipolar disorder, or unstable mood.
- Current prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, herbal remedies or supplements.
- Known allergies to medicines or other substances.
- Regular alcohol consumption or scheduled procedures requiring sedation.
Safety notes for key concerns:
- Suicide risk: In children, adolescents and young adults, antidepressants can increase suicidal thoughts early in treatment; close observation is important.
- Priapism: Although rare, prolonged painful erections can occur. Seek emergency care if an erection lasts more than 4 hours.
- Serotonin syndrome: Risk rises when trazodone is combined with other serotonergic agents. See Drug combination social the process of people engagings influence perceptions and decisions. for example purposes.
- Somnolence and dizziness: Effects on alertness may impair driving or operating machinery; avoid alcohol while taking trazodone.
- Orthostatic symptoms: Stand up slowly from sitting or lying positions to reduce light-headedness.
If you develop signs of a severe allergic reaction, breathing problems, chest pain, seizures, sudden weakness or slurred speech, call emergency services (000) right away.
Pharmacotherapy tracking interacting as a shared activitys helps measure engagement.
Provide your prescriber and pharmacist with a complete list of medicines, vitamins and supplements. Notable encounters include:
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and linezolid: combinations are contraindicated and appropriate washout periods must be observed.
- Other serotonergic drugs: SSRIs, SNRIs, triptans, buspirone and herbal products such as St John's wort increase the risk of serotonin syndrome.
- CYP3A4 inhibitors (for example ritonavir, ketoconazole): may raise trazodone levels and lingering effects.
- CYP3A4 inducers (for example carbamazepine): may lower trazodone concentrations and reduce effectiveness.
- Alcohol, benzodiazepines, antipsychotics and other sedatives: additive sedation and impaired coordination.
- Drugs that require blood level real time monitoring of systems (for example digoxin, phenytoin): may need closer real time monitoring of systems or dose adjustment.
- Anticoagulant and antiplatelet agents: possible changes in bleeding risk; ongoing monitoring may be needed.
For day-to-day advice on dosing and safety consult How trazodone should be taken and Alerts and precautionary steps.
Potential lingering effects
Some people experience mild to moderate effects; these commonly include:
- Dehydrated mouth, nausea, constipation, reduced appetite or stomach discomfort.
- Sleepiness, dizziness, light-headedness or pressure in the head.
- Shakiness, blurred vision or coordination difficulties.
- Congested nasal passages, muscle aches or a general feeling of being unwell.
- Occasional worsening of sleep or increased anxiety in some patients.
Get urgent medical care for serious signs such as:
- Severe allergic reaction: rash, hives, facial or throat swelling, breathing difficulty or chest tightness.
- Chest pain, fainting, severe dizziness or irregular heartbeat.
- Major mental status changes such as hallucinations, seizures or stroke-like symptoms.
- Blood in the urine, persistent vomiting or other signs of significant adverse reactions.
- Prolonged or painful erection (priapism).
If you suspect an consuming an overdose, ring emergency services (000) or contact the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 within the Commonwealth of Australia.
Contingent options and brisk comparisons
Treatment choice depends on the main problem, previous responses to medication, side effect preferences and coexisting conditions. Typical different choices include:
- SSRIs: sertraline, escitalopram, fluoxetine, citalopram and paroxetine are often first-line for depression and many anxiety disorders.
- SNRIs: venlafaxine, desvenlafaxine and duloxetine may treat mood symptoms and some forms of chronic pain.
- Other antidepressants: mirtazapine (sedating, may increase appetite), bupropion (more activating; check Australian availability), agomelatine and vortioxetine.
- Tricyclic antidepressants: amitriptyline, nortriptyline and doxepin; low-dose formulations are sometimes used for sleep or neuropathic pain.
- Non-drug options: cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), psychotherapy for mood disorders and anxiety management strategies.
Short comparisons to consider:
- Sleep: trazodone and mirtazapine are commonly used when improving sleep continuity is a goal; some SSRIs may initially disturb sleep.
- Sexual incidental outcomes: bupropion tends to have lower rates, while SSRIs and trazodone can cause sexual dysfunction in some people.
- Weight: mirtazapine is more likely to increase appetite and weight; trazodone is usually weight neutral or causes small changes.
Where cost is important, see Price guidance in AUD. For access, refer to the rules. Access to the law in Australia.
Price evidence of (AUD)
Retail prices vary with brand, pharmacy, pack size, strength and whether a product is subsidised on the PBS. The estimates below are approximate private retail ranges and are for guidance only:
- 50 mg tablets, pack of 30: about AUD 12 to 30 privately.
- 100 mg tablets, pack of 30: roughly AUD 15 to 35 for generic supplies.
- Compounded preparations: when a commercial product is unavailable, compounding may cost around AUD 30 to 60 for a month supply depending on strength.
- Comparative examples:
- Generic SSRIs (sertraline, fluoxetine, escitalopram): typically AUD 9 to 25 per month if paid privately; many strengths and brands may be PBS-subsidised for eligible patients.
- SNRIs (venlafaxine, duloxetine): commonly AUD 12 to 35 per month privately; PBS availability varies by product.
- A course of mirtazapine: often in the AUD 10 to 25 per month range privately and may appear on the PBS for some formulations.
Whether you pay a private price or a PBS subsidised rate depends on current listings, concession status and the exact product. Confirm up-to-date pricing strategy with your pharmacist or Services Australia.
Australia: access permitted by statute
- Scheduling: Trazodone is classified as a Schedule 4 (prescription only) medication in Australia; a valid prescription is required for supply.
- Prescribers: General practitioners, psychiatrists and other authorised prescribers may write prescriptions. Telehealth prescriptions are permitted where regulatory requirements are met.
- PBS listing: Not every strength or brand is necessarily listed on the PBS. If a product is not subsidised you will pay the private retail price.
- Personal importation: If a formulation is not marketed locally, the TGA Personal Importation Scheme can allow limited imports (commonly up to a 3 month supply) with a valid prescription and compliance with scheme rules. Australian Border Force rules also apply.
- Driving and work safety: Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery if you feel drowsy or dizzy. Combining trazodone with alcohol is not recommended.
Please consult about safety checks Cautions and hazard control steps and Drug combination the study maps how interpersonal engagements evolve over time.. For likely costs see Indicative cost range options (AUD).
Extra details and assistance
This page provides general information only and does not replace individualized medical or legal advice. Discuss any questions about suitability, dosing or collaborative interactions between people can shape outcomes. with your treating clinician or pharmacist.
- Request the Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) for your exact brand from your pharmacist.
- Emergency: call 000. For poisoning advice within Australia call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26.
Handy links on this page: Variants and quick comparisons, Indicative tariff schedule in Australian dollars, Mechanisms for compliance-based access in Australia. Go to the top the topmost level: Take me to the tip top.
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