Trazodone – effect and mode of action
The drug trazodone is one of the tri-and tetracyclic antidepressants. It causes a relatively specific serotonin reuptake while blocking the “docking” (receptor) of serotonin. This is the neurotransmitter serotonin more available. Occurring depression and anxiety can be resolved.
In addition to the antidepressant and anxiolytic effect of trazodone has yet prosexuelle properties. These include the promotion of sexual desire and potency erectile function. The effect of this mechanism is not yet clear.
Read the information on the drug group, tri-and tetra-cyclic antidepressants, which belongs to the drug trazodone.
Trazodone – Side Effects
Common side effects:
Insomnia, dizziness, headache, restlessness, hypotension, cardiac arrhythmias, nausea and vomiting, dry mouth, diarrhea, fatigue.
Uncommon side effects:
allergic reactions, confusion, tremors, blurred vision, increased blood pressure, constipation, weight gain or weight loss.
Very rare side effects:
Anemia, decrease in blood cell count, itching, vascular swelling, skin rash, increase in prolactin, sodium deficiency, abnormally heightened mood (mania), seizures, sweating, fever, blood pressure, heart palpitations, numbness, loss of consciousness, dizziness, drowsiness, collapse, hepatic dysfunction, liver enzyme elevation, jaundice , liver inflammation, painful Dauererrektion of the penis, discomfort, fluid accumulation in tissues.
Specialties:
Abrupt discontinuation of trazodone may cause withdrawal symptoms such as restlessness, sweating, nausea, vomiting and insomnia. Therefore, treatment should be stopped slowly. The attending physician will adjust the dose reduction individually.
Trazodone – Applications
Trazodone is used to treat depressive disorders. Depressive episodes can be reduced.
Read also includes information on the drug class of tri-and tetracyclic antidepressants for which the drug trazodone.
Trazodone – General Contraindications
With a known hypersensitivity to the drug or acute intoxication with alcohol, painkillers, sleeping pills and sedatives trazodone may not be used. The same goes for the Carcinoid Syndrome (diseases of various causes, which is associated with increased serotonin levels).
Children and adolescents, women during lactation and in patients with severe heart rhythm disorders and / or heart failure should not take this drug too.
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Trazodone during pregnancy and lactation
Trazodone in pregnancy should be administered only after a very strict medical assessment of benefit and risk. A risk to the unborn child can not be excluded.
During lactation the drug should not be applied. Trazodone is excreted in breast milk. If a treatment is urgent need to wean the mother.
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Trazodone and children
Trazodone for children and adolescents is not suitable. There is very limited experience in this age group.
Trazodone – Precautions
* Any thoughts of suicide in the early days of treatment there, vulnerable patients must be monitored carefully by a doctor.
* A quick withdrawal of treatment should be avoided.
* Alcohol intensifies the effect.
* For strongly enhanced mood, treatment should be stopped immediately by the doctor.
* Suspected severe neuroleptic syndrome (including fever, loss of consciousness up to coma), the treatment must be discontinued, patients should be monitored medically.
* At elevations of liver enzymes, the doctor must complete the therapy.
* For long-lasting and painful erection of the penis must immediately seek medical attention.
* Caution in elderly patients.
* Caution in patients with cardiovascular diseases.
* Caution in patients with heart failure.
* Caution in patients with conduction disturbances of the heart.
* Caution in patients with liver failure.
* For persons under age 25 are at increased risk for self-destructive behavior and suicide attempts. Therefore, these patients must be monitored very carefully during the medical treatment.
Trazodone – Interactions
Others, also depressants, drugs and alcohol can be amplified in their effect. Therefore, regular medical check-ups are necessary. During the therapy should be dispensed with alcohol.
Furthermore, an attenuated effect of antihypertensive clonidine and methyldopa is possible. In these cases, regular blood pressure checks are required.
An increase in concentration of the anticonvulsant phenytoin and the drug to combat heart failure digoxin can not be excluded. Also, with an effective gain of sedatives (eg flurazepam, alprazolam, chlorprothixene) as well as increased adverse effect on drugs for psychosis (such as chlorpromazine, fluphenazine, Levopromazin) and MAO inhibitors (group of remedies for depression) expected. These patients should be monitored closely by a doctor. The attending physician must adjust the dose of medication if necessary.
Carbamazepine (anti-seizure disorder) and ritonavir (used in HIV therapy) and haloperidol (antipsychotic) can influence the concentration of trazodone in the blood. Therefore, regular medical check-ups are advisable.
Furthermore, there is an increased risk of side effects with concurrent use of other tricyclic antidepressants, neuroleptics (medicines for psychosis and agitation and restlessness), agents against heart rhythm disorders, malaria, antihistamines (allergy remedy) and antibiotics.
What is trazodone
Trazodone is an independent antidepressant that is unrelated to other antidepressants. Trazodone is not used as an antidepressant, but mainly as individual healing attempt, used for its calming effect. However, Valium is one of the benzodiazepines, which are used to treat anxiety. They have a completely different effect on the brain. Valium acts on GABAA receptors in the brain, which reduces the nerve activity, resulting in anxiety can be alleviated.
