Anti-Depressant

Trazodone

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Trazodone is primarily used for the treatment of depression. It is sometimes prescribed as a sedative, and is also used in combination with other drugs for the treatment of panic attacks, aggressive behaviour, agoraphobia, and cocaine withdrawal. This medication belongs to a group of drugs known as antidepressants with anxiolytic, hypnotic activity and antidepressant properties.

Molipaxin tablets, capsules and liquid contain the active ingredient trazodone, which is a type of medicine called an antidepressant. It is used to treat mental depression that sometimes occurs with anxiety. Trazodone stops the re-uptake of serotonin by nerves in the brain. This allows serotonin to stimulate nerves for a greater period of time in this way it probably elevate moodiness and restores interest in everyday life. This medication has less anticholinergic effects (such as dry mouth, constipation, male sexual problems) than most tricyclic antidepressants. It has a strong sedative effect and is particularly useful when the depression is accompanied by anxiety and insomnia. Taken at night it helps to reduce the need for additional sleeping tablets.

Trazodone is less likely to to cause adverse effects unlike some of the tricyclic antidepressants, but is as effective as amitriptyline, imipramine, fluoxetine and mianserin in relieving depressive symptoms. It is suggested trazodone is well tolerated especially with the elderly. However, a reduced dose may still be necessary when treating elderly patients for depression. Trazodone is more chemically related to nefazodone (Serzone) than it is to selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs), the tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) or the monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAO inhibitors).

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Detailed Information

Brand Name: Molipaxin.

Other names: Desyrel, Deprax, Trittico, Thombran, Trialodine, Trazorel

Supplied in: Tablets, Capsules, Liquid

Family Group: Antidepressant (Triazolopyridine Derivative)

Adult Dosage: For depression, initially 150mg (Elderly reduced dose 100mg) daily in divided doses after food or as a single dose at bedtime; may be increased to 300mg daily; hospital patients up to max. 600mg daily in divided doses; For anxiety, 75mg daily, increasing if necessary to 300mg daily.

Child Dosage: Not recommended.

Diet Information: There are no special diets associated with trazodone.

Note: Colour of medication may vary depending on manufacturer, strength, and your own monitor settings

Quick Guide

• Antidepressant danger of overdose – MEDIUM.
• Dependency is said to be – LOW.
• Prescription only drug YES.
• Available as generic – NO. (generic drugs, short: generics) is a drug which is produced and distributed without patent protection.
• Alcohol Avoidance – YES.
• Alcohol may increase the sedative properties of trazodone.

Side Effects

You may if prescribed trazodone suffer one or more of these side effects in the initial stages. However, you may find you do not suffer any at all, it does not follow that being on this medication will cause unwanted adverse effects.

Common: Drowsiness, Dry Mouth, Nausea, Blurred Vision and confusion, Stuffy Nose.
Rare: Constipation or Diarrhoea, Dizziness, Fainting, Headaches, Rash. Low Blood Pressure, Prolonged Painful Erection Penis or clitoris (Priapism). Priapism occasionally results in permanent impairment of erectile function or impotence.

The side effects listed here are the most common and rare problems reported by patients using trazodone It may not include all of the side-effects reported by the drug’s manufacturer. If common side effects persist you need to inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you suffer any of the rare or some other side effects not listed here. For total peace of mind, seek information from your doctor or chemist.

Prolonged Use

No problems would be expected. Trazodone has fewer side effects than some of the other antidepressants.

Driving, Hazardous Work & Alcohol

You should avoid driving/hazardous work until you know how this drug affects you. Trazodone may cause blurred vision among others and would increase the sedative properties if taken with alcohol.

Pregnancy and Breast-Feeding

Trazodone should only be used during pregnancy if the physician feels that its benefits outweigh its potential risks. The drug may pass into the breast milk however, at normal doses it it thought to be unlikely to cause adverse effects on the baby. Caution should be used taking trazodone if you are considering breast feeding. Discuss both of these issues with your doctor, or health care professional with G.P status.

Trazodone is classified as a pregnancy Category C medicine by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Category C… Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the foetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks.

Surgery

Interaction between trazodone and general anaesthetics is relatively unknown therefore, prior to surgery you should consult with your doctor as trazodone may need to be discontinued for as long as feasible. It would be advisable if you discussed any form of over the counter medication, sometimes known as complimentary / alternative, you may be taken with your doctor or dentist before the need to undergo surgery. If you undergo a tooth extraction and you later suffer discomfort/pain do not take aspirin, use another type of pain-killer (e.g. paracetamol) this is because aspirin thins the blood and may interfere with the clotting process.

Tell Your Doctor Or Pharmacist

You should tell your doctor if you have a current health problem. For example: heart disease, kidney problems, if you are pregnant or you intend to become pregnant, or if you think you may be at risk from drug treatment for any other reason. Some types of medication can cause serious adverse effects when taken side by side so it is important to tell your doctor of any other medication you are already taking.This should also include any over-the-counter medication. For example: Painkillers, cold remedies, herbal and complimentary / alternative preparations.

Over 60’s & Children

A reduced dose may need to be taken as there is a likelihood of adverse effects. Trazodone would not usually be prescribed for infants or children.

Overdose

Unintentional dose is unlikely to cause problems. However, large overdoses may cause unusual drowsiness. Notify your Doctor.

Other Medication Reactions

All drugs that have a sedative effect on the nervous system will more likely than not increase the the sedative properties of this medication. All antidepressants that increase concentrations of serotonin in the brain, including trazodone, should not be taken with MAO-inhibitors. Drugs in the MAO-inhibitor class include isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), tranylcypromine (Parnate), and procarbazine (Matulane). Such combination’s may lead to confusion, high blood pressure and tremor. This same type of interaction may occur when trazodone is used with selegiline (Eldepryl). If a patient is switched from trazodone to an MAO inhibitor, at least one week should be allowed after stopping trazodone before the MAO inhibitor is begun. After stopping an MAO inhibitor, two weeks should elapse before starting trazodone. Trazodone may reduce the effects of Anti-epileptic drugs.

Missed A Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue the regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. Ideally, for total peace of mind, you would have already checked with your doctor. Failing this ring the surgery or check next time you see your doctor.

Reducing or Stopping Medication

It is important that you do not stop taking the drug without consulting your doctor, as it can lead to a worsening of the condition.

Effect Of Medication

Adverse effects and some benefits may be felt within a few days of starting treatment. However full benefits may take up to 2 to 4 weeks. If stopping the drug after prolonged treatment the antidepressant effects may last up to 6 weeks.

Storage and Safety

• Keep trazodone in its original container, in a cool dry place, away from the reach and eye sight of children.
• Do not store medication above a temperature of 25°C.
• Never take more than the original dosage prescribed by your doctor.
• Never take trazodone if it has past the expiry date shown on the box or container.
• Do not discard old or unwanted drugs into your trash, sink or toilet.
• Return all unused or old medicines/drugs to your pharmacist. who will dispose of them safely.

If trazodone has been prescribed for you never allow anyone else to use it, even if you know or others feel their symptom are similar to your own.

Do not leave your doctors surgery until you have a clear understanding of what the drug your doctor has prescribed for you does, and why you have been prescribed it. It is common for people who do not understand the reason behind there treatment to take their medication correctly.

Natural Remedy

Depression can be a natural response to a period of crisis/emotional upset. Sleeping habits often become upset during this period the sufferer getting either to little or to much. If you find yourself in this corner then the Aromatherapist would recommend, Citrus Essences, Clary Sage, Lavender, Ylang Ylang, Sandal Wood. Consistent depression, Chronic depression needs professional help. Arrange to see your GP he may be able to put you in touch with a counsellor or a psychotherapist. Mild depression can be helped by aromatherapy…