Trazodone

BENZODIAZEPINES - ORAL

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Librium, Serax, Tranxene SD , Valium

USES:
Trazodone is used to treat depression. It may take 2 to 3 weeks before the full effects of Trazodone are noticed.

HOW TO TAKE:
May be taken with food to prevent stomach upset. Take this as prescribed. Try to take each dose at the same time(s) each day so you remember to routinely take it. Do not stop taking Trazodone without your doctor's approval. Nausea, headache or fatigue can occur if the drug is suddenly stopped.

SIDE EFFECTS:
Trazodone may cause drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, loss of appetite, dry mouth, strange taste in mouth, anxiety, restlessness or sweating. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly.
Notify your doctor promptly if you develop:
chest pain, rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, difficulty urinating, blood in the urine, nightmares, uncoordinated movements. Males - if you experience painful and prolonged erections, stop using Trazodone and seek immediate medical attention. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include:
rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially if you have:
heart disease, liver disease, kidney disease, blood pressure problems, any allergies. Use caution performing tasks requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. To avoid dizziness and lightheadedness when rising from a seated or lying position, get up slowly. Alcoholic beverages can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug. Limit alcohol intake. Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the effects of trazodone. Use cautiously. Trazodone should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Trazodone is excreted into breast milk. Though to date, no problems have been reported to nursing infants, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription drugs you are taking, especially:
digoxin, phenytoin or other anti-seizure drugs, antihistamines, medicine for allergies or colds, sedatives, tranquilizers, barbiturates (e.g., phenobarbital), narcotic pain relievers, other medicine for depression (e.g., SSRIs such as fluoxetine), sleeping aids, drugs for high blood pressure, ginkgo. Before you have surgery with a general anesthetic, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist you are taking trazodone. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include slow, rapid or irregular pulse; unusual drowsiness or dizziness; vomiting; weakness; loss of consciousness; and seizures.

NOTES:
Do not share Trazodone with others.

MISSED DOSE:
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered unless it is within 4 hours of the next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

STORAGE:
Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom.