Information about Trazodone (Generic Desyrel) :


Trazodone is a tetracyclic antidepressant used to treat depression. Probably, it increases the activity of one of the brain chemicals (serotonin), which helps elevate mood. Trazodone may also be used to relief an anxiety disorder (eg, sleeplessness, tension), chronic pain.

It may also be administered for other conditions as determined by your physician.

You should not use Trazodone in the following cases: you are allergic to any ingredient in Trazodone or nefazodone; you are taking sodium oxybate (GHB).

In such cases it is obligatory to consult with your doctor or health care provider before taking this drug.

Before using Trazodone:
Before using Trazodone you should tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions listed below: you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding a baby; you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement; you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances; you have heart disease including irregular heartbeat or have had a heart attack; you have a history of depression or suicidal tendencies; you are scheduled to have surgery; you consume alcoholic beverages.

Be aware that Trazodone may interact with some medicines. Consult with your health care provider in case you are taking any other drugs, especially any of the following: carbamazepine, ethanol, ginkgo biloba, HIV protease inhibitors (eg, ritonavir), phenothiazines (eg, thioridazine), or serotonin reuptake inhibitors (eg, fluoxetine) because side effects, such as increased drowsiness or blurred vision, may occur; buspirone, carbamazepine, digoxin, hydantoins (eg, phenytoin), itraconazole, ketoconazole, nefazodone, serotonin reuptake inhibitors (eg, fluoxetine), or sodium oxybate (GHB) because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Trazodone; anticoagulants (eg, warfarin) because they may decrease Trazodone 's effectiveness. Your doctor may want to adjust your dose while taking Trazodone.

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Trazodone may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Trazodone:
Use Trazodone as directed by your physician. Trazodone should be taken shortly after a meal or light snack. Improvement in your depression may start in 1 to 4 weeks. Do not stop taking Trazodone without medical consultation.

Try not to miss any doses. In case you miss a dose of Trazodone, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next intake, skip the missed dose and take it according to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take double doses to catch up. If more than one dose is missed, restart medication and consult with your doctor or pharmacist at your next appointment.

Important safety information:
Be careful when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities as Trazodone usage may lead to dizziness or drowsiness. Try to avoid such activities. Alcohol and certain other medicines may increase the risk of unfavorable reactions while taking Trazodone.

Children and teenagers who take Trazodone may be at increased risk for suicidal thoughts or actions. Adults may also be affected. The risk may be greater in patients who have had suicidal thoughts or actions in the past. The risk may also be greater in patients who have had bipolar (manic-depressive) illness, or if their family members have had it.

Look after patients who use Trazodone closely. Contact the doctor immediately in case new, worsened, or sudden symptoms such as depressed mood; anxious, restless, or irritable behavior; panic attacks; or any unusual change in mood or behavior occur. Consult with your doctor immediately in case any signs of suicidal thoughts or actions take place.

Notify your doctor or dentist that you take Trazodone before you undergo any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.

Do not use Trazodone in CHILDREN younger than 6 years old as safety and effectiveness in this group have not been proved.

You may have a prolonged, painful erection while taking Trazodone. This could happen even when you are not having sex. This problem should be treated immediately, as it could lead to permanent sexual problems, such as impotence. Consult with your doctor right away if this happens.

PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING:
In case you could become pregnant, consult with your doctor and discuss the benefits and risks of using Trazodone while pregnancy. It is known that Trazodone passes into breast milk. In case you are or will be breast-feeding a baby consult with your doctor and discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Possible side effects of Trazodone:
You should consult with your doctor in case you have any of side effects especially bothersome listed below: blurred vision; constipation; decreased appetite; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; general body discomfort; headache; incoordination; light-headedness; muscle aches/pains; nausea; nervousness; sleeplessness; stomach pain; stuffy nose; swelling of the skin; tiredness; tremors.

Seek emergency immediately in case you have any of these severe side effects: severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); blood in urine; chest pain; fainting; hallucinations; irregular heartbeat; light-headedness when rising from a lying or seated position; prolonged, inappropriate, or painful erections; seizures; shortness of breath; stroke; vomiting.

What is the expiration date of the pills?
This information is mentioned on each blister. The expiration date is 2 years from the date of manufacture.