trazodone Insomnia Medication Review

Trazodone is used to treat depression and may also be used for relief of an anxiety disorder (eg, sleeplessness, tension), chronic pain. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor. Trazodone is an antidepressant and it is thought to increase the activity of one of the brain chemicals (serotonin), which helps elevate mood. You should not use Trazodone if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Trazodone or nefazodone

• you are taking sodium oxybate (GHB)

You should contact your health care provider or your doctor if this applies to you.

Before taking Trazodone some medical conditions may interact with Trazodone. Be sure to tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any of these medical conditions:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding

if you are taking any prescription or non pescription medicines, herbal preperation, or dietary supplements.

• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or any other substances
• if you have had a heart attack, heart disease, or an irregular heartbeat
• if you have a history of depression or suicidal tendencies
• if you consume alcohol
• or if you are scheduled to have surgery

Some medicines may interact with trazodone. Tell your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider if you are taking any of the following medicines:

• Carbamazepine, ethanol, ginkgo biloba, HIV pretease 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 medications that can interact with trazodone so please check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking trazodone.

Use and take trazodone exactly as it is prescribed to you by your doctor or prescriber.

Trazodone works better if taken with food. Side effects of trazodone can include the following but remember this may not happen to all persons taking trazodone!

Common Side Effects which you should check with your doctor about are:

• 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.

You should seek medical attention right away if any of these severe side effects occur:

• 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.

Trazodone has worked great for me. It helps me sleep and helps calm my nerves down on those days when nothing else seems to work.

*Remember this is a review which is my opionion and does not make up for seeking qualified medical help from a liceansed professional.*