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Trazodone is a prescription antidepressant commonly used to treat major depressive disorder. Clinicians also prescribe it off-label for insomnia, for some anxiety presentations, or as part of multi modal strategies for chronic pain. Only take trazodone that has been prescribed to you and follow the directions given by your healthcare professional.
Navigation shortcuts: dose tips is under How trazodone should be taken, safety protocols to consider are in Security warnings and safety tips, and cost and purchase information is at Rough UK price trend estimates and Legal standing and purchase rules.
Main facts summary
- The essential active ingredient: trazodone, usually provided as trazodone hydrochloride.
- Pharmacological class: serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor; sometimes grouped with tetracyclic antidepressants.
- Main indication: depressive episodes; frequently used to address sleep disturbance and some anxiety symptoms.
- Common UK strengths: immediate-release tablets such as 50 mg and 100 mg, and modified-release 150 mg formulations. This page often uses 100 mg as an example.
- Onset: sleep and anxiety relief may appear within days; mood improvements typically require one to four weeks.
- Regulation in the UK: prescription only medicine (POM); it is not a controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act.
Taking trazodone: a guide
Always follow the prescription and read the patient leaflet each time you receive a new pack. The entries below are general points and your prescriber may alter them for your situation.
- Take trazodone with or shortly after food to reduce the chance of stomach upset and to aid absorption.
- If you have a modified-release tablet, swallow it whole. Do not chew, crush, or break MR tablets unless a pharmacist confirms it is safe.
- Because drowsiness is common, many people take the main dose at bedtime. Some prescribers split the total daily dose into morning and evening doses where required.
- Do not stop trazodone abruptly. If discontinuation is needed, your clinician will usually taper the dose gradually to reduce withdrawal symptoms.
- Avoid alcohol while taking trazodone; the combination increases sedation and impairs coordination.
- Lower starting doses and slower increases are usual for older adults and for people with liver or kidney impairment.
Unadministered dose administration advice is in the dosing details in the section we are looking at. Treatment guidance for the dose was not takens. For safe storage capacity determines how much you can keep. see Permanent securing storage ensures that valuables stay safe. and treatment.
The method of operation
Trazodone increases serotonergic neurotransmission by blocking certain serotonin receptors and inhibiting serotonin reuptake to a modest degree. It also antagonises alpha-1 adrenergic receptors which explains the risk of dizziness or low blood pressure on standing. Its sedating properties make it useful where sleep improvement is desired.
Missed medication dose advisory and steps
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless the next dose is due soon. When the next dose is close at hand, skip the i skipped a dose today and follow your normal routine. Do not take a second dose to catch up.
Long term data storage solutions include cloud storage, hard drives, and optical media. and protection
- Store at room temperature, typically between 20 and 25 C. Short periods between 15 and 30 C are acceptable.
- Keep tablets in their original container with the lid closed and protect from heat, moisture, and strong light. Do not store items in bathrooms.
- Keep medicines stored in a place that is out of reach and not visible to children and pets.
- Return expired or unwanted medicines to a pharmacy for safe disposal. Do not put them in household waste or flush them.
Safety advisories and prudent measures
Do not take trazodone in the case that
- you are allergic to trazodone, nefazodone, or any listed excipient;
- you are taking sodium oxybate.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting trazodone if any of the following apply:
- you are pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding;
- you have heart disease, known arrhythmia, recent myocardial infarction, or low blood pressure;
- you have epilepsy, bipolar disorder, or a history of suicidal thoughts or behaviour;
- you have glaucoma, prostate enlargement, or difficulty passing urine;
- you have liver or kidney problems;
- you regularly drink alcohol or take other sedating medicines;
- you are due to have an anaesthetic or sedation for a procedure;
- you are older and more vulnerable to low sodium, falls, or confusion.
Risks to be aware of include:
- Serotonin syndrome: uncommon but serious when combined with other serotonergic agents. Warning signs include agitation, high temperature, sweating, fast heart rate, and muscle stiffness. Seek urgent help if suspected.
- Priapism: a painful erection lasting more than four hours requires immediate medical attention.
- Orthostatic hypotension: get up slowly to reduce dizziness or fainting.
- Increased bleeding risk when used with anticoagulants or antiplatelet medicines; report unusual bruising or bleeding.
- Mood changes and emergence of suicidal thoughts, especially during initiation or dose changes. Contact your clinician promptly if this happens.
- Impaired alertness: avoid driving or using heavy machinery until you know how trazodone affects you.
Dietary factors and drug therapy
Always inform prescribers and pharmacists about other medicines, over-the-counter products, herbal remedies, and supplements you use. Notable communication in actions are the heartbeat of social platforms. include:
- Other serotonergic agents raising serotonin syndrome risk: for example SSRIs, SNRIs, MAO inhibitors, triptans, lithium, linezolid, and St Johns wort extract.
- Central nervous system depressants that increase sedation: alcohol, benzodiazepines, some opioid analgesics, and sodium oxybate.
- CYP3A4 inhibitors that can raise trazodone blood levels: ketoconazole, itraconazole, certain HIV protease inhibitors such as ritonavir, some macrolide antibiotics, and grapefruit juice.
- CYP3A4 inducers that may lower trazodone concentrations: carbamazepine, phenytoin, and some antiepileptic drugs.
- Medicines requiring constant monitoring such as digoxin or phenytoin: levels may be altered and extra constant monitoring might be recommended.
- Certain antipsychotics like thioridazine: combination may increase cardiac and sedative risks.
- Anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs including warfarin: concurrent use may increase bleeding risk.
- Herbal products such as ginkgo biloba: may increase bleeding or sedation risk when combined with trazodone.
If social interacting with otherss influence perceptions and decisions. are a concern your prescriber may change your dose, arrange watchful oversight, or choose a different treatment.
Possible reactions to the medication
Many undesirable effects occur early in treatment and settle with time. If symptoms do not improve or are troublesome, contact your clinician.
- Common, usually short lived: drowsiness, fatigue, dizziness, light headedness.
- Gastrointestinal: dry mouth, nausea, constipation, abdominal discomfort.
- Neurological and sleep related: pressure in the head, tremor, restlessness, coordination problems, vivid dreams or disturbed sleep.
- Other effects: blurred vision, nasal congestion, mild peripheral swelling, muscle aches, decreased appetite.
Obtain immediate medical care for new onset confusion any of the following:
- severe allergic reaction such as widespread rash, hives, facial or throat swelling, or breathing difficulty;
- loss of consciousness, collapse, severe dizziness on standing, chest pain, or shortness of breath;
- prolonged painful erection (priapism);
- seizures, profound confusion, new hallucinations, or stroke like symptoms;
- severe pain in the head with vomiting or blood in the urine;
- signs of serotonin syndrome: agitation, fever, profuse sweating, very fast heartbeat, or stiff muscles.
In an emergency call 999. For urgent but non life threatening advice call NHS 111.
Related medicines and substitute options
Which a substitute choice is appropriate depends on the condition being treated, other medical problems, prior responses to treatment, and which post use effects are acceptable. Commonly recommended options include:
- SSRIs such as sertraline or citalopram: frequently first line for depression and many anxiety disorders; they are generally more activating than sedating.
- SNRIs such as venlafaxine or duloxetine: useful when depression is accompanied by neuropathic pain or where SSRIs are unsuitable.
- Mirtazapine administration route: tends to be sedating and may increase appetite; helpful when insomnia or weight loss are concerns.
- Tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline: can aid sleep and pain but have more anticholinergic potential side effects and cardiac considerations.
- Short term hypnotics when needed: zopiclone or zolpidem may be options. Note that benzodiazepines and z drugs can cause dependence and are controlled substances.
Trazodone is often chosen when a sedating antidepressant is preferred. For a simple price comparison sheet see Rough Price projections for the United Kingdom.
Rough UK price outlooks
Costs vary by brand, pack size, retailer, and whether the prescription is supplied via the NHS or privately. Figures below are approximate and refer to generic products; consultation and dispensing fees are extra.
- NHS prescriptions in England: a standard prescription charge applies, currently around 9.90 pounds per item for most patients. Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland provide NHS prescriptions without a charge for most patients.
- Private prescription examples for generics (approximate):
-
- Immediate-release trazodone 100 mg, packs of 28 to 84 tablets: roughly 4 to 18 pounds for the medicine alone, plus the pharmacy fee.
- Modified-release trazodone 150 mg, 28 tablets: roughly 6 to 22 pounds plus dispensing charges.
- For comparison: sertraline 50 mg, 28 tablets around 1 to 5 pounds; mirtazapine 30 mg, 28 tablets about 1.50 to 6 pounds; venlafaxine MR 75 mg, 56 capsules roughly 6 to 30 pounds.
Prices and branded options vary between apothecaries. Always ask your pharmacist for the current price and whether a lower cost generic is available.
Permissible status and buying guidelines
- Classification: trazodone is a Prescription Only Medicine (POM) under the Human Medicines Regulations. It is not a controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act.
- Dispensing: trazodone must be dispensed by, or under the supervision of, a pharmacist registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).
- Buying online: use only UK registered online drug dispensing outlets. Check for visible GPhC registration details and follow MHRA guidance on safe online purchases.
- Importing for personal use: small personal supplies may be permitted if you have a valid prescription and you comply with border rules; do not import medication to supply others.
- Driving and operating machinery: it is an offense to drive while impaired by any medicine. If trazodone causes drowsiness you must not drive; check DVLA guidance if your condition or treatment may affect driving.
- Off label use: UK prescribers may prescribe off label when there is clinical justification and after informing the patient.
Frequently Asked Questions and Everyday Questions
How quickly will I notice trazodone working?
Improvements in sleep and anxiety can be seen within a few days. Antidepressant effects on mood generally take from one to four weeks. Continue as directed by your prescriber unless advised otherwise.
Is it safe to mix alcohol with trazodone?
It is advised to avoid alcohol. Combining alcohol and trazodone increases sedation and may impair coordination and judgement.
Could trazodone lead to dependence?
Trazodone is not addictive in the same way as benzodiazepines or opioids. However stopping suddenly can cause withdrawal like symptoms; a gradual taper is normally recommended when discontinuing.
Additional explanations and support
- Discuss any questions with the prescriber who issued the prescription, or speak to a pharmacist for medicine specific advice.
- Use only medication prescribed for you; do not share it with others.
- For suspected having an overdose or a severe adverse reaction go to A and E or call 999 immediately. For urgent but non life threatening concerns contact NHS 111.
- For storage space is needed to store more belongings. tips, refer to the guidelines. Storing and handling. For safety alerts and cautions see Alerts and precautionary steps.
- If buying online check the seller is GPhC registered and follows MHRA guidance; contact your pharmacist if you are unsure.
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