Trazodone - Oral

Trazodone is used to treat depression and anxiety.

Take Trazodone exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.

Take this medicine after a meal or a light snack. Try to take it at the same time each day.

Trazodone is available as a tablet, capsule, or oral solution.

If you are taking the oral solution, use the measuring spoon or cup provided to measure your dose.

The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the type and severity of your condition and your response to the medication.

Trazodone must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it suddenly as this may worsen your condition.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.

DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.

If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.

Alert your doctor if you have recently had a heart attack as Trazodone may not be suitable for you.

Do not take Trazodone if you are currently taking or have taken another type of medicine used to treat depression known as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), such as isocarboxazid, phenelzine and tranylcypromine, in the last 14 days.

Do not take this medicine if you are currently receiving linezolid (antibiotic) or methylthioninium chloride injection (medicine used to treat a rare blood disorder).

Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• history of or currently having thoughts of self-harm
• history of bipolar disorder (mental condition that causes extreme mood changes between feeling very high [mania] and very low [depression])
• current or history of epilepsy (fits or seizures)
• other heart disease e.g. abnormal, rapid or slow heartbeat; chest pain which occurs when the heart does not receive enough blood supply, heart block
• enlarged prostate gland
• difficulty passing urine
• increased pressure in the eye
• overactive thyroid gland
• at risk of priapism (painful erections that last for hours) e.g. blood diseases, conditions causing deformation of the penis
• kidney disease
• liver disease

Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Trazodone to the elderly. Elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.

If you are going to have certain laboratory tests (e.g. drug tests), inform your doctor that you are taking this medicine.

Medicines for depression such as Trazodone may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviour. As depression and some psychiatric disorders are themselves associated with an increased risk of suicide, it is important for you or your family members to monitor your condition, especially at the start of treatment and if your dosage is still being adjusted. If you experience new or sudden changes in mood, behaviour, thoughts or feelings or a worsening of your depression with suicidal thoughts or attempts, harm to self or harm to others, contact your doctor immediately.

Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.

Routine tests (e.g. liver function) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.

What lifestyle changes should I make to cope with depression?

Regular exercise and eating a healthy diet will help increase energy and hormones in the body such as serotonin, endorphins and other feel-good chemicals that minimise mood swings. Get enough sleep, as lack of sleep may cause irritability, moodiness, sadness, and tiredness.

Trazodone may cause drowsiness or dizziness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.

This medicine may cause your blood pressure to fall suddenly when you get up from a sitting or lying down position and you may feel giddy. To minimise this problem, stand up slowly.

Other side effects include any of the following: headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, dry mouth, weight gain or loss, increased or loss of appetite, muscle pain, and tremor.

Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:

• agitation, confusion, hallucinations (seeing, hearing or feeling things that are not existent), fever, fast heartbeat, excessive sweating, muscle stiffness or spasms
• yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, dark coloured urine, tiredness, swelling in the legs and ankles
• having thoughts of self-harm
• unusual changes in mood or behaviour (worsening depression or being agitated)
• chest pain or pressure, abnormal or fast heartbeat
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• painful erection or an erection that lasts for more than 4 hours

Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.

Do not take Trazodone if you are currently taking or have taken another type of medicine used to treat depression known as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), such as isocarboxazid, phenelzine and tranylcypromine, in the last 14 days.

Do not take this medicine if you are currently receiving linezolid (antibiotic) or methylthioninium chloride injection (medicine used to treat a rare blood disorder).

Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:

• other medicines to treat depression e.g. amitriptyline, fluoxetine, nefazodone
• medicines for epilepsy (fits or seizures) e.g. carbamazepine, phenytoin
• medicines for mood disorders e.g. chlorpromazine, fluphenazine, lithium
• medicines to treat fungal infection e.g. ketoconazole, itraconazole
• medicines for HIV infection e.g. ritonavir, indinavir
• certain antibiotics e.g. clarithromycin, gatifloxacin
• blood-thinning medicines e.g. clopidogrel, warfarin, rivaroxaban, dabigatran
• strong painkillers e.g. tramadol, fentanyl
• digoxin (medicine for heart disease)
• St. John's wort (herbal medicine)

This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Trazodone.

Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.

Avoid alcohol. Alcohol intake may worsen the dizziness and drowsiness caused by Trazodone.

Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.

Protect from light.

The oral solution should be used within 30 days after opening.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.