Trazodone extended release oral tablets
Trazodone extended release oral tablets
What is this medicine?
TRAZODONE (TRAZ oh done) is used to treat depression.
How should I use this medicine?
Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take this medicine on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before or 2 hours after food. Do not take with food. Do not crush or chew this medicine. You may break in half along the score line. Take your medicine at bedtime everyday. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly except upon the advice of your doctor. Stopping this medicine too quickly may cause serious side effects or your condition may worsen.
A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
elevated mood, decreased need for sleep, racing thoughts, impulsive behavior
confusion
fast, irregular heartbeat
feeling faint or lightheaded, falls
feeling agitated, angry, or irritable
loss of balance or coordination
painful or prolonged erections
restlessness, pacing, inability to keep still
suicidal thoughts or other mood changes
tremors
trouble sleeping
seizures
unusual bleeding or bruising
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
change in sex drive or performance
change in appetite or weight
constipation
headache
muscle aches or pains
nausea
What may interact with this medicine?
Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
certain medicines for fungal infections like fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole
cisapride
dofetilide
dronedarone
linezolid
MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
mesoridazine
methylene blue (injected into a vein)
pimozide
saquinavir
thioridazine
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
alcohol
antiviral medicines for HIV or AIDS
aspirin and aspirin-like medicines
barbiturates like phenobarbital
certain medicines for blood pressure, heart disease, irregular heart beat
certain medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances
certain medicines for migraine headache like almotriptan, eletriptan, frovatriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, sumatriptan, zolmitriptan
certain medicines for seizures like carbamazepine, phenytoin
certain medicines for sleep
certain medicines that treat or prevent blood clots like dalteparin, enoxaparin, warfarin
digoxin
fentanyl
lithium
NSAIDS, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen
other medicines that prolong the QT interval (cause an abnormal heart rhythm)
rasagiline
supplements like St. John's wort, kava kava, valerian
tramadol
tryptophan
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
Where should I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 to 86 degrees F). Protect from light. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
attempted suicide or thinking about it
bipolar disorder
bleeding problems
glaucoma
heart disease, or previous heart attack
irregular heart beat
kidney disease
liver disease
low levels of sodium in the blood
an unusual or allergic reaction to trazodone, other medicines, foods, dyes or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not get better or if they get worse. Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Because it may take several weeks to see the full effects of this medicine, it is important to continue your treatment as prescribed by your doctor.
Patients and their families should watch out for new or worsening thoughts of suicide or depression. Also watch out for sudden changes in feelings such as feeling anxious, agitated, panicky, irritable, hostile, aggressive, impulsive, severely restless, overly excited and hyperactive, or not being able to sleep. If this happens, especially at the beginning of treatment or after a change in dose, call your health care professional.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
This medicine may cause dry eyes and blurred vision. If you wear contact lenses you may feel some discomfort. Lubricating drops may help. See your eye doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.
Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum, sucking hard candy and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.
Updated:  
March 01, 2019