What is Desyrel (trazodone)? Uses, Dosage, Interactions and Side Effects

Desyrel (trazodone) is an antidepressant used in the treatment of symptoms such as anxiety, loss of appetite, insomnia and attention deficiency caused by major depression. It belongs to a drug class called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Its main feature is that it becomes effective in a period of time as short as one week. Desyrel treatment may be preferred in patients who cannot benefit from other antidepressants. Blurred vision, headache, dizziness, and severe fatigue are common side effects.

What is (trazodone) Desyrel?

What are antidepressants used for? Types, effectiveness and side effects

What is trazodone used for?

Areas of use of Desyrel

Desyrel is used to treat the following conditions that can be caused by major depression: (1)

• Depressed mood,
• Loss of appetite
• Low energy
• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Difficulty in concentrating

What is depression? Causes, symptoms, types and treatment

How to use trazodone?

How to use Desyrel properly?

• Take your medicine with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew your tablet.
• Take Desyrel after meals to minimize side effects.
• Do not drive or operate heavy machinery if you experience dizziness or drowsiness due to Desyrel,
• Desyrel contains lactose. If you have lactose intolerance, consult your doctor before using Desyrel.
• When starting a treatment, take your first dose in the evening.
• If you forget your dose, take it as soon as you remember. If you have a short time to take the next dose, skip the dose and continue your routine treatment. Do not take a double dose.
• Use your medicine exactly as recommended by your doctor. Do not adjust your dose or stop treatment without consulting your doctor. You may experience severe side effects.

Depression treatment: Psychotherapy, medication or natural methods

Trazodone dose and dose adjustments

• In adults: The recommended starting dose is 75-150 mg daily. This dose can either be taken in divided doses after meals or at once before bedtime. The maximum daily dose is 300 mg. This dose can be increased up to 600 mg (in divided doses) in in-patient treatments. Your doctor will decide on the duration of the treatment.
• In children: Cannot be used in children under 18 years old.
• In the elderly: The recommended starting dose is 100 mg daily. This dose can either be taken as divided doses after meals or at once before bedtime. If necessary, the dose can be increased gradually. However, it should not exceed 100 mg at a single dose. The maximum daily dose is 300 mg.

What is anxiety? Causes, symptoms and treatment

Trazodone overdose

Drug Interaction of trazodone

• MAOI (monoamine oxidase inhibitors): Tranylcypromine, phenelzine, isocarboxazid, selegiline, etc.
• Other antidepressants: Amitriptyline, fluoxetine, etc.
• Anti-epileptic drugs: Carbamazepine, phenytoin, etc.
• Medicines against hypertension: Clonidine, etc.
• Medicines against fungal infections: Ketoconazole and itraconazole
• Some medicines against AIDS: Ritonavir and indinavir D
• Digoxin (medicines against heart failure)
• Erythromycin (a type of antibiotic)
• St. John’s Wort
• Sedatives
• Levodopa (used against Parkinson’s disease)
• Warfarin (blood thinner)

Trazodone and Alcohol Interactions

Forms and Types of trazodone

 Desyrel equivalent drugs

• Trittico: Prolonged-release tablet -75 mg and 150 mg
• Oleptro: Extended-release tablet: 150 mg and 300 mg

Who should not use Desyrel?

• Allergy to the active ingredient of the drug, trazodone, or any of its inactive ingredients,
• Alcohol dependence,
• A recent history of heart attack,
• Being under the age of 18.

What is schizophrenia? Causes, symptoms and treatment

When is trazodone inconvenient?

If you have any of the following conditions, be sure to inform your doctor before starting a treatment:

• Epilepsy
• Severe liver or kidney disease,
• Angina pectoris (chest pain caused by narrowing or blockage in the heart vessels),
• Arrhythmia,
• Hyperthyroidism
• Problems with urination (enlarged prostate etc.),
• Glaucoma
• Other mental disorders (schizophrenia, etc.)
• Old age (side effects may be more severe).

What is arrhythmia? Causes, symptoms, types, and treatment

Use of trazodone during Breastfeeding and Pregnancy

What are the Side Effects of trazodone?

Serious Side Effects

• Allergic reaction: Difficulty in breathing and swallowing caused by swelling in hands, feet, face, lips or throat; itching and urticaria (hives)
• Prolonged and painful erection unrelated to the sexual activity in men,
• Jaundice or liver problems: yellowing of the eyes or the skin.
• Agranulocytosis (a blood disease): Having infections more often than usual.
• Thrombocytopenia: Frequent bruising on the skin
• Paralytic ileus (intestinal blockage): Severe abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting and constipation.
• Serotonin syndrome: Confusion, feeling sick, sweating and trembling, hallucinating, sudden muscle contractions, faster heartbeat
• Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome: Shortness of breath, difficulty in walking, high fever, chills, uncontrolled muscle twitches.
• Thoughts of suicide or self-harm
• Seizures
• Anemia: Exhaustion, dizziness, lightheadedness, having pale skin
• Paresthesia: Unusual skin sensations such as numbness, tingling, pricking, burning or creeping on the skin
• Irregular heartbeat

Common Side Effects

• Blurred vision
• Confusion
• Headache
• Feeling dizzy or light-headed after standing up quickly while lying down or sitting
• Sweating
• Feeling tired

Less Common Side Effects

• Confusion about identity, place and time
• Difficulty in concentrating
• Fainting
• Feeling sick
• Lack of coordination
• Muscle tremors
• Irritability
• Tinnitus
• Dyspnea

Desyrel Package Insert

You can get more detailed information about the medicine via this link>>.