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Trazodone Hydrochloride for Anxiety and Depression

Trazodone is an antidepressant medication that works by inhibiting both serotonin transporter and serotonin type 2 receptors. Trazodone inhibits the reuptake of serotonin and blocks the histamine and alpha-1-adrenergic receptors. This makes more serotonin available to improve the transmission of messages between neurons. Antidepressants such as trazodone are used for the treatment of several symptoms of Anxiety, Depression, Fibromyalgia, Headache, Insomnia, Major Depressive Disorder, and Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome. It can be used as part of combination therapy with other drugs or psychotherapies or used by itself for treating depression.

Trazodone comes as a tablet and as an extended-release (long-lasting) tablet to take by mouth. It is available as a generic medication and is sold under several brand names including: 

  • Codipzona
  • Drugtech, Chile
  • Sideril
  • Senosiain, Mexico
  • Trazodona GenfarTrittico
  • Angelini Pharma, Croatia (Hrvatska); Eipico, Egypt; Limedika, Lithuania; Tecnoquimicas, Colombia
  • Trittico AC
  • Trittico retardaiwan
  • Cloridrato de Trazadona Nova Quimica
  • Nova Química Farmacêutica, Brazil
  • Cloridrato de Trazodona EMS
  • Deprax
  • Angelini, Spain
  • Depryl
  • Trar

History and statistics

Trazodone was developed in Italy, in the 1960s, by Angelini Research Laboratories as a second-generation antidepressant. Trazodone was patented and marketed in many countries all over the world. It was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1981 and was the first non-tricyclic antidepressant approved in the US.

A bottle labeled "Doze of Happiness" with two pills spilling out; one red and the other yellow with a smiley face drawn on them.

Trazodone side effects

These side effects can include:

  • headache
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • bad taste in the mouth
  • diarrhea
  • constipation
  • changes in appetite or weight
  • weakness or tiredness
  • nervousness
  • dizziness or lightheadedness
  • feeling unsteady when walking
  • decreased ability to concentrate or remember things
  • confusion
  • nightmares
  • muscle pain
  • dry mouth
  • rash
  • sweating
  • changes in sexual desire or ability
  • uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body
  • numbness, burning, or tingling in the arms, legs, hands, or feet
  • decreased coordination
  • tired, red, or itchy eyes
  • ringing in ears

The Dangers and Side Effects of mixing Trazodone and Alcohol

More severe side effects include: chest pain

  • fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
  • loss of consciousness (coma)
  • fainting
  • seizures
  • shortness of breath
  • unusual bruising or bleeding

Trazodone may cause unpleasant, long-lasting erections in men. In some situations emergency and/or surgical treatment has been needed and, in some of these cases, permanent damage has occurred.

 

Trazodone overdose

In some cases of misuse, Trazodone can lead to what is medically termed as serotonin syndrome. Trazodone increases serotonin in the brain. Too much serotonin causes signs and symptoms that can range from mild (shivering and diarrhea) to severe (muscle rigidity, fever, and seizures). Severe serotonin syndrome can cause death if not treated. The mortality of severe serotonin syndrome is estimated to range from 2% to 12%. The Toxic Exposure Surveillance System in the United States reported 93 deaths due to serotonin syndrome in 2002. The serotonin syndrome is considered a Trazodone overdose as it occurs when doses are increased.

The Dangers of mixing Sertraline and Alcohol

Trazodone also possesses a high rectal and hepatic metabolism rate. Accordingly, patients with liver issues or rectal impairment need to receive careful monitoring and consideration.

Although not addictive even in the long term, Trazodone can cause physical and psychological dependence. The drug is most commonly abused by people who are given the medication by physicians. These individuals become overly used to the calming feeling and the serotonin boost that they may take Trazodone frequently even when it may be harmful. side effects of such dependency may include:

  • Headaches
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness
  • Muscle 
  • shortness of breath
  • chest pain

Trazodone Withdrawal Recovery

Although not as severe as other medications, medical supervision is advised to help the individual with a gradual reduction of the dosage and monitoring of health. If you need help with medication or drug addiction, have a look at our website. The dangers of medication abuse and addiction are constantly on the rise. People are often burdened by mental and psychological issues and are thus prone to abusing any substances that might relieve their pains. Yet these substances can create bigger health issues and may even lead to death.

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