Trazodone is a triazolopyridine derivative of the serotonin antagonist reuptake inhibitor (SARI) class. It is used to treat severe depression, but is very different and less toxic than tricyclic antidepressants or monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI). Trazodone, sold under the brand names Depyrel, Desyrel, Mesyrel, Molipaxin, Oleptro, Trazodil, Trazorel, Trialodine, and Trittico, should never be taken with an MAOI, as this will have adverse effects. This drug, while generally precribed for depression, also has anxiolitic and hypnotic properties, and therefore may also be indicated for anxiety and sleeplessness.
Using Trazodone
Ways of Administration
Effects of Trazodone
Common side effects of Trazodone may include:
-Drowsiness, dizziness
-Vision changes
-Dry mouth, altered sense of taste.
-Confusion
-Blurred vision
-Sweating
-Unusual tiredness or weakness.
Less common side effects are:
-Burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
-Confusion about identity, place, and time
-Decreased concentration
-Fainting
-General feeling of discomfort or illness
-Headache
-Lack of coordination
-Muscle tremors
-Nervousness
-Pounding in the ears
-Shortness of breath
-Slow or fast heartbeat
-SwellingCombinations with Trazodone
When used at lower doses 25-50mg, Trazodone can be used for sleep whilst taking an SSRI class of antidepressant.Different Uses for Trazodone
Used as an antidepressant. Prescription doses range from 150mg to 800mg/day.
Lower doses such as 25-50mg are prescribed for sleep, where a benzo or Z drug is not indicated or appropriate, as Trazodone causes tiredness.
Pharmacology of Trazodone
Selective (but weak) inhibitor of serotonine reuptake. It is an alpha-adrenoceptor antagonist at presynaptic and postsynaptic receptor.
Peak plasma concentrations occur at 0.5-2 hours after ingestion.
Trazodone is eliminated via the kidneys. Half life for the drug and its metabolite is 13 hours.
LD50 (mg/kg) (as the hydrochloride) [1]
Mice : 96 intravenously
Chemistry of Trazodone
A triazolopyridine derivative.
[2]
Column 1 Column 2 Systematic (IUPAC) name: 2-{3-[4-(3-chlorophenyl)piperazin-1-yl]propyl}[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]pyridin-3(2H)-one Synonyms: 2-[3-[4-(3-chlorophenyl)-1-piperazinyl]propyl]-1,2,4-triazolo[4,3-a]pyridin-3(2H)-one; AF-1161, Desyrel, Molipaxin, Oleptro, Thombran, Trazolan, Trittico (hydrochloride) Molecular Formula: C19H22ClN5O, C19H22ClN5O.HCl Molar mass: 371.86 g/mol, 408.32 g/mol (hydrochloride)[1] CAS Registry Number: 19794-93-5, 25332-39-2 (hydrochloride) Melting Point: 86-87°C, also reported 96°C (freebase); 223°C (hydrochloride) Boiling Point: no data Flash Point: no data Solubility: Freebase highly lipophilic. Hydrochloride sparingly soluble in water, ethanol, methanol, chloroform; practically insoluble in common organic solvents. Additionnal data: pKa (50% ethanol) 6.14 Notes: Hydrochloride aspect : white, odorless plates; crystallized from ethanol
The Dangers of Trazodone
Physical Health Risks
Hepatotoxicity has been reported for Trazodone
Trazodone has also been recorded to cause erythematous maculopapular eruptions.
Trazodone can cause severe and persistent priapism. The manufacturer reported an incidence of one in 6000 men for abnormal erectile activity.Overdose
At the date of 1980, 68 cases of trazodone overdose were recorded (in amounts up to 5g, 12 times the therapeutic dosage)
The predominant symptoms are drowsiness, dizziness, and rarely coma.Reported Deaths
Mental Health Risks
Conversion to mania has been recorded for patients with unipolar depression and bipolar illness.
Delirium has also been reported.Side Effects
Addiction
Physical Addiction
Mental Addiction