Get a Trazodone Prescription Online

Trazodone is an antidepressant that belongs to a group of drugs known as Serotonin Receptor Antagonists and Reuptake Inhibitors (SARIs). Commonly prescribed antidepressants are Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI), and while Trazodone is not part of this group, it shares many similar properties.

Used to treat major depressive disorders, it can also be used to treat anxiety or a combination of depression and anxiety. It is usually prescribed when other antidepressants have not worked effectively or caused side effects and could help if you are experiencing low mood, insomnia, or poor concentration.

What is Trazodone Prescribed For?

Tradozone is used to treat depression and works by increasing the amount of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that has an impact on a number of functions in the brain and body, including sleep, digestion, wound healing, blood clotting, and mood.

Trazodone is also sometimes used to treat ailments such as schizophrenia, insomnia, anxiety, and can also be used to control uncontrollable or abnormal movements that may be a side effect of other medications or used in the management of alcohol dependence.

How Does Trazodone Work?

Trazodone works by increasing the natural neurotransmitters within the central nervous system. One of the most important neurotransmitters, serotonin, has a number of essential functions in the brain and body. Many experts believe depression is an imbalance of the key neurotransmitters norepinephrine, acetylcholine, dopamine, and serotonin.

Trazodone affects the neurotransmitters by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin and a patient can expect to feel symptom relief within a number of weeks. Those that take Trazodone as an antidepressant may experience the full benefits up to 4 weeks after starting their course of medication.

What Are the Side Effects of Trazodone?

Trazodone causes a number of serious side effects, including the following:

• Unusual bleeding or easy bruising
• Unusual behavior or thoughts
• Slow heartbeat
• Fast heartbeat
• Sudden dizziness
• Fluttering in your chest
• Shortness of breath
• Low levels of sodium

There are other serious side effects that are uncommon, including muscle stiffness, loss of coordination, agitation, and vomiting.

Some of the more common side effects of Trazodone include the following:

• Stuffy nose
• Blurred vision
• Swelling
• Weight loss
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Drowsiness, tiredness, or dizziness

Frequently Asked Questions About Trazodone

How to Use Trazodone?

Trazodone usually comes in pill form to be taken by mouth. The tablet is usually taken with a light snack or a meal two or more times every day. You should follow the directions on the prescription label and take Trazodone exactly as directed. You can swallow the tablets whole or break them in half on the score mark.

Trazodone works by controlling depression, rather than curing it, and may take a number of weeks to feel the full benefit. It’s recommended to continue taking Trazodone even if you feel well. If you suddenly stop taking Trazodone you could experience withdrawal symptoms, including some of the following: Confusion, nausea, dizziness, anxiety, tiredness, and ringing in the ears.

What to Avoid While Using Trazodone?

Using Trazodone in combination with other medications or drugs that can make you drowsy can be exacerbated by the presence of Trazodone. As Trazodone is used partly as a sedative, it is important to reduce or remove any additional sleeping medication, such as muscle relaxers, anxiety medication, or sleeping pills. It can also affect your judgment, and you should not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how Trazodone affects you.

Before taking Trazodone you should make your doctor aware if you are taking an MAO inhibitor, which is another type of antidepressant, or if you are taking any anticoagulants, antifungal medication, aspirins, or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

In addition to other antidepressants, some of the following may also have an impact on the efficacy of Trazodone: St John’s wort, Phenytoin, diuretics or water pills, migraine or headache medicines, such as Imitrex or Sumatriptan.

Also, avoid consuming alcohol while taking Trazodone as it can increase drowsiness and further impair your judgment.

Can You Get Trazodone Over the Counter?

Trazodone is a medication that can only be prescribed by a medical professional. If you are looking for medicines to treat depression or anxiety, at DrHouse, we provide a number of medications that could be helpful for your needs.

For more detailed information about trazodone, you can refer to the following sources:

• Desyrel prescription label, Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
• Trazodone, Drugs.com.
• Trazodone, MedlinePlus.
• Trazodone, U.S. National Library of Medicine.

The content on this page has been medically reviewed for accuracy and comprehensiveness by Amy Dougherty, FNP-BC, AGAC