Pharmacological action Trazodone
Trazodone inhibits the uptake of one of the major neurotransmitters - serotonin - by nerves in the brain, in this way removing the depression symptoms. It is also able to increase directly the serotonin action.
Indications for use: Trazodone is mostly prescribed to patients with the pronounced symtoms of depression, caused by the serotonin misbalance. It can also be recommended (as a part of drug treatment in combination with other drugs) to the patients with aggressive behavior, agoraphobia, panic attacks and cocaine withdrawal. in some cases Trazodone is administered as the drastic sedative drug.
Pharmacokinetics: In case of peroral intake Trazodone is well absorbed. The Trazodone Cmax in the blood plasma is observed in one hour after the drug dose administration before a meal, or in two hours after the drug dose administration in case Trazodone was taken together with food. The drug is metabolized in the liver to the active metabolite m-chlorophenylpiperazine and is eliminated with urine (80%) and feces (20%). The Trazodone elimination half-life is as a rule 3-6 hours.
Side effects: As any other antidepressant drugs Trazodone has a range of minor or in some cases severe side effects, observed in patients following Trazodone treatment. The most common side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, headaches, blurred vision, stuffy nose, sometimes nervousness or tiredness, decreased sexual desire, muscle aches or pains, stomach pain, nausea, constipation or diarrhea. The severe Trazodone intake side effects are less are not so often observed and may include severe allergic reactions, bloody or dark urine, decreased coordination, fever, fainting, hallucinations, anxiety or panic attacks, impulsiveness, irritability, trouble sleeping, physical hyperactivity, prolonged and painful erections, inclinations for suicide, trouble concentrating, memory problems, tremor, unusual bruising or bleeding, body weight changes or eyes or skin yellowing. In case you experience any of the severe side effects (above listed or other) while following Trazodone treatment, you should immediately report and consult your doctor about it.
Contraindications: Trazodone shouldn`t be prescribed to the patients with allergic reactions for the drug. It is also not recommended for the intake in patients having taken MAO inhibitors (furazolidone, isocarboxazid, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline or tranylcypromine in the last two weeks before the intended start of their Trazodone treatment. Patients with bipolar disorder, with a history of drug abuse or suicidal thoughts, with a heart disease, recently experienced heart attacks or with a history of "Long QT syndrome" and patients with liver or kidney disease, may need Trazodone dose adjustment or special tests before the start of their Trazodone treatment. The drug cannot be recommended to pregnant women and nursing mothers. While following Trazodone treatment patients should avoid doing activities which need focus or fast reaction (driving, hazardous machinery operating) and drinking alcohol. Trazodone is the prescription drug. Never use Trazodone without the proper doctor`s consultation.
