Trazodone is used for:

Treating depression. It may also be used for relief of an anxiety disorder (eg, sleeplessness, tension), chronic pain. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Trazodone is a tetracyclic antidepressant. It is thought to increase the activity of one of the brain chemicals (serotonin), which helps elevate mood.

Do NOT use Trazodone if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Trazodone or nefazodone
• you are taking sodium oxybate (GHB)

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Trazodone :

Some medical conditions may interact with Trazodone. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have heart disease including irregular heartbeat or have had a heart attack
• if you have a history of depression or suicidal tendencies
• if you are scheduled to have surgery
• if you consume alcoholic beverages

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Trazodone. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Carbamazepine, ethanol, ginkgo biloba, HIV protease inhibitors (eg, ritonavir), phenothiazines (eg, thioridazine), or serotonin reuptake inhibitors (eg, fluoxetine) because side effects, such as increased drowsiness or blurred vision, may occur
• Buspirone, carbamazepine, digoxin, hydantoins (eg, phenytoin), itraconazole, ketoconazole, nefazodone, serotonin reuptake inhibitors (eg, fluoxetine), or sodium oxybate (GHB) because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Trazodone
• Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin) because they may decrease Trazodone 's effectiveness. Your doctor may want to adjust your dose while taking Trazodone

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Trazodone may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Trazodone :

Use Trazodone as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Trazodone comes with an extra patient information sheet called a Medication Guide. Read it carefully. Read it again each time you get Trazodone refilled.
• Take Trazodone shortly after a meal or light snack.
• It may take 1 to 4 weeks for Trazodone to work. Do not stop taking Trazodone without checking with your doctor.
• If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up. If more than one dose is missed, restart medication and advise your doctor or pharmacist at your next appointment.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Trazodone.

Important safety information:

• Trazodone may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Trazodone with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Do not drink alcohol or use medicines that may cause drowsiness (eg, sleep aids, muscle relaxers) while you are using Trazodone ; it may add to their effects. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines may cause drowsiness.
• Children and teenagers who take Trazodone may be at increased risk for suicidal thoughts or actions. Adults may also be affected. The risk may be greater in patients who have had suicidal thoughts or actions in the past. The risk may also be greater in patients who have had bipolar (manic-depressive) illness, or if their family members have had it. Watch patients who take Trazodone closely. Contact the doctor at once if new, worsened, or sudden symptoms such as depressed mood; anxious, restless, or irritable behavior; panic attacks; or any unusual change in mood or behavior occur. Contact the doctor right away if any signs of suicidal thoughts or actions occur.
• Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Trazodone before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
• Trazodone should not be used in CHILDREN younger than 6 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
• Trazodone may rarely cause a prolonged, painful erection. This could happen even when you are not having sex. If this is not treated right away, it could lead to permanent sexual problems, such as impotence. Contact your doctor right away if this happens.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Trazodone while you are pregnant. Trazodone is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Trazodone , check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Possible side effects of Trazodone :

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Blurred vision; constipation; decreased appetite; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; general body discomfort; headache; incoordination; light-headedness; muscle aches/pains; nausea; nervousness; sleeplessness; stomach pain; stuffy nose; swelling of the skin; tiredness; tremors.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); blood in urine; chest pain; fainting; hallucinations; irregular heartbeat; light-headedness when rising from a lying or seated position; prolonged, inappropriate, or painful erections; seizures; shortness of breath; stroke; vomiting.