Main Research Findings

Trazodone is a medication used to treat depression, anxiety, and insomnia. Many studies have shown that trazodone is an effective treatment. 4 reported that trazodone is effective for a range of depression symptoms, including insomnia, and is associated with fewer side effects like insomnia, anxiety, and sexual dysfunction compared to other antidepressants. In addition, 19 suggested that trazodone may be more effective and safer than antipsychotics for the treatment of delirium in older adults.

Trazodone is classified as a type of antidepressant called a serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor (SARI). SARIs work by increasing the amount of serotonin in the brain. showed that SARIs are often used as adjunctive therapy to improve unpleasant side effects associated with other types of antidepressants like SSRIs.

Reasons for Side Effects

Side effects of trazodone occur because the drug affects the balance of chemicals in the brain. Trazodone inhibits the action of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and histamine. Histamine is a neurotransmitter involved in a variety of bodily functions such as wakefulness and appetite. Inhibiting histamine can lead to side effects such as drowsiness and weight gain. 21 reports that trazodone may cause Parkinson's syndrome. Parkinson's syndrome is a disease caused by a decrease in neurotransmitters such as dopamine. Trazodone can affect dopamine as well, so it may worsen Parkinson's syndrome.

Common Side Effects

Drowsiness

Trazodone can cause drowsiness. This is because trazodone blocks histamine receptors. 4 lists drowsiness, headache, dizziness, and dry mouth as the most common side effects of trazodone. Be careful to avoid driving or operating machinery, especially immediately after taking trazodone. states that anticholinergic effects may be enhanced when trazodone is combined with other drugs. Anticholinergic effects are actions that inhibit the body's nerves. Enhanced anticholinergic effects can lead to side effects such as dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, and urinary retention.

Gastrointestinal Side Effects

Trazodone can cause gastrointestinal side effects. For example, nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, etc. 8 suggests that trazodone may inhibit sterol biosynthesis and lower cholesterol levels. Cholesterol is essential for the normal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and other organs. Therefore, trazodone may cause gastrointestinal side effects.

Cardiovascular Side Effects

Trazodone can affect the cardiovascular system. For example, low blood pressure, increased heart rate, heart abnormalities, etc. 2 reports that trazodone may cause cardiac arrhythmias. Cardiac arrhythmias are a condition where the heart does not beat normally. Trazodone can affect the electrical activity of the heart and therefore may cause cardiac arrhythmias. states that trazodone may affect the heart, and patients with heart disease need to be careful.

Neurological Side Effects

Trazodone can affect the nervous system. For example, unsteadiness, dizziness, headache, anxiety, agitation, hallucinations, etc. 12 reports that trazodone may cause hallucinations. Hallucinations are seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not really there. Trazodone may cause hallucinations because it inhibits the action of serotonin in the brain. Also, 20 reports that trazodone may cause priapism, a condition where the erection of the penis persists for a long time.

Other Side Effects

Trazodone can cause other side effects. For example, weight gain, dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, urinary retention, rash, itching, etc. 3 reports that trazodone may increase suicidal thoughts. Suicidal thoughts are thinking about suicide. Trazodone may increase suicidal thoughts because it has mood-elevating effects. Therefore, be aware of suicidal thoughts and behaviors while taking trazodone.

Measures for Side Effects

Drowsiness

If you experience drowsiness while taking trazodone, talk to your doctor. Your doctor may instruct you to reduce your dosage of trazodone or switch to a different medication. Before taking trazodone, be sure to avoid driving or operating machinery.

Gastrointestinal Side Effects

If you are concerned about gastrointestinal side effects while taking trazodone, talk to your doctor. Your doctor may instruct you to reduce your dosage of trazodone or switch to a different medication. They may also provide advice on dietary changes or lifestyle modifications to help reduce gastrointestinal side effects.

Cardiovascular Side Effects

Trazodone can affect the cardiovascular system. If you have cardiovascular problems, talk to your doctor before taking trazodone. Your doctor will determine if it is safe for you to take trazodone. Have your blood pressure and heart rate checked regularly while taking trazodone. Also, immediately consult your doctor if you experience any symptoms such as feeling unwell, shortness of breath, etc.

Neurological Side Effects

Trazodone can affect the nervous system. If you are concerned about neurological side effects, talk to your doctor. Your doctor may instruct you to reduce your dosage of trazodone or switch to a different medication. They may also provide advice on psychotherapy, etc. to help reduce neurological side effects.

Other Side Effects

Trazodone can cause other side effects. If you are concerned about other side effects, talk to your doctor. Your doctor may instruct you to reduce your dosage of trazodone or switch to a different medication. They may also provide advice on reducing side effects.

Comparison Between Studies

Commonalities Between Studies

Many studies have shown that trazodone is an effective treatment. It has also been shown to have fewer side effects like insomnia, anxiety, and sexual dysfunction compared to other antidepressants. However, it has also been shown that trazodone can cause side effects such as drowsiness, gastrointestinal side effects, cardiovascular side effects, and neurological side effects.

Differences Between Studies

The risk of trazodone causing specific side effects varies from patient to patient. For example, patients with heart disease may be at increased risk of developing cardiac arrhythmias while taking trazodone. Also, older adults may experience increased drowsiness while taking trazodone. When taking trazodone, be sure to tell your doctor about your health status and medical conditions, and receive instructions for the appropriate dosage and method of administration.

Points to Note for Application to Daily Life

Be sure to avoid driving or operating machinery while taking trazodone. Trazodone can cause drowsiness, and driving or operating machinery while taking it increases the risk of accidents. Also, be sure to refrain from alcohol while taking trazodone. Taking trazodone and alcohol together can increase drowsiness and increase the risk of respiratory arrest.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid taking trazodone. Trazodone may affect the fetus or infant. When taking trazodone, be sure to talk to your doctor and explain about your pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Limitations of Current Research

Research on the side effects of trazodone is still insufficient. In particular, little is known about the side effects of long-term use of trazodone. Therefore, when taking trazodone for the long term, be sure to consult your doctor and have your side effects checked regularly.

Future Research Directions

Further research is needed on the side effects of trazodone. In particular, detailed studies are needed on the side effects of long-term use of trazodone. Research is also needed on the side effects of trazodone in combination with other drugs.

Conclusion

Trazodone is an effective treatment, but it is also known to have some side effects. When taking trazodone, be sure to tell your doctor about your health status and medical conditions, and receive instructions for the appropriate dosage and method of administration. Also, be aware of side effects, and immediately consult your doctor if you feel any abnormalities.