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Trazodone HCl (Desyrel)Trazodone hydrochloride, sold under the brand name Desyrel, is quite an old prescription antidepressant, which shares several properties of tricyclic antidepressants. It is widely prescribed for insomnia. Price consideration
Trazodone can be useful and cost-effective solution for insomniacs with depression or those who cannot take other RX options1. Although Desyrel is not FDA-approved for insomnia treatment, there is an extensive experience due to its sedative properties.
How to use
Trazodone is used in the treatment of major depression with or without prominent anxiety. It is particularly effective in reducing anxiety, tension, apathy, irritability, sleep disturbances and fatigue. Trazodone works slightly more rapidly than tricyclic antidepressants. Trazodone is sometimes used in recovering alcoholics. It can reduce symptoms during periods of intoxication and abstention. Trazodone may cause persistent, painful erection (known as priapism). It occurs in 0.1-0.01% of men who take this medicine. On the other hand, recent research suggests that the drug may help to produce an erection. So trazodone may be a reasonable prescription choice for anxious or depressed men with erection problems. Precautions & contraindications It should not be used with sibutramine because very serious interaction may occur. It is also inappropriate during the initial recovery phase of myocardial infarction. Trazodone may impair the ability to perform activities requiring mental alertness or physical coordination. The sedative effects are enhanced by other central nervous system depressants such as alcohol, sedatives, and antidepressants. The most frequent undesirable effects are dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, headache, hypotension, and nausea. Dosage Depression: The initial dose is 150 mg/day in 3 divided doses. The dose may be increased by 50 mg/day every 3 to 4 days. The maximum daily dose usually should not exceed 400 mg. Insomnia: Unlike benzodiazepine sleep aids, trazodone may help insomnia without next day grogginess and sedation. Usually, the starting dose is 25-50 mg at bedtime. The dose can be increased if necessary up to 100 mg, and there is no need to take more. Its hypnotic effect starts within 1-2 hours and usually lasts about 8 hours. Taking trazodone in combination with other prescription medications, including MAO inhibitors, SSRI antidepressants, and triptans, may lead to serotonin syndrome. References
Last updated: January 20, 2012 |