If you must take trazodone, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about this antidepressant below.
Trazodone is a drug that has been on the market for a few years. There is a lot of ignorance. Regarding this overly prescribed antidepressant, here at Bekia we will tell you everything you need to know about this drug. However, we must remember that Like other medicines This medicine also has risks. And this is why you should always consult a professional. And don’t take care of yourself.
Things you can follow
Trazodone It is an antidepressant. It is in the second generation family of tricyclic antidepressants. It was synthesized in 1966 in Italy and received FDA approval in 1982, although its first use was as an antidepressant. But the drug is also used to treat insomnia and anxiety.
Trazodone can be used alone or in combination with other medicines. Because it is a tricyclic antidepressant, which means Multiple doses must be injected throughout the day. This is a complication for some patients and makes antidepressants not the first choice for doctors to prescribe them. Another reason is Effective in relieving anxiety sedatives and hypnosis
However, this drug Often used in patients who must take other medications.This means that trazodone is often indicated as an adjunctive therapy in certain psychiatric disorders, such as mania, Tourette’s syndrome. or schizophrenia
How does Trazadone work in the body?
Trazodone is a class of antidepressant that works bidirectionally in the body to exert a supportive effect on depression. What it does is It exerts an agonist effect on the serotonin 5-HT2a receptor. And at the same time, it blocks the release of neurotransmitters that contribute to depression in people.
However, there are some things that need to be taken into consideration and that is It is not yet known exactly how this medicine works. However, in people with depression What many claim is that trazodone is stable in the abdominal cavity and is related to the serotonin transporter.
Different from other antidepressants This medicine has no effect on cholinergic receptors, so there are no side effects on these receptors.
Recommended dosage
As we have already explained The biggest disadvantage of this drug compared to other types of antidepressants is the dosage that the patient must take. Because it is a tricyclic antidepressant. Therefore, it must be eaten several times a day. However, and In many patients only one dose is required. To begin to notice its effects, however, in more complex forms of depression. The medicine must be taken in higher doses or combined with other medicines.
The good thing about this is that trazodone is relatively cheap compared to other drugs. This allows the dose to be adjusted according to the patient’s needs, as a general rule. The starting dose is usually 150 mg per day. Will this be increased as needed?
Effects of trazadone on the body
Although it is true trazodone Usually does not cause side effects.The truth is that this medicine (Just like other medicines) Be warned that even though this is not normal. But they can have adverse reactions in the body. Based on this information, the most common reactions are listed below.
- Drowsiness : It is possible that by taking this medicine you will notice that you feel more sleepy. This is normal because trazodone is actually prescribed to people with insomnia. But you need to be clear that this can happen to you. And if you work With machinery or perhaps driving This may not be the best medicine for you.
- dizziness : You may feel weaker and more tired. which leads to dizziness and even in the most severe cases, unconsciousness can occur.
- squeamish
- Headache.
- Liver toxicity in patients taking this drug for a long time
In the same way There are cases where people may have slow dystonia and slow sensory syndrome. These include hyponatremia and seizures when too high doses of trazodone are used. In the same way The most serious effects have been found to occur in patients receiving too much trazodone. than usual or those who have taken this medicine for too long
It is possible that taking this medicine will make you feel sleepy.Serotonergic syndrome
This syndrome occurs when high doses of trazodone or other antidepressants are used. that directly affects serotonin in the body If this group of symptoms is detected It is very dangerous because it can cause death. of people with such symptoms For this reason, it is important that you see a specialist so he or she can prescribe this or any other medicine that affects serotonin. and the right dosage for you.
Some symptoms of serotonergic syndrome include the following:
- Changes in consciousness or mental state, such as confusion or nervousness.
- diarrhea.
- Chills.
- fever.
- Lack of coordination in movement
- Anxiety.
- Tremor
- Sweating
- Pupil dilation
This is an unrecognized syndrome. But it is so serious that when it happens, many doctors don’t know how to treat it. Patients usually get better when they stop taking antidepressants. But in more severe cases The patient must be hospitalized.
Trazadone for the treatment of insomnia
This medication is often prescribed to treat insomnia because it is unlike other medications. There is very little risk of dependency. This has caused some doctors to prescribe unlimited daily doses of this drug, even though it is recommended.
In the same way One of the reasons this drug is prescribed for insomnia is because It does not affect your ability to remember new experiences. And although it has a small effect, it does not affect the daily life of those taking the medicine. So you don’t have to feel tired or confused like other insomnia medicines.