trazodone hydrochloride at a glance
Medicine class
Antidepressant with sedating and serotonin-modulating effects
Licensed uses
Depression, including depression with anxiety; licensing for anxiety alone varies by product
Available forms
Film-coated tablets, capsules and oral solutions
Food
Taking it with or just after food may reduce adverse effects
Driving
Do not drive or operate machinery if sleepy, dizzy, confused or affected by blurred vision
What is trazodone hydrochloride used for?
Licensing differs slightly between selected products.
Relief of symptoms of depression, including depression accompanied by anxiety.
Anxiety and mixed anxiety with depression are licensed indications for selected capsule products.
How does trazodone hydrochloride work?
Trazodone changes serotonin-related signalling in the brain. Its exact antidepressant action is not fully established, but these effects can improve mood and anxiety symptoms; its central nervous-system effects also explain why sleepiness is common.
trazodone hydrochloride preparations and strengths
Capsule
Route: Oral
Strengths: 50 mg, 100 mg
Oral solution
Route: Oral
Strengths: 50 mg/5 mL, 100 mg/5 mL
How to take trazodone hydrochloride
Follow the dispensing label and leaflet for the exact product supplied.
Take with or just after food if advised, as this may reduce adverse effects.
Swallow capsules whole with water.
Measure oral solution using the supplied measuring device, not a household spoon; check the concentration because selected liquids are not interchangeable volume-for-volume.
Only split a tablet when its leaflet confirms it can be divided.
Avoid alcohol because it can increase sedation.
trazodone hydrochloride side effects
Common or expected effects
- Sleepiness, dizziness or tiredness
- Headache
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Dry mouth
- Muscle pain
Get urgent medical advice
- Allergic reaction with swelling or breathing difficulty
- Suicidal thoughts or marked worsening of mood
- A prolonged, painful erection
- Serotonin syndrome
- Seizure, fainting or an abnormal heart rhythm
- Jaundice or other symptoms of liver injury
- Unexplained bruising, fever, sore throat or repeated infections
trazodone hydrochloride in pregnancy
Trazodone may occasionally be used during pregnancy when treatment is needed, but available pregnancy evidence remains limited. Discuss planned or confirmed pregnancy promptly with the prescriber and do not stop suddenly; exposure near delivery can cause temporary newborn symptoms that may require observation.
trazodone hydrochloride while breastfeeding
Trazodone passes into breast milk in small amounts and can be used cautiously in some circumstances, although better-studied antidepressants may be preferred. A full-term, healthy infant should be monitored for unusual sleepiness or irritability, gastrointestinal symptoms, poor feeding, failure to wake for feeds and inadequate weight gain.
trazodone hydrochloride interactions
Check prescribed, over-the-counter and herbal products before combining them with trazodone.
MAO inhibitors
Combination is not recommended because serious serotonergic reactions may occur and separation periods are required.
Other serotonergic medicines, including antidepressants and some opioids
The risk of serotonin syndrome is increased.
Alcohol, hypnotics, sedatives and sedating antihistamines
Drowsiness and impaired coordination may be intensified; alcohol should be avoided.
Common questions about trazodone hydrochloride
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is trazodone hydrochloride an antidepressant?
Yes. It is a prescription antidepressant that alters serotonin-related signalling and is commonly sedating.
Can trazodone hydrochloride be used for anxiety?
Product licences differ. Selected capsules are licensed for anxiety and mixed anxiety with depression, while selected tablets and liquids cover depression accompanied by anxiety.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.