$Unique_ID{BRK02164}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{TRAZODONE}
$Subject{Desyrel (Mead Johnson)
Desyrel Dividose (Mead Johnson)
trazodone (various manufacturers)}
$Volume{}
$Log{
Desyrel*0216401.scf}

Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


TRAZODONE
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BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers):
     Desyrel (Mead Johnson)
     Desyrel Dividose (Mead Johnson)
     trazodone (various manufacturers)
TYPE OF DRUG:
     Antidepressant
INGREDIENT:
     trazodone
DOSAGE FORM:
     Tablets (50 mg, 100 mg, and 150 mg)
STORAGE:
     Trazodone tablets should be stored at room temperature in a tightly
       closed, light-resistant container.

USES

     Trazodone is used to relieve the symptoms of mental depression.  It is
thought to relieve depression by increasing the concentration of certain
chemicals involved with nerve transmission in the brain.

TREATMENT

     Trazodone should be taken exactly as your doctor prescribes.  It can be
taken with water, milk, or food to lessen the chance of stomach irritation
(unless your doctor tells you to do otherwise).
     If you miss a dose of this medication, take the missed dose as soon as
possible, and then return to your regular dosing schedule.  If, however, the
dose you missed was a once-a-day bedtime dose, do not take that dose in the
morning; check with your doctor instead.  If the dose is taken in the morning,
it may cause some unwanted side effects.  Never double the dose.
     The benefits of therapy with this medication may not become apparent for
two to four weeks.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Blurred vision, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth,
gas, headache, heartburn, light-headedness, nausea, sleep disorders, vomiting,
or weight gain or loss.  These side effects should disappear as your body
adjusts to the medication.
     This medication can cause increased sensitivity to sunlight.  It is,
therefore, important to avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and sunlamps.
Wear protective clothing and sunglasses, and use an effective sunscreen.
     Dry mouth can be relieved by chewing sugarless gum or by sucking on ice
chips or a piece of hard candy.
     To relieve constipation, increase the amount of fiber in your diet (fresh
fruits and vegetables, salads, bran, and whole-grain breads), exercise, and
drink more water (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise).
     To avoid dizziness and light-headedness when you stand, contract and
relax the muscles of your legs for a few moments before rising.  Do this by
pushing one foot against the floor while raising the other foot slightly,
alternating feet so that you are "pumping" your legs in a pedaling motion.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
chest tightness, confusion, difficult or painful urination, hallucinations,
loss of coordination, mood changes, muscle aches or pains, palpitations,
prolonged or inappropriate erection of the penis, rash, ringing in the ears,
shortness of breath, tingling in the fingers or toes, tremors, unusual
bleeding or bruising, or unusual tiredness or weakness.

INTERACTIONS

     Trazodone interacts with several other types of medications:
     1. Extreme drowsiness can occur when trazodone is taken with central
nervous system depressants (drugs that slow the activity of the brain and
spinal cord), including alcohol, antihistamines, barbiturates, benzodiazepine
tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, narcotics, pain medications, phenothiazine
tranquilizers, and sleeping medications, or with tricyclic antidepressants.
     2. The concurrent use of trazodone and monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors
should be avoided because the combination can result in fever, convulsions, or
high blood pressure.  At least 14 days should separate the use of this drug
and the use of an MAO inhibitor.
     3. Trazodone may increase the blood levels of digoxin and phenytoin,
which can lead to increased side effects.
     4. Blood-pressure-lowering effects of antihypertensives may be increased
by trazodone, which can be dangerous.
     BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently
taking, especially any listed above.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor if you have had unusual or allergic reactions to any
medications, especially to trazodone.
     * Tell your doctor if you have a history of alcoholism or if you ever had
electroshock therapy, heart disease, a heart attack, kidney disease, or liver
disease.
     * If this drug makes you dizzy or drowsy, do not take part in any
activity that requires alertness, such as driving a car or operating
potentially dangerous machinery.
     * Before having surgery or any other medical or dental treatment, be sure
to tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication.
     * Do not stop taking this drug suddenly.  Stopping this medication
abruptly may cause nausea, headache, stomach upset, fatigue, or worsening of
your condition.  Your doctor may, therefore, want to reduce the dosage
gradually.
     * The effects of this medication may last as long as seven days after you
have stopped taking it, so continue to observe all precautions during this
period.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  The safe use of this
medication in pregnancy has not been established.  Side effects have been
observed in the offspring of animals that were given this medication in large
doses during pregnancy.  Also, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an
infant.  Small amounts of this drug pass into breast milk and may cause
unwanted effects, such as irritability or sleeping problems, in nursing
infants.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
