Trazodone is the name of a drug used to treat depression. In addition, the drug develops a calming effect.
What is trazodone?
Trazodone is the name of a drug used to treat depression. Trazodone belongs to the group of psychotropic drugs. Thus, the drug is used as an antidepressant and sedative. The active substance was developed in Italy in 1966 by the company Angelini Research Laboratories. It took until 1981 for the drug to be approved for the first time, when trazodone entered the American market. Its distribution in Europe followed from 1985. After patent protection expired, numerous inexpensive generics were also approved. Trazodone is administered orally in the form of film-coated tablets or sustained-release tablets.
Pharmacologic Action
Trazodone belongs to the class of antidepressants. This means that it is suitable for the treatment of depression. In case of depression, the affected individuals suffer from mood disorders as well as a lack of drive. Within the brain, communication among neurons (nerve cells) takes place through so-called neurotransmitters. These messengers are released by the cells and bind to special docking sites called receptors. When the messenger reaches the appropriate receptor, this leads to signal transmission. To terminate the signals, the neurotransmitter returns to its cell of origin. If there is an excess or deficiency of neurotransmitters in the brain, this often results in organic diseases. For example, a deficiency of the neurotransmitter serotonin can cause depression, since serotonin is also considered a happiness hormone. An excess of this neurotransmitter in turn leads to schizophrenia or delusions. Trazodone has the ability to inhibit the reuptake of serotonin. For this reason, it is also called a “serotonin reuptake inhibitor”. In doing so, the antidepressant ensures that the serotonin can remain between the neurons for a longer period of time and achieves a more extensive duration of action. A serotonin deficiency can thus be compensated for. Another property of trazodone is the inhibition of serotonin receptors (5HT2 receptors). Excessive activation of serotonin receptors is thought to cause anxiety, sexual aversion, restlessness, and sleep problems. Because of this dual effect, trazodone is also considered a dual-serotonergic antidepressant. In addition, trazodone has effects that promote sex drive. Thus, taking the substance causes an increase in erectile function and libido. The drug is rapidly absorbed in the intestine. Already after 30 to 60 minutes trazodone brings it to its maximum level in the blood. After the antidepressant is broken down, it leaves the body through the kidneys and urine.
Medicinal use and application
For use, trazodone is used to treat depressive disorders. In addition to depression, this may include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), panic attacks, borderline syndrome, or obsessive-compulsive disorder. Through its use, it is possible to suppress or at least attenuate depressive phases. Trazodone is taken by tablets. When using them, care should be taken to slowly increase the dose. As a rule, the initial dose is 100 milligrams of trazodone per day. After a week, the daily dose can be increased by 100 grams. The maximum dose is reached at 400 milligrams. The drug can be administered both once a day and in several sections. Trazodone is taken after meals. While the sedative effects of trazodone are felt immediately, the mood-lifting effects must be waited for up to three weeks. To complete therapy with trazodone, it is recommended that the dose be gradually lowered.
Risks and side effects
Taking trazodone is sometimes associated with adverse side effects, but not every patient experiences them. Most commonly, affected individuals suffer from dizziness, restlessness, a drop in blood pressure, headache, sleep problems, fatigue, heart arrhythmias, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In addition, rashes on the skin, visual disturbances, tremors, constipation, increased blood pressure, and a decrease or increase in weight may occur. If therapy with trazodone is stopped abruptly, there is also a risk of unpleasant effects.These can be sleep disturbances, nausea, vomiting, sweating and restlessness. Therefore, the end of treatment by the doctor is always carried out with a continuous reduction of the dose. Contraindications to treatment with trazodone are hypersensitivity to the drug and acute poisoning with sleeping pills, painkillers or alcohol. Furthermore, the patient should not suffer from cardiac arrhythmias and liver disease or have suicidal thoughts. During pregnancy, strict medical consideration must be given to the use of trazodone, which is especially true for the first three months of pregnancy. Thus, possible risks to the child cannot be completely ruled out. Because trazodone can pass into breast milk, the drug must not be used at all during breastfeeding. The use of the antidepressant is not suitable for children and adolescents under 18 years of age. Interactions may also occur when taking trazodone. For example, the drug has a reinforcing effect on medications that dampen brain function. It is also not advisable to take MAO inhibitors or other antidepressants from the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors at the same time. There is a risk of pronounced side effects as a result. Elevated blood levels of trazodone may result from concomitant use of agents such as fluoexetine, haloperidol, and thioridazine. Therefore, concomitant administration of these agents should be avoided.
