A physician or psychiatrist may prescribe trazodone for the treatment of mental depression, although this medication falls under the classification of atypical antidepressants. People who suffer from anxiety who become depressed also may take trazodone, according to the Mayo Clinic. The medication elevates mood but also acts as a sedative. Serious and non-serious common side effects may result from the use of trazodone.
Confusion
Because trazodone may produce a sedation effect, this can lead to mental "fuzziness" or confusion about even simple things, such as participating in conversations. Classified as serious and common, this side effect requires medical attention, and the person should report it to a doctor immediately, the Mayo Clinic recommends.
Postural Hypotension
A sudden, momentary drop in blood pressure called postural hypotension may occur with the use of trazodone. This occurs when a person suddenly rises from a prone or sitting position. It can induce syncope as well as lightheadedness and dizziness. Dizziness, or a sensation of movement, and lightheadedness both may occur separately because of trazodone use, not just because of postural hypotension, according to the Mayo Clinic. No matter how these side effects occur, they require medical aid immediately.
Weakness and Blurry Vision
Trazodone may induce other serious common side effects that affect the whole body, such as a feeling of abnormal weakness and tiredness. It also may produce problems with vision, primarily a blurriness when attempting to focus, according to the Mayo Clinic. This may occur because of the effect of sedation experienced with trazodone use. These, too, should be explained to a physician immediately.
Appetite Decreases
Taking trazodone also may create some nonserious common side effects, usually at the beginning of treatment with it, according to Drugs.com. For example, the medication may reduce appetite. Compounding this problem, nausea and stomach pain may occur. Side effects such as these typically disappear within a day or two after starting trazodone treatment.
Balance Problems
Because trazodone works as a sedative, it can cause a disruption to the person's sense of balance and coordination. This lack of coordination may accompany another side effect that can affect balance--pain in the muscles. These, too, are common but temporary side effects of trazodone, Drugs.com reports, that should end within a week.
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