Trazodone is the generic name of a mood elevator or antidepressant sold under the brand name Desyrel. It may be prescribed in the treatment of depression whether it is a stand-alone condition or if it is associated with anxiety. It is administered as pills in daily dosages of 150mg at the beginning of treatment. This may be increased as treatment continues, but the Mayo Clinic states dosage rarely exceeds a maximum of 600mg a day.
Mental Problems
Trazodone, even when taken in the dose ordered by your physician, may produce some side effects that can affect your thinking. The most common serious side effect of this type is mental confusion, meaning you may not understand common things such as where you are and what time it is. Less common serious mental side effects of trazodone may include concentration difficulties and nervousness. Tell your doctor immediately about any of these you experience. A common non-serious side effect that should be temporary is problems with your memory. RxList.com also reports an increased potential for suicides in adolescents and children if they take trazodone or other antidepressants.
Vision and Hearing Problems
Other common serious side effects of trazodone can affect your visual and auditory senses. The more common of these is blurry vision which should be reported to your doctor immediately. The Mayo Clinic reports a less common temporary side effect of trazodone is unexplainable noises that are continual in your ears such as buzzing and ringing. You also may experience a pounding noise in your ears. Report this to your physician if it does not fade with continued use of the medicine.
Coordination Problems
Trazodone may create problems with coordination and balance. The more common serious side effects related to this include dizziness and lightheadedness. Less commonly, your coordination may be affected.
Other Side Effects
Call your doctor immediately if you experience such common side effects from trazodone as sweating or abnormal weakness and tiredness. Less common are bodily swelling, fainting, headaches, bradycardia or a reduced heart rate, tachycardia or an accelerated heart rate or tremors in your muscles. Other temporary side effects may include losing weight, pain in your muscles or bones, insomnia, diarrhea or constipation, loss of hearing or a bad taste in your mouth.
Member Comments