Trazodone acts on the central nervous system (CNS) as a mood elevator. Physicians prescribe trazodone both for general mental depression and for depression that accompanies anxiety. If combined with alcohol or other CNS medications such as antihistamines, sedatives, sleep aids, barbiturates, muscle relaxants or anesthetics, it can have an exaggerated effect. The Drugs.com website states that trazodone helps balance serotonin activity in the brain to relieve depression, sleeplessness and chronic pain. Some of the side effects of trazodone can be dangerous, while others may be less serious.
Mental Sluggishness
As a CNS depressant, trazodone can cause drowsiness, dizziness, loss of coordination and fatigue. Mayo Clinic staff say taking the medication can cause enough loss of mental alertness that you should not drive or operate machinery while using the medication. Any activity that requires coordination and alertness may be compromised while taking trazodone, with an end result of possible harm to yourself or others through a fall or a mistaken movement.
Suicidal Thoughts
Trazadone can cause you to have suicidal thoughts and act on those thoughts. The RxList.com website warns that taking trazodone may cause behavioral changes including thoughts of harming yourself with the possibility of turning those thoughts to action. Trazodone is especially risky to give to children and adolescents with depressive disorders. If it is necessary, the website states physicians should begin with a low dose and gradually strengthen the dose while monitoring the patient's behavior carefully.
Flu-Like Symptoms
Trazodone may trigger flu-like symptoms in a patient as a side effect. The Drugs.com website states you may suffer headaches, nausea, muscle aches, dry mouth, sleeplessness and runny nose as possible flu-like symptoms from taking trazodone. If the flu-like symptoms become extreme and include fever and chills, check with your doctor immediately, as this indicates a more extreme reaction to the medication.
High Blood Pressure, Memory Loss, Confusion
Trazodone may cause the side effects of high blood pressure, confused thoughts and loss of memory. The RxList.com website warns that medical personnel and caregivers should watch patients taking trazodone carefully, especially if patients are adolescent, elderly or have other compromising physical or mental impairments.
Member Comments