Desyrel (Trazodone) is a modified cyclic antidepressant used to treat depression. Desyrel (Trazodone) may also be used for relief of an anxiety disorder (e.g., sleeplessness, tension), chronic pain or to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor. Desyrel (Trazodone) is available in 3 dosage forms, 50mg, 100mg and 150mg tablets. Desyrel (Trazodone) should be taken with meals. Desyrel (Trazodone) is indicated for the treatment of depression. The efficacy of Desyrel (Trazodone) has been demonstrated in both inpatient and outpatient settings and for depressed patients with and without prominent anxiety. The depressive illness of patients studied corresponds to the Major Depressive Episode criteria of the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual.
Desyrel (Trazodone) dosage should be initiated at a low level and increased gradually, noting the clinical response and any evidence of intolerance. Occurrence of drowsiness may require the administration of a major portion of the daily dose of Desyrel (Trazodone) at bedtime or a reduction of dosage of Desyrel (Trazodone). Desyrel (Trazodone) should be taken shortly after a meal or light snack. Symptomatic relief may be seen during the first week, with optimal antidepressant effects typically evident within 2 weeks. Twenty-five percent of those who respond to Desyrel (Trazodone) require more than 2 weeks (up to 4 weeks) of drug administration.
Desyrel (Trazodone) interactions are as follows: (1) Increased serum digoxin or phenytoin levels have been reported to occur in patients receiving trazodone HCl concurrently with either of those two drugs. (2) It is not known whether interactions will occur between monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors and Desyrel (Trazodone) . Due to the absence of clinical experience, if MAO inhibitors are discontinued shortly before or are to be given concomitantly with Desyrel (Trazodone), therapy should be initiated cautiously with gradual increase in dosage until optimum response is achieved.
Major Depressive Episode implies a prominent and relatively persistent (nearly every day for at least 2 weeks) depressed or dysphoric mood that usually interferes with daily functioning, and includes at least four of the following eight symptoms: change in appetite, change in sleep, psychomotor agitation or retardation, loss of interest in usual activities or decrease in sexual drive, increased fatigability, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, slowed thinking or impaired concentration, and suicidal ideation or attempts.
DESYREL side effects, that may go away during treatment, include drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, headache, or nausea. If DESYREL side effects continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience DESYREL side effects like lightheadedness, fainting, blood in urine, shortness of breath, vomiting, irregular heartbeat, or prolonged, inappropriate, or painful erection in males. If you notice other DESYREL side effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
The mechanism of trazodone antidepressant action is not fully understood. Trazodone is classified as SNRI that selectively inhibits serotonin uptake by brain synaptosomes and potentiates the behavioral changes induced by the serotonin precursor, 5-hydroxytryptophan. Trazodone HCl is not a monoamine oxidase inhibitor and, unlike amphetamine-type drugs, does not stimulate the central nervous system.
Trazodone is well absorbed after oral administration without selective localization in any tissue. When trazodone is taken shortly after ingestion of food, there may be an increase in the amount of drug absorbed, a decrease in maximum concentration and a lengthening in the time to maximum concentration. Peak plasma levels occur approximately one hour after dosing when trazodone tablets are taken on an empty stomach or two hours after dosing when taken with food. Elimination of trazodone is biphasic, consisting of an initial phase (half-life 3-6 hours) followed by a slower phase (half-life 5-9 hours), and is unaffected by the presence or absence of food. Since the clearance of trazodone from the body is sufficiently variable, is some patients trazodone HCl may accumulate in the plasma.