Posted by Sunnely on April 18, 2001, at 18:42:02
In reply to Trazodone, posted by Joe K on April 18, 2001, at 9:46:08
Hi Joe,
Trazodone (Desyrel) is an antidepressant but nowadays commonly prescribed as a "sleeper." The usual dose to promote sleep is between 50-200 mg at bedtime. The smaller dose is tried first before going to higher doses.
As an antidepressant, trazodone should be prescribed between 300-600 mg/day. However, because of dose-related side-effects such as sedation that lingers through the day, dizziness, and orthostatic hypotension (marked drop in blood pressure upon arising), and the advent of the newer antidepressants, it has been relegated to its present role of a "hypnotic" drug.
The common side effect of trazodone is drowsiness. You should also be aware that dizziness and orthostatic hypotension can occur even in the smaller, "hypnotic" dose. And last but not the least (among men), among the antidepressants, trazodone is the one commonly associated with "priapism." This condition is characterized by a persistent and painful penile erection unrelated to emotional arousal. This is a medical emergency. If not treated immediately, could lead to impotency. Better be aware of this potential adverse effect now. Right? I don't think you want to learn about it the "hard way."
Finally, there have been anecdotal reports of "serotonin syndrome" developing with the combination of SSRI and trazodone.
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> I just started taking Trazodone 100 mg at night and now I am up to 150 mg at night. Does anyone have any side effects from it? I know it puts me to sleep within 10-15 min and I sleep great. I am a little groggy in the morning but get out of it fast.
> I saw that some of the side effects are pretty nasty.
> Thoughts?
poster:Sunnely
thread:60298
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010417/msgs/60375.html