Trazodone Potential Side Effects

Trazodone Potential Side Effects Bipolar Disorder Treatment Medications Print Common Side Effects and Overdose Symptoms of Trazodone By Marcia Purse Marcia Purse is a mental health writer and bipolar disorder advocate who brings strong research skills and personal experiences to her writing. Learn about our editorial policy Marcia Purse Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on August 05, 2016 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Steven Gans, MD Updated on January 05, 2020 Mariam Ushkhvani / EyeEm / Getty Images More in Bipolar Disorder Treatment Medications Symptoms Diagnosis In This Article Table of Contents Expand Uses Common Side Effects Less Common Side Effects When to See a Doctor Signs of Overdose Withdrawal Symptoms Rare but Serious Side Effects View All Back To Top Trazodone, an antidepressant sometimes used in treating bipolar disorder, is often prescribed to treat insomnia because its most frequent side effect is sedation.?? Trazodones original brand name is Desyrel, and there is an extended-release form sold under the brand name Oleptro. Uses  in Bipolar Disorder Trazodone may be used to treat the depressive symptoms of bipolar disorder, or it may be used to help with insomnia. Common Side Effects These common side effects of trazodone may lessen or stop altogether once your system gets used to the medication.?? Check with your doctor if any of the following side effects dont go away or are bothersome: Dizziness or lightheadednessDrowsiness/sleepinessDry mouthHeadacheNauseaFatigueBlurred visionConstipationDiarrheaBack painSexual dysfunction (decreased desire or performance ability) Trazodones sedating effect is so common that the drug is prescribed for sleep problems. Consequently, do not to engage in potentially hazardous activities, including driving, until you know how this drug affects you. Less Common Side Effects Always notify your doctor as soon as possible if you experience any of these less common side effects:?? Abdominal painMuscle achesProblems with coordination or memoryMigraineTinglingAgitationDisorientationShortness of breathNight sweatsUrgent need to urinateVomitingVisual disturbanceConfusionDrop in blood pressure when standing up (orthostatic hypotension)Muscle tremorsHearing problemsTinnitusAbnormal gaitMuscle twitchingAmnesiaSensitivity to lightSpeech problemsBladder pain or incontinenceFlushing (skin becoming red and warm)Fainting (syncope)Fast or slow heartbeatSkin rashUnusual excitement How Trazodone Impacts Sex When to Seek Medical Attention Stop taking this medicine and seek emergency medical attention if the following side effect occurs: Painful, prolonged erection of the penis. This condition, called priapism, can result in permanent damage to erectile tissues if not treated promptly.?? Black Box Warning Like all antidepressants, trazodone is required to carry a warning regarding the increased possibility of suicidal thinking or behavior in young adults (24 and under), adolescents, and children. Talk to your doctor right away if you or a family member is experiencing suicidal thoughts. Signs of Overdose Notify your doctor or poison control center immediately if you or a loved one have potentially overdosed on trazodone and show any of these symptoms:?? DrowsinessLoss of muscle coordinationNausea and vomitingA painful erection that does not go awayRespiratory arrestSeizuresSlower or faster heartbeat Withdrawal Symptoms As with other antidepressants, its important to not discontinue trazodone without your doctors approval and guidance. You will likely be put on a tapering schedule so that the medication has a chance to gradually work its way out of your system, decreasing your risk for unpleasant effects. Withdrawal symptoms that may occur, especially if you stop using trazodone suddenly, include:?? AnxietyAgitationSleep disturbances Other Rare but Serious Side Effects Serotonin syndrome, a serious, potentially life-threatening illness caused by too much serotonin in the body.??Hyponatremia, a low concentration of sodium in the blood.Abnormal bleeding, especially when combined with drugs that can irritate the stomach, including aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen.