Trazadone Hydrochloride (Antidepressant)

Question 1

What are the brand names of trazodone hydrochloride?

Answer 1

Desyrel, Oleptro

Question 2

What are the strengths of trazodone hydrochloride tablets available?

Answer 2

50 mg, 100 mg, 150 mg, and 300 mg

Question 3

What are the strengths of extended release trazodone hydrochloride tablets?

Answer 3

150 mg, 300 mg (Oleptro)

Question 4

What is the FDA approved indication and dosage of trazodone hydrochloride?

Answer 4

Treatment of depression with or without associated anxiety

Dose: 150mg per day initially given in a single or divided those. Dosage may be increased or decreased by 50 mg per day increments every three or four days a significant drowsiness occurs, give a large amount of the daily dose at bedtime or reduced dosage. Maximum daily dose for outpatient is 400 mg. Not recommended for children under 18 years of age.

25% of the patients treated will require two more weeks of therapy before optimal anti-depressant effects are saying

Question 5

What is the mechanism of action of trazodone hydrochloride?

Answer 5

Trazodone inhibits serotonin uptake by brain synaptosomes therefore increasing the behavioral effects of the serotonin precursor 5-hydroxytryptophan

Question 6

What are the drug interactions of trazodone hydrochloride?

Answer 6

• Alcohol and other CNS depressants may potentiate drowsiness.
• May increase effectiveness of phenytoin.
• Grapefruit juice may increase plasma levels.
• CYP3A4 inhibitors (ketoconazole, ritonavir, and indinavir) may decrease metabolism of trazodone

Question 7

What are the contraindications of trazodone hydrochloride?

Answer 7

• Antidepressants increase suicidal thoughts and actions in children, adolescents, and young adults.
• Use with caution in pregnancy and in patients with a recent myocardial infarction or a predisposition to cardiac arrhythmias.
• Priapism has been known to occur during therapy. If this occurs patients and stop the medication and consult the physician.
• As with any antidepressant, do not give large quantities of this drug to extremely depressed or suicidal patients.
• Pregnancy Category C

Question 8

What are the adverse effects of trazodone hydrochloride?

Answer 8

Drowsiness, dry mouth, hypertension, dizziness, confusion, fatigue, headache, priapism, nausea, and vomiting

Question 9

What should the RPh tell the patient when counseling on the use of trazodone hydrochloride?

Answer 9

• Take with food to enhance absorption.
• May cause drowsiness. Use care when operating machinery or when mental alertness is required.
• Avoid alcohol while taking this medication.
• Patient with prolonged or inappropriate penile erection should discontinue use immediately and consult a physician.
• If a dose is missed, skip it and return to normal dosing schedule