Medicine & USMLE

Trazodone

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Mental Health Drugs
  1. Bupropion
  2. SNRIs
  3. SSRIs
  4. MAOIs
  5. Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)
  6. Extrapyramidal Symptoms (EPS)
  7. Serotonin Syndrome
  8. Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)
  9. Lithium
  10. Lithium Toxicity
  11. Typical Antipsychotics
  12. Atypical Antipsychotics
  13. Trazodone
  14. Buspirone
  15. Mirtazapine
  16. CNS Stimulants
  17. Zolpidem
  18. Benzodiazepines
  19. Barbiturates
  20. Barbiturates (Old)
  21. Benzodiazepines (Old)
  22. Lithium (Old)
  23. Bupropion (Old)
  24. SNRIs (Old)
  25. MAOIs (Old)
  26. Amphetamines (Old)
  27. Typical Antipsychotics (Old)
  28. Atypical Antipsychotics (Old)

Summary

Trazodone is a medication that is used to treat depression. It is also commonly used to treat insomnia due to its sedating effects.

Side effects of trazodone include sedation and priapism.

Key Points

  • Trazodone
    • Drug Class
      • Atypical Antidepressant
        • Trazodone doesn’t fall into other typical antidepressant drug classes. It has a unique mechanism and unique side effects.
    • Mechanism
      • Blocks reuptake of serotonin
        • This allows an increased amount of serotonin to remain in the synaptic cleft
      • Blocks alpha and H1 receptors
    • Clinical Use
      • Depression
        • Often used in combination therapy with another antidepressant
      • Insomnia
        • An off-label use, due to its sedative properties
    • Side Effects
      • Sedation
        • Give at night to avoid daytime drowsiness
        • Should not be taken with other CNS depressants (benzodiazepines, alcohol, antihistamines, etc.)
      • Priapism
        • Prolonged painful erection (>2 hours) that can lead to tissue hypoxia and necrosis if not treated immediately
        • Medical emergency