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. Lithium
  8. Trazodone
  9. Buspirone
  10. Mirtazapine
  11. Benzodiazepines
  12. Barbiturates
  13. Zolpidem
  14. Typical Antipsychotics
  15. Atypical Antipsychotics
  16. Lithium (Old)
  17. Bupropion (Old)
  18. SNRIs (Old)
  19. MAOIs (Old)
  20. Amphetamines (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