Desyrel  - Generic Name: Trazodone

What is/are Trazodone?

TRAZODONE is used to treat depression. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care providers before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• attempted suicide or thinking about it
• bipolar disorder
• heart disease, or previous heart attack
• irregular heart beat
• kidney or liver disease
• an unusual or allergic reaction to trazodone, other medicines, foods, dyes or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take this medicine shortly after a meal or a light snack. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

Note: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following:

• MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
• nefazodone

This medicine may also interact with the following:

• barbiturates such as phenobarbital
• certain antidepressants or tranquilizers
• digoxin
• herbal medicines that contain kava kava, St John's wort, or valerian
• ketoconazole
• medicines for HIV or AIDS
• medicines for seizures
• other medicines for depression
• warfarin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What side effects may I notice from this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• fast, irregular heartbeat
• feeling faint or lightheaded, falls
• painful erections or other sexual dysfunction
• suicidal thoughts or other mood changes
• trembling

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• constipation
• headache
• muscle aches or pains
• nausea, vomiting
• unusually weak or tired

This list may not describe all possible side effects.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. You may have to take this medicine for two weeks or more before you feel better.

Patients and their families should watch out for worsening depression or thoughts of suicide. Also watch out for sudden or severe changes in feelings such as feeling anxious, agitated, panicky, irritable, hostile, aggressive, impulsive, severely restless, overly excited and hyperactive, or not being able to sleep. If this happens, especially at the beginning of antidepressant treatment or after a change in dose, call your health care professional.

You may get drowsy, dizzy or have blurred vision. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may increase dizziness or drowsiness. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

This medicine can make your mouth dry. Chewing sugarless gum, sucking hard candy and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.

Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds, or allergies without asking your doctor or health care professional for advice. Some ingredients may increase possible side effects.

If you are going to have surgery, tell your doctor or health care professional that you are taking this drug.

Where should I keep this medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.