Can Trazodone cause skin rash?
By
Dr Milena Locci de Oliveira (PhD)
Author bio
Dr Milena Locci de Oliveira is a Pharmacist and Doctor of Philosophy in Sciences from the University of São Paulo (USP). She has experience in microbiology, analytical toxicology, and clinical pharmacokinetics. She writes and reviews content on these topics.
Dr Milena’s Highlights:
-PhD in Sciences, University of São Paulo, Brazil, 2019.
-University College London (UCL) – Semester of remote collaboration in the areas of Pharmacometrics and Population Pharmacokinetics, 2018.
-Bachelor in Biochemical Pharmacy, University of São Paulo, Brazil, 2013.
“Science can be translated, and it is essential that everyone has access to quality information to make informed decisions” – Dr Milena Oliveira, PhD.
Professional Experience:
With a decade-long career as a researcher, Dr Milena has amassed extensive experience in conducting research projects in microbiology, analytical toxicology, and clinical pharmacokinetics.
Her expertise also extends to the preparation of technical and scientific reports, literature reviews, data analysis, and scientific communication, both oral and written.
Dr Milena has served as a Clinical Pharmacist, providing expert supervision and guidance to teams during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in the ICUs of two reference hospitals for patient hospitalization.
In her most recent role, Dr Milena worked on the implementation of the deliberatives of the São Paulo State Government Pharmaceutical Assistance Coordination. These decisions were aimed at ensuring medication access within the Unified Health System.
A widely multidisciplinary background enabled Dr Milena to become a professional capable of integrating scientific knowledge into private initiatives, education, and healthcare, delivering consistent services in patient safety and population health.
Professional Memberships & Affiliations:
Dr Milena Oliveira is a member of the Regional Council of Pharmacy of the State of São Paulo, Brazil.
Education:
-PhD in Sciences, University of São Paulo, Brazil, 2019.
-University College London (UCL) – Semester of remote collaboration, 2018.
-Bachelor in Biochemical Pharmacy, University of São Paulo, Brazil, 2013.
Relevant Published Work & Citations:
Oliveira ML de, Rocha A, Nardotto GHB, Pippa LF, Simões BP, Lanchote VL. Analysis of daunorubicin and its metabolite daunorubicinol in plasma and urine with application in the evaluation of total, renal and metabolic formation clearances in patients with acute myeloid leukemia. Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis. Nov 2020. 191:113-124.
Abstracts. CPT: Pharmacometrics & Systems Pharmacology. 2020 Nov; 9 (S1).
Pippa LF, Oliveira ML de, Rocha A, de Andrade JM, Lanchote VL. Total, renal and hepatic clearances of doxorubicin and formation clearance of doxorubicinol in patients with breast cancer: Estimation of doxorubicin hepatic extraction ratio. Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis. 2020 Jun 5; 185:113-231.
Godoy ALPC, De Jesus C, De Oliveira ML, Rocha A, Pereira MPM, Larangeira DF, Lanchote VL, Barrouin-Melo SM. Determination of Allopurinol and Oxypurinol in Dogs Plasma by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with an Ultraviolet Detector: Application for Pharmacokinetic Studies. J Chromatogr Sep Tech. 2017; 8 (4).
Clímaco EC, Oliveira ML de, Pitondo-Silva A, Oliveira MG, Medeiros M, Lincopan N, et al. Clonal complexes 104, 109 and 113 playing a major role in the dissemination of OXA-carbapenemase-producing Acinetobacter baumannii in Southeast Brazil. Infection, Genetics and Evolution. 2013 Oct;19:127–33.
Conference Papers:
Oliveira, M. L.; NARDOTTO, G. H. B.; PIPPA, L. F.; ROCHA, A.; SIMOES, B. P.; LANCHOTE, V. L. . Daunorubicin metabolism and urinary excretion in patients with acute myeloid leukemia. In: 84th Annual Meeting of the German Society for Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology (DGPT) and the 20th Annual Meeting of the Association of the Clinical Pharmacology Germany (VKliPha), 2018, Göttingen. Naunyn-Schmiedeberg’s Arch Pharmacol, 2018. v. 391. p. S76-S76.
Oliveira, M. L.; NARDOTTO, G. H. B. ; ROCHA, A. ; SIMOES, B. P. ; LANCHOTE, V. L. . The low contribution of urinary excretion in the elimination of daunorubicin and its metabolite daunorubicinol in patients with acute myeloid leukemia. In: 49th Brazilian Congress of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics., 2017, Ribeirão Preto. Livro de Resumos, 2017. p. 64-64.
Oliveira, M. L.; PIPPA, L. F. ; ROCHA, A. ; SIMOES, B. P. ; LANCHOTE, V. L. . Quantification of daunorubicin and its metabolite daunorubicinol in human plasma by LC-MS/MS. In: I International Meeting of Environmental Health and Toxicology (IMEHTOX), 2016, Ribeirão Preto. Livro de Resumos, 2016.
Oliveira, M. L.; Clímaco, E.C. ; OLIVEIRA, M. G. ; Lincopan, N. ; Darini A.L.C. . PFGE typing of Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii isolated from different University Hospitals. In: V International Postgraduate and Research Symposium, 2012.
Clímaco, E.C. ; SILVA, A. P. ; Oliveira, M. L. ; OLIVEIRA, M. G. ; Lincopan, N. ; Darini A.L.C. Relação clonal entre linhagens de Acinetobacter baumannii produtoras de carbapenemases da família OXA em quatro hospitais no Brasil. In: XXI Latin American Congress of Microbiology, 2012, Santos. XXI Latin American Congress of Microbiology, 2012.
Oliveira, M. L.; Clímaco, E.C. ; OLIVEIRA, M. G. ; Darini A.L.C. . Dissemintion of OXA carbapenemases genes in carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii in University Hospital of Juiz de Fora, MG. In: 8th CIFARP – International Congress of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2011, Ribeirão Preto.
Clímaco, E.C. ; Oliveira, M. L. ; OLIVEIRA, M. G. ; Darini A.L.C. . Avaliação do sequenciamento parcial do gene rpoB e de seus flanqueadores para identificação de espécies de Acinetobacter na rotina laroratorial. In: 2° International Symposium on Clinical Microbiology, 2010, Florianópolis.
You can view some of Dr Milena’s work below and links to her professional profile.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dra-milena-locci-de-oliveira-28986042/?locale=en_US
ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Milena-Oliveira-6
Escavador: https://www.escavador.com/sobre/5394254/milena-locci-de-oliveira
Lattes: https://buscatextual.cnpq.br/buscatextual/busca.do
Scopus: https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=57199779361
Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?view_op=list_works&hl=pt-BR&user=1YUBDIQAAAAJ
Can Trazodone cause skin rash?
Trazodone does not commonly cause skin rash unless you’re allergic to it or to any inactive ingredient present in the formulation. Skin-related side effects are not listed as usual side effects of Trazodone. (1,2)
If you begin to notice a skin rash right after taking your first-ever dose, you should immediately contact your doctor. Allergic reactions to meds are quite rare, but they are unpredictable.
Skin rashes or itching could be the first sign of an allergy and it should be managed right away. Other common signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction include: (3)
- Skin rash, hives, itching, burning sensation, blue-purple patches, painful blisters, etc.
- Tightness of chest, difficulty in breathing, hoarseness, etc.
- Swelling of tongue, lips, face, eyes, or throat.
In some cases, people respond well to Trazodone – the actual chemical that generates a therapeutic response – but they are allergic to an inactive ingredient present in the formulation.
Inactive ingredients or excipients are added to bind and coat the medication. Such cases are reported using generic Trazodone tablets and can easily be resolved by switching to a brand or a different generic Trazodone formulation.
Make sure you report your side effects to your doctor and discuss the future safety and efficacy of the dose of Trazodon.
What side effects are common with Trazodone?
Trazodone, although it does not generally cause skin-related issues, is associated with some side effects – ranging from common and mild to rare and serious. (1)
Common side effects of Trazodone include:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Blurred vision
- Headache
- Nausea or upset stomach
- Acid reflux
- Constipation
- Weight changes
- Nightmares
- Muscle aches or weakness
- Fatigue or tiredness
Rare or serious side effects of Trazodone include:
- Priapism (persistent, painful erection) (4)
- Serotonin syndrome (a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by agitation, confusion, rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, dilated pupils, and muscle rigidity) (5)
- Allergic reactions (rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, difficulty breathing)
Please note that individual responses to Trazodone may vary. It’s important to consult with your healthcare provider for a comprehensive understanding of the potential side effects and any specific concerns related to your health and Trazodone use.
What to do if you exhibit signs of an allergic reaction right after taking Trazodone?
If you experience signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing, immediately seek emergency medical assistance or call your local emergency hotline. Allergic reactions can be serious and require prompt medical attention. (1)
At the hospital, healthcare professionals can assess your symptoms, provide appropriate treatment, and monitor your condition.
They may administer medications to counteract the allergic reaction, such as antihistamines to reduce itching and swelling, and in severe cases, they may administer epinephrine to address breathing difficulties.
In terms of alternative treatment options, if you have experienced an allergic reaction to Trazodone, it is important to avoid further exposure to the medication. Your doctor will work with you to find an alternative treatment option for your specific condition.
They may recommend other medications from different drug classes that are better suited for you and less likely to cause an allergic reaction. Just remember, in cases of allergic reactions, immediate medical attention is essential.
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References
1.-
Shin JJ, Saadabadi A. Trazodone. 2022 Jul 10. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 29262060. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470560
2.-
Haria M, Fitton A, McTavish D. Trazodone. A review of its pharmacology, therapeutic use in depression and therapeutic potential in other disorders. Drugs Aging. 1994 Apr;4(4):331-55. doi: 10.2165/00002512-199404040-00006. PMID: 8019056. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8019056/
3.-
Maguire J, Singh AN. Allergic type response to trazodone. Br J Psychiatry. 1987 Feb;150:271-2. doi: 10.1192/bjp.150.2.271. PMID: 3651694. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3651694/
4.-
Vaesen F, Sempels M. L’image du mois. Priapisme ischémique réfractaire sur prise de trazodone [Refractory ischemic priapism due to trazodone]. Rev Med Liege. 2023 Jan;78(1):4-6. French. PMID: 36634058. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36634058/
5.-
Rao R. Serotonin syndrome associated with trazodone. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry. 1997 Jan;12(1):129-30. doi: 10.1002/(sici)1099-1166(199701)12:1<129::aid-gps513>3.0.co;2-l. PMID: 9050436. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9050436/
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