Can trazodone upset your stomach? (7+ precautions)
By
Ivan Kahwa
Author bio
Mr Ivan Kahwa is a chemist and phytopharmaceutical scientist with expertise in chemistry, pharmacology, phytochemistry, and Nanobiotechnology. He writes and reviews content on these topics.
Mr Ivan Kahwa’s Highlights:
Guest Researcher at the University of Leipzig, Senior Research Fellow/Scientist, and Lecturer at the Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Professional Experience:
Mr Ivan joined PHARMBIOTRAC as a research fellow/scientist during his master of science tenure. He contributed to the development of most of the phytopharmaceutical products in the project. Furthermore, he participated in carrying out the pharmacological activities of the developed products in laboratory animals such as mice and rats in order to develop proper doses hence leading to pre-clinical studies.
With the above relevant research experience, Ivan started to work with the University of Leipzig on collaborative projects with Mbarara University to develop the chemistry of Ugandan Medicinal plants and their pharmacological activities. This was coupled with several consultative positions by different German NGOs. Mr. Kahwa is also a supporting in the teaching and learning at the Departments of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
With the increase in antimicrobial resistance globally, Ivan retooled his thinking towards developing new naturally derived antibiotic regimens from Ugandan propolis with the assistance of nanotechnology to improve their delivery to microbial cells. Kahwa has also published over 28 articles in peer-reviewed journals and he is currently reviewing for many journals.
Education:
2023-2027: PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences (ongoing) with a focus on Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Nanobiology at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2022: 2Msc. in Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicine Science at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2018: Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Publications:
▪ Iqbal, S., Jabeen, F., Kahwa, I., & Omara, T. 2023. Suberosin Alleviates Thiazolidinedione-Induced Cardiomyopathy in Diabetic Rats by Inhibiting Ferroptosis via Modulation of ACSL4-LPCAT3 and PI3K-AKT Signaling Pathways. Cardiovascular Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12012-023-09804-7
▪ Gupta, A. K., Yadav, R., Sharma, S., Sawale, J., & Kahwa, I. 2023. Anti-ageing Activity and Antioxidant Activity of Methanol Extracts of Leaves and Flowers of Salvia officinalis and Rosmarinus officinalis. Journal of Young Pharmacists, 15(3), 448–455. https://doi.org/10.5530/jyp.2023.15.60
▪ Tolo, C.U., Kahwa, I., Nuwagira, U., Weisheit, A. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Medicinal plants used in treatment of various diseases in the Rwenzori Region, Western Uganda. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 25, pp.1-16.
https://ethnobotanyjournal.org/index.php/era/article/view/4683
▪ Kahwa, I., Ajayi, C.O., Yadav, R., Chauhan, N.S., Shah, K., Abdelgadir, A.A., Shegena, E.A., Daniel, S., Omara, T., Asiimwe, J.B. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies as an invaluable approach for correct identification of medicinal plants: The case of Artemisia vulgaris L. substituted for Artemisia annua L. in Western Uganda. TMR Integr Med, 7, p.e23004.
https://doi.org/10.53388/TMRIM202307004
▪ Nalimu, F., Oloro, J., Kahwa, I. and Ogwang, P.E., 2021. Review on the phytochemistry and toxicological profiles of Aloe vera and Aloe ferox. Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 7, pp.1-21.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s43094-021-00296-2
▪ Elamin, O.H.S., Ali, M.A., Elgezuli, I.A.A., Bashir, M.A. and Kahwa, I., 2021. Diagnosis of pre-and post-treatment of echinococcus granulosus with counter current immune electrophoresis and bacterial co-agglutination. Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 11(02), pp.88-94.
https://doi.org/10.5799/jmid.951600
Published book Chapter
▪ Kahwa, I., Ayesiga, I., Nakalema, S., Alinaiswe, R., Mbabazi, R. and Iqbal, S., 2023. Natural products in the management of onchocerciasis. In Natural Products in Vector-Borne Disease Management (pp. 63-80). Academic Press. Book Chapter.
https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-91942-5.00012-4
Submitted manuscripts Under Review:
▪ Comparison of the Wound Healing Activity of the Leaf and Leaf Ash Extracts of Vernonia amygdalina in Rats. Journal name: Clinical Phytoscience
▪ Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal plants used in the management of cancer in Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Herbal Medicine
▪ Ethnobotanical survey and phytochemical screening of medicinal plants used in treatment of epilepsy by PROMETRA-Uganda Traditional Health Practitioners in Mpigi District, Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Ethnopharmacology
Submitted book chapters under review
1.Book title: Algae as a Natural Solution for Water-Food-Energy Nexus, Section 4: Microalgae and cyanobacteria for food applications, Chapter 4.6: Safety, toxicological and allergenic aspects of using algae for food. Authors: Christine Kyarimpa, Tom Omute, Caroline K. Nakiguli, Alice V. Khanakwa4, Christopher Angiro, Ivan Kahwa, Fortunate Ahumuza, Timothy Omara*. Publisher: Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 152 Beach Road, #21-01/04 Gateway East, Singapore 189721, Singapore.
2.Book title: Nutraceuticals Inspiring the Contemporary Therapy for Lifestyle Diseases. Chapter: Nutraceutical applications of Seaweeds and their Phytocompounds in Nutrition and Treatment of Diseases. Authors: Ivan Kahwa, Timothy Omara , Innocent Ayesiga , Gael Noel Neh Neba Ambe , Zehbanaz Javidbhai Panwala , Rachel Mbabazi , Shabnoor Iqbal , Christine Kyarimpa , Christine Betty Nagawa , Kamal Shah ,Nagendra Singh Chauhan* Publisher: CRC Press
You can view my works on the following professional sites:
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ivan-Kahwa
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=tOwrvqoAAAAJ&hl=en
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6440-3437
Linkedin: https://de.linkedin.com/in/ivan-kahwa-865450159
In this article, we will discuss whether trazodone upset your stomach. We will also discuss related research findings, symptoms of upset stomach, how to ensure safe and effective use of trazodone, and what to do if trazodone upsets your stomach.
Can trazodone upset your stomach?
Trazodone can upset your stomach. It is a common side effect of trazodone, especially in the early phase of trazodone treatment, individuals may experience some gastrointestinal side effects. However, it is important to note that not everyone taking trazodone may have stomach problems.
Trazodone is approved by the FDA to treat major depressive disorder. Trazodone can also be used in clinical settings to induce sleep and to treat post-traumatic disorder, Alzheimer’s disease, anxiety, or fibromyalgia (1).
Trazodone works by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin and also blocks histamine and adrenergic receptors. Trazodone is available in different dosage forms such as immediate-release or extended-release tablets, oral drops, or injectables. Trazodone may take up to 4 weeks to start working and 6 to 8 weeks to show its complete therapeutic benefits (1).
What does research suggest?
According to a research study, trazodone is an efficacious antidepressant for major depressive disorder. Trazodone has a relatively low risk of side effects compared to other antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). The stomach-related problems are also less compared to other antidepressant treatments with the benefit of inducing sleep (2).
Another research study indicated that when trazodone is taken along with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) which are used as painkillers, there is an increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. Therefore, it is necessary to be vigilant while using trazodone with these painkillers (3).
What are the symptoms of trazodone-induced stomach upset?
The symptoms of trazodone-induced stomach upset may include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
- Bloating
- Abdominal pain
- Acid reflux
- Stomach bleeding (rare) (4)
The side effects mentioned above may subside as your body adapts to trazodone treatment. However, if any of these trazodone-induced side effects become bothersome, please reach out to your healthcare provider.
How to ensure safe and effective use of trazodone?
To ensure safe and effective use of trazodone, please adhere to the following guidelines:
- Trazodone is available in the form of tablets to be taken with food.
- You should take trazodone at the same time each day and swallow the tablet as a whole or you can break it into two halves at the score line.
- Inform your doctor if you are taking any other medicines or supplements with trazodone to avoid drug interactions.
- Tell your doctor if you are allergic to trazodone or similar medications before prescribing it to you.
- Trazodone can make you dizzy, therefore avoid driving any vehicle or doing tasks that require concentration.
- You should avoid alcohol use because it may worsen the side effects of trazodone.
- Trazodone may take some time to show its therapeutic benefits, therefore you should not stop taking trazodone unless asked by your doctor.
- Trazodone when needed to be discontinued, should be reduced gradually to avoid the risk of withdrawal effects (4).
What to do if trazodone upsets your stomach?
If trazodone upsets your stomach, and it becomes bothersome, please reach out to your healthcare provider. They may prescribe you medicines such as Risek (omeprazole), to protect your stomach lining from the harmful effects of these antidepressants (5).
Your doctor may also reduce the dose of trazodone and check for your symptoms. If your stomach-related symptoms do not go away, your doctor may gradually reduce your trazodone dose, and switch you to an alternative antidepressant such as Effexor, Wellbutrin, Celexa, etc., which best suits your needs.
In my opinion, trazodone may cause stomach upset. However, it is important to note that not everyone taking trazodone may experience gastrointestinal side effects. Trazodone is a safe and effective antidepressant, but it may pose a serious risk of gastrointestinal bleeding when taken with NSAIDs which is rare.
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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. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29262060/
2.-
Cuomo A, Ballerini A, Bruni AC, Decina P, Di Sciascio G, Fiorentini A, Scaglione F, Vampini C, Fagiolini A. Clinical guidance for the use of trazodone in major depressive disorder and concomitant conditions: pharmacology and clinical practice. Riv Psichiatr. 2019 Jul-Aug;54(4):137-149. doi: 10.1708/3202.31796. PMID: 31379379. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31379379/
3.-
Po AL. Antidepressants and upper gastrointestinal bleeding. BMJ. 1999 Oct 23;319(7217):1081-2. doi: 10.1136/bmj.319.7217.1081. PMID: 10531078; PMCID: PMC1116881. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1116881/
4.-
Trazodone-MedlinePlus [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); [Last Revised – 01/15/2022]. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a681038.html
5.-
Katz PO, Hatlebakk JG, Castell DO. Gastric acidity and acid breakthrough with twice-daily omeprazole or lansoprazole. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2000 Jun;14(6):709-14. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-2036.2000.00775.x. PMID: 10848653. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10848653/
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