Does trazodone affect Plan B? (+3 insights)
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 the effects of trazodone on the Plan B pill. We will further discover the possible risks attached to taking trazodone and the Plan B pill in combination.
Does trazodone affect Plan B?
No, trazodone does not affect the Plan B pill. Trazodone and Plan B (also known as the emergency pill) are not linked to directly interact with each other. However, indirect effects may occur depending on individual patient variations.
Trazodone belongs to an antidepressant group of medications that exert its action by serotonin antagonism and by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin in the brain. It is known to alter the serotonin levels in the brain (1).
Trazodone is approved by the FDA for the treatment of major depressive disorder. It is used off-label for the treatment of anxiety, insomnia, fibromyalgia, bulimia, substance abuse, and Alzheimer’s disease (1).
Plan B (Levonorgestrel) is an emergency pill used to prevent pregnancy. It is a form of emergency contraception used to prevent pregnancy after having unprotected sex or a contraceptive accident (2).
While there are no direct interactions reported between trazodone and Plan B, it is important to be aware of indirect effects causing mood and behavioral changes.
Is absorption or metabolism of Plan B altered by trazodone?
Trazodone may have an impact on the absorption and metabolism of PlanB. Therefore, consultation with your healthcare provider is advised before taking trazodone and Plan B on a regular basis.
Trazodone is metabolized by the cytochrome P450 metabolism in the liver. Inhibition of certain liver enzymes by trazodone may alter the pharmacokinetics of Plan B pill causing altered metabolism.
Similarly, the absorption of Plan B can be affected due to the sedative and gastrointestinal properties of trazodone. Having gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea due to trazodone can alter the absorption levels of Plan B.
Are there any risks attached to trazodone and Plan B?
There are no direct risks attached to trazodone and Plan B. Trazodone works by modulating serotonin levels while Plan B mimics progesterone to prevent pregnancy. However, you need to be aware that there are some risks and side effects attached to both these medications.
It is important to note that trazodone may cause sexual side effects in both men and women. Due to these side effects it may cause delayed or irregular menstrual cycles in women and erectile dysfunction in men (1).
Plan B pill is a single-dose medication and therefore, its side effects may be for a shorter duration of time. It must be noted that PlanB is associated with causing long-term mood disorders.
However, it is important to keep in mind that different patients react differently to medications. Some patients may develop severe side effects after using trazodone and Plan B pills due to their metabolism, hormonal level alteration, or response to the medication.
You must be in contact with your doctor regarding any abnormality observed while using trazodone and PlanB. They must provide you with individual care plans based on your individual choices and variations.
Do trazodone and Plan B have long-term hormonal effects?
Trazodone does not alter the hormonal levels in the body. However, it is associated with causing sexual side effects in both men and women including decreased libido and sex drive (3). However, Plan B alters the reproductive hormonal levels in the body, particularly progesterone.
It is not considered safe to take Plan B for long-term contraceptive use. Plan B is an emergency contraceptive pill that must be used in emergencies for birth control.
However, taking Plan B regularly with trazodone might have hormonal side effects. Taking Plan B for the long term may cause menstrual irregularities, breast tenderness, fatigue, changes in libido, and nausea.
Therefore, if you are taking Plan B regularly while on trazodone, then you must seek medical help. Discuss the possible birth control methods with your doctor for your health condition to avoid long-term use of Plan B along with trazodone.
How to ensure the safe use of trazodone and Plan B?
To ensure the safe use of trazodone and Plan B pills, you must keep the following considerations in mind to avoid potential interactions:
- Contact your healthcare provider- For any special health concerns, keep your healthcare provider in the loop. They can give you the best advice regarding the interactions and effects of the Plan B pill and trazodone.
- Efficacy of Plan B- The efficacy of the Plan B pill depends upon its timing. It is preferred to take it soon after unprotected sex. You must always talk to your doctor about taking Plan B more than once a week.
- Potential side effects- Both trazodone and Plan B pill are associated with having side effects. You must monitor your side effects carefully to avoid any potential adversities.
- Long-term contraception- While Plan B pill is effective as an emergency contraceptive. It must not be taken as a long-term and a regular use.
As a pharmacist, I would advise you to discuss with your healthcare provider for potential effects and risks of taking trazodone and Plan B pills individually for your condition.
However, if you are sexually active and want to prevent pregnancy, you must consider a better and consistent form of contraception that is more reliable and safe for a longer term of use rather than using a Plan B pill every time.
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References
1.-
Shin JJ, Saadabadi A. Trazodone. [Updated 2022 Jul 10]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470560/
2.-
Mother To Baby | Fact Sheets [Internet]. Brentwood (TN): Organization of Teratology Information Specialists (OTIS); 1994-. Levonorgestrel (Plan B One-Step®) 2022 Jul. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK583410/
3.-
AHFS Patient Medication Information [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc.; c2019. Trazodone; [updated 2020 Jun 24; reviewed 2018 Jul 5; cited 2020 Jul 1]; [about 5 p.]. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a681038.html
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