Does trazodone calm you down? (+3 factors)
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 discover whether trazodone can calm you down or not. We will see the differences and similarities between trazodone from other calming medications. We will further dig into the ways to utilize trazodone to induce calmness.
Does trazodone calm you down?
Yes, trazodone can calm you down. Trazodone is primarily used as an antidepressant medication but it can be used to induce calmness in some patients.
Trazodone belongs to the serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor class of antidepressants. Trazodone is approved by the FDA for the treatment of major depressive disorder. It is also used off-label for treating insomnia, anxiety, fibromyalgia, and substance abuse (1).
Trazodone is prescribed for insomnia due to its sedating and calming properties. Trazodone acts via the serotonergic mechanism in the brain which results in calming and soothing effects.
However, these calming and relaxing effects of trazodone may vary from person to person and may affect different patients varyingly. Discuss the role of trazodone as a calming medication for your health condition with your healthcare provider.
How does trazodone help to calm you down?
Trazodone can give calming and soothing effects based on its mechanism of action. Following are some basic mechanisms by which trazodone alters the brain chemistry and exerts calming effects in the brain (1):
Serotonin modulation
Trazodone does not contain serotonin in its composition rather it acts primarily on the serotonergic system. It possesses the tendency to alter serotonin levels in the brain resulting in relaxed and calm behavior.
Trazodone also enhances the levels of serotonin in the brain by blocking its reuptake in the synaptic cleft which results in increased activity of serotonin leading to improved mood.
Histamine blockade
Trazodone possesses anti-histaminergic properties. Due to this property, trazodone has sedative activity. By blocking histamine, trazodone interferes with the wake cycle resulting in sedation and sleepiness.
Alpha-1 adrenoceptor blockade
Trazodone also blocks the alpha-1 adrenergic receptors which are involved in the fight or flight response. By blocking these receptors, trazodone tends to exert sedative and calming properties.
What factors contribute to the calming effects of trazodone?
The following factors may help in exerting calming effects while on trazodone:
- Neurotransmitter modulation- Trazodone alters the levels of serotonin, histamine, and norepinephrine levels in the brain. These neurotransmitters are involved in various mechanisms including the regulation of mood and sleep/wake cycle.
- Sedative properties- Due to the altered level of neurotransmitters, trazodone possesses sedative effects on the brain. Due to these sedative properties, trazodone is not preferred to take in the morning as it may cause daytime drowsiness in patients.
- Individual variation- Different patients react differently to medication. Some patients may face severe sedation due to trazodone while others may not.
What are the potential side effects of trazodone?
Some potential side effects of trazodone include (2):
- Nervousness
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Muscle pain
- Nightmares
- Gastrointestinal distress
- Dry mouth
- Rash
- Sexual effects on men and women
However, not all patients taking trazodone may suffer from these side effects. Individual response to medications may vary and similarly, some patients taking trazodone suffer from such side effects while others do not.
What to do if trazodone does not calm you down?
If trazodone fails to calm you down, then you must seek medical help. Consult your doctor and get yourself properly assessed.
If trazodone is not helping to calm you down, then your doctor may suggest an alternative antidepressant medication to alleviate your symptoms.
Your doctor may suggest you include other modes of therapy such as behavioral therapies, yoga, meditation, mindfulness, and physical exercises which also help calm your mind and relieve stress.
In the end, I would recommend you follow your doctor’s prescription. Always follow and take trazodone regularly at the given time, dosage, and frequency to avoid complications.
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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.-
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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