Does Trazodone cause frequent urination? 

In this brief article, we will answer whether trazodone causes frequent urination and discuss other considerations such as what to do in case of urinary-related side effects, other possible urological side effects of Trazodone, and whether it can be taken if you have renal disease. 

Although rare, Trazodone can cause frequent urination and other adverse effects related to urine (1). 

Due to the infrequency of these events, there are limited studies in the literature regarding the urinary adverse effects of Trazodone, and the mechanism leading to these effects is unknown (2,3,4).

If you experience any urinary side effects, it is important to contact your healthcare provider.

In addition to adverse effects directly related to urine, Trazodone can also lead to other urological side effects, such as priapism and sexual dysfunction.

Finally, Trazodone should be taken with caution by patients with renal diseases (1,5).

Does Trazodone cause frequent urination? 

 Yes, Trazodone can increase urinary frequency, but this is a rare adverse effect, occurring <2% of patients using this medication in clinical trials.  

Furthermore, some adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of Trazodone, including urinary incontinence and urinary retention. 

It is important to keep in mind that people are unique and may respond differently to treatment. If you already have an underlying urological condition, it may increase your risk of Trazodone-induced urinary incontinence or retention (1).

What are the mechanisms that lead to adverse urinary effects after taking Trazodone?

There is limited research on the negative effects of Trazodone on urination. Thus, the exact mechanism by which Trazodone causes urinary side effects is not understood yet.

Studies indicate that Trazodone can cause both urinary retention and frequent urination. It is thought that the individual’s response to the drug makes a difference (2,3,4). 

However, the studies have also indicated that these side effects tend to improve over time as the body adjusts to the medication  (4). 

What to do if you think Trazodone is causing urinary-related side effects? 

If you’re experiencing frequent urination or urinary incontinence, and you suspect that  Trazodone is causing these side effects, it is important to contact your healthcare provider. 

Your doctor will likely attempt to determine the precise cause of these side effects and will rule out other factors that could possibly affect your kidney or bladder functions. 

If it is determined that Trazodone is causing harm and is responsible for these side effects, your doctor may consider adjusting the dose or switching you to an alternative antidepressant. 

It is crucial to consult with your doctor before making any changes to your treatment (1).. 

Can Trazodone cause any other urological adverse effects?

In addition to urinary incontinence and urinary retention, the use of Trazodone can lead to priapism 一 a prolonged and painful erection that can occur in men, as well as sexual dysfunction.

Other adverse effects associated with the use of Trazodone include (1,5):

  • Weakness, tiredness or drowsiness
  • Dry mouth
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Headache
  • Acid reflux
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea or constipation
  • Blurred vision
  • Nightmares
  • Tired, red, or itchy eyes
  • Increased appetite

Although it is not common for Trazodone to have a negative impact on your liver, some individuals may experience such effects.

Trazodone may also cause rare but potentially serious side effects, such as:

  • Serotonin syndrome: a potentially life-threatening condition that can occur when there is too much serotonin in the brain. Symptoms include confusion, agitation, fever, sweating, tremors, and muscle rigidity.
  • Orthostatic hypotension: a sudden drop in blood pressure when you stand up or move your position.

If you begin to experience persistent side effects or any of the serious adverse effects, it is advisable to consult your doctor.

Trazodone can be taken if you have renal disease?

Individuals with renal diseases should be cautious when taking Trazodone.

Although this medication is primarily metabolized by the liver and less than 1% of an oral dose is excreted unchanged in the urine, no clinical trials have been conducted to evaluate the safety of this treatment in patients with renal diseases (1).

Conclusion

In this brief article, we have answered whether trazodone causes frequent urination and discussed other considerations such as what to do in case of urinary-related side effects, other possible urological side effects of Trazodone, and whether it can be taken if you have renal disease. 

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References

1.-

DESYREL® (trazodone hydrochloride).  U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Reference ID: 4119349 [Internet] [updated 2017 Jun; cited 2023 Jun 22]. Available from: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/018207s032lbl.pdf.

2.-

Shin, H. W., Park, Y. J., Kim, K. J.,  Kim, Y. K.  The incidence and risk factors for urinary incontinence and retention associated with trazodone use: A retrospective cohort study. Psychopharmacology Bulletin. 2018;48(4), 27-33.

3.-

Kahn B, Boazak M, Ragazino J, Sineath RC, Kapral T. An Additive Mix? Acute Urinary Retention in a Patient With Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Treated With Suboxone, Lurasidone, and Trazodone. Focus (Am Psychiatr Publ). 2018 Jul;16(3):292-298. Carvalho AF, Sharma MS, Brunoni AR, Vieta E, Fava GA. The Safety, Tolerability and Risks Associated with the Use of Newer Generation Antidepressant Drugs: A Critical Review of the Literature. Psychother Psychosom. 2016;85(5):270-88.

4.-

MedlinePlus [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); c1998–2023. Trazodone; [updated 2022 Oct 15; cited 2023 Jun 22]. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a681038.html.

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