Does trazodone cause headaches? (+5 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 discuss whether trazodone causes headaches. We will also explore research studies linking the use of trazodone to the occurrence of headaches, as well as the factors that may increase the risk of severe headaches with trazodone. Additionally, we will discuss management tips for trazodone-induced headaches
Does trazodone cause headaches?
Yes, trazodone does cause headaches. It is a commonly reported side effect associated with this medication. Headaches are more frequent during the initial phase of treatment with trazodone when the body is adjusting to the medication. However, they may subside gradually after the adjustment period without any pharmacological intervention.
Generally, trazodone is an antidepressant medication employed in the management of various health conditions such as depression, anxiety, fibromyalgia, and chronic pain. Apart from headaches, trazodone may also cause nausea, vomiting, dizziness, dry mouth, nightmares, and irritability (1).
What does research suggest?
According to research, headaches are a frequently reported side effect of trazodone. The Food and Drug Administration has reported that the incidence of trazodone-induced headaches may range from 10 to 20% (2).
A research study documented the occurrence of headaches and other mild side effects of trazodone in individuals taking this medication for the management of their underlying depression (3). Various other studies have confirmed the same side effects, validating the association of headaches with trazodone (4,5).
What factors may increase the risk of headaches with trazodone?
Headaches are commonly linked to trazodone use; however, the risk is heightened due to various factors.
- Certain individuals may be more sensitive to trazodone’s effects, elevating the likelihood of headaches.
- Additionally, a genetic predisposition can increase susceptibility to headaches as a trazodone side effect.
- Elevated trazodone doses may be correlated with a higher incidence of headaches, and prolonged use of the medication might contribute to their persistence.
- Considering the concurrent use of other medications with trazodone that can intensify the likelihood of headaches is another important factor.
- Individuals with underlying medical conditions, particularly those with migraines, face an increased risk of experiencing headaches with trazodone.
What to do if trazodone causes severe headaches?
Trazodone can potentially lead to headaches as a side effect, but this may resolve on its own as your body adapts to the medication. However, if you encounter severe or persistent headaches affecting your quality of life, it is advisable to seek guidance from your healthcare provider.
Your healthcare provider will assess your condition to identify the cause of your headaches. They may recommend adjustments to trazodone dosage to minimize the frequency and severity of headaches.
Over-the-counter analgesics may also be prescribed to manage headaches, but it is crucial to consult your doctor before combining any medication with trazodone to prevent potential drug interactions.
Although headaches induced by trazodone are generally not severe, however, if persistent and unbearable headaches occur with trazodone your healthcare provider may suggest alternative medications less likely to cause headaches. These alternative medications may include nortriptyline, desipramine, and mirtazapine.
What are the management tips for trazodone-induced headaches?
The management of headaches caused by trazodone may include both pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions, tailored to the severity of the headaches.
Pharmacological treatment may involve the use of analgesic medications such as NSAIDs, including ibuprofen or aspirin, which can effectively alleviate mild to moderate headaches.
Additionally, triptans may be prescribed if headaches caused by trazodone are accompanied by underlying migraines.
Non-pharmacological approaches for managing headaches caused by trazodone may involve stress management practices, including meditation and relaxation exercises.
Physical therapy can be beneficial, especially in cases where trazodone-induced headaches are exacerbated by underlying tension and stress. Furthermore, incorporating head massages and dietary modifications may also contribute to reducing the frequency of headaches caused by trazodone.
In my opinion, headaches are frequently reported with trazodone, but they resolve gradually as the body adjusts to the medication. Changes in the treatment plan, including alterations in trazodone dosage or the addition of additional medications, should only be made under the guidance and supervision of your healthcare provider to ensure the safety and efficacy of the treatment.
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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/
3.-
Mittur A. Trazodone: properties and utility in multiple disorders. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol. 2011 Mar;4(2):181-96. doi: 10.1586/ecp.10.138. PMID: 22115401.Mittur A. Trazodone: properties and utility in multiple disorders. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol. 2011 Mar;4(2):181-96. doi: 10.1586/ecp.10.138. PMID: 22115401. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22115401/
4.-
Chen HC, Tsai SJ. Trazodone-induced severe headache. Psychiatry Clin Neurosci. 2011 Dec;65(7):681-2. doi: 10.1111/j.1440-1819.2011.02276.x. PMID: 22176292. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22176292/
5.-
Fagiolini A, Comandini A, Catena Dell’Osso M, Kasper S. Rediscovering trazodone for the treatment of major depressive disorder. CNS Drugs. 2012 Dec;26(12):1033-49. doi: 10.1007/s40263-012-0010-5. Erratum in: CNS Drugs. 2013 Aug;27(8):677. PMID: 23192413; PMCID: PMC3693429. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23192413/
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