Does trazodone change brain chemistry? (+ 3 effects)
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 impact of trazodone on brain chemistry. We will look at the therapeutic and common side effects of altered brain chemistry due to trazodone.
Does trazodone change brain chemistry?
Yes, trazodone can change the brain chemistry. Trazodone tends to alter brain chemistry by altering levels of serotonin, histamine, and norepinephrine in the brain.
Trazodone belongs to the serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor antidepressant drug class. It also tends to block histamine and alpha-adrenergic receptors in the brain.
Trazodone is an FDA-approved medication for the treatment of major depressive disorder. It is also used off-label for the treatment of anxiety, fibromyalgia, and substance abuse.
Trazodone alters brain chemistry through its mechanism of action. It is generally considered a safe antidepressant but may not be effective in some patients and mess up with their brain chemicals causing severe side effects.
How does trazodone change brain chemistry?
The following are the mechanisms by which trazodone alters brain chemistry (1):
- Serotonin antagonism- Trazodone does not contain serotonin in its composition rather it exerts its action on the brain by serotonin antagonism. It blocks certain serotonin receptors and by blocking these receptors, trazodone modulates the activity of serotonin in the brain.
- Serotonin reuptake inhibition- Trazodone also inhibits the reuptake of serotonin in the presynaptic nerve terminals. By inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin, trazodone allows more serotonin in the synaptic cleft, exerting more serotonergic effects.
- Alpha-adrenergic blockade- Trazodone also possesses alpha-adrenergic blocking properties. It blocks certain receptors for norepinephrine and other neurotransmitters as well which is not clearly understood.
- Histamine receptor blockade- Trazodone also tends to block the histamine receptors which may be the reason to exert sedative properties.
What are the effects of trazodone-altered brain chemistry?
The following are some effects of altered brain chemistry due to trazodone:
Therapeutic effects
The change in brain chemistry due to alterations in the brain chemicals caused by trazodone leads to the following therapeutic effects in patients (1,2):
- Antidepressant effects- Trazodone is an antidepressant medication and is primarily prescribed to alleviate symptoms of depression in patients.
- Anxiolytic effects- Similarly, trazodone also tends to reduce anxiolytic symptoms in patients due to alterations in serotonin levels in the brain.
- Sedation- Trazodone is prescribed as an off-label medication to treat insomnia due to sedative properties. It is also not safe to take trazodone in the morning and do activities such as driving or lifting objects because the sedative action of trazodone may cause consequences.
Side effects
Similarly, when the brain chemistry is altered because of trazodone, it causes certain side effects. Some of them are discussed below (1,2):
- Orthostatic hypotension- Upon standing, trazodone may cause a sudden drop in blood pressure which can cause dizziness and lightheadedness.
- Drowsiness and sedation- While the sedative properties of trazodone are therapeutic for insomnia patients, it can also cause daytime drowsiness in patients taking trazodone.
- Gastrointestinal distress- Some patients taking trazodone may suffer from gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, vomiting, constipation, and abdominal discomfort.
- Wight changes- Trazodone is associated with causing certain changes in the weight of some patients.
- Serotonin syndrome- It is a rare and life-threatening condition that can occur in some patients taking trazodone due to alterations in brain chemicals leading to a surge of serotonin levels. Excessive amounts of serotonin in the brain can cause serotonin syndrome.
However, every patient taking serotonin might not face all these side effects. It is important to note that individual patient responses to trazodone may vary. Some patients may respond well to trazodone while others may not.
What to do if trazodone does not help your symptoms?
If trazodone does not help your symptoms, then you must consult your healthcare provider and seek medical help.
Your healthcare provider may help in adjusting your medication dosage as sometimes changing the current dose to either a higher or lower dose may result in more efficacy and better tolerability.
If you suspect that trazodone is not working well in alleviating your symptoms, your doctor must consider switching you to another safe and well-tolerated antidepressant with fewer side effects and more suitable to your signs and symptoms.
You must also evaluate your lifestyle. Ensure that you follow a regular physical activity schedule, a balanced diet, and sufficient sleep. These factors play an important role in maintaining good mental health.
In conclusion, I would add that if you suspect severe adverse effects due to trazodone then consult your doctor and seek medical help. Sometimes dose reduction or change in medication timing may also improve certain side effects. Always consult your doctor before starting or stopping trazodone.
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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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