Does Trazodone Contain Aspirin? (3+ Differences)

By Ivan Kahwa

Page last updated: 02/02/2024 | Next review date: 02/02/2026

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

Ivan Kahwa

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In this article, we will discuss whether trazodone contains aspirin. We will also discuss the differences between trazodone and aspirin and other related information.

Does trazodone contain aspirin?

No, trazodone does not contain aspirin. Trazodone and aspirin are two different drugs. Trazodone is a serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor (SARI) and an antidepressant. Aspirin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).

Trazodone is an FDA-approved medication for major depressive disorder (MDD). Aspirin is also known as acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) and salicylic acid is the primary metabolite of aspirin.

Trazodone and aspirin are entirely different drugs. They differ in their mechanism of action, indications, side effects, and contraindications.

How does trazodone differ from aspirin?

Trazodone and aspirin are different in the following aspects:

Mechanism of action:

Trazodone is a SARI and it works by blocking the reuptake of serotonin which increases serotonin levels in the body. It also acts as an antagonist of some serotonin receptors and histamine (H1) and alpha-1 adrenergic receptors (1).

Due to the effects on serotonin, trazodone has antidepressant activity. As it blocks different receptors, it also has a sedative action in low doses.

Aspirin is an anti-inflammatory drug that acts as an inhibitor of an enzyme called cyclooxygenase (COX). It blocks both COX-1 and COX-1 enzymes which reduces the production of prostaglandins (PGs) (2).

PGs are involved in pain and inflammation mediation. Aspirin also inhibits thromboxane A2 on platelets which prevents platelet aggregation (2).

Therapeutic indications:

Trazodone is an FDA-approved drug for major depressive disorder (MDD). It is also used off-label for the following conditions (1):

insomnia
anxiety
Alzheimer’s disease
substance abuse
bulimia
fibromyalgia

Aspirin is widely used for its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antiplatelet activity. Some of its therapeutic indications include (2):

fever
angina pectoris
cardiovascular risk reduction
prevention and treatment of ischemic stroke
pain
prevention and treatment of myocardial infarction
osteoarthritis

Side effects:

Commonly reported side effects of trazodone include (1,3):

headache
dry mouth
fatigue
blurred vision
dizziness
constipation
drowsiness
QT prolongation
decreased concentration
acid reflux
suicidal thoughts
visual hallucinations
orthostatic hypotension
torsades
priapism

Some side effects of aspirin include (2):

hypersensitivity
nausea
vomiting
acid reflux
gastrointestinal upset
abdominal pain
increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding

Contraindications:

Trazodone should not be taken together with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) because it can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome. Patients can initiate treatment with trazodone 14 days after stopping MAOIs (1).

The risk of serotonin syndrome is also present while using other serotonergic drugs like triptans and tricyclic antidepressants. It should be used with caution in patients with liver and kidney impairments (1).

Trazodone should be avoided in patients with QT prolongation and arrhythmia. It should not be administered with drugs that prolong QT interval (3).

Aspirin is contraindicated in ibuprofen allergy. It should be used with caution in patients with asthma, peptic ulcer disease, and gastritis. It increases the risk of bleeding so it should not be used in patients with blood disorders (2).

Can you use trazodone and aspirin together?

Using trazodone and aspirin together should be avoided because it increases the risk of bleeding (3). Aspirin prevents platelet aggregation and acts as a blood-thinning agent. Increased risk of bleeding is a common side effect of aspirin.

Trazodone is an anti-depressant with serotonergic activity. Antidepressants that block serotonin reuptake reduce serotonin concentration in the platelets. This reduces platelet aggregation and increases the risk of bleeding and bruising.

Thus, trazodone and aspirin should not be taken together. If you suffer from fever or pain while taking trazodone, you must contact your healthcare provider for an appropriate prescription.

As per my understanding, trazodone does not contain aspirin. Trazodone and aspirin are two different drugs. Trazodone is an antidepressant and a SARI. Aspirin is an NSAID and an anti-inflammatory drug.

Both drugs have different mechanisms of action, uses, side effects, and contraindications. Concomitant use of trazodone and aspirin should be avoided due to the increased risk of bleeding.

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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.-

Arif H, Aggarwal S. Salicylic Acid (Aspirin) [Updated 2023 Jul 5]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519032/

3.-

DESYREL® (trazodone hydrochloride). U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Reference ID: 4119349 [Internet] [updated 2017 Jun; cited 2023 Dec 13]. Available from: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/018207s032lbl.pdf.

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Does trazodone contain aspirin? (3+ differences)