Does trazodone contain gluten? (+5 side 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 presence of glute in trazodone. We will further discuss the potential dangers of consuming gluten for gluten-sensitive patients. Furthermore, we will discuss the ways to avoid gluten intake through medications.
Does trazodone contain gluten?
No, trazodone does not contain gluten. The oral available tablets of trazodone are gluten-free and can be safely administered to gluten-sensitive patients.
Trazodone is an antidepressant that belongs to the serotonin antagonist and serotonin reuptake inhibitor class of drugs. It is an FDA-approved medication for the treatment of major depressive disorder. It is also used off-label for treating insomnia, anxiety, bulimia, fibromyalgia, and Alzheimer’s disease (1).
Gluten is a group of prolamins found in wheat, rye, and barley. In gluten-sensitive individuals, their immune systems react to gluten causing damage to small intestines and impairing nutrient absorption resulting in gastrointestinal symptoms (2).
Gluten is added in certain pharmaceutical formulations as a binder to hold the ingredients together. It is also used as a filler to give the tablet or capsule the right shape and size. Additional use of gluten pharmaceutical formulations is to act as a coating agent and enhance appearance (2).
As a result of gluten sensitivity, the patients must include a gluten-free diet and medications to avoid such adverse reactions due to gluten. However, trazodone tablets available in the market are gluten-free and safe to be administered in gluten-sensitive patients.
What is the impact of gluten on health?
Gluten may have varying impacts on people. Some people taking gluten in their diet or medications might suffer from gluten sensitivity while others may not. The following are two important conditions related to gluten:
Celiac disease
It is a chronic digestive and immune disorder that affects the small intestines. This condition is triggered by taking gluten through diet. This may cause lifelong digestive problems and affect your digestive system in the long run (2,3).
This condition is caused by an attack on the inner lining of the small intestine. Celiac disease patients may experience digestive symptoms and malabsorption of food and nutrients (2,3).
The damage to the inner lining of the small intestine may cause severe abdominal pain and cramps. To get rid of celiac disease, your doctor must advise you to follow a gluten-free diet (2,3).
Non-celiac gluten sensitivity
Some patients may also suffer from symptoms such as headache, weakness, and abdominal cramps without having celiac disease. Such patients suffer from non-celiac gluten sensitivity (2).
There is no known mechanism for this type of sensitivity in patients. However, the symptoms resemble celiac disease and may be a response of the gut to gluten products.
What should be the minimum amount of gluten in products?
If you have gluten sensitivity or you suffer from celiac disease, then the tiniest amount of gluten can also harm you (5).
A gluten-free product or pharmaceutical formulation contains less than 20 ppm of gluten. This means there must be 20 parts of gluten per million parts of the product (5).
This is the lowest amount of gluten acceptable in any pharmaceutical or food product. Gluten-sensitive patients may or may not react to this small amount of gluten (5).
What potential side effects occur after consuming gluten?
The gluten-sensitive patients may suffer from the following consequences after consuming gluten (2,4):
Gastrointestinal side effects
- Abdominal pain and discomfort
- Cramps
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
- Bloating
- Gas
Adversities of celiac disease
- Fatigue
- Weightloss
- Anemia
- Dermatitis
- Joint pain
- Infertility
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Headaches
- Irritability and anxiety
Non-celiac disease sensitivity
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhoea and constipation
- Gas and bloating
- Headaches
- Mood changes
- Fatigue
- Skin rash
However, it is important to note that not all patients may suffer from these side effects. If you face any of these side effects contact your doctor for a detailed health assessment.
How gluten-intolerants can take trazodone safely?
To ensure that you take gluten-free medication, you must consult with your healthcare provider. Discuss and have an open conversation with them regarding your gluten allergies.
Trazodone is generally a safe drug and does not mess you up. However, in case of gluten sensitivity, you must consult and discuss with your healthcare provider about gluten-free trazodone alternatives to avoid any complications after consuming gluten-containing trazodone.
Research and go for gluten-free diets and products easily available in the market. If you are gluten-intolerant, you can easily add the following natural food items to your diet to ensure a healthy and gluten-free diet:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Beans, seeds, and legumes
- Eggs
- Low-fat dairy products
As a pharmacist, I would advise you to have open and transparent communication with your doctor regarding your gluten sensitivity. I would recommend you take proactive steps if you have celiac or non-celiac gluten sensitivity.
I would highly encourage you to keep yourself well-informed regarding the gluten-free options of the medications that you are being prescribed.
Was this helpful?
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.-
Lizano-Díez I, Mariño EL, Modamio P. Gluten in pharmaceutical products: a scoping review. Syst Rev. 2021 Aug 7;10(1):218. doi: 10.1186/s13643-021-01772-9. PMID: 34364399; PMCID: PMC8349483. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8349483/
3.-
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). Available from: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/celiac-disease
4.-
Niland, B., & Cash, B. D. (2018). Health Benefits and Adverse Effects of a Gluten-Free Diet in Non–Celiac Disease Patients. Gastroenterology & Hepatology, 14(2), 82-91. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5866307/
5.-
FDA. Gluten-free means what it says. [Internet]. Sliver Spring (MD): Available from: https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/gluten-free-means-what-it-says
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