Does trazodone have other names? (+3 new names)

In this article, we will discuss whether trazodone is available with another name. We will look at the common differences between brand and generic drugs. We will further figure out the trazodone medication that is generally preferred to use among the population. 

Does trazodone have other names?

Yes, trazodone has different names. Trazodone is available commercially for use under different brand names. 

Trazodone is an antidepressant medication that works as a serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor. It is an FDA-approved medication for major depressive disorder. Trazodone is also used off-label for treating insomnia, bulimia, fibromyalgia, Alzheimer’s, and substance abuse (1). 

Trazodone is a generic medication that is available under different brand names. Each brand sells the medication under their name and markets them with different strategies such as unique packaging, different forms, and shapes, to make their product unique and catchy for the consumer to buy. 

Different brands use similar generic medication but the excipient content may vary making them different to use. Therefore, if the generic name is the same but the brand name varies, it indicates that the active ingredient in these medications is similar exerting the same therapeutic actions. 

What are the other available names of trazodone?

Trazodone is commercially available with some of the following names (2):

  • Apo-Trazodone
  • Deprax
  • Desyrel
  • Molipaxin
  • Novo-Trazodone
  • Trazodone hydrochloride
  • Thombran
  • Trazon
  • Trittico

What is the difference between generic and brand trazodone?

Some common differences between generic and brand trazodone include (3): 

  Generic trazodone Brand trazodone
Active ingredient Same Same 
Excipient Approved but may vary Tested by the FDA
Price Less costly More costly
Strength/Dosage Same Same
Appearance Standard Unique and different

Is generic trazodone as effective as brand trazodone?

Yes, either you take a generic trazodone medication or a brand trazodone from the pharmacy, both will have the same effectiveness due to the similar active ingredient (3). 

However, some patients might be allergic to a few products due to different excipients used. Always talk to your doctor about your allergies to avoid any potential interactions. 

What are the available formulations of trazodone?

Trazodone is available in the following formulations commercially:

  • Immediate-release tablets- These are immediate-release trazodone tablets with 100mg administration thrice a day with a time interval of 8 hours available under different brand names (4). 

 

  • Once-a-day tablets- Trazodone (OAD) is available as a single dose administration of 300mg oral caplets. Trazodone OAD has proved to give better tolerability than conventional immediate release (4,5). 

What are the common side effects associated with trazodone? 

The common side effects associated with using trazodone include (6):

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Abdominal distress
  • Nightmares
  • Constipation
  • Weight changes
  • Appetite changes
  • Weakness
  • Tiredness
  • Dry mouth
  • Rash
  • Sexual problems in men and women

However, it is important to note that not all patients suffer from these side effects. Some patients may be severely affected while others may not be severely affected due to individual patient response to trazodone. 

How do you choose between generic or brand trazodone?

Generally, it depends on the doctor whether they prescribe you to buy a generic trazodone or recommend a specific brand based on their preference and choice.  

The major difference to keep in mind before buying either generic or brand trazodone is the price. Generic trazodone will be available at a lower cost than any specific branded trazodone. 

The active ingredient in trazodone does not mess you up but different brands use various exipients to which some patients might be allergic. Therefore, discuss your allergies with your doctor to avoid any interactions. 

Always take trazodone as prescribed by your doctor because it is a prescription medication and should be taken without a prescription. Stopping trazodone abruptly can also cause serious withdrawal effects. Therefore, always start, switch, or stop trazodone on your doctor’s recommendation only. 

In conclusion, I would add that it does not matter to use either generic or branded trazodone. But if your doctor has specifically prescribed any particular brand then you must follow their instructions. 

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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.-

PubChem [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US), National Center for Biotechnology Information; 2004-. PubChem Compound Summary for CID 5533, Trazodone; [cited 2023 Dec. 28]. Available from: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Trazodone

4.-

Goldberg, Joseph F., Michael Q. Steinman, and Stephen M. Stahl. “Trazodone Once-a-day: A Formula for Addressing Challenges in Antidepressant Safety and Tolerability.” Neuroscience Applied 2, (2022): 101127. Accessed December 30, 2023. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nsa.2023.101127.

5.-

Fagiolini, Andrea, Alessandro Comandini, and Siegfried Kasper. “Rediscovering Trazodone for the Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder.” CNS Drugs 26, no. 12 (2012): 1033-1049. Accessed December 30, 2023. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40263-012-0010-5.

6.-

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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