Does trazodone have serotonin in it? (+3 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 link between trazodone and serotonin. We will look further in detail at whether trazodone impacts serotonin or not. We will also discover some other medications that have a direct link with serotonin levels in the brain.
Does trazodone have serotonin in it?
No, trazodone does not have serotonin in it. However, it has a direct effect on serotonin levels in the brain. After taking trazodone, it has the potential to alter serotonin levels but does not contain serotonin in its composition.
Trazodone is an antidepressant medication that belongs to the serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor drug class. Trazodone is an FDA-approved medication for the treatment of major depressive disorder (1).
Trazodone, however, does impact and alter the levels of serotonin but it does not contain serotonin in its composition. Due to its direct mechanism of action and effects on serotonin levels in the brain, trazodone can be mistaken to contain some amount of serotonin in it.
How does trazodone affect serotonin levels?
Trazodone affects serotonin levels by modulating its activity. The full mechanism of the impact of trazodone is not fully understood. However, the basic mechanism indicates that trazodone inhibits serotonin transporters and serotonin type-2 receptors (1).
Trazodone inhibits the reuptake of serotonin in the synaptic cleft. This blockade of serotonin increases the concentration of serotonin in the brain thus, causing an increased serotonin activity and signaling (1).
Trazodone is also known to block serotonin type-2 receptors. This blockade of serotonin receptors and blocking of its reuptake contributes to the antidepressant and anxiolytic activity of trazodone (1).
This combination of effects of trazodone on serotonin levels in the brain is responsible for mood-enhancing properties. Trazodone alters serotonin levels in the brain leading to enhanced mood and behavior (1).
This unique action of trazodone makes it stand out among other antidepressants such as SSRIs and SNRIs. Due to this combined action, trazodone has a better tolerance for anxiety, irritation, sexual disturbances, and insomnia (1).
What are the trazodone-induced serotonin effects in the body?
The following are some effects of serotonin in the body induced by trazodone (1,2):
- Mood regulation- Serotonin is a feel-good hormone. When its levels are increased due to trazodone, it uplifts and regulates mood and emotions.
- Sleep regulation- Serotonin is a melatonin precursor, which is involved in the sleep-wake cycle. Therefore, increased serotonin levels due to trazodone directly influence the sleep-wake cycle.
- Cognitive function- Serotonin is associated with cognitive functions such as learning, memory, and decision-making.
Which side effects occur when trazodone affects serotonin levels?
Some common side effects of trazodone that occur when serotonin levels are altered in the brain include (1):
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Fatigue
- Dry mouth
- Blurred vision
Some severe serotonin-associated side effects due to trazodone include serotonin syndrome and suicidal thoughts. If a patient is suffering from such severe adverse effects, then immediate medical help is required.
However, not every patient taking trazodone may experience these side effects. Most people can easily tolerate trazodone without facing serious side effects.
What other medications directly influence serotonin levels?
Many drug classes directly influence and alter serotonin levels in the brain (3):
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
Citalopram, Fluoxetine, Escitalopram, Paroxetine, Sertraline
- Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
Venlafaxine, Desvenlafaxine, Duloxetine
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
Selegiline, Phenelzine, Isocarboxazid, Tranylcypromine
- Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)
Amitriptyline, Nortriptyline, Imipramine, Doxepin
- Serotonin receptor agonists
Zolmitriptan, Rizatriptan, Sumatriptan
When to consult your doctor?
You must consult your doctor if you suspect that trazodone is not showing its therapeutic efficacy or if you are facing excessive side effects due to trazodone.
Trazodone is generally a safe and effective antidepressant. It is not associated with severe side effects and does not typically mess you up, but individual patients react varyingly to medications. Some may suffer severe side effects due to trazodone while others may not.
You must seek immediate medical help if trazodone causes excessive serotonin reuptake leading to a life-threatening condition called serotonin syndrome which is characterized by agitation, anxiety, tachycardia, nausea, vomiting, tremors, and flushed skin (4).
You must keep monitoring yourself for such symptoms while taking trazodone. You must also do regular follow-up sessions with your doctor and get yourself assessed for any abnormal serotonin activity due to trazodone.
As a pharmacist, I would add that it is important to know that trazodone has profound effects on serotonin levels in the brain but it does not contain serotonin in its composition.
However, my advice is to always take medications as prescribed by your doctor because starting or stopping prescription medications such as trazodone on your own may cause severe withdrawal symptoms.
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.-
Bakshi A, Tadi P. Biochemistry, Serotonin. [Updated 2022 Oct 5]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560856/
3.-
Bamalan OA, Moore MJ, Al Khalili Y. Physiology, Serotonin. [Updated 2023 Jul 30]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK545168/
4.-
Simon LV, Keenaghan M. Serotonin Syndrome. [Updated 2023 Jul 17]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482377/
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