Does Trazodone lower blood pressure? (+3 reasons)
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 whether Trazodone lowers blood pressure. We will also discuss some research studies and what one should do if this side effect occurs.
Does Trazodone lower blood pressure?
Yes, Trazodone can lower the blood pressure. It is one of the listed side effects. However, the incidence is low. Patients taking Trazodone can experience an increased risk of a slow heart rate or blood pressure.
Trazodone is an antidepressant that increases serotonin levels in the brain, leading to a calming effect (1). It is not commonly associated with this side effect and the effects at standard therapeutic doses may be quite insignificant to even notice.
If you experience a decrease in blood pressure or any other side effect while taking Trazodone, reach out to your healthcare provider. They can assess your specific condition and make adjustments accordingly.
What is the incidence of low blood pressure caused by Trazodone?
The incidence of low blood pressure caused specifically by Trazodone can vary from person to person. While Trazodone may have a mild and temporary effect of lowering blood pressure in some individuals, it is not common for it to cause a significant drop in blood pressure.
Notice the symptoms you feel after your dose intake of Trazodone. If you feel any of the following symptoms then it is Trazodone blood pressure lowering effect. These symptoms include:
- Blurred or decreased vision
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Trouble concentrating
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fainting
What does research suggest?
There is limited research on the harmful effects of Trazodone on your blood pressure. Several studies have indicated that Trazodone is not a cardiotoxic antidepressant. It does not worsen the symptoms of a cardiac condition and can be used safely in people with heart disease (2).
One study indicated that eight people took Trazodone 150mg to see how it affected their hearts. Trazodone made the time the left ventricle squeezes longer, but it made the time before the squeeze shorter and changed the ratio between these times (3).
Also, after 90 minutes, it lowered the heart rate and the pressure when the heart contracts and relaxes went down (3).
Researchers have also indicated that people respond differently to medications and they experience different types of side effects. According to some research studies, some people may experience elevated blood pressure during an anxiety attack.
What favours experiencing lower blood pressure due to Trazodone?
Several reasons favour a decrease in blood pressure due to Trazodone. These include:
- Low fluid intake in the body leads to a decrease in the total volume of blood. This leads to a decrease in blood pressure. Try to be always hydrated.
- Resting in bed for long periods.
- Patients with a history of low blood pressure in their family can experience lower blood pressure with Trazodone.
- During pregnancy, blood pressure can be lowered.
- Internal bleeding, endocrine disorders, diabetes and liver disease can lead to a decrease in blood pressure while using Trazodone.
- Patients allergic to Trazodone can suffer severe hypotension as a response to allergic reactions.
- Cardiovascular problems with Trazodone cause a drop in blood pressure.
What to do if Trazodone lowers your blood pressure?
If Trazodone is affecting your blood pressure, talk to your healthcare provider. Your doctor will determine if it is safe for you to continue using this antidepressant and if there is anything that can prevent your blood pressure from going down.
Your doctor may decrease your dose a little bit to help you adjust better to Trazodone. This antidepressant generally makes you feel unwell. However, most of the side effects are expected to go away once your body adjusts.
If the drug continues to affect your heart rate and blood pressure, your doctor will most likely switch you to another antidepressant. If the antidepressant needs to be stopped, your doctor will suggest the best possible way to do so.
Always remember never to make any changes to your treatment plan on your own as it can horrible symptoms further worsening your condition.
In my view, Trazodone can cause a decrease in blood pressure. This is a rare side effect that appears after long-term therapy periods. In my opinion, seek emergency medical care if you experience any unusual feelings, especially if they persist for some time. Any suicidal thoughts or behavioural changes need emergent medical care.
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/https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470560/#:~:text=Trazodone%20is%20an%20FDA%2Dapproved,in%20patients%20with%20sleep%20problems.
3.-
Hames TK, Burgess CD, George CF. Hemodynamic responses of trazodone and imipramine. Clin Pharmacol Ther. 1982 Oct;32(4):497-502. doi: 10.1038/clpt.1982.194. PMID: 7116765.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7116765/
4.-
Gabriel M, Sharma V. Antidepressant discontinuation syndrome. CMAJ. 2017 May 29;189(21):E747. doi: 10.1503/cmaj.160991. PMID: 28554948; PMCID: PMC5449237.https://ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5449237/#:~:text=The%20mnemonic%20FINISH%20summarizes%20the,disturbances%20(%E2%80%9Cburning%2C%E2%80%9D%20%E2%80%9C
Find a supportive therapist who can help with Depression.
Discover the convenience of BetterHelp, an online therapy platform connecting you with licensed and accredited therapists specialized in addressing issues such as depression, anxiety, relationships, and more. Complete the assessment and find your ideal therapist within just 48 hours.
AskYourPharm is user-supported. We may earn a commission if you sign up for BetterHelp’s services after clicking through from this site
