Does trazodone make your eyes red? (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
This article will answer the question, “Does trazodone make your eyes red?” We will also discuss the factors contributing to red eyes while taking trazodone and some measures to manage red eyes caused by the use of trazodone.
Does trazodone make your eyes red?
Yes, trazodone can make your eyes red and cause irritation. However, this side effect is rare and occurs in a small population. You may experience red eyes at the beginning of the treatment when it is your first time taking trazodone, which subsides as your body gets used to the medication.
There are other reasons which can lead to a red eye, such as eye infection (conjunctivitis), dry eyes, stress, allergies, prolonged sun exposure, etc. If you are experiencing swelling or difficulty breathing along with red eye, that indicates you are allergic to the drug. If you are allergic to the drug, seek medical help immediately.
What does the research suggest?
Trazodone belongs to the class of serotonin antagonists and reuptake inhibitors, which help treat symptoms of depression, anxiety, insomnia and other sleep-related disorders. (1)
Research studies have shown that trazodone-induced red eyes were seen in 3% of the patients in controlled clinical studies, along with blurred vision in 6% of inpatients and 15% of outpatients. (2)
A 40-year-old man experienced slurred speech, neck pain, vertigo, dizziness, blurred vision and diplopia after administration of trazodone for insomnia. When trazodone was discontinued, all the symptoms subsided except dizziness, which resolved after two weeks of discontinuation. (3)
What factors can contribute to trazodone-induced red eye?
There are several factors which contribute to trazodone-induced red eyes.
- Medication dose: A higher dose of trazodone can cause red eyes in some individuals.
- Duration of use: Prolonged use of trazodone can cause irritation in the eye.
- Concurrent medications: Concurrent use of medication such as antihistamines, beta-blockers, etc. can exacerbate eye irritation.
- Conjunctivitis: Inflammation of the eye caused by infection, irritants or allergies can lead to irritation in the eye.
- Dry eyes: Improper tear production can lead to dry eyes, causing redness and irritation.
- Environmental irritants: Exposure to smoke and dust can cause red eyes.
- Contact lens: Improper use of contact lenses can cause redness and discomfort.
What to do if you experience trazodone-induced red eyes?
If you are experiencing redness of the eye or irritation in the eye while taking trazodone, you should consult your physician as soon as possible for a proper assessment and management.
If you are experiencing red-eye because of trazodone, your physician will either reduce the dose or discontinue the medication. While discontinuing trazodone, it is important to taper the dose to avoid withdrawal symptoms, and it should be done under the guidance of a qualified physician.
Antihistamine eye drops or ocular decongestants can also help treat the symptoms of red eye. If the cause of red eye is an infection, then your physician will prescribe you some antibiotic eye drops.
If you are experiencing side effects with the use of trazodone, which is affecting your day-to-day activities, you can choose to switch to other medications such as:
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): citalopram, escitalopram, paroxetine, sertraline.
- Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs): venlafaxine, minacipran, desvenlafaxine, levomilnacipran.
- Tricyclic antidepressants: amitriptyline, amoxapine, nortriptyline, imipramine.
- Atypical antidepressant: bupropion, mirtazapine.
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs): isocarboxazid, selegiline.
To treat insomnia:
- Benzodiazepines: triazolam, estazolam, temazepam, quazepam.
- Non-benzodiazepines: zolpidem, zaleplon, eszopiclone.
- Melatonin agonist: ramelteon
- Tricyclic antidepressant: doxepin
- Orexin receptors antagonist: suvorexant
- Atypical antipsychotics: quetiapine, olanzapine, risperidone.
- Antihistamine: diphenhydramine, doxylamine.
Any alteration to the treatment should be done under the guidance of a qualified physician to avoid potential harm.
How to manage trazodone-induced red eye?
You can manage eye redness caused by trazodone by following a few steps such as:
- You can use OTC artificial tears, which lubricate and soothe the eye.
- Apply warm or cold compression to your eyes with the help of a cloth soaked in water, which helps manage dryness and redness of the eye.
- Avoid rubbing your eyes and touching your eyes more often, as it can cause more irritation.
- Stay hydrated, as dehydration can contribute to dryness and redness of the eye.
- Cut slices of cucumber, soak them in cold water for a few minutes, and place them on closed eyes, which will help reduce inflammation and provide a soothing effect.
- Avoid prolonged screen timing and limit the use of contact lenses.
- Sometimes, red eye can be caused by dust, chemicals and irritants; you can use OTC antihistamine eye drops to help with the symptoms.
In my opinion, as a pharmacist, trazodone can cause red eyes. However, the occurrence is rare. It is important to rule out the underlying cause before altering the treatment course. I recommend you to consult a physician if you have a red eye.
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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.-
Trazodone [package insert]. Locust Valley N.Y: Pragma Pharmaceuticals, LLC. 2017. Available from: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/018207s032lbl.pdf
3.-
Selvaraj V, Ramaswamy S, Bhatia SC. Transient ischemic attack associated with trazodone therapy: a case report. The Primary Care Companion for CNS Disorders. 2011 Jul 28;13(4):26949. Available from: https://www.psychiatrist.com/pcc/transient-ischemic-attack-associated-trazodone-therapy/
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