Does trazodone taste bad? (3+ facts)
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 taste bad?” we will also discuss the reason for the bad taste caused by trazodone along with some measures to manage it.
Does trazodone taste bad?
Yes, trazodone can taste bad when you chew or ingest it with very little fluid. When you take trazodone with little fluid, the tablet or capsule gets stuck in your throat and starts disintegrating, leaving a bad taste.
A capsule form of trazodone can cause a mild bad taste as it has a protective outer coating. However, the perception of taste differs among individuals. Trazodone contains a few exipients which are a chemical substance that causes bad taste in the mouth.
An altered sense of smell or taste is a possible side effect of some antidepressants. However, trazodone has not been reported to cause this side effect. Suppose you notice any unpleasant smell or taste, such as metallic, bitter, or sour. Consult your physician for proper management.
What does the research suggest?
Trazodone is an antidepressant that acts on reuptake transporters of serotonin and serotonin type 2 receptors, which causes fluctuation in the levels of serotonin. Trazodone helps treat symptoms of depression, anxiety, sleep-related disorders, pain, etc. (1) Some antidepressants, such as Cymbalta, can cause dysgeusia (unpleasant taste sensation) and dysosmia (change in the sense of smell). (2) However, trazodone-induced dysgeusia and dysosmia have not been reported.
The mechanism linked with drug-induced dysosmia/dysgeusia involves fluctuations in the neurotransmitters, which can lead to changes in the neural networks associated with sensory coding and modulation. Another mechanism involves a change in the chemical or ionic environment of sensing receptors, leading to an unpleasant sense of smell or taste. (3).
What factors contribute to trazodone-induced bad taste?
Some factors can contribute to a bad taste while taking trazodone, such as:
- Some excipients present in the formulation of trazodone can interact with the taste buds present in the mouth, causing a bad taste.
- Antidepressants such as Cymbalta, Wellbutrin, and Celexa, including trazodone, can cause dry mouth and reduce the production of saliva, which can affect the taste buds, resulting in a bad or metallic taste.
- GI problems such as nausea, gastroesophageal reflux, dyspepsia, etc., can result in an unpleasant taste in the mouth.
- Individuals who are sensitive to taste and smell are more prone to experience taste-related side effects.
- Long duration of drug therapy can cause fluctuation in the neurotransmitter, which can contribute to bad taste.
- The size and shape of the medication can influence the taste perception, as smaller pills are easy to swallow, but bigger pills are hard to swallow and get stuck in the throat.
How to avoid the bad taste caused by trazodone?
There are some tips you can use to minimise or avoid unpleasant tastes while consuming trazodone, such as:
Avoid chewing the pill or placing the pill on your tongue before swallowing. Take the pill with sufficient water or fluid. You can take a little amount of fluid in your mouth, take the pill, and swallow along with the water, which will make it easy to swallow and avoid the unpleasant taste.
Take the medication with the food as it helps mask the unpleasant taste of the medication. Spicy and high-fiber foods decrease the absorption of trazodone. Hence, avoid such food while taking trazodone and remember that it is important to communicate with your physician to receive proper medication instructions.
If you are facing a problem consuming the current formulation of trazodone. You can ask your physician about other options, such as orodispersible tablets, liquids or capsules, which may be more acceptable.
Taking the medication with a flavoured drink can help mask the unpleasant taste of the medication. Avoid taking it with cranberry or grapefruit juice, as it can interact with tazodone. Eating something sweet can help mask the aftertaste of the drug. (4)
In my opinion, medications can taste bad when they are not consumed in a proper manner. To avoid the unpleasant taste of the drug, consume it with enough fluid. Some antidepressants can cause side effects such as dysosmia/dysgeusia (altered sense of smell or taste). However, this side effect of trazodone is not been reported.
If you notice any altered sense of smell or taste while consuming trazodone, make sure you consult a physician for proper management. Do not discontinue the medication, as it can lead to withdrawal symptoms and worsen your condition.
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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.-
Yoshida K, Fukuchi T, Sugawara H. Dysosmia and dysgeusia associated with duloxetine. Case Reports. 2017 Nov 22;2017:bcr-2017. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5720271/
3.-
Tuccori M, Lapi F, Testi A, Ruggiero E, Moretti U, Vannacci A, Bonaiuti R, Antonioli L, Fornai M, Giustarini G, Scollo C. Drug-induced taste and smell alterations: a case/non-case evaluation of an Italian database of spontaneous adverse drug reaction reporting. Drug safety. 2011 Oct;34:849-59. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21879779/
4.-
Bailey DG, Dresser G, Arnold JM. Grapefruit-medication interactions: forbidden fruit or avoidable consequences? CMAJ. 2013 Mar 5;185(4):309-16. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3589309/
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