What does trazodone feel like? (5+ precautions)
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 what does trazodone feel like. We will also talk about how to know if trazodone is working, its early phase side effects, long-term effects, and how to ensure safe and effective use of trazodone.
What does trazodone feel like?
Trazodone may make you feel sleepy and less anxious when you start taking it. Your symptoms of anxiety might start getting better and your mood also improves as you become less anxious. However, not everyone may experience these improvements in the early phase of treatment.
Most antidepressants take time to exhibit their therapeutic effects, however, trazodone has a relatively quick onset of action. Trazodone works by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin and also blocks histamine and adrenergic receptors.
Trazodone is FDA-approved to treat major depressive disorder. Trazodone may also be used in the clinical setting to treat various conditions such as insomnia, fibromyalgia, post-traumatic stress disorder, and anxiety (1).
How to know that trazodone is working?
To know that trazodone is working you may feel improvement in your mood and sleep patterns immediately after taking the first dose of trazodone. However, for depression symptoms, improvement may be observed after 4 to 6 weeks, as depression can not be treated overnight.
You should take your antidepressants consistently to let them work. Some individuals may not feel better while using trazodone, as their depression symptoms may worsen in the early phase of treatment and incidence of side effects. This is because trazodone and other antidepressants may affect individuals differently (2).
What are the early phase side effects of trazodone?
The early phase side effects of trazodone may include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Drowsiness
- Constipation
- Diarrhoea
- Fatigue
- Changes in appetite
- Muscular pains
It is important to note that trazodone is a safe and effective antidepressant with a lower incidence of side effects and not everyone taking trazodone may experience the above-mentioned side effects. But in case you experience these adverse effects and they become bothersome, please reach out to your healthcare provider (3).
What are the long-term effects of using trazodone?
According to a research study, when trazodone was used for 12 months in depressed patients, they had improved symptoms of depression. People felt more sleepy and had a low incidence of side effects. Even after 3 years of trazodone treatment, patients may continue to feel better.
Trazodone is also safe for those individuals who experience bothersome side effects with other antidepressants. This study indicated that trazodone is safe and effective when used for extended periods (4).
Trazodone when taken in lower doses, may give better results compared to higher doses. Trazodone may also reduce anxiety symptoms quicker than other antidepressants. The risk of side effects is also reduced when trazodone is taken with food and at night time (5).
How to ensure safe and effective use of trazodone?
To ensure safe and effective use of trazodone, you should follow the below-mentioned guidelines:
- Trazodone is available in both immediate-release and extended-release tablets.
- You should swallow the tablet as a whole or break the tablet into equal halves at the score line.
- Take trazodone at the same time each day.
- Trazodone is advised to be taken with food to reduce side effects.
- You should inform your healthcare provider if you are allergic to trazodone or similar medicines.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking other medications or supplements along with trazodone to avoid potential drug interactions.
- Trazodone may cause dizziness, so avoid driving or any other tasks which require concentration.
- Do not stop taking trazodone suddenly as it may pose withdrawal symptoms.
- While discontinuing trazodone, always taper down the dose gradually to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
What to do if trazodone does not help your symptoms?
If trazodone does not help your symptoms, please reach out to your healthcare provider. Your doctor may evaluate your current condition, family or medical history, and response to the treatment. Your doctor may recommend gradual tapering off trazodone and switching to an alternative antidepressant which might suit you better.
In my opinion, trazodone may make you feel sleepy and less anxious during the early phase of trazodone treatment. However, some people might not feel better and experience worsening of their depression symptoms.
You must be aware that antidepressants may take some time to show their complete therapeutic benefits. Do not stop taking trazodone or change the dose and duration on your own as it may pose some adverse effects.
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References
1.-
Shin JJ, Saadabadi A. Trazodone. 2022 Jul 10. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 29262060. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29262060/
2.-
Haria M, Fitton A, McTavish D. Trazodone. A review of its pharmacology, therapeutic use in depression and therapeutic potential in other disorders. Drugs Aging. 1994 Apr;4(4):331-55. doi: 10.2165/00002512-199404040-00006. PMID: 8019056. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8019056/
3.-
Trazodone-MedlinePlus [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); [Last Revised – 01/15/2022]. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a681038.html
4.-
Fabre LF Jr, Feighner JP. Long-term therapy for depression with trazodone. J Clin Psychiatry. 1983 Jan;44(1):17-21. PMID: 6337131. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6337131/
5.-
Schatzberg AF. Trazodone: a 5-year review of antidepressant efficacy. Psychopathology. 1987;20 Suppl 1:48-56. doi: 10.1159/000284523. PMID: 3321130. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3321130/
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