Who can prescribe trazodone? (+5 factors)
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 study the medical professionals who are authorized to prescribe trazodone. We will also study the conditions for which trazodone is approved to be prescribed. Furthermore, we will look at the common side effects and the benefits of trazodone.
Who can prescribe trazodone?
Trazodone can be prescribed by medical doctors and psychiatrists. Since trazodone is a prescription medication, therefore only a licensed healthcare practitioner is authorized to prescribe this medication.
Trazodone is an antidepressant medication that works primarily by altering serotonin levels and activity in the brain. Trazodone is prescribed by medical health specialists for treating depression, anxiety, insomnia, and related conditions.
Trazodone belongs to serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor drug class of antidepressant medications. It exerts its action by altering serotonin, norepinephrine, and histamine neurotransmitters in the brain (1).
A comprehensive and detailed health assessment by medical practitioners is required before prescribing trazodone. These mental healthcare practitioners must consider various factors before prescribing trazodone.
What are the indications for trazodone?
The following are some common indications for prescribing trazodone by healthcare providers (1,2):
- Major depressive disorder- Trazodone is approved by the FDA for the treatment of major depressive disorder which is characterized by persistent low mood, loss of interest, and fatigue.
- Insomnia- Due to the sedative properties of trazodone, it is sometimes used as an off-label medication to treat insomnia.
- Fibromyalgia- Another off-label indication of trazodone is fibromyalgia. trazodone has been used in managing symptoms of fibromyalgia characterized by musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and sleep disturbances.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)- Trazodone has also been used in treating the symptoms of PTSD in some patients.
- Anxiety- Trazodone is not considered a first-line therapy for anxiety and related conditions, but it is sometimes prescribed for comorbid anxiety and depression.
What factors must be considered before prescribing trazodone?
The following factors must be taken into consideration by the healthcare providers and psychiatrists before prescribing trazodone to the patients (1,2):
- Diagnosis- Trazodone is prescribed for many mental health conditions. The healthcare provider must assess the patient in detail and after making the right diagnosis, prescribe trazodone in the right dose and frequency.
- Medical history- The doctor or psychiatrist must have a thorough review of the patient before prescribing trazodone. They must inquire about past and current medical conditions, surgeries, and allergies.
- Medication history- Having a thorough review of the medications that the patient is taking is also essential. The doctor must inquire about the over-the-counter medications, supplements, and other prescription drugs that the patient is taking before prescribing them trazodone.
- Pregnancy and lactation- The potential risks of taking trazodone during pregnancy and lactation must be carefully evaluated by the doctor or the psychiatrist.
- Age and weight- The age and weight of the patient are important factors for adjusting the dosage of trazodone. Elderly patients require careful monitoring and dose adjustments before taking trazodone.
- Liver and kidney function- The doctor must test the liver and kidney function of the patient before prescribing trazodone because it is metabolized in the liver and excreted via the kidneys.
What are the potential side effects of trazodone?
Following are some potential side effects of trazodone (2):
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
- Weight changes
- Weakness
- Tiredness
- Nervousness
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Muscle pain
- Nightmares
- Dry mouth
- Rash
- Sexual problems in men and women
However, not all patients taking trazodone suffer from these side effects. Some patients may have these side effects while others do not. The severity of these side effects also varies from person to person.
What precautions must be taken while on trazodone?
Always follow the instructions given by your healthcare provider. In case of any ambiguity in the prescription, reach out to them openly and have an honest discussion.
Avoid alcohol or caffeine intake while taking trazodone as these substances may exacerbate the associated side effects of trazodone.
Always inform about all the medications or supplements you are taking along with trazodone, to ensure safety and no potential interactions.
If your doctor or psychiatrist suggests any other medication and advises you to stop taking trazodone then always follow the drug-reducing prescription that they provide. If you do not follow the dose tampering and abruptly discontinue trazodone, it may cause withdrawal symptoms.
In the end, I would advise you to always consult your doctor or a psychiatrist before starting or stopping any prescription medication such as trazodone to avoid potential adversities and withdrawal or hangover symptoms.
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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.-
AHFS Patient Medication Information [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc.; c2019. Trazodone; [updated 2020 Jun 24; reviewed 2018 Jul 5; cited 2020 Jul 1]; [about 5 p.]. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a681038.html
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