What are the most common side effects of trazodone?
The most common side effects of trazodone are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Swelling
- Blurred vision
- Dizziness
- Sleepiness or tiredness
- Diarrhea
- Stuffy nose
- Weight loss
There may be other side effects of trazodone that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of trazodone?
While less common, the most serious side effects of trazodone are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Trazodone may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using trazodone and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Suicidal Thoughts or Actions. Trazodone or other antidepressants may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or actions in a small number of children, teenagers, or young adults in the first few months of taking the medicine or when the dose is changed. Depression or other serious mental health conditions are the most important causes of suicidal thoughts or actions. If you or your child is about to harm themselves, call 911 or call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.
- New or increased thoughts of suicide or death
- Suicide attempt
- New or increased feelings of anxiety, depression, or other unusual changes in your mood or behavior
Serotonin Syndrome. Serotonin syndrome is when there is too much of a substance called serotonin in your body. Trazodone can cause serotonin syndrome when it is taken alone or with other medicines that affect serotonin. This condition can be life-threatening. Get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms of serotonin syndrome.
- Sweating, fever, or flushing
- Confusion
- Feeling agitated or restless
- Seeing or hearing unusual things
- Dizziness
- Fast or racing heartbeat
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Muscle twitching, stiffness, or tremor
- Seizures
Heart Rhythm Changes. Trazodone may cause a rare, dangerous heart rhythm problem called QT prolongation and torsade de pointes. Some people have a higher risk of this, including people who are older, have other people in their family who have had these conditions, have low potassium or magnesium levels, or who take some medicines for other heart rhythm problems. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you faint or have changes in your heart rate or rhythm, such as a fast or skipping heartbeat.
Low Blood Pressure Upon Standing (Orthostatic Hypotension). Trazodone may cause a sudden drop in blood pressure when standing up from a seated or lying position. To help prevent this, be careful not to get up too quickly. If you feel dizzy, sit or lie down right away until the dizziness stops, then take your time getting up again. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of orthostatic hypotension.
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting upon standing
- Blurred vision
- Confusion
- Feeling weak
Abnormal Bleeding. People taking trazodone or other antidepressants may have an increased risk of bleeding or bruising. You may be at higher risk if you are also taking aspirin, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), like ibuprofen or naproxen, or a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven), apixaban (Eliquis), or rivaroxaban (Xarelto). Tell your healthcare provider if you notice any changes in how easily you bruise or bleed.
Painful, Prolonged Erection (Priapism). Trazodone may cause an unwanted erection that is persistent, painful, and that may occur without sexual arousal. Permanent damage to the penis may occur if priapism is not treated quickly. Stop taking trazodone and get emergency help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of priapism.
- Erection lasting for more than 4 hours
- Erection that is unrelated to sexual stimulation
- Painful or tender penis
Extremely Elevated Mood (Mania). People with bipolar disorder have severe high and low moods. The first symptom of bipolar disorder may be depression.People with bipolar disorder who take an antidepressant, such as trazodone, may have a higher risk of having mania or a manic episode. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a manic episode.
- Dramatic increase in energy
- Significant trouble sleeping
- Your thoughts are racing and fast-paced
- Engaging in reckless behavior
- Having unusually grand ideas
- Feeling excessively happy or irritable
- Talking more or faster than usual
Glaucoma. Trazodone may increase pressure inside the eye and cause or worsen narrow-angle glaucoma, which can lead to blindness. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of glaucoma.
- Loss of vision
- Eye pain, swelling, or redness
- Changes in vision
Decreased Alertness or Coordination. Trazodone can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how trazodone affects you.
Low Sodium Level (Hyponatremia). Trazodone may cause low sodium levels. Call your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms of a low sodium level.
- Headache
- Drowsiness
- Muscle weakness or cramps
- Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite
- Tiredness or sleepiness
- Dizziness
- Weight gain
- Restlessness or irritability
- Change in your mental condition such as hallucinations, confusion, decreased awareness, or alertness
- Seizures
