Trazodone medications are used for treating the symptoms of depression. The medicine comes under the class of drugs called serotonin modulators. Apart from treating depression, these medicines are also used for alleviating the symptoms of anxiety and insomnia, which are the factors that worsen depression.
The medicine boosts the mood, increases energy levels, and improves the appetite. These belong to the category of serotonin modulators, which work by balancing the serotonin levels, which are the natural chemical messengers in the brain. Their imbalance is the root cause of depression and its related disorders. The medicine balances the level of this chemical and provides relief.
These medicines are available only on a doctor’s prescription. They come in the form of tablets for oral consumption. The medicine must be taken as directed by the doctor, and you need to follow their instructions and also the instructions that are listed on the prescription label.
Do not take more than the prescribed dose and do not stop using it without asking your doctor first. Also, skipping the dose can impact its performance and you might get the required effects of the medicine, so, take the medicine at the same time every day.
Trazodone side effects
Some common side effects of these medicines disappear after some time. They may bother you for some time, but they go away soon. And if they don’t, you must see your doctor to get some treatment and re-check your dose. Some common side effects are:
- Weight loss and loss of appetite
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Nausea and vomiting
- Weakness or tiredness
- Lightheadedness and dizziness
- Nervousness
- Muscle pain
- Dry mouth
- Nightmares
- Sexual dysfunction such as decreased sex drive, erectile dysfunction, and premature ejaculation problems in males, orgasmic disorders.
- Stuffy nose
- Rash
- Redness, itchiness, and pain in eyes.
Serious side effects of the medicine are given below:
- Seizures
- Chest pain and pounding or irregular heartbeat
- Fainting
- Nosebleeds
- Loss of consciousness or coma
- High fever
- Muscle stiffness or twitching
- Hallucinations
- Agitation
- Unusual bleeding and bruising
- Red or purple bumps on the skin
- Loss of coordination
- Excessive sweating
- Priapism, prolonged erections lasting for more than 6 hours
- Extreme weakness
The occurrence of serious side effects is rare. In case you develop any of these, then you should rush to the doctor’s office to get immediate treatment. These serious side effects can cause significant damage, which is why it needs immediate treatment.
Trazodone erectile dysfunction
As per some studies conducted on evaluating the effects of Trazodone on sexual function, it was concluded that these medicines can be helpful for men who have erectile dysfunction (ED). The medicine can be beneficial for lowering the erection difficulties happening due to psychogenic or psychological reasons.
Psychogenic factors like stress, depression, and anxiety interfere with sexual arousal and affect the sexual response. Men with depression may fail to get erections because of interference. Since Trazodone relieves depression symptoms and suppresses depression-related disorders, it can be helpful in preventing erectile dysfunction from occurring because of psychogenic factors.
However, one needs to be aware that one of the side effects of this medicine is priapism, which is a condition that causes prolonged erections that last beyond 4 hours. Therefore, you need to talk to your doctor in case you have depression-induced erectile dysfunction and get to know about the sexual side effects of using these medicines.
