Desyrel
® (
trazodone hydrochloride) is a prescription medicine used for the treatment of
depression (also known as major depression or clinical depression).
(Click Desyrel Uses for more information on what the drug is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
Desyrel was manufactured by Bristol-Myers Squibb. However, brand-name Desyrel is no longer being manufactured.
Generic Desyrel is still available and is made by several different manufacturers.
It is not entirely clear how Desyrel works, since no other medications work exactly like it. Desyrel acts on a specific chemical within the brain known as serotonin. This is one of several chemicals used to send messages in between nerves; however, when serotonin levels become unbalanced, it can cause a variety of conditions, including depression. Desyrel helps to block the reuptake of serotonin so that more is available for the nerves in the brain, returning the serotonin back to its "normal" levels. However, unlike selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (
SSRIs), Desyrel may also block certain serotonin receptors.
When and How to Take Desyrel
General considerations for when and how to take Desyrel include the following:
- Desyrel comes in tablet form. It is taken by mouth, usually one to three times a day.
- If the medication makes you drowsy, try taking it before bedtime.
- It is best to take Desyrel after a meal or snack. This is because your system absorbs the drug better after you eat.
- The medication should be taken at the same time(s) each day to maintain an even level in your blood.
- For Desyrel to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. The medicine will not work if you stop taking it.
Dosing Information for Desyrel
The dose of Desyrel that your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- Your age
- Other medical conditions you may have
- Other medications you may currently be taking.
As is always the case, do not adjust your Desyrel dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Desyrel. However, not everyone who takes the medication will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
The most common side effects of Desyrel include:
(Click Desyrel Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects to look out for.)
You can also read about specific Desyrel side effects in the following eMedTV articles:
Drug Interactions With Desyrel
Desyrel: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking Desyrel if you have:
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you may be taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Depression, even in its most severe form, is highly treatable. As with many illnesses, getting treatment for depression early is more effective and reduces the chance of recurrence.
The most common forms of treatment for depression are medication (
antidepressants) and psychotherapy ("talk therapy"). In cases of severe depression, healthcare providers may recommend electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Some people may also try complementary or alternative treatments for depression
(see Natural Remedies for Depression).
Desyrel is generally quite effective in treating depression. It is also generally well tolerated. However, side effects can occur, or the medicine may not work as well as needed. In these cases, your healthcare provider may recommend an alternative to Desyrel. Examples of substitute depression medications include:
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
- Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
- Norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs)
- Tricyclic antidepressants
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
What If I Take an Overdose of Desyrel?
People who take too much Desyrel may have overdose symptoms that could include:
- Drowsiness
- Vomiting
- Priapism (a painful erection of the penis that does not go away)
- Breathing problems
- Seizures
- Irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia)
- Loss of life.
If you happen to overdose on Desyrel, seek immediate medical attention.
How Should Desyrel Be Stored?
Desyrel should be stored at room temperature away from moisture or heat. The tablets should be kept in an airtight container.
Keep Desyrel and all medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose of Desyrel?
If you do not take your Desyrel as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
Although brand-name Desyrel tablets are no longer available, generic Desyrel is available in three strengths:
- Trazodone 50 mg tablets
- Trazodone 100 mg tablets
- Trazodone 150 mg tablets.
Currently, only generic Desyrel is available for sale
(see Generic Desyrel for more information).
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