Desyrel: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
You should talk to your healthcare provider prior to taking
Desyrel® (
trazodone hydrochloride) if you have:
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
- Pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant
- Breastfeeding.
Be sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you may be taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Specific Warnings and Precautions With Desyrel
Warnings and precautions to be aware of prior to taking Desyrel include the following:
- Antidepressants (including Desyrel) may increase the risk of suicidal thinking or behavior in children, teenagers, and adults (see Depression and Suicide). Therefore, if you notice any changes in symptoms or new symptoms, talk to your healthcare provider immediately. Some of these symptoms may include:
- Anxiety
- Hostility
- Agitation
- Panic
- Restlessness
- Hallucinations
- Extreme hyperactivity
- Before prescribing Desyrel, your healthcare provider should make sure that you do not have bipolar disorder instead of depression. Sometimes, the symptoms of bipolar disorder and depression can be similar, and Desyrel can cause problems in people with bipolar disorder.
- Desyrel can cause priapism, a painful erection of the penis that does not go away. Even though it may seem embarrassing, seek medical attention right away if you experience this condition, as it can cause permanent damage to the penis.
- Desyrel should not be used right after a heart attack. Also, there is some evidence that the drug can cause irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias) in people with heart disease.
- Sometimes Desyrel can cause low blood pressure (hypotension), especially when sitting or standing up suddenly. Tell your healthcare provider if you are experiencing dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting, as these may be symptoms of low blood pressure.
- Tell your healthcare provider if you have an upcoming surgery, as you may have to stop taking Desyrel before surgery.
- Desyrel may affect your ability to perform complex tasks requiring mental and motor skills. Therefore, it is recommended that you become accustomed to the drug's effect on you before becoming involved in activities that require mental or motor concentration (such as driving a car or operating machinery).
- Desyrel can interact with certain medications (see Desyrel Drug Interactions).
- Desyrel is considered a pregnancy Category C medication. This means that it may not be safe to use during pregnancy. Talk to your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of using the drug during pregnancy (see Trazodone and Pregnancy).
- It is not known if Desyrel passes through breast milk. Therefore, if you are breastfeeding or plan to start, discuss this with your healthcare provider prior to starting treatment.
