Trazodone Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 20, 2022.

Applies to trazodone: oral tablet, oral tablet extended release.

Important warnings This medicine can cause some serious health issues

Oral route (tablet, extended release; tablet)

Antidepressants increased the risk compared to placebo of suicidal thinking and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults with major depressive disorder (MDD) and other psychiatric disorders in short-term studies.

Short-term studies did not show an increase in the risk of suicidality with antidepressants compared with placebo in adults beyond age 24, and there was a reduction in risk with antidepressants compared with placebo in adults aged 65 or older.

The use of trazodone hydrochloride or any other antidepressant in a child, adolescent, or young adult must balance this risk with the clinical need.

Closely monitor patients of all ages for clinical worsening, suicidality, or unusual changes in behavior.

Families and caregivers should be advised of the need for close observation and communication with the prescriber.

Not approved for pediatric use.

Serious side effects of trazodone

Along with its needed effects, trazodone may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking trazodone:

More common

• blurred vision
• confusion
• dizziness
• dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
• lightheadedness
• sweating
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Less common

• burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
• confusion about identity, place, and time
• decreased concentration
• fainting
• general feeling of discomfort or illness
• headache
• lack of coordination
• muscle tremors
• nervousness
• pounding in the ears
• shortness of breath
• slow or fast heartbeat
• swelling

Rare

• skin rash
• unusual excitement

Other side effects of trazodone

Some side effects of trazodone may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

• dry mouth (usually mild)
• muscle or bone pain
• trouble sleeping
• trouble with remembering
• unpleasant taste

Less common

• constipation
• continuing ringing or buzzing or other unexplained noise in the ears
• diarrhea
• hearing loss
• muscle aches or pains
• weight loss

For healthcare professionals

Applies to trazodone: compounding powder, oral tablet, oral tablet extended release.

General

The most commonly reported side effects included drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness, and lightheadedness.^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Drowsiness (up to 41%), dizziness (up to 28%), lightheadedness (up to 28%), headache (up to 20%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Decreased concentration, head full-heavy, incoordination, syncope, tremor
• Frequency not reported: Akathisia, altered taste, convulsion, decreased alertness, dystonia, expressive aphasia, impaired memory, impaired speech, memory disturbance, motor impairment, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, numbness, paresthesia, serotonin syndrome, vertigo
• Postmarketing reports: Aphasia, ataxia, cerebrovascular accident, extrapyramidal symptoms, grand mal seizures, stupor, tardive dyskinesia^[Ref]

Drowsiness has occurred during the first few days of treatment, and usually disappeared with continue administration.^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Dry mouth (up to 34%), nausea (up to 13%), vomiting (up to 13%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Abdominal disorder, constipation, diarrhea, gastric disorder
• Frequency not reported: Dyspepsia, flatulence, gastroenteritis, hypersalivation, increased salivation, paralytic ileus, stomach pain
• Postmarketing reports: Increased amylase^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Very common (10% or more): Hypertension (up to 20%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Edema, hypotension
• Frequency not reported: Bradycardia, cardiac arrhythmias, chest pain, ECG abnormalities, increased risk of bleeding, orthostatic hypotension, palpitations, premature ventricular beats, QT prolongation, sinus bradycardia, tachycardia, Torsade de pointes, ventricular couplets, ventricular tachycardia
• Postmarketing reports: Atrial fibrillation, cardiac arrest, cardiospasm, conduction block, congestive heart failure, myocardial infarction, vasodilation, ventricular ectopic activity^[Ref]

QT prolongation, Torsade de pointes, and ventricular tachycardia have been reported in patients with doses up to 100 mg/day.^[Ref]

Ocular

• Very common (10% or more): Blurred vision (up to 15%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Itching eyes, red eyes, tired eyes
• Frequency not reported: Angle-closure glaucoma, myoclonus
• Postmarketing reports: Diplopia^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Very common (10% or more): Nervousness (up to 15%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Confusion
• Frequency not reported: Activation of mania/hypomania, aggressive reaction, agitation (sometimes exacerbating to delirium), anxiety, cognitive impairment, confusional state, delusions, discontinuation syndrome, hallucinations, hypomania, increased libido, insomnia, libido decreased, mania, nightmares, restlessness, suicidal behavior, suicidal ideation, suicidal thoughts, withdrawal syndrome
• Postmarketing reports: Abnormal dreams, paranoid reaction, psychoses^[Ref]

Other

• Very common (10% or more): Fatigue (up to 11%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Aches, malaise, pain
• Frequency not reported: Fever, weakness
• Postmarketing reports: Chills, unexplained death^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Common (1% to 10%): Weight gain, weight loss
• Frequency not reported: Anorexia, hyponatremia, increased appetite^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Common (1% to 10%): Nasal congestion, sinus congestion
• Frequency not reported: Dyspnea, shortness of breath
• Postmarketing reports: Apnea^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Skin condition
• Frequency not reported: Hyperhidrosis, pruritus, skin rash
• Postmarketing reports: Alopecia, hirsutism, leuconychia, psoriasis, urticaria^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Frequency not reported: Delayed urine flow, early menses, hematuria, impotence, increased urinary frequency, micturition disorders, missed periods, priapism, retrograde ejaculation
• Postmarketing reports: Breast engorgement, breast enlargement, clitorism, lactation, urinary incontinence, urinary retention^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Frequency not reported: Cholestasis intrahepatic, elevated liver enzymes, fulminant hepatitis, hepatic failure with potentially fatal outcome, hepatic function abnormalities, hepatitis, hepatocellular damage, jaundice, severe hepatic disorders
• Postmarketing reports: Cholestasis, hyperbilirubinemia, liver enzyme alterations^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Frequency not reported: Agranulocytosis, anemia, blood dyscrasias, eosinophilia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia
• Postmarketing reports: Hemolytic anemia, leukocytosis, methemoglobinemia^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Frequency not reported: Arthralgia, back pain, limb pain, muscle twitches, myalgia^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Frequency not reported: Allergic reactions^[Ref]

Immunologic

• Frequency not reported: Influenza-like symptoms^[Ref]

Endocrine

• Frequency not reported: Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) secretion^[Ref]

Frequently asked questions

• Trazodone for dogs: Uses, dosage and side effects
• Will trazodone help me sleep?
• Does trazodone cause weight gain?
• How long does trazodone stay in your system?
• Is trazodone a controlled substance?
• How long does it take for trazodone to work?

Further information

Trazodone side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer