Trazodone Potential Side Effects

Common Side Effects and Overdose Symptoms of Trazodone

Medically reviewed by

Updated on March 23, 2020

Trazodone, an antidepressant sometimes used in treating bipolar disorder, is often prescribed to treat insomnia because its most frequent side effect is sedation. Trazodone's original brand name is Desyrel, and there is an extended-release form sold under the brand name Oleptro.

Uses in Bipolar Disorder

Trazodone may be used to treat the depressive symptoms of bipolar disorder, or it may be used to help with insomnia.

Common Side Effects

These common side effects of trazodone may lessen or stop altogether once your system gets used to the medication. Check with your doctor if any of the following side effects don't go away or are bothersome:

Dizziness or lightheadedness
Drowsiness/sleepiness
Dry mouth
Headache
Nausea
Fatigue
Blurred vision
Constipation
Diarrhea
Back pain
Sexual dysfunction (decreased desire or performance ability)

Trazodone's sedating effect is so common that the drug is prescribed for sleep problems. Consequently, do not to engage in potentially hazardous activities, including driving, until you know how this drug affects you.

Less Common Side Effects

Always notify your doctor as soon as possible if you experience any of these less common side effects:

Abdominal pain
Muscle aches
Problems with coordination or memory
Migraine
Tingling
Agitation
Disorientation
Shortness of breath
Night sweats
Urgent need to urinate
Vomiting
Visual disturbance
Confusion
Drop in blood pressure when standing up (orthostatic hypotension)
Muscle tremors
Hearing problems
Tinnitus
Abnormal gait
Muscle twitching
Amnesia
Sensitivity to light
Speech problems
Bladder pain or incontinence
Flushing (skin becoming red and warm)
Fainting (syncope)
Fast or slow heartbeat
Skin rash
Unusual excitement

When to Seek Medical Attention

Stop taking this medicine and seek emergency medical attention if the following side effect occurs:

Painful, prolonged erection of the penis. This condition, called priapism, can result in permanent damage to erectile tissues if not treated promptly.

Black Box Warning

Like all antidepressants, trazodone is required to carry a warning regarding the increased possibility of suicidal thinking or behavior in young adults (24 and under), adolescents, and children. Talk to your doctor right away if you or a family member is experiencing suicidal thoughts.

Signs of Overdose

Notify your doctor or poison control center immediately if you or a loved one have potentially overdosed on trazodone and show any of these symptoms:

Drowsiness
Loss of muscle coordination
Nausea and vomiting
A painful erection that does not go away
Respiratory arrest
Seizures
Slower or faster heartbeat

Withdrawal Symptoms

As with other antidepressants, it's important to not discontinue trazodone without your doctor's approval and guidance. You will likely be put on a tapering schedule so that the medication has a chance to gradually work its way out of your system, decreasing your risk for unpleasant effects. Withdrawal symptoms that may occur, especially if you stop using trazodone suddenly, include:

Anxiety
Agitation
Sleep disturbances

Other Rare but Serious Side Effects

Serotonin syndrome, a serious, potentially life-threatening illness caused by too much serotonin in the body.
Hyponatremia, a low concentration of sodium in the blood.
Abnormal bleeding, especially when combined with drugs that can irritate the stomach, including aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen.

If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.

For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database.