From the Guidelines
Desyrel (Trazodone) is primarily used to treat Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).
Key Points
- Desyrel (Trazodone) is a second-generation antidepressant, specifically a serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor (SARI) 1.
- It is used to treat MDD, either alone or in combination with other medications, and is considered to have similar efficacy to other second-generation antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) 1.
- The medication works by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain, which helps to improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression.
- Common side effects of Desyrel (Trazodone) include drowsiness, dizziness, and nausea, but it is generally considered to be well-tolerated and safe for use in adults with MDD 1.
Clinical Use
- Desyrel (Trazodone) is typically started at a low dose, such as 50-100 mg per day, and gradually increased as needed and tolerated, up to a maximum dose of 400 mg per day.
- It is usually taken orally, once or twice a day, and can be taken with or without food.
- Patients should be monitored regularly for response to treatment and potential side effects, and the dose should be adjusted as needed to achieve optimal efficacy and minimize adverse effects.
From the FDA Drug Label
Trazodone Hydrochloride Tablets are indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults. Trazodone Hydrochloride Tablets are a prescription medicine used in adults to treat major depressive disorder (MDD).
The use of Desyrel (Trazodone) is for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults.
- Key uses: Treatment of MDD in adults
- Important consideration: Trazodone Hydrochloride Tablets belongs to a class of medicines, but it is actually a serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor (SARI), not a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) as mentioned in the label 2 2
From the Research
Uses of Desyrel (Trazodone)
- Desyrel (Trazodone) is approved for the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in adults 3, 4, 5.
- It is also commonly used off-label for the treatment of:
- Primary or secondary insomnia 3, 6.
- Generalised Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder 3.
- Other conditions such as bulimia, benzodiazepine and/or alcohol dependence or abuse, fibromyalgia, degenerative diseases of the central nervous system, schizophrenia, chronic pain, and diabetic neuropathy 3.
- Trazodone may be used to prevent the occurrence of initial and long-term side effects of SSRI, such as anxiety, insomnia, and sexual dysfunction, due to its 5HT2A receptor antagonistic action 3.
Therapeutic Benefits
- Trazodone has established efficacy in treating a broad array of depressive symptoms, including symptoms that are less likely to respond to other antidepressants, such as insomnia 4, 5.
- It has a favorable profile for the treatment of depression, with a low risk of anticholinergic side effects, weight gain, and sexual side effects 4, 5.
- Trazodone may be helpful for patients with major depression and comorbid insomnia, anxiety, or psychomotor agitation 4, 5.
Safety and Efficacy
- The safety and efficacy of trazodone have been established in clinical trials, with a relatively low risk of side effects such as weight gain, sexual or anticholinergic effects 4, 5.
- However, there are concerns about the use of trazodone as a hypnotic in non-depressed patients, due to the lack of data on its efficacy and safety in this context, as well as reports of significant dropout rates and induction of arrhythmias 6.