Trazodone Drug Information

Trazodone is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). Trazodone hydrochloride tablets are indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults.

Dose Selection

An initial dose of 150 mg/day in divided doses is suggested. The dosage should be initiated at a low-dose and increased gradually, noting the clinical response and any evidence of intolerance. Occurrence of drowsiness may require the administration of a major portion of the daily dose at bedtime or a reduction of dosage.

The dose may be increased by 50 mg/day every 3 to 4 days. The maximum dose for outpatients usually should not exceed 400 mg/day in divided doses. Inpatients (i.e., more severely depressed patients) may be given up to but not in excess of 600 mg/day in divided doses.

Once an adequate response has been achieved, dosage may be gradually reduced, with subsequent adjustment depending on therapeutic response.

Improtant

Administration Instructions Trazodone hydrochloride tablets can be swallowed whole or administered as a half tablet by breaking the tablet along the score line. Trazodone hydrochloride tablets should be taken shortly after a meal or light snack.

Screen for Bipolar Disorder

Prior to Starting Trazodone Prior to initiating treatment with trazodone hydrochloride tablets or another antidepressant, screen patients for a personal or family history of bipolar disorder, mania, or hypomania.

Switchning to or from Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor Antidepressant At least 14 days

must elapse between discontinuation of a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) antidepressant and initiation of trazodone hydrochloride tablets. In addition, at least 14 days must elapse after stopping trazodone hydrochloride tablets before starting an MAOI antidepressant.

Dosage Recommendations for

Concomitant Use with Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors or Inducers Coadministration with Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors Consider reducing trazodone dose based on tolerability when trazodone is coadministered with a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor. Coadministration with Strong CYP3A4 Inducers Consider increasing trazodone dose based on therapeutic response when trazodone is coadministered with a strong CYP3A4 inducer.

Discontinuation of Treatment with Trazodone Adverse reactions may occur upon discontinuation of

trazodone. Gradually reduce the dosage rather than stopping trazodone abruptly whenever possible.

Clinical Trials Experience

Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Table 2 Common Adverse Reactions Occurring in ≥ 2% of Trazodone-treated Patients and Greater than the Rate of Placebo-Treated Patients as Observed in Controlled Clinical Studies Inpatients Outpatients Trazodone Placebo Trazodone Placebo N=142 N=95 N=157 N=158 Allergic Skin Condition/Edema 3% 1% 7% 1% Autonomic Blurred Vision 6% 4% 15% 4% Constipation 7% 4% 8% 6% Dry Mouth 15% 8% 34% 20% Cardiovascular Hypertension 20% 1% 1% * Hypotension 7% 1% 4% 0 Syncope 3% 2% 5% 1% CNS Confusion 5% 0 6% 8% Decreased Concentration 3% 2% 1% 0 Disorientation 2% 0 * 0 Dizziness/Light-Headedness 20% 5% 28% 15% Drowsiness 24% 6% 41% 20% Fatigue 11% 4% 6% 3% Headache 10% 5% 20% 16% Nervousness 15% 11% 6% 8% Gastrointestinal Abdominal/Gastric Disorder 4% 4% 6% 4% Diarrhea 0 1% 5% 1% Nausea/Vomiting 10% 1% 13% 10% Musculoskeletal Aches/Pains 6% 3% 5% 3% Neurological Incoordination 5% 0 2% * Tremors 3% 1% 5% 4% Other Eyes Red/Tired/Itching 3% 0 0 0 Head Full-Heavy 3% 0 0 0 Malaise 3% 0 0 0 Nasal/Sinus Congestion 3% 0 6% 3% Weight Gain 1% 0 5% 2% Weight Loss * 3% 6% 3% Other adverse reactions occurring at an incidence of <2% with the use of trazodone hydrochloride in the controlled clinical studies: akathisia, allergic reaction, anemia, chest pain, delayed urine flow, early menses, flatulence, hallucinations/delusions, hematuria, hypersalivation, hypomania, impaired memory, impaired speech, impotence, increased appetite, increased libido, increased urinary frequency, missed periods, muscle twitches, numbness, paresthesia, retrograde ejaculation, shortness of breath, and tachycardia/palpitations. Occasional sinus bradycardia has occurred in long-term studies.

Postmarketing Experience

The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of trazodone. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure: Blood and lymphatic system disorders: hemolytic anemia, leukocytosis Cardiac disorders: cardiospasm, congestive heart failure, conduction block, orthostatic hypotension and syncope, palpitations, bradycardia, atrial fibrillation, myocardial infarction, cardiac arrest, arrhythmia, ventricular ectopic activity, including ventricular tachycardia and QT prolongation. Prolonged QT interval, torsade de pointes, and ventricular tachycardia have been reported at doses of 100 mg per day or less.

Endocrine disorders: inappropriate ADH syndrome Eye disorders: diplopia Gastrointestinal disorders: increased salivation, nausea/vomiting General disorders and administration site conditions: chills, edema, unexplained death, weakness Hepatobiliary disorders: cholestasis, jaundice, hyperbilirubinemia, liver enzyme alterations Investigations: increased amylase Metabolism and nutrition disorders: methemoglobinemia Nervous system disorders: aphasia, ataxia, cerebrovascular accident, extrapyramidal symptoms, grand mal seizures, paresthesia, tardive dyskinesia, vertigo Psychiatric disorders: abnormal dreams, agitation, anxiety, hallucinations, insomnia, paranoid reaction, psychosis, stupor Renal and urinary disorders: urinary incontinence, urinary retention Reproductive system and breast disorders: breast enlargement or engorgement, clitorism, lactation, priapism Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders: apnea Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: alopecia, hirsutism, leukonychia, pruritus, psoriasis, rash, urticaria Vascular disorders: vasodilation

Drugs Having Clinically Important Interactions with Trazodone Table 3 Clinically Important Drug

Interactions with Trazodone Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) Clinical Impact: The concomitant use of MAOIs and serotonergic drugs including trazodone increases the risk of serotonin syndrome. Intervention: Trazodone is contraindicated in patients taking MAOIs, including MAOIs such as linezolid or intravenous methylene blue. Examples: isocarboxazid, moclobemide, phenelzine, selegiline, tranylcypromine Other Serotonergic Drugs Clinical Impact: The concomitant use of serotonergic drugs including trazodone and other serotonergic drugs increases the risk of serotonin syndrome.

Intervention: Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of serotonin syndrome, particularly during trazodone initiation. If serotonin syndrome occurs, consider discontinuation of trazodone and/or concomitant serotonergic drugs. Examples: triptans, antidepressants (tricyclic and serotonin uptake inhibitors), fentanyl, lithium, tramadol, tryptophan, buspirone, and St.

John's Wort Antiplatelet Agents and Anticoagulants Clinical Impact: Serotonin release by platelets plays an important role in hemostasis. The concurrent use of an antiplatelet agent or anticoagulant with trazodone may potentiate the risk of bleeding. Intervention: Inform patients of the increased risk of bleeding with the concomitant use of trazodone and antiplatelet agents and anticoagulants.

For patients taking warfarin, carefully monitor the international normalized ratio (INR) when initiating or discontinuing trazodone. Examples: warfarin, rivaroxaban, dabigatran, clopidogrel Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors Clinical Impact: The concomitant use of trazodone and strong CYP3A4 inhibitors increased the exposure of trazodone compared to the use of trazodone alone. Intervention: If trazodone is used with a potent CYP3A4 inhibitor, the risk of adverse reactions, including cardiac arrhythmias, may be increased and a lower dose of trazodone should be considered.

Examples: itraconazole, ketoconazole, clarithromycin, indinavir Strong CYP3A4 Inducers Clinical Impact: The concomitant use of trazodone and strong CYP3A4 inducers decreased the exposure of trazodone compared to the use of trazodone alone. Intervention: Patients should be closely monitored to see if there is a need for an increased dose of trazodone when taking CYP3A4 inducers. Examples: rifampin, carbamazepine, phenytoin, St.

John's wort Digoxin and Phenytoin Clinical Impact: Digoxin and phenytoin are narrow therapeutic index drugs. Concomitant use of trazodone can increase digoxin or phenytoin concentrations. Intervention: Measure serum digoxin or phenytoin concentrations before initiating concomitant use of trazodone.

Continue monitoring and reduce digoxin or phenytoin dose as necessary. Examples: digoxin, phenytoin Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressants Clinical Impact: Trazodone may enhance the response CNS depressants. Intervention: Patients should be counseled that trazodone may enhance the response to alcohol, barbiturates, and other CNS depressants.

Examples: alcohol, barbiturates QT Interval Prolongation Clinical Impact: Concomitant use of drugs that prolong the QT interval may add to the QT effects of trazodone and increase the risk of cardiac arrhythmia. Intervention: Avoid the use of trazodone in combination with other drugs known to prolong QTc . Examples: Class 1A antiarrhythmics: quinidine, procainamide, disopyramide; Class 3 antiarrhythmics: amiodarone, sotalol; Antipsychotics: ziprasidone, chlorpromazine, thioridazine; Antibiotics: gatifloxacin

Pregnancy Pregnancy Exposure Registry There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to antidepressants during pregnancy. Healthcare providers are encouraged to register patients by calling the National Pregnancy Registry for Antidepressants at 1-844-405-6185 or visiting online at https://womensmentalhealth.org/clinical-and-research-programs/ pregnancyregistry/ antidepressants/ Risk Summary Published prospective cohort studies, case series, and case reports over several decades with trazodone hydrochloride tablets use in pregnant women have not identified any drug-associated risks of major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes (see Data). Trazodone hydrochloride has been shown to cause increased fetal resorption and other adverse effects on the fetus in the rat when given at dose levels approximately 7.3 times to 11 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 400 mg/day in adults on a mg/m 2 basis. There was also an increase in congenital anomalies in the rabbit at approximately 7.3 times to 22 times the MRHD on a mg/m 2 basis (see Data). The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown.

All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively. Clinical Considerations Disease-associated maternal and/or embryofetal risk A prospective, longitudinal study followed 201 pregnant women with a history of major depressive disorder who were euthymic and taking antidepressants at the beginning of pregnancy.

The women who discontinued antidepressants during pregnancy were more likely to experience a relapse of major depression that women who continued antidepressants. Consider the risk of untreated depression when discontinuing or changing treatment with antidepressant medication during pregnancy and postpartum. Data Human Data While available studies cannot definitively establish the absence of risk, published data from prospective cohort studies, case series, and case reports over several decades have not identified an association with trazodone use during pregnancy and major birth defects, miscarriage, or other adverse maternal or fetal outcomes.

All available studies have methodological limitations, including small sample size and inconsistent comparator groups. Animal Data No teratogenic effects were observed when trazodone was given to pregnant rats and rabbits during the period of organogenesis at oral doses up to 450 mg/kg/day. This dose is 11 times and 22 times, in rats and rabbits, respectively, the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 400 mg/day in adults on a mg/m 2 basis.

Increased fetal resorption and other adverse effects on the fetus in rats at 7.3 times to 11 times the MRHD and increase in congenital anomalies in rabbits at 7.3 times to 22 times the MRHD on a mg/m 2 basis were observed. No further details on these studies are available.

Pediatric Use Safety and effectiveness in the pediatric population have not been established. Antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in pediatric patients.

None. Concomitant use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), or use within 14 days of stopping MAOIs. Trazodone hydrochloride tablets are contraindicated in: Patients taking, or within 14 days of stopping, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), including MAOIs such as linezolid or intravenous methylene blue, because of an increased risk of serotonin syndrome.

Death from overdose has occurred in patients ingesting trazodone and other CNS depressant drugs concurrently (alcohol; alcohol and chloral hydrate and diazepam; amobarbital; chlordiazepoxide; or meprobamate). The most severe reactions reported to have occurred with overdose of trazodone alone have been priapism, respiratory arrest, seizures, and ECG changes, including QT prolongation. The reactions reported most frequently have been drowsiness and vomiting. Overdosage may cause an increase in incidence or severity of any of the reported adverse reactions.

There is no specific antidote for trazodone hydrochloride overdose. In managing overdosage, consider the possibility of multiple drug involvement. For current information on the management of poisoning or overdose, contact a poison control center (1-800-222-1222 or www.poison.org).