Overview
Desyrel is the brand name for Trazodone, one of the newer antidepressants. It is not related to the tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) or other known antidepressants, though it is similar to Prozac (fluoxetine.) Desyrel helps reduce depression by increasing the amount of serotonin (a neurotransmitter) available to the brain. Desyrel is a sedative.

Desyrel’s effects can usually be felt within one to four weeks, although it may take longer depending on the dosage and an individual’s reaction to the drug.

Why is this drug prescribed?
Desyrel can be used to treat any type of depression.

Desyrel is also used to treat:

1. sleep disorders
2. symptoms of agoraphobia
3. drug induced insomnia
4. essential tremor
5. repetitive screaming
6. anxiety
7. panic attacks
8. some pain syndromes

Warnings and Precautions
Desyrel is not addictive, but it is recommended that dosage be gradually tapered when it is discontinued.

Desyrel is not recommended for anyone under 18 years old; little is known about its effects on children.

Desyrel can impair concentration and coordination. Patients should not drive or operate heavy machinery until it is known that this drug does not impair the individual’s ability to safely engage in such activities.

For Nursing Mothers: Desyrel is passed into breast milk, although its effects on a nursing infant are not known. In animal studies, Desyrel has been known to cause birth defects and a lower number of live births.

Desyrel has been associated with priapism, a persistent, painful erection of the penis. Men who experience prolonged or inappropriate erections should stop taking this drug and consult a doctor.

Contraindications
Desyrel should Not be used for people with the following medical conditions:

1. heart disease – Desyrel can cause irregular heart rhythms in these patients
2. liver disease – dosage may need to be lowered
3. a history of epilepsy
4. heart disease
5. kidney disease
6. a history of alcohol abuse

Adverse Reactions
Desyrel may cause the following reactions:

1. drowsiness
2. weight gain
3. dizziness
4. dry mouth
5. constipation
6. fatigue
7. nervousness
8. headache
9. nausea or vomiting
10. low blood pressure
11. blurred vision
12. inappropriate / painful erection (priapism)
13. tremors
14. ringing in the ears
15. hypomania
16. irregular heartbeat – especially in patients with heart disease
17. reduction in white blood cell count
18. anxiousness
19. confusion
20. decreased concentration
21. muscle pain
22. shortness of breath
23. skin rash

Interactions with Drugs and Other Substances
Drugs or substances that may interact with Desyrel are:

1. Alcohol – avoid completely: serious, even fatal interactions have occurred from using alcohol while taking Desyrel
2. SSRIs or other antidepressants – there is a risk of drug toxicity when any of these are taken with Desyrel
3. MAO Inhibitors (within 14 days) – effects when taken with Desyrel are not known, but caution should be used
4. Antihypertensive drugs (such as Catapres and Wytensin) and some phenothiazines – taken with Desyrel can cause dangerously low blood pressure
5. Dilantin (phenytoin), Ultram (tramadol), Norvir (ritonavir) – taking any of these with Desyrel may lead to drug toxicity
6. Benzodiazepines, opioids, and tranquilizers – these may have additive effects when taken with Desyrel
7. Coumadin (warfarin) and Catapres (clonidine) – the effectiveness of these drugs may decrease when taken with Desyrel
8. Barbiturates (such as Seconal)

http://www.psyweb.com/Drughtm/trazod.html

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title=Desyrel&cid=HT

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http://www.healthsquare.com/pdrfg/pd/monos/desyrel.htm