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Interactions may occur as a result of taking certain other medications with Trazodone. It is critical to always consult with your physician about any potential drug or medical condition interactions before taking trazodone. Always follow your physician’s instructions regarding trazodone dosage and treatment.

Please note that the following list of interactions is NOT complete. Your physician will monitor the risks and side effects of varying drug interactions, based on your individual health profile. The following information comes from DailyMed, an FDA-approved resource for drug labeling.

Drug Interactions

MAOIs

MAOIs (Ex. Marplan (isocarboxazid), Moclobemide (Aurorix / Manerix), Nardil (Phenelzine), Parnate (Tranylcypromine), Pirlindole (Pirazidol), Selegiline (Deprenyl) Rasigiline (azilect), should not be used within 14 days of trazodone.

Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressants

Trazodone may enhance the response to alcohol, barbiturates, and other CNS depressants.

Cytochrome P450 3A4 Inhibitors

In vitro drug metabolism studies suggest that there is a potential for drug interactions when trazodone is given with cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) inhibitors. The effect of short-term administration of ritonavir (200 mg twice daily, 4 doses) on the pharmacokinetics of a single dose of trazodone (50 mg) has been studied in 10 healthy subjects. The Cmax of trazodone increased by 34%, the AUC increased by 2.4 fold, the half-life increased by 2.2 fold, and the clearance decreased by 52%.

Adverse effects including nausea, hypotension, and syncope were observed when ritonavir and trazodone were coadministered. It is likely that ketoconazole, indinavir, and other CYP3A4 inhibitors such as itraconazole may lead to substantial increases in trazodone plasma concentrations with the potential for adverse effects. If trazodone is used with a potent CYP3A4 inhibitor, the risk of cardiac arrhythmia may be increased [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)] and a lower dose of trazodone should be considered.

Cytochrome P450 Inducers (e.g., Carbamazepine)

Carbamazepine induces CYP3A4. Following coadministration of carbamazepine 400 mg per day with trazodone 100 mg to 300 mg daily, carbamazepine reduced plasma concentrations of trazodone and m-chlorophenlypiperazine (an active metabolite) by 76% and 60% respectively, compared to pre-carbamazepine values. Patients should be closely monitored to see if there is a need for an increased dose of trazodone when taking both drugs.

Digoxin and Phenytoin

Increased serum digoxin or phenytoin levels have been reported in patients receiving trazodone concurrently with either of these drugs. Monitor serum levels and adjust dosages as needed.

Serotonergic Drugs

Based on the mechanism of action of trazodone and the potential for serotonin syndrome, caution is advised when trazodone is coadministered with other drugs that may affect the neurotransmitter systems.

NSAIDs, Aspirin, or Other Drugs Affecting Coagulation or Bleeding

Due to a possible association between serotonin modulating drugs and gastrointestinal bleeding, patients should be monitored for and cautioned about the potential risk of bleeding associated with the concomitant use of trazodone and NSAIDs, aspirin, or other drugs that affect coagulation or bleeding.

Warfarin

There have been reports of altered (either increased or decreased) prothrombin times in taking both warfarin and trazodone.

Trazodone and Pregnancy

For more information, please visit our page regarding pregnancy and trazodone. There, we also discuss the potential risks of taking trazodone while breastfeeding, as well as the risk it may have on fertility.

DailyMed reports there may be heightened risks of taking trazodone for children, teenagers, and young adults. This may differ from one person to another, but it is generally recommended to prescribe with extra precaution to these age groups. Specifically, children, teenagers, and young adults are at an increased risk of suicidal thoughts when taking trazodone.

Disclaimer: this article does not constitute or replace medical advice. If you have an emergency or a serious medical question, please contact a medical professional or call 911 immediately. To see our full medical disclaimer, visit our Terms of Use page.


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