Description
Trazocan (Trazodone) 50 mg
Trazocan 50 mg is a brand name for trazodone, an antidepressant medicine used in the management of major depressive disorder. The product name and strength are used here for identification only. Verified prescribing information describes trazodone as an orally used antidepressant with serotonergic activity.
Active Ingredient and Medicine Class
The active ingredient is trazodone hydrochloride. It belongs to the class of serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor (SARI) antidepressants. Trazodone acts on serotonin pathways and is distinct from tricyclic antidepressants and SSRIs.
Established Medical Uses
Official prescribing information supports trazodone for the treatment of major depressive disorder in adults. Clinical reviews also note that it may be useful when depressive symptoms coexist with insomnia, anxiety, or psychomotor agitation, but such uses should be considered in the context of formal medical assessment.
How It Works
Trazodone helps alter serotonin signalling in the brain. It blocks certain serotonin receptors and inhibits serotonin reuptake, which can improve depressive symptoms. Its receptor profile is also associated with sedating effects in some patients.
Important Safety Information
Trazodone should not be used with monoamine oxidase inhibitors, including linezolid or intravenous methylene blue, because of the risk of serotonin syndrome. Important precautions include the possibility of serotonin syndrome with other serotonergic medicines, QT prolongation and cardiac rhythm risk, orthostatic hypotension, and increased bleeding risk when combined with anticoagulants or antiplatelet medicines. Prescribing information also warns about priapism and the need for caution in people with a history of bipolar disorder or seizure disorder.
Possible Side Effects
Common adverse effects include drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, nausea, headache, and fatigue. Less common but serious reactions can include serotonin syndrome, abnormal heart rhythm, syncope, priapism, suicidal thoughts or behavioural changes, and severe allergic or skin reactions.
Scientific Evidence
Peer-reviewed reviews conclude that trazodone is an established antidepressant with efficacy for major depressive disorder and a relatively low risk of anticholinergic, weight-gain, and sexual side effects compared with some other antidepressants. The clinical literature also supports its usefulness when depression is accompanied by insomnia.
Medical Information Notice
This summary is for educational purposes only and is based on sources available at the time of review. It does not replace the official patient leaflet, full prescribing information, or assessment by a qualified health professional.
Medical Sources
- DailyMed / FDA: Trazodone hydrochloride tablets, prescribing information. View source
- Cuomo A, et al. Clinical guidance for the use of trazodone in major depressive disorder and concomitant conditions: pharmacology and clinical practice. Riv Psichiatr. 2019. PubMed
