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Trazodone

Also indexed as: Desyrel®

Trazodone is a weak serotonin reuptake inhibitor drug with other effects on brain neurotransmitters. It is used to treat people with depression. It is also used to treat people during cocaine withdrawal.

Safetychecker Summary for Trazodone
(for details about the summarized interactions, read the full article)

Avoid Avoid: Adverse interaction—Avoid these supplements when taking this medication because taking them together may cause undesirable or dangerous results.

Ginkgo biloba *

St. John’s wort*
Check Check: Other—Before taking any of these supplements or eating any of these foods with your medication, read this article in full for details.

Digitalis
Depletion or interference

None known
Side effect reduction/prevention

None known
Supportive interaction

None known
Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability

None known

An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.

Interactions with Herbs

Digitalis (Digitalis lanata, Digitalis purpurea)
Digitalis refers to a family of plants commonly called foxglove that contain digitalis glycosides, chemicals with actions and toxicities similar to the prescription drug digoxin.

Trazodone was associated with increased serum digoxin levels in one case report.1 No interactions between trazodone and digitalis have been reported. Until more is known, trazodone and digitalis-containing products should be used only under the direct supervision of a doctor trained in their use.

Ginkgo biloba
There is one case report of an elderly patient with Alzheimer’s disease going into a coma while concurrently using trazodone and ginkgo.2 Until more is known, ginkgo should not be combined with trazodone except under supervision of a doctor.

St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum)
One report described a case of serotonin syndrome in a patient who took St. John’s wort and trazodone.3 The patient reportedly experienced mental confusion, muscle twitching, sweating, flushing, and ataxia. Until more is known, St. John’s wort should not be combined with trazodone except under expert clinical supervision.

Interactions with Foods and Other Compounds

Food
Trazodone should be taken with food.4

Alcohol
Trazodone may cause drowsiness or dizziness.5 Alcohol may compound these effects and increase the risk of accidental injury. To prevent problems, people taking trazodone should avoid alcohol.

References:

1. Rauch PK, Jenike MA. Digoxin toxicity possibly precipitated by trazodone. Psychosomatics 1984;25:334–5.

2. Galluzzi S, Zanetti O, Binetti G, et al. Coma in a patient with Alzheimer’s disease taking low dose trazodone and Ginkgo biloba. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2000;68:679–80.

3. Demott K. St. John’s wort tied to serotonin syndrome. Clinical Psychiatry News 1998;26:28.

4. Threlkeld DS, ed. Central Nervous System Drugs, Antidepressants, Trazodone. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, Apr 1990, 263i–3k.

5. Threlkeld DS, ed. Central Nervous System Drugs, Antidepressants, Trazodone. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, Apr 1990, 263i–3k.