Desyrel is an oral tablet made up of a phenylpiperazine antidepressant drug called trazodone. This medication can be bought as a generic alternative, sold as trazodone, or as the brand name Desyrel, both available in 50mg and 100mg!

This is a medication prescribed to those who suffer from major depressive disorder. Major depressive disorders are a medical condition that causes one to constantly feel sadness and hopelessness, usually due to chemical brain changes which affect your mood. Anyone can be diagnosed with this condition, but others are more at risk, such as those who have chronic medical conditions, those reliant on drugs and alcohol or a person going through grief. Depression can not only affect your mood, but your appetite, energy levels, anxiety, and insomnia. All of these symptoms can be improved with trazodone.

Trazodone works by restoring the balance of serotonin in the brain, the chemical that is often out of balance in people with major depressive disorder.

Ensure you are following directions given to you by your doctor.

This medication is taken by mouth, commonly taken once or twice a day after a snack or meal. If the first dose makes you drowsy and you are only taking 1 pill a day, reserve it for bedtime.

Dosage is based on your medical condition and your response to treatment.

You should begin to feel the benefits within 2 – 4 weeks of starting treatment.

You should not use Desyrel if you are allergic to trazodone or any other ingredients found in Desyrel.

If you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days, avoid using Desyrel. A dangerous drug interaction could possibly occur.

After you stop taking Desyrel, you must wait at least 2 weeks before you begin taking your MAOI again.

It is important to tell your doctor about all medical conditions you have, as trazodone can negatively react with them. If you have any of the following, make sure your doctor is fully aware:

liver or kidney disease; heart disease, or a recent heart attack; a bleeding or blood clotting disorder; seizures or epilepsy; narrow-angle glaucoma; long QT syndrome; drug addiction or suicidal thoughts; or bipolar disorder (manic depression).

This medication could cause some to experience suicidal thoughts. Yourself and 1 other should always be monitoring yourself for signs of suicidal thoughts.

It is not known whether Desyrel will harm an unborn baby, however, you risk a relapse of your depression if you suddenly stop taking your antidepressant. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant and do not start or stop taking this medicine without your doctor's advice.

It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Consult your doctor before breast feeding on this medication.

Desyrel should not be used by anyone younger than 18 years old.

Common side effects of Desyrel (Trazodone) may include:

drowsiness, dizziness, tiredness; swelling; weight loss; blurred vision; diarrhea, constipation; or stuffy nose.

The above side effects should not alarm you.

Serious side effects of Desyrel (Trazodone) may include:

fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, shortness of breath, and sudden dizziness (like you might pass out); slow heartbeats; unusual thoughts or behavior; or easy bruising, unusual bleeding;

If you have any of the above side effects, contact your doctor right away.

Signs to watch for:

low levels of sodium in the body: headache, confusion, slurred speech, severe weakness, vomiting, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady.

serotonin syndrome:  agitation, hallucinations, fever, sweating, shivering, fast heart rate, muscle stiffness, twitching, loss of coordination, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Suicidal thoughts: sleep problems, sudden calmness, self-harmful behavior, recent trauma, making preparations, talking about suicide often.

What other drugs will affect Desyrel?

Any other antidepressants will interact with this medication, as well as; phenytoin; St. John's wort; tramadol; a diuretic or "water pill"; medicine to treat anxiety, mood disorders, or mental illness such as schizophrenia; a blood thinner--warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven; or migraine headache medicine--sumatriptan, Imitrex, Maxalt, Treximet, and others.

What is the average dose recommendation?

The initial starting dose for adults is 150mg per day in divided doses. The dose may be increased by 50mg/day every 3-4 days however the limit should not exceed 400mg per day, in divided doses.

How should I store Desyrel?

Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture, heat and light.

What should I avoid while on Desyrel?

Very dangerous side effects, including death, can occur if you mix trazodone with alcohol. Do not drink alcohol while taking this medication. You also should avoid driving until you are very clear on how this drug affects you. You may feel dizzy if you stand up to quickly, avoid making sudden movements.