Trazodone comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken one or more times a day with food. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take trazodone exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Continue to take trazodone even if you feel well. Do not stop taking trazodone without talking to your doctor, especially if you have taken large doses for a long time. Your doctor probably will want to decrease your dose gradually. This drug must be taken regularly for a few weeks before its full effect is felt.

Side effects from trazodone are common:

upset stomach
diarrhea
stomach pain or gas
drowsiness
weakness or tiredness
excitement or anxiety
insomnia
nightmares
dry mouth
skin more sensitive to sunlight than usual
changes in appetite or weight
Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

constipation
difficulty urinating
frequent urination
blurred vision
changes in sex drive or ability
excessive sweating
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

jaw, neck, and back muscle spasms
slow or difficult speech
shuffling walk
persistent fine tremor or inability to sit still
dizziness or lightheadedness
blood in urine
fever
difficulty breathing
shortness of breath
severe skin rash
yellowing of the skin or eyes
irregular heartbeat
prolonged or inappropriate erection

Trazodone should be taken shortly after a meal or light snack to decrease the chance of dizziness or lightheadedness.

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response to trazodone.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions y