There are no known interactions between trazodone and foods or drinks. Trazodone is a prescription medication that belongs to the class of drugs known as serotonin modulators. It primarily acts as an antidepressant and is also used for its sedative properties. Trazodone works by influencing the activity of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that affects mood, sleep, and behavior.
Do not drink alcohol while taking trazodone. The risk of dizziness or sleepiness may be increased if you drink alcohol while taking trazodone.
Uses of Trazodone
- Treatment of Depression
Trazodone is commonly prescribed for major depressive disorder (MDD). It helps improve mood, increase energy levels, and reduce anxiety associated with depression. - Treatment of Insomnia
Due to its sedative effects, trazodone is often used off-label to treat insomnia. It helps individuals fall asleep and stay asleep longer. - Anxiety Disorders
Trazodone may be prescribed to manage symptoms of anxiety, especially when anxiety coexists with depression or sleep disturbances. - Chronic Pain Management
In some cases, trazodone is used as an adjunctive treatment for chronic pain conditions, as it can improve sleep quality, which indirectly helps pain management. - Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Trazodone is sometimes used off-label to treat sleep disturbances or nightmares associated with PTSD.
Does Trazodone interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using trazodone.
- A monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) within the past 2 weeks, which is a medicine usually used for depression or Parkinson’s disease
- A selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) or a serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), which are medicines commonly used for anxiety or depression
- A tricyclic antidepressant, such as amitriptyline or nortriptyline, even if it is not used for depression
- An antipsychotic, which is a medicine for certain mental health conditions
- A type of medicine called a triptan, such as sumatriptan (Imitrex and others), eletriptan (Relpax), and others, which are used to treat migraine headaches
- Lithium, which is a medicine for certain mental health conditions
- Buspirone (Buspar), which is a medicine for anxiety
- Opioid pain medicines, including tramadol or fentanyl
- A non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and others, which are contained in many prescription and OTC products for pain, swelling, and fever
- A medicine that affects bleeding, such as aspirin, warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven), rivaroxaban, dabigatran, or clopidogrel
- Phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek, and others), which is a medicine to control seizures
- Digoxin (Lanoxin), which is a medicine used to treat irregular heartbeat and some types of heart failure
- A barbiturate, such as phenobarbital, butalbital, or primidone which is a medicine that may be used to treat insomnia, migraines, or seizures
- Medicines that can cause QT prolongation, which is a dangerous heart rhythm problem, including amiodarone or sotalol
- A medicine for high blood pressure, such as lisinopril or losartan
- A diuretic, also called a water pill, which is a medicine used to reduce edema (fluid retention) and blood pressure
- St. John’s Wort or tryptophan
Many other medicines may alter the blood levels of trazodone. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.