Trazodone (Systemic)

Brand Names : Desyrel

Proper Use of This Medicine

To lessen stomach upset and to reduce dizziness and lightheadedness, take this medicine with or shortly after a meal or light snack, even for a daily bedtime dose, unless your doctor has told you to take it on an empty stomach.

Take trazodone only as directed by your doctor , to benefit your condition as much as possible.

Sometimes trazodone must be taken for up to 4 weeks before you begin to feel better , although most people notice improvement within 2 weeks.

Dosing - The dose of trazodone will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average doses of trazodone. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so:

• Adults - Oral, to start, 50 milligrams per dose taken three times a day, or 75 milligrams per dose taken two times a day. Your doctor may increase your dose if needed.
• Children 6 to 18 years of age - Oral. Your doctor will tell you what dose to take based on your body weight.
• Children up to 6 years of age - Dose must be determined by the doctor.
• Elderly patients - Oral, to start, 25 milligrams per dose taken three times a day. Your doctor may increase your dose if needed.

Missed dose - If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is within 4 hours of your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage - To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.