Trazodone is a generic prescription oral tablet that treats major depression. It doesn’t come in any brand-name versions. Trazodone can cause side effects that range from mild to serious, including drowsiness and dizziness.

Trazodone is used in adults to treat major depressive disorder (MDD). It is not approved for use in people under 18 years old.

The active ingredient in trazodone is trazodone hydrochloride.

Keep reading to learn about the common, mild, and serious side effects that trazodone can cause. And for a detailed overview of this drug, check out this in-depth trazodone article.

Trazodone has a boxed warning. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For details, see the “Trazodone’s side effects explained” section.

Some people may experience mild to serious side effects during their trazodone treatment. Examples of the drug’s commonly reported side effects include:

The following sections include more side effects of trazodone. Each person’s experience with side effects may differ.

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Mild side effects have been reported with trazodone. These include:

  • dizziness
  • swelling of the face, hands, or lower legs
  • headache
  • blurred vision
  • nasal congestion
  • dry mouth
  • weight loss or gain
  • drowsiness
  • constipation
  • nausea or vomiting
  • diarrhea

In most cases, these side effects should be temporary. And some may be easily managed. But if you have symptoms that are ongoing or bothersome, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. And do not stop taking trazodone unless your doctor recommends it.

Trazodone may cause mild side effects other than those listed above. See the drug’s prescribing information for details.

Serious side effects have been reported with trazodone. These include:

If you develop serious side effects while taking trazodone, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

Note: After the FDA approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. If you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with trazodone, visit MedWatch.

ALLERGIC REACTION

For some people, trazodone can cause an allergic reaction. In general, symptoms of allergic reaction can be mild or serious.

What might help

If you have mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may suggest a treatment to manage your symptoms. They can also determine whether you should keep taking trazodone.

If you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms could be life threatening and require immediate medical care.

Your doctor can confirm whether you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to trazodone. If so, they may have you switch to a different treatment.

Get answers to some frequently asked questions about trazodone’s side effects.

Does trazodone cause sexual side effects in females?

It might. Some women who participated in studies of trazodone reported an increase in sex drive.

Since the FDA approved the drug for use, uncommon incidences of clitorism have been reported. This is a condition in which the clitoris is swollen and painful for an extended time.

If you notice any unusual sexual side effects, talk with your doctor about ways to manage them. Or the two of you can explore other treatment options.

Note: In this article, we use the term “female” to refer to someone’s sex assigned at birth. For information about the difference between sex and gender, see this article.

What side effects might elderly individuals experience with trazodone?

Older adults (those over 65 years old) may be more likely to experience side effects from trazodone. Examples include drowsiness, dizziness, and an increased risk of falls due to low blood pressure.

In rare cases, trazodone can increase the risk of low levels of sodium in the blood, which may lead to confusion or weakness.

If you’re an older adult, a doctor will likely start your trazodone treatment with a lower dose to help minimize these risks. They’ll also monitor you closely as you begin treatment.

Does trazodone cause sexual side effects in males?

It might. In studies, trazodone caused sexual side effects in males, including:

The studies also reported a more serious side effect called priapism. This condition involves a prolonged, often painful erection that lasts more than 4 hours. Priapism requires immediate medical attention to prevent long-term damage. If you experience priapism, seek emergency care right away.

Note: In this article, we use the term “male” to refer to someone’s sex assigned at birth. For information about the difference between sex and gender, see this article.

Keeping track of side effects

During your trazodone treatment, consider taking notes on any side effects you’re having. You then can share this information with your doctor. This is especially helpful when you first start a new drug or combination of treatments.

Your side effect notes can include things such as:

  • what dose of the drug you were taking when you had the side effect
  • how soon you had the side effect after starting that dose
  • what your symptoms were
  • how your symptoms affected your daily activities
  • what other medications you were taking
  • any other information you feel is important

Sharing notes with your doctor will help them learn more about how trazodone affects you. They can then use this information to adjust your treatment plan if needed.

Learn more about some of the side effects trazodone may cause.

Irregular heartbeat

Irregular heartbeat, also called arrhythmia, was an uncommon side effect reported in studies of trazodone​. This side effect may include symptoms such as:

  • a feeling as if your heart is racing or pounding
  • a faint or dizzy feeling
  • sweating
  • chest pain
  • shortness of breath

A history of heart problems, including long QT syndrome, is one factor that can increase the risk of irregular heartbeat with trazodone. Other risk factors are:

What might help

To help lower your risk of developing irregular heartbeat during trazodone treatment, avoid taking over-the-counter (OTC) stimulants, including decongestants and caffeine.

If you have an irregular heartbeat during trazodone treatment, talk with your doctor right away. But if you develop chest pain or shortness of breath, call 911 promptly. These symptoms may require emergency medical care.

Low blood pressure and fainting

Low blood pressure and fainting, also known as orthostatic hypotension, were uncommon side effects reported in studies of trazodone​. These side effects may cause symptoms such as:

  • a lightheaded or faint feeling
  • dizziness, especially when standing up quickly
  • blurred vision
  • weakness
  • confusion

Factors that can increase the risk of low blood pressure and fainting during trazodone treatment include:

  • dehydration
  • use of other medications that lower blood pressure
  • history of heart problems

What might help

If you have low blood pressure or feel faint while taking trazodone, try standing up slowly. This is especially important when moving from a reclining position to a standing position. Drinking plenty of water can also help.

If these symptoms continue or worsen, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They may adjust your dosage or check for interactions with other medications you’re taking.

Boxed warning: Increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors in children and young adults

Trazodone has a boxed warning for an increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors in children and young adults. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA.

This side effect was uncommon in studies of trazodone​. It may include symptoms such as:

  • unusual changes in mood, including irritability or agitation
  • changes in eating or sleeping habits
  • isolation or social withdrawal
  • thoughts of self-harm or death
  • new or worsening depression or anxiety

Factors that can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors during trazodone treatment include:

  • age of less than 24 years
  • history of mental health conditions
  • recent changes in dosage

What might help

You or a loved one can watch for new or worsening mood symptoms during your trazodone treatment. If either of you notice any, let your doctor know right away. They may suggest additional support or therapy, or they may change your medication to help manage the symptoms.

Call 911 or your local emergency number if you have thoughts of self-harm or severe symptoms.

Help is out there

If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:

  • Call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. Caring counselors are available to listen and provide free and confidential support 24/7.
  • Text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 to connect with a volunteer crisis counselor for free and confidential support 24/7.
  • Not in the United States? Find a helpline in your country with Befrienders Worldwide.
  • Call 911 or your local emergency services number if you feel safe to do so.

If you’re calling on behalf of someone else, stay with them until help arrives. You may remove weapons or substances that can cause harm if you can do so safely.

If you’re not in the same household, stay on the phone with them until help arrives.

Consider this important information before you start treatment with trazodone.

Boxed warning: Increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors in children and young adults

Trazodone has a boxed warning, which is the most serious warning from the FDA. For details, see the “Trazodone’s side effects explained” section.

Other warnings

Trazodone can sometimes cause harmful effects in people with certain conditions. This is known as a drug-condition interaction. Other factors may also affect whether trazodone is a good treatment option for you.

Talk with your doctor about your health history before you start trazodone treatment. Be sure to tell them if any of the following factors apply to you:

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.