Trazodone

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Harshi Dhingra, M.D.

Last Reviewed: Jul 25, 2022

Side Effects


Trazodone Side Effects

Common side effects of trazodone are listed below. Call your doctor if these side effects are severe or do not go away in a few days.

  • Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, appetite changes, weight changes
  • Dizziness, lightheadedness
  • Tiredness, weakness
  • Nervousness
  • Nightmares
  • Dry mouth
  • Muscle aches
  • Uncontrolled shaking
  • Stuffy nose
  • Red, itchy eyes
  • Sexual problems - decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, or delayed/absent ejaculation in males and decreased sex drive and delayed/absent orgasm in females

Some of the adverse effects of trazodone can be more serious. Call your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical care if you experience the following side effects:

  • Chest pain, shortness of breath
  • Irregular heartbeat (fast or pounding heartbeat)
  • Fever, sweating, confusion
  • Severe muscle stiffness or twitching
  • Fainting or loss of consciousness
  • Loss of coordination
  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
  • Signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction like skin rash or swelling
  • Hallucinations
  • Seizures
  • Problems with thinking or concentration
  • Unusual bleeding or bruising or small red/purple spots in the skin
  • In men, an erection lasting more than 4 hours

The above list may not include all the potential side effects of trazodone. Talk to your doctor if you have severe side effects or your symptoms do not improve over time. You can also report unusual trazodone side effects to the Food and Drug Administration at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Trazodone Overdose: In case of a known or suspected trazodone overdose, call your doctor or the local poison control center right away. If a person cannot be awakened, has had a seizure, or has trouble breathing, call 911 immediately. Symptoms of trazodone overdose can include vomiting, drowsiness, irregular heartbeat, difficulty breathing, seizures, loss of consciousness, and a painful, prolonged erection.

NOTE: Trazodone is a prescription drug that is the property of the respective owners and is intended for use only by them. Never share your prescription medication with others or use someone else’s trazodone.

Source: FDA