What are the side effects of trazodone weight gain? How do weight changes in antidepressants like amitriptyline and trazodone compare? Get all the facts about common trazodone side effects, serious side effects, weight gain, sexual dysfunction, urinary incontinence, and more.

Trazodone Side Effects and How to Avoid Them

Trazodone is an older generation antidepressant commonly prescribed to help with depression or anxiety. It belongs to a group of drugs called serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitors, which work by altering brain chemistry to better control mood. However, like any medication, trazodone can come with a range of side effects that users should be aware of.

Common Trazodone Side Effects

The most commonly experienced side effect of trazodone is drowsiness, affecting almost one in four people taking the drug. Around one in five people have reported dizziness or high blood pressure. Other common side effects include dry mouth, nervousness, tiredness, nausea or vomiting, headache, constipation, low blood pressure, aches and pains, problems with coordination, abdominal pain, blurred vision, confusion, problems with concentration, tremors, red and itchy eyes, nasal or sinus congestion, edema, skin reactions, disorientation, feeling bad, fainting, muscle pain, trouble sleeping, sexual dysfunction, and weight changes.

Serious Side Effects of Trazodone

The most serious adverse effects of trazodone are relatively rare but can include suicidal thoughts and behaviors, worsening of depression, serotonin syndrome, high blood pressure, orthostatic hypotension, heart attack, heart rhythm problems, angle-closure glaucoma, dangerously low sodium levels, seizures, painful erections (priapism), bleeding, withdrawal, and severe allergic reactions.

Weight Gain and Trazodone

In clinical trials, approximately one in a hundred people taking trazodone experienced weight gain. Later research indicates the incidence may be as high as 5%, although research also suggests that as much as 6% of patients experience weight loss when taking trazodone. It’s important to get medical advice whenever weight goes up or down unintentionally when taking a drug, and a nutritionist’s advice may be needed.

Sexual Dysfunction and Trazodone

Nearly every person who takes an SSRI will experience some reduction in genital sensitivity. For this reason, SSRIs are frequently used off-label to treat premature ejaculation. Impotence, however, is a rare problem in people taking trazodone, occurring in less than 2% of participants in the initial clinical trials. Research indicates that around 1.5% of patients will experience a decrease in sexual desire and less than 1% will have problems with orgasms because of genital numbing. The good news is that most people will experience a return of genital sensitivity, sexual desire, and sexual function when trazodone is stopped.

Urinary Incontinence and Trazodone

People taking trazodone only rarely experience urinary incontinence as a side effect. It is a reported side effect, but the incidence is between 0% and 1%, depending on the study. If urinary incontinence is a problem, keep in mind that there may be other causes besides trazodone. Talk to a healthcare provider about the best way to proceed.

Trazodone Side Effects Timeline

The serotonin effects of trazodone occur within half an hour of taking a dose, so side effects such as drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness, trouble sleeping, nausea, urinary incontinence, blurred vision, genital numbing, and similar side effects are sometimes experienced early or even after the first dose. Other side effects, such as sexual dysfunction or weight changes, may develop and worsen over time. Among serious side effects, heart problems can occur early and unexpectedly, particularly changes in the heart’s rhythm. Suicidality and worsening of depression may take longer to manifest but should be monitored for as soon as therapy is started.

How to Avoid Trazodone Side Effects

To help avoid or minimize trazodone side effects, it’s important to follow the dosage instructions carefully, take the medication with food if directed, and inform the prescriber of any other medications or supplements being used. If side effects do occur, it’s crucial to report them to the healthcare provider so that they can be properly managed or the medication can be adjusted or changed if necessary.