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.

Trazodone side effects and how to avoid them

Trazodone side effects include weight gain, sexual dysfunction, and urinary incontinence

Common trazodone side effects | Serious side effects | Weight gain | Sexual dysfunction | Urinary incontinence | Side effects timeline | Contraindications | Warnings | Interactions | How to avoid side effects | How to treat side effects

People are prescribed trazodone hydrochloride to help with depression or anxiety. Trazodone is an older generation antidepressant that is approved to treat major depressive disorder. It has been used to help with anxiety as well, but most commonly is used off-label to take advantage of its tendency to cause sedation and help with insomnia. It belongs to a group of drugs called serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitors, drugs that alter brain chemistry to permit greater control over mood. Trazodone affects the body in the same way, so side effects are similar to its better-known cousins like Paxil (paroxetine) and Prozac (fluoxetine). Trazodone is only available as a generic but used to be sold under the brand names Desyrel and Oleptro.

Common side effects of trazodone

The most commonly experienced side effect of trazodone is drowsiness, affecting almost one in four people taking the drug. About 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
• Weight changes

Serious side effects of trazodone

The most serious adverse effects of trazodone are relatively rare and 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
• Severe allergic reactions

Weight gain

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 suggests that as much as 6% of patients experience weight loss when taking trazodone. No matter what the case, however, always get medical advice whenever weight goes up or down unintentionally when taking a drug. A nutritionist’s advice may be needed.

Sexual dysfunction

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. If there are problems with sexual function, get medical advice from the prescriber.

Urinary incontinence

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 for females

Are women more likely to experience trazodone side effects than men? This question hasn’t been answered. The best that can be said is that people will have individual responses to trazodone. Any adverse effects have to be balanced against the good the drug does, and SSRIs seem to benefit women more than men, though we don’t know why.

How soon do trazodone side effects start?

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 long do trazodone side effects last?

Many of the side effects of trazodone will moderate as time goes by. Trazodone is intended as a time-limited treatment, so most side effects, including sexual dysfunction, can be expected to resolve shortly after the drug is discontinued. However, some problems may take a while to get better, such as weight changes or severe heart problems.

What are the long-term side effects of trazodone?

Even when trazodone is discontinued, people may experience long-term problems from taking the drug. In rare cases, sexual dysfunction persists for a long time after an SSRI is discontinued, a medical condition known as post-SSRI sexual dysfunction. Some serious side effects, such as heart attack, may entail lifelong problems. 

Trazodone contraindications

Because of certain medical conditions, some people cannot safely take trazodone. These include anyone allergic to the drug or who has recently experienced a heart attack.

The FDA has approved trazodone only for use in adults. Safety and efficacy have not been established in patients under 18 years of age. However, some healthcare professionals may prescribe it off-label to children and adolescents. If so, they will need to be closely monitored for worsening depression and suicidality. Trazodone is used with caution in seniors, but there is no evidence of any increased risk of side effects. 

There is no evidence that trazodone is unsafe for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Although trazodone does show up in breast milk, there is no evidence that it will harm a nursing baby. Major depressive episodes can be a risk during pregnancy, and the use of trazodone to any antidepressant must consider the benefits to the health of the mother against the unknown risk to the baby.

Trazodone warnings

As with all prescription drugs, trazodone has risks. People need to be aware of these and, in some cases, be more closely monitored for side effects when taking this drug.

Suicidality

The FDA has put a black box warning on trazodone’s drug information sheet warning about the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, particularly in children and young adults. These patients will need to be monitored closely for behavior changes.

Abuse and dependence

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not consider trazodone to be a drug with the potential for abuse or physical dependence.

Overdose

An overdose of trazodone will require emergency medical care. Depending on the dose, it can cause severe problems that could be life-threatening, particularly when taken with alcohol or sedatives. The most common symptoms of a trazodone overdose are drowsiness or vomiting. 

Withdrawal

The sudden discontinuation of trazodone or any other SSRI can cause withdrawal symptoms such as excessive sweating, nausea, irritability, anxiety, agitation, dizziness, confusion, headache, mood swings, ringing in the ears, and even seizures. When trazodone therapy needs to stop, the doses will gradually decrease over a period of weeks.

Restrictions

Trazodone could worsen some medical conditions. People with these medical conditions can take trazodone, but they will need to be monitored more closely for problems. These include:

• Heart disease or other heart problems
• Electrolyte imbalances
• Bipolar disorder
• Bleeding problems
• Seizure disorders
• Narrow angles or a history of angle-closure glaucoma
• Dehydration
• Liver disease
• Renal impairment

Trazodone interactions

Trazodone can also cause problems when combined with other drugs. In some cases, these issues can be risky enough that healthcare professionals never prescribe trazodone with these other drugs. At the top of the prohibited list are monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), a small family of drugs that treat depression or Parkinson’s disease. Allow for at least 14 days to lapse between stopping MAOI treatment and initiating trazodone. Trazodone is also never combined with the antipsychotic medications pimozide or thioridazine, or the HIV/AIDS drug saquinavir.

Because of the risk of serotonin syndrome, a hazardous elevation of serotonin in the brain, healthcare professionals are cautious about combining trazodone with other serotonin-increasing drugs including other antidepressant medications, migraine drugs (triptans), antipsychotics, opioids, anxiety medications, anticonvulsants, anti-nausea drugs, lithium, and some common over-the-counter supplements such as St. John’s wort or tryptophan.

When some drugs are combined with trazodone, the risk of serious adverse effects increases. Combining these drugs will require closer monitoring and vigilance. These include:

• Blood thinners
• NSAIDs
• Sedatives and other central nervous system (CNS) depressants
• Drugs that affect heart rhythm
• Drugs that speed up or slow down the body’s metabolism of trazodone.

How to avoid trazodone side effects

Most people taking trazodone will experience transient side effects. Not all are avoidable, but there are a few ways to minimize problems.

1. Take trazodone as directed

Follow the instructions given by the prescribing healthcare provider. Most people will take a 50–100 mg dose two or three times daily with food. At this frequency, it’s easy to miss a dose or take an extra dose, so it helps to use an alarm or app to make sure doses are taken correctly. If a dose is missed, take it as soon as it’s remembered. If it’s nearly time to take the next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose as scheduled. 

2. Inform the prescriber about all medical conditions

The first and best way to avoid problems taking trazodone is to make sure the prescribing healthcare provider has a complete medical history before the first pill is taken. Don’t leave anything out, but make sure that the prescriber knows about:

• Suicidal thoughts
• Heart disease
• Heart rhythm problems, particularly a problem called QT prolongation
• A history of bleeding or blood clotting problems
• A history of seizures
• Dehydration
• Low sodium
• Glaucoma
• Narrow angles in the eye
• Mania or bipolar disorder
• Liver problems
• Pregnancy or pregnancy plans
• Breastfeeding or breastfeeding plans

3.

Tell the doctor about all medications being taken

Drug interactions are another source of side effects when taking trazodone, so tell the prescribing healthcare professional about all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements being taken, especially:

• MAO inhibitors
• Antidepressant medications including other SSRIs, SNRIs, and tricyclic antidepressants
• Medicines that treat anxiety, schizophrenia, or other mental health conditions 
• Seizure medications
• Migraine medications called triptans
• Opioids
• Amphetamines or ADHD medications
• Heart rate medications
• Blood thinners such as warfarin
• NSAIDs
• Over-the-counter supplements such as St. John’s wort or tryptophan

4. Do not quit taking trazodone

If there are problems, talk to a healthcare professional before quitting trazodone. Sudden discontinuation—particularly after months of treatment—could lead to unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.

5. Avoid alcohol

Alcohol will worsen many of the sedative effects of trazodone such as sleepiness, fatigue, and dizziness.

6. Be careful about driving and other risky activities

Speaking of sedative effects, trazodone could make driving and other risky activities more dangerous. Healthcare professionals advise that these activities be put on hold for a few days when first taking trazodone. This allows people to determine if they can drive or perform other activities safely.

7. Avoid NSAIDs

To avoid abdominal problems and possible bleeding events, avoid NSAID pain relievers such as aspirin or ibuprofen. If possible, use acetaminophen instead.

8. Eat a healthy diet

To avoid or minimize weight changes, eat a healthy diet. If weight goes up or down unintentionally, talk to a dietitian or nutritionist.

How to treat side effects of trazodone

Most people will only experience minor problems taking trazodone. The most common is sleepiness and dizziness due to the sedative effects of the drug. Many of these transient side effects get better over time as the body adapts to the drug. Some can be managed by making simple lifestyle changes. Others might require medical attention.

• Sleepiness, dizziness, lightheadedness. These side effects can’t always be avoided but can be managed by removing obstacles in the house that can cause falls, moving carefully, and modifying daily activities.
• Weight changes. If weight goes up or down, talk to a dietitian or nutritionist about the best diet to counter these weight changes.
• Worsening depression or suicidal thoughts

Immediately talk to the prescriber or another mental health professional. Trazodone may need to be stopped.

• Signs of heart problems. Immediately get medical help for any sign of heart problems such as racing heartbeats, fluttering heartbeats, slowed heart rate, shortness of breath, or fainting.
• Low sodium. Call a healthcare professional at any sign of low sodium such as confusion, headache, weakness, or coordination problems.
• Serotonin syndrome. A potentially severe side effect, serotonin syndrome does require emergency medical help. The signs are psychiatric and neurological: agitation, restlessness, hallucinations, tremors, stiff muscles, and problems with coordination. The usual treatment is to stop taking drugs like trazodone that raise serotonin.

Sources

• Enduring sexual dysfunction after treatment with antidepressants, 5α-reductase inhibitors and isotretinoin: 300 cases, The International Journal of Risk & Safety in Medicine
• Gender difference in antidepressant drug response, International Review of Psychiatry
• Post-SSRI sexual dysfunction & other enduring sexual dysfunctions, Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences
• Trazodone, Epocrates
• Trazodone hydrochloride drug summary, Prescriber’s Digital Reference
• Trazodone hydrochloride prescribing information, U. S. National Library of Medicine
• Women and depression: Does gender matter?, U.S. Pharmacist

Can It Cause Some Extra Pounds?

Trazodone is an antidepressant that works in the brain to help treat anxiety and depression. It does this by decreasing the levels of serotonin, noradrenaline, dopamine, acetylcholine, and histamine which are responsible for arousal. Low-dose Trazodone antagonizes 5-HT-2A receptor, H-1 receptor, and alpha-1 adrenergic receptors to produce a sedative effect. The medication has several side effects including people complaining of fattening up, though it is not common. However, does Trazodone cause weight gain? Studies show that second-generation antidepressants can be linked to long-term weight gain during treatment for anxiety or major depressive disorder. Compared to other antidepressants, Trazodone weight gain is common. But what causes it? Read on to find out more about Trazodone weight gain. Discover how the medication causes obesity in users.

Can Trazodone cause weight gain? The answer is ‘Yes’ and ‘No’. The medication can cause the gaining of extra pounds or slimming, and this happens in several different ways.

Does Trazodone Cause Weight Gain?

When it comes to Trazodone classification, this antidepressant is from the drug class which is called serotonin modulators, which means that it stimulates serotonin, a natural brain chemical responsible for maintaining mental balance. This is accomplished by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin using the same mechanism of action that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) use. Serotonin modulators are alternatives to SSRIs and SNRIs and have similar response rates.

Both Trazodone weight gain or loss are reported side effects, but the patients should be aware that this should not make them abruptly stop medication or change the dose. Stopping abruptly may result in serious health consequences. It is advisable to seek help in tapering off the medication to avoid inconveniences.

Here Are The Reasons Antidepressants Cause Weight Fluctuation:

• Increase in appetite
• Craving carbohydrates
• Fat storage
• Drug Interaction
• Better taste
• Hormone levels
• Sedation
• No motivation
• Side effects
• Social eating
• Slow metabolism

Depression itself can lead to plumping up or losing some kilograms depending on the patient. Some people who are depressed may experience an increase in appetite leading to fleshing out. Others may lose their appetite which can lead to emaciation. Also, depression may cause tiredness and lack of activity which may, in turn, cause patients to put on extra pounds.

Trazodone and Weight Gain: How Trazodone Causes An Increase in Weight

Trazodone weight gain is a rare side effect. The medication is more likely to cause weight loss than plumping up according to research. Other antidepressants make patients put on extra pounds as well. The research on why the medicine makes patients flesh out is limited, however, researchers have found some valuable information.

There are many factors that can lead to gaining extra pounds while on Trazodone and these include changes in appetite, fat storage, sedation, or a slowed metabolism to mention a few.

Increase in Appetite

Trazodone can increase or decrease the appetite of a patient. Some people report loss of appetite during treatment while others report an increase. Trazodone weight gain may occur because the loss of appetite is a usual symptom of depression. Once the condition is relieved, the patient’s taste is also restored, therefore gradually putting on extra flesh is possible. Other patients might experience cravings for specific types of food, such as carbohydrates or fat. Available information indicates that some patients experience an unusual craving for carbs while on treatment. This might be possible because the drug acts as a reuptake inhibitor and serotonin antagonist that might increase carbohydrate cravings, such as junk food, sugary food, or pasta.

Fat Storage

The drug might alter the body’s fat-storage mechanism, thereby disrupting the body’s homeostatic processes, resulting in more fat storage than before the treatment. This is similar to the fleshing out caused by ingesting antipsychotics. Information on the exact way it works is limited, but scientists believe it is related to the hormones sent from the fat(adipose) tissue and the stomach to the hypothalamus. Other information seems to suggest that the inhibition of serotonin, histamine, and dopamine receptors plays a major role in altering the mechanism that stores fat.

Drug Interaction

Any other medication taken while on Desyrel could interact synergistically and amplify a particular side effect such as getting heavier. It is therefore advisable to consult a medical doctor before mixing Desyrel with other medications. This is to avoid serious future health complications.

Better Taste

Depression might affect the taste and make people think that food is not tasty. Studies have established a strong connection between depression and altered tastes in adults 40 years above. It was concluded that major depressive disorder can cause altered smell and taste. Scientists believe it is caused by a reduction in serotonin and noradrenaline. Once on the treatment, patients usually experience an improvement in taste, leasing them to eat more and seek out food. Improved taste coupled with increased appetite indeed leads to gaining extra pounds.

Hormone Levels

The drug can cause hormone changes especially when taken for an extended duration. Available information has established the fact that Trazodone has negative effects on the reproductive system of adult males. The medication increases the testosterone levels of males by disrupting the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis leading to testicular oxidative stress. Although the changes can be gradual and subtle, they can still affect the weight. Though there are no studies to back this claim.

Sedation

Desyrel is a relatively sedating antidepressant, usually prescribed for insomnia. The sedation level might be responsible for the patient getting heavier. The drug inhibits serotonin, noradrenaline, dopamine, and histamine which are neurotransmitters responsible for excitement. Being sedated the patient is less likely to exercise, leading to a slower metabolism.

No Motivation

Some patients experience a drop in motivation due to Trazodone, although their insomnia or physics improves. Trazodone is known to make patients feel lazy, especially in the first few days of treatment. This is due to the sedation effect which makes it difficult to work. The drug’s effect on the nervous system results in lethargy which encourages a sedentary lifestyle. This can then lead to putting on extra pounds since the patient does little to no work.

Side Effects

As already stated, one of the less common side effects of the drug is plumping up or emaciation. Trazodone weight gain can be induced by all the causes mentioned above. However, compared to gaining a few kilograms, Trazodone weight loss is slightly more common. Other side effects of this drug are fatigue, sleepiness, and feeling tired. Those who experience these symptoms will not be able to get enough exercise, also experiencing drug-induced lethargy.

Slow Metabolism

Many antidepressants also slow down metabolism. This is because antidepressants interfere with brain activity and body metabolism in the regulation of sugar and fat. Such interference is likely to increase when the patient has an episode of loss of appetite at the onset of depression. So, no matter how healthy the patient is eating and how much one exercise, they could still experience fleshing out.

Although gaining or losing some pounds is perfectly reasonable on antidepressant treatment, uncontrolled or sudden weight changes may signal other medical conditions and the patient should consult with their health provider.

Trazodone and Weight Gain: How Much Pounds Do People Gain On Trazodone?

As already discussed, Trazodone side effects weight gain occurs during the treatment of depression. However, how much weight does it add to the patient? No one can say precisely how much weight patients on Desyrel gain during the treatment. A study made on the medication showed that patients gained about 1.2-lb within the first six weeks of treatment. Although it might not seem a striking gain, taking the drug for a long time will also increase the chances of body mass increase. Trazodone side effects weight gain is mainly caused by the sedating effect and the urge to eat more while on treatment. Hormonal changes and alteration of fat storage caused by the medicine are also responsible for putting on flesh. To treat the addition of excess weight, patients are advised to seek help from a medical doctor. It is very risky to stop taking the medication cold turkey. Also, contact a physician before administering weight-inducing drugs together with Trazodone.

Factors That Influence Plumping Up On Trazodone

Many factors influence mass gain in patients on Trazodone, such as dosage, duration of the treatment, genetics, habits, or if another medication is taken concomitantly. Some of these factors can be managed by switching medications. Other factors will need attention from a medical doctor. However, be sure to seek medical information before stopping a medication cold turkey due to fleshing out. This may have an adverse effect on your health.

Dosage

Trazodone includes tablets with immediate and extended-release that may make patients heavier. No matter which variation of the drug the patient is taking, a higher dose increases the chances of getting heavier. When a high dose is taken at once, there is more control of the drug over the neurochemistry and physiological functioning. This means that the body has difficulty in maintaining a normal appetite and healthy metabolism, which may even lead to Trazodone overdose.

Individual Factors

Individual factors such as dietary intake, stress level, overall lifestyle, genetics, baseline metabolism, physiology, and exercise habits also have an essential role when it comes to Trazodone and putting on extra flesh. The patient should evaluate these factors: if exercising was stopped, the level of stress has increased, or the dietary intake has changed since taking Trazodone. Many patients put the full blame on the medication, without paying attention to these factors.

Time Span

The duration of the treatment is also essential. Patients who have been taking Trazodone medication for an extended period, such as several years, are more likely to see a rise in pounds. Taking the pill for so long gives the drug more influence over the person’s psychology, which in time becomes more altered because of the drug. Therefore, the longer the treatment period, the higher the risk of alterations. Also, individuals who are on Desyrel for a long time usually end up increasing the dosage due to tolerance to a lower dose. As mentioned before, increasing the dosage and the drug-induced physiological alterations, lead to extra pounds.

Other Medications

Taking other medicines together with Desyrel might also be the cause for the extra pounds. There is the possibility that the other drugs also have side effects which include putting on extra pounds or that the two drugs develop a synergistic interaction leading to an increase in mass.

If the patient was already taking the other medication before Trazodone and did not experience any extra pounds, then the antidepressant can be the main culprit. But there is also the possibility that the other drugs could lead to gaining some pounds when used over time.

Some people see eating as a solution to coping with depression, but once the condition is relieved the regular eating pattern is regained, and gradual mass loss becomes apparent.

Trazodone and Weight Loss: Does Trazodone Emaciation?

The effect of the drug on the patient’s body mass cannot be predicted. In some patients, the drug causes fat loss and not fat gain. A study showed that 5.7 percent of 157 people who have been part of the study had lost weight while on Trazodone. In some patients losing weight is temporary and will eventually lead to getting heavier if the treatment extends over several months or years. There are several theories on Desyrel and melting off.

In some patients, the drug causes gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. These symptoms will inevitably lead to slimming but fortunately, these side effects usually resolve over time.

How To Control Fattening Up On Trazodone?

Knowing beforehand that fleshing out is a potential side effect of Desyrel, the patient can make better choices when it comes to exercise and meals. Here are some of the options a patient has to prevent any changes in weight during the time of the treatment:

• Exercise: If the current condition of the patient allows it, training is an excellent way to avoid any changes and to maintain overall health. Activity does not have to be intensive to show results. Walking or light yoga does not imply much effort, but still improves health and mood and keeps the patient mobilized.
• Food cravings: Food cravings can be a side effect of Trazodone but giving in to sugar or carbs will make the situation worse. The patient should have proper portions of carbohydrates, proteins, and good fats that include fish, lean meat, olive oil, canola oil, beans, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Small, frequent meals: In some patients, the appetite might increase while on Trazodone so instead of eating more, the patient should have smaller, more frequent meals. This will make the patient feel like consuming more calories because there is little time between meals to feel hungry.
• Switching medication: In some cases, no matter what the patient might do, the mass changes still happen. Sometimes, talking to a doctor and changing the drug might be the solution. Usually, there are alternative treatment protocols or medicines, with the same effect on depression without influencing the patient’s weight.

Switching medication may offer the proper symptom control avoiding the mass change issue. If switching medications is impossible due to the developed dependence on the drug, substance abuse treatment is required. The trained professionals from drug addiction centers can help the patients overcome their dependence on this medication.

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Published on: April 1st, 2019

Updated on: January 11th, 2022

About Author

Nena Messina, Ph.D.

Nena Messina is a specialist in drug-related domestic violence. She devoted her life to the study of the connection between crime, mental health, and substance abuse. Apart from her work as management at addiction center, Nena regularly takes part in the educational program as a lecturer.