Can Trazodone Cause Arrhythmias?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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8,10 In humans, trazodone has been associated with arrhythmias including

prolonged QT intervals

, ventricular premature contractions, and torsade de pointes.

Does trazodone affect heart rhythm?

Trazodone may cause a

condition

that affects the heart rhythm (QT prolongation). QT prolongation can infrequently result in serious (rarely fatal) fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms (such as severe dizziness, fainting) that need medical attention right away.

Does trazodone cause palpitations?

Dry Mouth. Anxiety or Nervousness. Nausea or Vomiting. Heart Palpitations, Rapid Heart Beat, or Abnormal Heart Rhythms.

Is trazodone safe for heart?

Conclusions are: (1)

Trazodone has little effect on cardiac conduction

. (2) Trazodone does not worsen supraventricular arrhythmias. (3) Trazodone produces less postural hypotension than most other antidepressants and it tends to lower heart rate.

Can trazodone cause atrial fibrillation?

The atypical antidepressant trazodone has been associated with AF in a patient with underlying

heart disease

(59). The atypical antipsychotic clozapine has been reported to induce AF with a positive re-challenge in a man without cardiovascular history.

Can trazodone be stopped abruptly?


Trazodone may cause a discontinuation syndrome

if abruptly stopped, symptoms include anxiety, agitation, and sleep disturbances. When the time comes to withdraw trazodone, the dosage should be tapered off slowly under a doctor’s advice.

What medications should not be taken with trazodone?

Avoid taking

MAO inhibitors

(isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, safinamide, selegiline, tranylcypromine) during treatment with this medication. Most MAO inhibitors should also not be taken for two weeks before and after treatment with this medication.

How long does it take for trazodone to kick in for sleep?

Patients who take the drug for a sleep disorder can experience the sedative effects

within 30 minutes

, depending on the type used. Patients who take the drug as an antidepressant may not notice symptom relief for one to two weeks, and it may take up to four weeks to experience the full benefits.

What are the long term side effects of trazodone?

  • Decreased serum sodium levels (hyponatremia) and associated symptoms (headache, concentration problems, memory problems, confusion, weakness, unsteadiness, increased fall risk).
  • Serotonin syndrome.
  • Confusion.
  • Angle-closure glaucoma.
  • Blurred vision.
  • Hypotension.
  • Fainting.

Do you gain weight on trazodone?

Will I gain or lose weight? Trazodone can make you feel more or less hungry than usual, so

you may lose or gain weight when you start taking it

. If you start to have problems with your weight while taking trazodone, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Is trazodone safe long term?

As far as is known,

trazodone is safe for long-term use

. Some people with severe or chronic depression or insomnia may use trazodone for extended periods.

Can you sleep on trazodone long term?

A key advantage of using trazodone to counter sleep issues is that it

can be safely used for much longer than most

common sleep aids. Normally, prescription sleeping pills are used for no more than 2 weeks. Trazodone can be safely used for longer than this.

Can trazodone lower BP?

Trazodone has the

potential to lower BP

in patients with chronic insomnia independent of anti-hypertensive medication.

What is the drug of choice for atrial fibrillation?

When intravenous pharmacologic therapy is required, the drug of choice is

procainamide or amiodarone

. There are 3 goals in the management of AF: control of the ventricular rate, minimization of thromboembolism risk (particularly stroke), and restoration and maintenance of sinus rhythm.

Can trazodone cause tingling in hands?

Difficulty breathing or swallowing. Swelling of the face, throat, or extremities. Decreased coordination.

Numbness

, burning, or tingling in hands or feet.

Can trazodone make you suicidal?

Drugs used to treat depression, including trazodone,

may cause an increase in suicidal thoughts or actions

. This risk is higher in children, teenagers, or young adults. It’s also higher within the first few months of treatment with this drug or during dosage changes.

James Park
Author
James Park
Dr. James Park is a medical doctor and health expert with a focus on disease prevention and wellness. He has written several publications on nutrition and fitness, and has been featured in various health magazines. Dr. Park's evidence-based approach to health will help you make informed decisions about your well-being.