Trazodone

Excerpt

Trazodone is a medication used in the management and treatment of major depressive disorder. This drug is in the serotonin-antagonist-and-reuptake-inhibitor class of medications; it can be used as a component of combination therapy with other drugs or psychotherapies or as monotherapy for treating depression. Trazodone is an antidepressant that inhibits serotonin transporter and serotonin type 2 receptors; it is a triazolopyridine derivative. Trazodone inhibits the reuptake of serotonin and blocks the histamine and α-1-adrenergic receptors. This activity reviews the indications, actions, and contraindications for trazodone as a valuable agent in managing major depression. This activity will highlight the mechanism of actions, adverse effects, and other key factors (eg, off-label uses, dosing, pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, monitoring, and relevant interactions) pertinent to interprofessional team members in treating patients with depression and related conditions.