Can trazodone trigger weight gain?

Modern living styles may lead to several stresses. Hence, it is a normal thing to be down, sad, or depressed during some moments. However, if you are remaining sad for a long without respite, it is a cause for concern. You are advised to seek support from a qualified clinical practitioner. In this milieu, your treating physician is more likely to administer antidepressant drugs such as trazodone. But, will this med lead to an increase in body weight? It is a good thing to have more details in this regard.

Not many people know that a mental condition or depression may often impair your physical well-being. Upon sensing the first signs of depression, it is a safe practice to consult with a qualified caregiver. The unmistakable symptoms of depression are a marked reduction in appetite level, disturbed sleep cycles, inability to stay focussed, etc.

Also, mental conditions like mood swings, nervousness, episodes of panic, depression etc. can lead to other mental problems. Conditions such as obsessive-compulsive disorder – in short, OCD, social anxiety disorder or phobia may cause further distress. A mental health practitioner may suggest some changes to your habits/lifestyle, and also administer drugs that enhance the availability of serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine, etc.

What is trazodone?

This drug forms part of a genre of meds known as serotonin antagonist & reuptake inhibitors (SARI). It is widely used owing to its sedative properties. One of the main actions of trazodone is to manage episodes of mood swings including depression. This med is known to be low on anti-cholinergic capabilities i.e., ability to inhibit a key neuro transmitting substance called acetylcholine. Owing to this benefit, this med is administered to treat mental conditions among elderly and the aged patients.

Trazodone was introduced in first half of the 1980s – after obtaining needful approvals to administer for medical application. Since its launch, its administration has only increased with in a steady manner. It can be helpful to know that it is now among the top 30 highly prescribed meds in the US; it is written as part of some 25+ million prescriptions every year there.

Does trazodone cause weight gain?

Yes, trazodone may trigger an increase in body weight among some users. However, this side effect does not fare as one of the common discomforts this drug causes. On the other hand, loss of wight features as a side effect in a few people this med. Trial done of this med indicate that a slightly share of trial-participants experienced loss of weight. Some participants in the trial did gain weight; but their share was marginally less than those who shed weight.

Owing to these results, the link between use of trazodone and its effects on body weight is quite a mixed one. The causes behind why antidepressant meds cause changes in weight is not fully understood yet. However, one of the key reasons attributed is this: people are likely to see an increase in appetite level. This is one explanation widely seen as a reason for an increase in weight.

A few added inputs for the safe use of trazodone

Standard dosing levels of trazodone fare in the range of 150 to 300 mg within a 24-hour timeline. In lower dosage strength, it is known to boost the effectiveness and therapeutic properties of other co-administered antidepressant drugs. Your treating doctor may however administer it at lesser strengths – during the first few days; this is done to know if your system has latent hypersensitivity or allergies to this med (and its active ingredients). Dosages of trazodone may also be given as multiple doses with a day; however, a single dosage is known to be similarly effective.

Lastly, trazodone is not an over the counter (OTC) med. Its use needs to be strictly as per the instructions and guidance of a professional caregiving professional. In order to know more details on why there is a risk of increase in body weight while taking trazodone – you are advised to consult with your doctor and/or pharmacist.

Disclaimer

Information provided here are only of supplementary nature. Information shared here does not substitute a qualified doctor’s advice. This website is not suggesting intake of this drug as safe or appropriate. Hence it is advised to talk to your doctor before consuming this med or any other drug.

Emily Harris

Education: Master’s in Nursing (MSN) from Johns Hopkins University. Experience: 7 years writing for online health portals and nursing journals, specializing in patient education and chronic illness management.