Apotex Trazodone 50mg – APO T50 Pill – white round, 8mm

Pill with imprint APO T50 is White, Round and has been identified as Trazodone Hydrochloride 50 mg. It is supplied by Apotex Corp.

Trazodone is used in the treatment of Depression; Major Depressive Disorder; Sedation and belongs to the drug class phenylpiperazine antidepressants. Risk cannot be ruled out during pregnancy. Trazodone 50 mg is not a controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA).

Trazodone Hydrochloride

Imprint

APO T50

Strength

50 mg

Color

White

Size

8.00 mm

Shape

Round

Availability

Prescription only

Drug Class

Phenylpiperazine antidepressants

Pregnancy Category

C – Risk cannot be ruled out

CSA Schedule

Not a controlled drug

Labeler / Supplier

Apotex Corp.

National Drug Code (NDC)

60505-2653

Inactive Ingredients

silicon dioxide, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, corn starch, sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium starch glycolate type A potato

Trazodone is a prescription medication primarily used to treat major depressive disorder. It’s also sometimes prescribed for anxiety, insomnia, and certain other conditions. Trazodone belongs to a class of drugs known as serotonin modulators, which work by affecting the balance of serotonin in the brain, a neurotransmitter that influences mood.

Uses of Trazodone:

1. Depression: Trazodone is mainly used to treat depression, particularly when it is associated with insomnia.
2. Anxiety Disorders: It can help reduce symptoms of anxiety.
3. Insomnia: Trazodone is often prescribed off-label to treat insomnia due to its sedative effects.
4. Chronic Pain: It may be used as an adjunct to manage chronic pain in certain conditions.

How to Take Trazodone:

• Dosage: The dosage of trazodone varies based on the condition being treated, the patient’s age, and other factors. It is typically taken once or twice a day, often after a meal or a snack to reduce the risk of stomach upset.
  • For Depression: The starting dose is usually around 150 mg per day, which may be gradually increased by the doctor. The dose may range from 150 to 400 mg daily, divided into smaller doses or as a single dose at bedtime.
  • For Insomnia: A lower dose is usually prescribed, often around 25 to 100 mg before bedtime.
• Administration: Trazodone should be taken as prescribed by a healthcare provider. It is important to follow the dosing instructions carefully to avoid potential side effects or complications.
  • Swallowing: Take the medication whole with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the tablets, especially if they are extended-release.
• Missed Dose: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double up on doses to make up for a missed one.

Precautions:

• Alcohol: Avoid consuming alcohol while taking trazodone, as it can increase drowsiness and the risk of side effects.
• Interactions: Inform your doctor of any other medications or supplements you are taking, as trazodone can interact with other drugs, potentially leading to serious side effects.
• Side Effects: Common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, blurred vision, and constipation. Severe side effects, such as changes in heart rhythm, should be reported to a healthcare provider immediately.

Trazodone Hydrochloride Off-label Usages

Trazodone Hydrochloride is primarily approved for the treatment of major depressive disorder, but it is also widely used off-label for several other conditions due to its pharmacological effects. Here are some of the common off-label uses:

1. Insomnia:

• Primary Off-Label Use: Trazodone is frequently prescribed for insomnia, especially when it is associated with depression or anxiety. Its sedative properties make it effective for helping patients fall asleep and stay asleep.

2. Anxiety Disorders:

• Trazodone can be used to manage generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder, and other anxiety-related conditions. It helps reduce anxiety symptoms by increasing serotonin levels in the brain.

3. Chronic Pain:

• It is sometimes used as an adjunct treatment for chronic pain conditions, particularly when these are associated with sleep disturbances or depression. Trazodone may help improve sleep quality and pain perception.

4. PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder):

• Trazodone is used off-label to help manage symptoms of PTSD, particularly insomnia and nightmares. Its calming effects can be beneficial for patients with this condition.

5. Fibromyalgia:

• Patients with fibromyalgia, a condition characterized by widespread pain, may benefit from trazodone’s sleep-improving properties, which can indirectly reduce pain perception.

6. Migraine Prophylaxis:

• In some cases, trazodone is used off-label to help prevent migraines, particularly when they are associated with sleep disorders.

7. Alcohol Withdrawal:

• Trazodone may be prescribed to help manage symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, such as anxiety, agitation, and insomnia, although this use is less common.

8. Agitation in Dementia:

• In some cases, trazodone is used to manage agitation or behavioral disturbances in patients with dementia. However, this use requires careful monitoring due to the increased risk of falls and other side effects in elderly patients.

9. Panic Disorder:

• Trazodone may be used off-label to treat panic disorder, often in combination with other medications.

10. Eating Disorders:

• While not common, trazodone may be used as part of a treatment plan for eating disorders, particularly when these are associated with depression or anxiety.

Important Considerations:

• Efficacy and Safety: The effectiveness and safety of trazodone for these off-label uses can vary, and it is typically used when first-line treatments are ineffective or unsuitable.
• Consultation: Always consult with a healthcare provider before using trazodone for any off-label purpose, as the dosage and potential side effects may differ from its use in treating depression.