If this is an emergency, call 911 (US) or go to the nearest emergency room now. For poisoning or overdose concerns, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 (US) — available 24/7.
The five warning signs to know
- Priapism — any erection lasting more than 4 hours, painful or not. Discontinue trazodone and seek emergency care immediately.
- Serotonin syndrome — fever, agitation, muscle rigidity, fast heartbeat, and coordination problems appearing together, usually after combining trazodone with another serotonergic substance.
- Irregular heartbeat or fainting — related to QT interval prolongation, more likely at higher doses or combined with other QT-affecting medications.
- Signs of low blood sodium (hyponatremia) — headache, confusion, weakness, and unsteadiness appearing together, more common in older adults.
- Worsening depression or suicidal thoughts — the subject of trazodone's FDA boxed warning, especially relevant in patients under 25 and early in treatment. Call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) for support.
Before you start
Tell your prescriber about: any heart rhythm history, liver or kidney disease, pregnancy or breastfeeding, all other medications and supplements (especially anything serotonergic — see our Interaction Library), and any history of sickle cell disease or anatomical conditions relevant to priapism risk.
While you take it
Avoid alcohol. Don't drive until you know how it affects you. Rise slowly from sitting or lying down. Don't stop suddenly without talking to your prescriber — see our safe tapering guidance.
For a complete breakdown of every documented side effect, visit our Side-Effect Library. For emergency contact information, see our Emergency Resources page.