Trazodone hydrochloride, commonly known as trazodone, is a medication that can be used to manage depression.
However, it is not recommended for use as the sole treatment for major depressive disorder. In fact, in many countries, you cannot buy trazodone over the counter.
Read on to learn more about buying trazodone over the counter and how this prescription drug works.
Table of Contents
What is Trazodone?
Trazodone hydrochloride is a prescription antidepressant. It is also sometimes used for the treatment of insomnia.
However, its use for the treatment of insomnia is not recommended due to its potential for causing sedation. Trazodone hydrochloride is in the same family as the antidepressant drugs amitriptyline and Desipramine.
Trazodone hydrochloride is used to treat major depression and anxiety disorders. It may also be used to help people with insomnia. Its exact mechanism of action is not known, but it is believed to affect chemical messengers in the brain that help regulate mood and sleep.
Buying Trazodone Over the Counter
There are several reasons why you might consider buying trazodone over the counter. For one thing, the cost of prescription antidepressant medications can be prohibitive. One study found that the cost of antidepressants prescribed for major depressive disorder is higher than the cost of diabetes medications, cholesterol-lowering drugs, and hypertension treatments.
In addition to the cost, there are other reasons why you might consider buying trazodone over the counter. Perhaps you’ve been prescribed a medication that you find ineffective. Maybe you’ve tried antidepressants in the past and found them to be intolerable. As with all medications, you should consult with a doctor before switching your prescription.
While it may be tempting to simply purchase a medication over the counter, be aware that you cannot buy trazodone over the counter in the United States. The only way to legally receive this medication is with a prescription.
How Does Trazodone Work?
The exact mechanism of action of trazodone hydrochloride is not known. However, it is believed to affect chemical messengers in the brain that help regulate mood and sleep. Specifically, trazodone hydrochloride is thought to increase serotonin levels in the brain.
The serotonin system is believed to play an important role in regulating mood, appetite, sleep, and other behaviours. Research has shown that antidepressants that increase serotonin have a positive effect on mood and sleep.
Trazodone hydrochloride has also been shown to have some effect on melatonin. This is an important hormone related to sleep.
Side effects of trazodone
Trazodone hydrochloride may cause drowsiness, dizziness, headache, and rebound insomnia. Rebound insomnia can occur when the drug wears off, causing sleep problems to increase again. Other side effects may include dry mouth, nausea, blurred vision, and sexual problems like loss of libido and impotence.
It is also important to note that trazodone hydrochloride has the potential to cause serious side effects, such as serotonin syndrome, abnormal heartbeat, and serotonin toxicity. These serious side effects should be reported to a doctor immediately.
Warnings and Precautions Before Taking Trazodone
It is very important to discuss your medical history with your doctor before taking trazodone hydrochloride. Trazodone hydrochloride may not be safe for everyone, and your doctor will need to know about all of your current medical conditions before prescribing this drug.
Trazodone hydrochloride may not be safe for people with kidney disease or liver disease. It may cause a problem called metabolic clearance. This means that the drug is cleared from the body at a much slower rate. If you have liver or kidney disease, this could cause problems.
Trazodone hydrochloride may also not be safe for people with certain types of seizure disorders. It may cause an increase in seizure frequency.
Trazodone hydrochloride should be used with care in people who are at risk of falling. This is because it may cause drowsiness.
Finally, it’s important to note that trazodone hydrochloride may not be safe to take while breastfeeding. Talk to your doctor before taking this drug while breastfeeding.
Conclusion
Trazodone hydrochloride is a type of antidepressant medication. It is not recommended for use as the sole treatment for major depressive disorder. It is also used to manage sleep disorders, such as insomnia.
While you can’t buy trazodone over the counter, it is an effective prescription antidepressant. To get the best results from the drug, you should take it as prescribed. You should also follow the instructions for any potential side effects. Before taking trazodone hydrochloride, you should discuss your medical history with your doctor.
If you do have a prescription for trazodone hydrochloride, be sure to store it carefully. You can keep it in a cool, dry place. Be sure to keep your medicine out of the reach of children, as it is a controlled substance and could be dangerous if misused.
