Oleptro

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Oleptro (Trazodone).

Abnormal bleeding: Other medications similar to Oleptro (Trazodone) have been known to cause abnormal bleeding, including bleeding in the stomach or intestines. If you have or have had a history of bleeding disorders, discuss with your doctor how Oleptro (Trazodone) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Oleptro (Trazodone), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Report any unusual bruising or bleeding to your doctor, especially if you are taking medications that affect blood clotting. These medications include acetylsalicylic acid (Asa), Clopidogrel, Dipyridamole, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs; e.g., Ibuprofen or Naproxen), other anticoagulant drugs (e.g., Warfarin), and certain antipsychotic and antidepressant medications.

Abnormal heart rhythms: Oleptro (Trazodone) can cause abnormal heart rhythms. Certain medications (e.g., Sotalol, quinidine, thioridazine, Chlorpromazine, droperidol, Pimozide, ciprofloxacin, moxifloxacin, Mefloquine, pentamidine, Tacrolimus) can increase the risk of a type of abnormal heart rhythm called QT prolongation, and should not be used in combination with Oleptro (Trazodone).

QT prolongation is a serious life-threatening condition that can cause fainting, seizures, and sudden death. You are more at risk for this type of abnormal heart rhythm and its complications if you:

• are a woman
• are older than 65 years of age
• have a family history of sudden cardiac death
• have a history of heart disease or abnormal heart rhythms
• have a slow heart rate
• have congenital prolongation of the QT interval
• have Diabetes
• have had a Stroke
• have low potassium, magnesium, or calcium levels
• have nutritional deficiencies

If you are at risk for heart rhythm problems, discuss with your doctor how Oleptro (Trazodone) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Oleptro (Trazodone), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Behaviour changes and suicidal thoughts: Oleptro (Trazodone), like other medications used to treat depression, may worsen symptoms of depression. People taking Oleptro (Trazodone) may feel agitated (restless, anxious, aggressive, emotional, and feeling not like themselves), or they may want to hurt themselves or others. These symptoms may occur within several weeks after starting Oleptro (Trazodone).

If you experience these side effects or notice them in a family member who is taking Oleptro (Trazodone), contact your doctor immediately. You should be closely monitored by your doctor for emotional and behaviour changes while taking Oleptro (Trazodone).

Dizziness: Oleptro (Trazodone) can cause severe dizziness, especially when rising from a sitting or lying position. People taking medications that can cause dizziness should rise slowly from sitting or lying down to reduce the possibility of severe dizziness or fainting.

Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Oleptro (Trazodone) may cause drowsiness or dizziness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or perform other potentially hazardous tasks until you have determined how Oleptro (Trazodone) affects you.

Priapism: Oleptro (Trazodone) has been associated with prolonged or inappropriate erections (priapism) for a number of men taking Oleptro (Trazodone). If this occurs, stop taking the medication, and seek immediate medical attention.

Seizures: Seizures have been reported for a small number of people taking Oleptro (Trazodone). If you have a history of Epilepsy or medical conditions that increase the risk of seizures, discuss with your doctor how Oleptro (Trazodone) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Oleptro (Trazodone), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Serotonin syndrome: Rarely, severe, life-threatening reactions are possible when Oleptro (Trazodone) is combined with other medications that act on serotonin, such as tricyclic antidepressants and serotonin reuptake inhibitors, which are other medications used to treat depression. This is called serotonin syndrome. These combinations should be avoided. Symptoms of a reaction may include muscle rigidity and spasms, difficulty moving, changes in mental state including delirium and agitation. Coma and death are possible.

Stopping the medication: Stopping Oleptro (Trazodone) suddenly may lead to side effects such as agitation, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. If you are thinking of stopping the medication, check with your doctor first. Your doctor may want you to decrease the dose of the medication gradually when it is time to stop taking Oleptro (Trazodone).

Pregnancy: Oleptro (Trazodone) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Oleptro (Trazodone), contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: Oleptro (Trazodone) may pass into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Oleptro (Trazodone) extended-release, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of Oleptro (Trazodone) have not been established for people less than 18 years of age.

Seniors: People over 65 years of age may require doses that are lower than those recommended here, to reduce the possibility and severity of side effects.