According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 14.3 million people in the United States had a major depressive episode in 2008; this number constitutes 6.4 percent of the U.S. population in that year. One medication used to treat depression is a serotonin modulator named trazedone, available starting at a dose of 50 mg. According to MedlinePlus, trazedone belongs to a class of drugs that increases the amount of serotonin, a naturally-occurring substance in the brain 1. However, taking this drug comes with multiple possible side effects.

Mild Side Effects

MedlinePlus reports that possible mild side effects may occur as a result of taking trazodone 12. If these side effects become severe or do not go away, seek medical attention.

Serious Side Effects

Drugs.com and MedlinePlus list certain serious side effects that may accompany trazodone use which warrant immediate medical attention 12. These side effects include: feeling light-headed and/or fainting; flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills and body aches; difficulty urinating; chest pain that may spread towards the arm or shoulder or a heavy feeling in the chest. Certain additional side effects may indicate an allergic reaction; these side effects include skin rash, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips and/or tongue. If any of these side effects occur, consult a doctor.

Psychological Side Effects

MedlinePlus also reports the occurrence of other psychological side effects associated with taking trazedone 1. These side effects include:

• extreme worry
  
• panic attacks
  
• agitation
  
• insomnia
  
• aggressive behavior
  
• an abnormal level of excitement

Seek medical attention immediately if these side effects occur.