Trazodone is a weak serotonin reuptake inhibitor drug with other effects on brain
neurotransmitters. It is used to treat people with depression. It is also used to treat people during
cocaine withdrawal.
Summary of
Interactions with Vitamins, Herbs, and Foods
In some cases, an herb or supplement may appear in more than one category, which may seem
contradictory. For clarification, read the full article for details about the summarized
interactions.
Avoid: Adverse interaction—Avoid these supplements when taking this
medication because taking them together may cause undesirable or dangerous results. |
Ginkgo biloba*
St. John’s wort*
|
Check: Other—Before taking any of these supplements or eating any of
these foods with your medication, read this article in full for details. |
Digitalis
|
| Depletion or interference |
None known
|
| Side effect reduction/prevention |
None known
|
| Supportive interaction |
None known
|
| Reduced drug
absorption/bioavailability |
None known
|
An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the
interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific
evidence.
Interactions with Herbs
Digitalis (Digitalis lanata, Digitalis
purpurea)
Digitalis refers to a family of plants commonly called foxglove that contain digitalis
glycosides, chemicals with actions and toxicities similar to the prescription drug digoxin.
Trazodone was associated with increased serum digoxin levels in one case
report.1 No interactions between trazodone and digitalis have been reported. Until
more is known, trazodone and digitalis-containing products should be used only under the
direct supervision of a doctor trained in their use.
Ginkgo
biloba
There is one case report of an elderly patient with Alzheimer’s disease going into a
coma while concurrently using trazodone and ginkgo.2 Until more is known, ginkgo
should not be combined with trazodone except under supervision of a doctor.
St. John’s
wort (Hypericum perforatum)
One report described a case of serotonin syndrome in a patient who took St. John’s wort
and trazodone.3 The patient reportedly experienced mental confusion, muscle
twitching, sweating, flushing, and ataxia. Until more is known, St. John’s wort should
not be combined with trazodone except under expert clinical supervision.
Interactions with Foods and Other Compounds
Food
Trazodone should be taken with food.4
Alcohol
Trazodone may cause drowsiness or dizziness.5 Alcohol may compound these effects
and increase the risk of accidental injury. To prevent problems, people taking trazodone
should avoid alcohol.
References:1. Rauch PK, Jenike MA. Digoxin toxicity possibly precipitated by
trazodone. Psychosomatics 1984;25:334–5.
2. Galluzzi S, Zanetti O, Binetti G, et al. Coma in a patient with
Alzheimer’s disease taking low dose trazodone and Ginkgo biloba. J Neurol
Neurosurg Psychiatry 2000;68:679–80.
3. Demott K. St. John’s wort tied to serotonin syndrome.
Clinical Psychiatry News 1998;26:28.
4. Threlkeld DS, ed. Central Nervous System Drugs, Antidepressants,
Trazodone. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO: Facts and
Comparisons, Apr 1990, 263i–3k.
5. Threlkeld DS, ed. Central Nervous System Drugs, Antidepressants,
Trazodone. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO: Facts and
Comparisons, Apr 1990, 263i–3k.