2009, Number 4
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Arch Neurocien 2009; 14 (4)
Trazodone, an atypical antidepressant with anxiolytic and sedative properties
Alcántara-López MG, Gutiérrez-García AG, Hernández- Lozano M, Contreras CM
Language: Spanish
References: 113
Page: 249-257
PDF size: 145.08 Kb.
ABSTRACT
Trazodone is a second generation, atypical antidepressant. It exerts selective inhibitory actions on the transport of serotonin (5-HT), in a lesser amount than the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. The most striking pharmacological effect is as a 5-HT
2A and 5- HT
2C antagonist. It also blocks the α
1 - α
2 adrenergic and histamine-1 receptors. It is effective for depression, insomnia treatment and some anxiety disorders, either as monotherapy or in combination with other drugs. Albeit non-conclusive, it is also used as adjunctive therapy in some cases of mania, Tourette syndrome, Alzheimer’s disease and schizophrenia. Trazodone has tried in the erectile dysfunction treatment given its blocking actions on the α-adrenoceptors, but its use is controversial from some reports of priapism. Trazodone has drug interactions with other antidepressants, and some neuroleptics, antimycotics and antiretroviral drugs, among others. The aim of this review is to describe the pharmacology of trazodone and its clinical uses and side effects.
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