Warnings for Desyrel
Included as part of the PRECAUTIONS section.
Precautions for Desyrel
Suicidal Thoughts And Behaviors In Pediatric And Young
Adult Patients
In pooled analyses of placebo-controlled trials of
antidepressant drugs (SSRIs and other antidepressant classes) that included approximately
77,000 adult patients and over 4,400 pediatric patients, the incidence of
suicidal thoughts and behaviors in pediatric and young adult patients was
greater in antidepressant-treated patients than in placebo-treated patients.
The drug-placebo differences in the number of cases of suicidal thoughts and
behaviors per 1000 patients treated are provided in Table 1.
No suicides occurred in any of the pediatric studies.
There were suicides in the adult studies, but the number was not sufficient to
reach any conclusion about antidepressant drug effect on suicide.
Table 1: Risk Differences of the Number of Cases of
Suicidal Thoughts or Behaviors in the Pooled Placebo-Controlled Trials of
Antidepressants in Pediatric and Adult Patients
| Age Range (years) |
Drug-Placebo Difference in Number of Patients of Suicidal Thoughts or Behaviors per 1000 Patients Treated |
| Increases Compared to Placebo |
| <18 |
14 additional patients |
| 18-24 |
5 additional patients |
| Decreases Compared to Placebo |
| 25-64 |
1 fewer patient |
| ≥65 |
6 fewer patients |
It is unknown whether the risk of suicidal thoughts and
behaviors in pediatric and young adult patients extends to longer-term use,
i.e., beyond four months. However, there is substantial evidence from
placebo-controlled maintenance trials in adults with MDD that antidepressants
delay the recurrence of depression.
Monitor all antidepressant-treated patients for clinical
worsening and emergence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, especially during the
initial few months of drug therapy and at times of dosage changes. Counsel
family members or caregivers of patients to monitor for changes in behavior and
to alert the healthcare provider. Consider changing the therapeutic regimen,
including possibly discontinuing DESYREL, in patients whose depression is
persistently worse, or who are experiencing emergent suicidal thoughts or
behaviors.
Serotonin Syndrome
Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) and
SSRIs, including DESYREL, can precipitate serotonin syndrome, a potentially
life-threatening condition. The risk is increased with concomitant use of other
serotonergic drugs (including triptans, tricyclic antidepressants, fentanyl,
lithium, tramadol, tryptophan, buspirone, and St. John’s Wort) and with drugs
that impair metabolism of serotonin, i.e., MAOIs [see CONTRAINDICATIONS, DRUG INTERACTIONS]. Serotonin syndrome can also occur when these drugs are used alone.
Serotonin syndrome signs and
symptoms may include mental status changes (e.g., agitation, hallucinations,
delirium, and coma), autonomic instability (e.g., tachycardia, labile blood
pressure, dizziness, diaphoresis, flushing, hyperthermia), neuromuscular symptoms
 (e.g., tremor, rigidity, myoclonus, hyperreflexia, incoordination), seizures,
and gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea).
The concomitant use of
DESYREL with MAOIs is contraindicated. In addition, do not initiate DESYREL in
a patient being treated with MAOIs such as linezolid or intravenous methylene
blue. No reports involved the administration of methylene blue by other routes
(such as oral tablets or local tissue injection). If it is necessary to initiate
treatment with an MAOI such as linezolid or intravenous methylene blue in a
patient taking DESYREL, discontinue DESYREL before initiating treatment with
the MAOI [see CONTRAINDICATIONS, DRUG INTERACTIONS].
Monitor all patients taking
DESYREL for the emergence of serotonin syndrome. Discontinue treatment with
DESYREL and any concomitant serotonergic agents immediately if the above
symptoms occur, and initiate supportive symptomatic treatment. If concomitant
use of DESYREL with other serotonergic drugs is clinically warranted, inform
patients of the increased risk for serotonin syndrome and monitor for symptoms.
Cardiac Arrhythmias
Clinical studies indicate that trazodone hydrochloride
may be arrhythmogenic in patients with preexisting cardiac disease. Arrhythmias
identified include isolated PVCs, ventricular couplets, tachycardia with
syncope, and torsade de pointes. Postmarketing events, including torsade de
pointes have been reported at doses of 100 mg or less with the
immediate-release form of DESYREL. DESYREL should also be avoided in patients
with a history of cardiac arrhythmias, as well as other circumstances that may
increase the risk of the occurrence of torsade de pointes and/or sudden death,
including symptomatic bradycardia, hypokalemia or hypomagnesemia, and the presence
of congenital prolongation of the QT interval. DESYREL is not recommended for
use during the initial recovery phase of myocardial infarction. Caution should
be used when administering DESYREL to patients with cardiac disease and such
patients should be closely monitored, since antidepressant drugs (including
DESYREL) may cause cardiac arrhythmias [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].
DESYREL prolongs the QT/QTc interval. The use of DESYREL
should be avoided in patients with known QT prolongation or in combination with
other drugs that are inhibitors of CYP3A4 (e.g., itraconazole, clarithromycin,
voriconazole), or known to prolong QT interval including Class 1A
antiarrhythmics (e.g., quinidine, procainamide) or Class 3 antiarrhythmics
(e.g., amiodarone, sotalol), certain antipsychotic medications (e.g.,
ziprasidone, chlorpromazine, thioridazine), and certain antibiotics (e.g.,
gatifloxacin). Concomitant administration of drugs may increase the risk of
cardiac arrhythmia [see DRUG INTERACTIONS].
Orthostatic Hypotension And Syncope
Hypotension, including orthostatic hypotension and
syncope has been reported in patients receiving trazodone hydrochloride. Concomitant
use with an antihypertensive may require a reduction in the dose of the
antihypertensive drug.
Increased Risk Of Bleeding
Drugs that interfere with serotonin reuptake inhibition,
including DESYREL, increase the risk of bleeding events. Concomitant use of aspirin,
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), other antiplatelet drugs,
warfarin, and other anticoagulants may add to this risk. Case reports and
epidemiological studies (case-control and cohort design) have demonstrated an
association between use of drugs that interfere with serotonin reuptake and the
occurrence of gastrointestinal bleeding. Bleeding events related to drugs that
interfere with serotonin reuptake have ranged from ecchymosis, hematoma,
epistaxis, and petechiae to life-threatening hemorrhages.
Inform patients about the risk of bleeding associated
with the concomitant use of DESYREL and antiplatelet agents or anticoagulants. For
patients taking warfarin, carefully monitor coagulation indices when
initiating, titrating, or discontinuing DESYREL.
Priapism
Cases of priapism (painful erections greater than 6 hours
in duration) have been reported in men receiving DESYREL. Priapism, if not treated
promptly, can result in irreversible damage to the erectile tissue. Men who
have an erection lasting greater than 4 hours, whether painful or not, should
immediately discontinue the drug and seek emergency medical attention [see ADVERSE
REACTIONS, OVERDOSAGE].
DESYREL should be used with caution in men who have
conditions that might predispose them to priapism (e.g., sickle cell anemia, multiple
myeloma, or leukemia), or in men with anatomical deformation of the penis
(e.g., angulation, cavernosal fibrosis, or Peyronie's disease).
Activation Of Mania Or Hypomania
In patients with bipolar disorder, treating a depressive
episode with DESYREL or another antidepressant may precipitate a mixed/manic episode.
Activation of mania/hypomania has been reported in a small proportion of
patients with major affective disorder who were treated with antidepressants.
Prior to initiating treatment with DESYREL, screen patients for any personal or
family history of bipolar disorder, mania, or hypomania [see DOSAGE AND
ADMINISTRATION].
Discontinuation Syndrome
Adverse reactions after discontinuation of serotonergic
antidepressants, particularly after abrupt discontinuation, include: nausea, sweating,
dysphoric mood, irritability, agitation, dizziness, sensory disturbances (e.g.,
paresthesia, such as electric shock sensations), tremor, anxiety, confusion,
headache, lethargy, emotional lability, insomnia, hypomania, tinnitus, and
seizures. A gradual reduction in dosage rather than abrupt cessation is
recommended whenever possible [See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].
Potential For Cognitive And Motor Impairment
DESYREL® may cause somnolence or sedation and may impair
the mental and/or physical ability required for the performance of potentially
hazardous tasks. Patients should be cautioned about operating hazardous
machinery, including automobiles, until they are reasonably certain that the
drug treatment does not affect them adversely.
Angle-Closure Glaucoma
The pupillary dilation that occurs following use of many
antidepressant drugs including DESYREL may trigger an angle closure attack in a
patient with anatomically narrow angles who does not have a patent iridectomy.
Avoid use of antidepressants, including DESYREL, in patients with untreated
anatomically narrow angles.
Hyponatremia
Hyponatremia may occur as a result of treatment with SNRIs and SSRIs, including DESYREL. Cases with
serum sodium lower than 110 mmol/L have been reported. Signs and symptoms of
hyponatremia include headache, difficulty concentrating, memory impairment, confusion,
weakness, and unsteadiness, which can lead to falls. Signs and symptoms
associated with more severe and/or acute cases have included hallucination,
syncope, seizure, coma, respiratory arrest, and death. In many cases, this
hyponatremia appears to be the result of the syndrome of inappropriate
antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH).
In patients with symptomatic hyponatremia, discontinue
DESYREL and institute appropriate medical intervention. Elderly patients, patients
taking diuretics, and those who are volume-depleted may be at greater risk of
developing hyponatremia with SSRIs and SNRIs [see Use In Specific
Populations].
Patient Counseling Information
Advise the patient to read
the FDA-approved patient labeling (Medication Guide).
Suicidal Thoughts And Behaviors
Advise patients and
caregivers to look for the emergence of suicidality, especially early during
treatment and when the dosage is adjusted up or down and instruct them to
report such symptoms to the healthcare provider [see BOX WARNING and WARNINGS
AND PRECAUTIONS].
Dosage And Administration
Advise patients that DESYREL
should be taken shortly after a meal or light snack. Advise patients regarding
the importance of following dosage titration instructions [see DOSAGE AND
ADMINISTRATION].
Serotonin Syndrome
Caution patients about the
risk of serotonin syndrome, particularly with the concomitant use of DESYREL
with other serotonergic drugs including triptans, tricyclic antidepressants,
fentanyl, lithium, tramadol, tryptophan, buspirone, St. John's Wort, and with
drugs that impair metabolism of serotonin (in particular, MAOIs, both those
intended to treat psychiatric disorders and also others, such as linezolid).
Patients should contact their health care provider or report to the emergency
room if they experience signs or symptoms of serotonin syndrome [see WARNINGS
AND PRECAUTIONS and DRUG INTERACTIONS].
Activation Of Mania/Hypomania
Advise patients and their
caregivers to observe for signs of activation of mania/hypomania and instruct
them to report such symptoms to the healthcare provider [see WARNINGS AND
PRECAUTIONS].
Increased Risk Of Bleeding
Inform patients about the
concomitant use of DESYREL with aspirin, NSAIDs, other antiplatelet drugs,
warfarin, or other anticoagulants because the combined use of drugs that
interfere with serotonin reuptake and these medications has been associated
with an increased risk of bleeding. Advise them to inform their health care
providers if they are taking or planning to take any prescription or over-the-counter
medications that increase the risk of bleeding [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Discontinuation Syndrome
Advise patients not to
abruptly discontinue DESYREL and to discuss any tapering regimen with their
healthcare provider. Adverse reactions can occur when DESYREL is discontinued [see
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Concomitant Medications
Advise patients to inform
their health care providers if they are taking, or plan to take any
prescription or over-the-counter medications since there is a potential for
interactions [see DRUG INTERACTIONS].
Pregnancy
Advise patients to notify
their healthcare provider if they become pregnant or intend to become pregnant
during therapy with DESYREL. Advise patients that there is a pregnancy exposure
registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to DESYREL during pregnancy
[see Use In Special Populations].
Nonclinical Toxicology
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment Of Fertility
Carcinogenesis
No drug- or dose-related occurrence of carcinogenesis was
evident in rats receiving trazodone in daily oral doses up to 7.3 times the maximum
recommended human dose (MRHD) of 400 mg/day in adults on a mg/m² basis.
Mutagenesis
No genotoxicity studies were conducted with trazodone.
Impairment Of Fertility
Trazodone has no effect on fertility in rats at doses up
to 7.3 times the MRHD in adults on a mg/m² basis.
Use In Specific Populations
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Exposure Registry
There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors
pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to antidepressants during pregnancy. Healthcare
providers are encouraged to register patients by calling the National Pregnancy
Registry for Antidepressants at 1-844-405- 6185 or visiting online at
https://womensmentalhealth.org/clinical-and-research-programs/pregnancyregistry/antidepressants/
Risk Summary
Published prospective cohort studies, case series, and
case reports over several decades with DESYREL use in pregnant women have not
identified any drug-associated risks of major birth defects, miscarriage, or
adverse maternal or fetal outcomes (see Data). Trazodone hydrochloride
has been shown to cause increased fetal resorption and other adverse effects on
the fetus in the rat when given at dose levels approximately 7.3 to 11 times
the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 400 mg/day in adults on a mg/m² basis.
There was also an increase in congenital anomalies in the rabbit at
approximately 7.3 to 22 times the MRHD on a mg/m² basis (see Data).
The estimated background risk of major birth defects and
miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background
risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general
population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and
miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%,
respectively.
Clinical Considerations
Disease-Associated Maternal And/Or Embryofetal Risk
A prospective, longitudinal study followed 201 pregnant
women with a history of major depressive disorder who were euthymic and taking
antidepressants at the beginning of pregnancy. The women who discontinued
antidepressants during pregnancy were more likely to experience a relapse of
major depression that women who continued antidepressants. Consider the risk of
untreated depression when discontinuing or changing treatment with
antidepressant medication during pregnancy and postpartum.
Data
Human Data
While available studies cannot definitively establish the
absence of risk, published data from prospective cohort studies, case series, and
case reports over several decades have not identified an association with
trazodone use during pregnancy and major birth defects, miscarriage, or other
adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. All available studies have methodological
limitations, including small sample size and inconsistent comparator groups.
Animal Data
No teratogenic effects were observed when trazodone was
given to pregnant rats and rabbits during the period of organogenesis at oral doses
up to 450 mg/kg/day. This dose is 11 and 22 times, in rats and rabbits,
respectively, the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 400 mg/day in adults
on a mg/m² basis. Increased fetal resorption and other adverse effects on the
fetus in rats at 7.3 to 11 times the MRHD and increase in congenital anomalies
in rabbits at 7.3 to 22 times the MRHD on a mg/m² basis were observed. No further
details on these studies are available.
Lactation
Risk Summary
Data from published literature report the transfer of
trazodone into human milk. There are no data on the effect of trazodone on milk
production. Limited data from postmarketing reports have not identified and
association of adverse effects on the breastfed child. The developmental and
health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother's
clinical need for DESYREL and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed
child from DESYREL or from the underlying maternal condition.
Pediatric Use
Safety and effectiveness in the pediatric population have
not been established. Antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thoughts and
behaviors in pediatric patients [see BOXED WARNING, WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Geriatric Use
Reported clinical literature and experience with
trazodone has not identified differences in responses between elderly and
younger patients. However, as experience in the elderly with trazodone
hydrochloride is limited, it should be used with caution in geriatric patients.
Serotonergic antidepressants have been associated with
cases of clinically significant hyponatremia in elderly patients, who may be at
greater risk for this adverse reaction [see WARNINGS
AND PRECAUTIONS].
Renal Impairment
Trazodone has not been studied in patients with renal
impairment. Trazodone should be used with caution in this population.
Hepatic Impairment
Trazodone has not been studied in patients with hepatic
impairment. Trazodone should be used with caution in this population.