Careful consideration should be given before administering the drug to postpubescent male patients. Hypotension, including orthostatic hypotension, can occur during therapy with trazodone and is dose-related. Patients taking antihypertensive drugs may require a reduction in the dosage. Cardiac arrhythmias, eg. ventricular tachycardia, are not as common during therapy with trazodone as with tricyclic antidepressants, but they have occurred in patients with or without preexisting cardiac disease. Various ECG changes have been noted during therapy with trazodone.
Drowsiness is one of the most common side effects of trazodone.
Because of other CNS effects, such as dizziness, lightheadedness, nervousness, fatigue, and headache, caution should be exercised in the undertaking of tasks requiring mental alertness until the effects of the drug are known. Some CNS side effects occur during the first few weeks of therapy, and tolerance can develop after 1 or 2 weeks. Muscle tremor and musculoskeletal aches and pains have been reported during therapy with trazodone, which may due to weak skeletal muscle-relaxant activity. Blurred vision during therapy with trazodone may be an anticholinergic effect. Patients experiencing ocular changes should have an ophthalmological examination.