The Side Effect Profile of Trazodone in Comparison to an Active Control and Placebo

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Abstract
In double-blind studies—one of endogenous and one of neurotic depressed patients—trazodone produced fewer anticholinergic side effects than either of the two reference tricyclic antidepressants (imipramine and amitriptyline). Trazodone also had a significantly lower incidence of neurological effects than imipramine. Of those who discontinued imipramine therapy, 50% dropped out because of either anticholinergic or neurological effects. These differences between trazodone and the tricyclic agents are important in planning the treatment of depressed patients, particularly the elderly in whom anticholinergic and neurological problems can be hazardous. Although trazodone's sedative effects are comparable to those of the tricyclic antidepressants, its favorable side effect profile and demonstrated effectiveness may make trazodone the drug of choice in the pharmacotherapy of depression.

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