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Gas & Bloating With Trazodone

Trazodone is a pharmaceutical antidepressant which was originally manufactured by Bristol-Myers Squibb under the name Desyrel. However, it is no longer available as a brand name drug and is now available only as trazodone, its generic name. Physicians typically prescribe trazodone for the treatment of depression, anxiety, insomnia and chronic pain. However, it can also cause a variety of side effects in some people. While side effects are typically considered negative, the effect of trazodone on gas and bloating appears to be one of the positive side effects of this antidepressant, lessening problems in the digestive tract for some people.

  1. Gas and Bloating

    • Gas and bloating occur in most people from time to time as a result of the breakdown of food in the body. However, these symptoms, along with other problems in the digestive tract, also occur as part of a condition known as irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS. IBS occurs in 10 to 24 percent of the population and results in "chronic abdominal discomfort with altered bowel habits that cannot be explained by structural or biochemical abnormalities," according to a study done by the Department of Psychiatry, Duke University Medical Center in the fall of 2000. Those suffering from IBS often have comorbid psychiatric conditions, often anxiety disorders.

    Connection

    • IBS symptoms typically increase during periods of stress. Furthermore, symptoms of the gastrointestinal tract are seen frequently in those with mood and anxiety disorders. Due to this connection of psychological issues with the digestive tract, SSRIs are sometimes prescribed off-label for the treatment of such symptoms. Authors of the Duke University Medical Center study note that there is anecdotal evidence supporting the use of SSRIs for this purpose, although studies on the topic remain somewhat limited.

    Studies

    • In a study done by the Department of Psychiatry, Duke University Medical Center, treatment with citalopram, another SSRI antidepressant, was used in people with irritable bowel syndrome.Authors of this study note that there is evidence that serotonin receptors in the body play a role in many digestive problems. This would explain the function of SSRIs in relieving IBS and other symptoms of gastrointestinal distress. With approximately 80 percent of study subjects seeing improvement in their IBS symptoms, this study clearly suggests that SSRI antidepressant treatment may alleviate IBS symptoms, including gas and bloating. Though this study was done using citalopram, the authors mention that other studies involving other SSRIs have shown similar results.

    Side Effects

    • While trazodone generally helps alleviate gas and bloating in some people, it can have other negative side effects within the digestive system at the same time. Typical side effects of trazodone include drowsiness, dry mouth, feeling lightheaded when getting up from a prone position and blurred vision. Less commonly, it can cause constipation or diarrhea. If you experience unpleasant side effects as a result of taking trazodone, speak with your physician about adjusting the dosage or switching to another medication.

    Tip

    • Trazodone is available in both a regular capsule and an extended release one. The Mayo Clinic suggests taking the regular capsule with or immediately following a meal or snack to lessen the chances of stomach upset. However, the extended release variety should preferably be taken at bedtime without food. If you take trazodone to lessen IBS symptoms such as gas and bloating, keep a record of your symptoms and changes in their duration and frequency. This will help you discuss your treatment with your doctor and will help him understand both the positive and negative results of your trazodone treatment.

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