Trazodone Hydrochloride

TRAZODONE HYDROCHLORIDE- trazodone hydrochloride tablet
Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc.

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Trazodone hydrochloride tablets are indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults.

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

2.1 Dose Selection

An initial dose of 150 mg/day in divided doses is suggested. The dosage should be initiated at a low-dose and increased gradually, noting the clinical response and any evidence of intolerance. Occurrence of drowsiness may require the administration of a major portion of the daily dose at bedtime or a reduction of dosage.

The dose may be increased by 50 mg/day every 3 to 4 days. The maximum dose for outpatients usually should not exceed 400 mg/day in divided doses. Inpatients (i.e., more severely depressed patients) may be given up to but not in excess of 600 mg/day in divided doses.

Once an adequate response has been achieved, dosage may be gradually reduced, with subsequent adjustment depending on therapeutic response.

2.2 Important Administration Instructions

Trazodone hydrochloride tablets can be swallowed whole or administered as a half tablet by breaking the tablet along the score line.

Trazodone hydrochloride tablets should be taken shortly after a meal or light snack.

2.3 Screen for Bipolar Disorder Prior to Starting Trazodone Hydrochloride Tablets

Prior to initiating treatment with trazodone hydrochloride tablets or another antidepressant, screen patients for a personal or family history of bipolar disorder, mania, or hypomania [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)].

2.4 Switching to or from Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor Antidepressant

At least 14 days must elapse between discontinuation of a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) antidepressant and initiation of trazodone hydrochloride tablets. In addition, at least 14 days must elapse after stopping trazodone hydrochloride tablets before starting an MAOI antidepressant [see Contraindications (4), Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].

2.5 Dosage Recommendations for Concomitant Use with Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors or Inducers

Coadministration with Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors

Consider reducing trazodone hydrochloride tablets dose based on tolerability when trazodone hydrochloride tablets are coadministered with a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor [see Drug Interactions (7.1)].

Coadministration with Strong CYP3A4 Inducers

Consider increasing trazodone hydrochloride tablets dose based on therapeutic response when trazodone hydrochloride tablets are coadministered with a strong CYP3A4 inducer [see Drug Interactions (7.1)].

2.6 Discontinuation of Treatment with Trazodone Hydrochloride Tablets

Adverse reactions may occur upon discontinuation of trazodone hydrochloride tablets [See Warnings and Precautions (5.8)]. Gradually reduce the dosage rather than stopping trazodone hydrochloride tablets abruptly whenever possible.

3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS

Trazodone hydrochloride tablets, USP are available in the following strengths:

50 mg: White, round, compressed tablet, debossed “PLIVA 433” on one side and scored on the other side.

100 mg: White, round, compressed tablet, debossed “PLIVA 434” on one side and scored on the other side.

150 mg: White, oval, flat-faced, beveled edge tablet, scored and debossed as “PLIVA” bisect “441” on one side and tri-scored and debossed as “50” in each section on the other side.

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS

Trazodone hydrochloride tablets are contraindicated in:

• Patients taking, or within 14 days of stopping, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), including MAOIs such as linezolid or intravenous methylene blue, because of an increased risk of serotonin syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2), Drug Interactions (7.1)].

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

5.1 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 to 24	5 additional patients
	Decreases Compared to Placebo
25 to 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 trazodone hydrochloride tablets, in patients whose depression is persistently worse, or who are experiencing emergent suicidal thoughts or behaviors.