Does Trazodone Cause Digestive Issues? A Closer Look

October 11, 2025 •

4 min read

Up to 34% of patients taking trazodone may experience dry mouth, one of its most common gastrointestinal effects [1.2.1]. The question of 'Does trazodone cause digestive issues?' is common, as many users report symptoms ranging from mild to moderate.

Quick Summary

Trazodone can frequently cause digestive side effects, including nausea, constipation, diarrhea, and dry mouth. These issues stem from its influence on serotonin receptors, which are also present in the gut.

Key Points

Common Side Effect: Yes, trazodone can cause digestive issues; nausea, dry mouth, and constipation are among the most common [1.2.1].
Mechanism of Action: It affects serotonin receptors in both the brain and the gut, leading to gastrointestinal side effects [1.3.3, 1.8.4].
Prevalence: Dry mouth can affect up to 34% of patients, while nausea and constipation occur in up to 13% and 10% of users, respectively [1.2.1, 1.2.6].
Management Tip: Taking regular trazodone tablets with a meal or a light snack can help reduce nausea and stomach upset [1.9.3].
Comparison: Trazodone's rates of nausea are comparable to SSRIs, but it may cause less diarrhea [1.6.3].
When to See a Doctor: Contact a healthcare provider for severe symptoms like intense abdominal pain, inability to pass stool, or signs of GI bleeding [1.5.3, 1.2.3].
Serotonin Syndrome: Be aware of serotonin syndrome, a rare but serious condition where digestive issues like diarrhea are accompanied by agitation and fever [1.8.4].

Trazodone is a widely prescribed medication primarily used for treating major depressive disorder and often used off-label for insomnia due to its sedative properties [1.3.1, 1.3.2]. It belongs to a class of drugs known as Serotonin Antagonist and Reuptake Inhibitors (SARIs) [1.3.3]. While effective, many patients are concerned about its potential side effects, especially those affecting the digestive system.

Does Trazodone Cause Digestive Issues? The Direct Answer

Yes, trazodone can cause a range of digestive and gastrointestinal issues [1.2.1]. These side effects are among the most commonly reported by users, although they are often mild and may decrease as the body adjusts to the medication [1.5.1]. The likelihood and severity of these issues can depend on the dosage, individual sensitivity, and whether the medication is taken with food [1.9.2].

Common Digestive Side Effects of Trazodone

Gastrointestinal side effects are frequently noted in clinical trials and patient reports. The prevalence varies, but some of the most common issues include:

Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): This is one of the most frequent side effects, reported in up to 34% of outpatients [1.2.6].
Nausea and Vomiting: Up to 13% of users may experience nausea or vomiting [1.8.1]. Taking the medication with a small snack or meal can help reduce this feeling [1.9.4].
Constipation: This is a common side effect, occurring in about 1% to 10% of patients [1.7.1]. In clinical trials, the incidence was around 8% in outpatients [1.2.6].
Diarrhea: While less common than constipation, diarrhea can also occur in 1% to 10% of users [1.2.5, 1.2.1].
Abdominal or Gastric Discomfort: General stomach pain or upset is reported by some patients [1.2.4].
Increased Salivation (Hypersalivation): Though less common than dry mouth, some individuals report an increase in saliva [1.2.1].

Why Does Trazodone Affect the Digestive System?

Trazodone's impact on the gut is linked to its mechanism of action. The drug works by modulating serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood in the brain [1.3.6]. However, a large number of serotonin receptors are also located in the gastrointestinal tract, where they play a key role in gut motility and sensation. By altering serotonin levels, trazodone can inadvertently affect these digestive functions, leading to side effects like nausea or changes in bowel habits [1.3.1, 1.8.4]. Additionally, its antagonistic effect on other receptors, such as histamine H1 and alpha-1-adrenergic receptors, contributes to some of its side effect profile, including sedation and dry mouth [1.3.3].

Comparison of Digestive Side Effects: Trazodone vs. Other Antidepressants

Different classes of antidepressants have varying profiles when it comes to digestive side effects. Here’s a general comparison:


Feature	Trazodone (SARI)	Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)	Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)
Nausea	Common, but rates are often equivalent to SSRIs [1.6.3].	Very common, especially at the start of treatment [1.6.2].	Less common than with SSRIs.
Constipation	Common (1-10% incidence) [1.7.1].	Can occur, particularly with paroxetine [1.6.3].	Very common due to strong anticholinergic effects.
Diarrhea	Common (1-10% incidence) [1.2.1].	More frequently associated with SSRIs than trazodone [1.6.3].	Less common.
Dry Mouth	Very common (up to 34%) [1.2.1].	Common.	Very common and often more severe.
GI Bleeding Risk	Postmarketing data shows an association between drugs interfering with serotonin reuptake and GI bleeding, though a direct link to trazodone is not firmly established, caution is advised with NSAIDs [1.2.3].	Associated with an increased risk of upper GI bleeding [1.6.1].	Lower risk compared to SSRIs.

Managing Trazodone-Related Digestive Problems

If you experience digestive issues while taking trazodone, several strategies can help manage them. Always consult your doctor before making changes to how you take your medication.

Take with Food: For regular tablets, taking them with or shortly after a meal or light snack can significantly reduce nausea and stomach upset [1.9.3, 1.9.4]. Note that extended-release tablets may have different instructions and should be taken as directed, often on an empty stomach [1.9.3].
Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water throughout the day can help with both constipation and dry mouth [1.9.4].
Increase Fiber Intake: For constipation, incorporating more high-fiber foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can promote regular bowel movements [1.9.4].
Manage Dry Mouth: Sucking on sugar-free sweets or chewing sugar-free gum can help stimulate saliva production [1.9.4].
Dosage Adjustment: Your doctor might adjust your dose or the timing of administration to minimize side effects [1.4.1]. Often, side effects lessen over time as your body gets used to the medication [1.5.1].

When to Consult a Doctor

While many digestive side effects are mild and transient, you should contact your doctor if they are severe, persistent, or particularly bothersome. Seek medical attention if you experience:

Severe constipation or inability to have a bowel movement [1.5.3].
Severe abdominal pain.
Signs of liver problems, such as yellowing skin or eyes (jaundice) [1.5.3].
Any signs of gastrointestinal bleeding, such as black, tarry stools or vomiting blood, especially if you also take NSAIDs like ibuprofen or aspirin [1.2.3].
Symptoms of serotonin syndrome, which can include diarrhea along with agitation, rapid heart rate, and muscle rigidity [1.8.4].

Conclusion

Trazodone is an effective medication for depression and insomnia, but it frequently comes with digestive side effects like nausea, dry mouth, and constipation [1.2.1]. These effects are primarily due to its action on serotonin pathways that are also present in the gut [1.3.3]. For many users, these issues are manageable by taking the medication with food, staying hydrated, and making dietary adjustments [1.9.4]. While often mild, it is important to discuss any persistent or severe side effects with a healthcare provider to ensure safe and effective treatment.

For more information on trazodone, you can visit the National Library of Medicine's page on the drug.

Frequently Asked Questions

The most common digestive side effect is dry mouth (xerostomia), which has been reported in up to 34% of patients in some studies. Nausea and vomiting are also very common, affecting up to 13% of users [1.2.1, 1.2.6].

Yes, for regular tablets, taking trazodone without food can increase the chances of stomach upset and nausea. It's recommended to take it with or shortly after a meal or light snack [1.9.3]. Extended-release tablets, however, are typically taken on an empty stomach [1.9.3].

Trazodone can cause both. Constipation and diarrhea are listed as common side effects, each occurring in a range of 1% to 10% of patients [1.2.1].

For many people, mild digestive side effects are transient and will lessen or disappear on their own after a few days or weeks as the body adjusts to the medication [1.5.1].

To manage constipation, you can increase your intake of high-fiber foods like fruits and vegetables, drink plenty of water, and get regular exercise [1.9.4].

There is a potential risk. Drugs that interfere with serotonin reuptake, including trazodone, have been associated with an increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. Caution is advised, especially when taking it with NSAIDs like aspirin or ibuprofen [1.2.3].

You should talk to your doctor if the side effects are severe, don't go away, or significantly impact your quality of life. It is crucial to seek medical advice for serious symptoms like severe abdominal pain, inability to urinate or defecate, or yellowing of the skin or eyes [1.5.3].