Trazodone is an antidepressant that is often prescribed off label for insomnia. A rare but severe side effect of Trazodone is the risk of developing priapism, which has led to numerous priapism lawsuits. While Trazodone was first approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1981 as an antidepressant, many physicians and nurse practitioners have long been prescribing Trazodone for off label uses such as the treatment of insomnia (https://www.consumerreports.org/insomnia/trazodone-for-insomnia-should-you-take). However, Trazodone has never been approved by the FDA for the treatment of insomnia, and extensive studies on its benefits are lacking.
Trazodone is the most common cause of drug-induced priapism, and it causes priapism more frequently that erectile dysfunction (ED) drugs. According to published articles in The American Journal of Psychiatry and US Pharmacist,
"studies indicate that trazodone may be involved in nearly 80% of all cases of pharmacologically induced priapism. "
If you or someone you know has experienced complications related to Trazodone, seeking legal help from an experienced Trazodone lawyer with a track record of success is advisable.
Priapism is a painful and persistent penile erection lasting more than four hours that is not associated with sexual interest or stimulation When left untreated, a priapism can lead to permanent impotence.
Priapism can be caused by blood disorders, prescription medications, alcohol and drug use, or injury. The main types of priapism are ischemic and nonischemic. An Ischemic priapism (low-flow) is the most common type, where blood becomes trapped in the penis and cannot drain. The trapped blood causes increased pressure resulting in compartment syndrome; tissue ischemia; hypoxia; acidosis, and penile pain. A Trazodone induced priapism is a low-flow or ischemic priapism.
Symptoms include an erection lasting more than 4 hours or unrelated to sexual arousal or stimulation; a rigid shaft but the glans, or tip, is still soft; and worsening pain. This can be painful and is a medical and urologic emergency. Treatment should be sought as soon as possible.
The faster you seek treatment, the higher the chance of a better outcome. An ischemic priapism deprives the penile tissue of oxygen. Microscopic cellular changes can begin within 4 to 6 hours; and tissue damage can begin as early as 6 to 8 hours. The longer treatment is delayed, the greater the risk of scarring and permanent erectile dysfunction.
Treatment can include medications, needle aspiration (draining) and irrigation; and surgery (shunting). If surgery is necessary, there is a greater risk of permanent erectile dysfunction. In some cases, a urologist may recommend a penile implant for those with permanent erectile dysfunction in an effort to restore some semblance of normalcy in an attempt to improve quality of life.
