Trazodone-Associated Urinary Retention
Trazodone can cause urinary retention. [1]
Urinary retention is listed in the U.S. prescribing information for trazodone as an adverse reaction. [1]
Evidence From Drug Labeling
Trazodone hydrochloride tablets include “urinary retention” under renal and urinary adverse reactions in the prescribing information. [1]
Postmarketing reports for trazodone hydrochloride also include “urinary retention.” [2]
Clinical Evidence
Acute urinary retention has been reported in a patient with benign prostatic hyperplasia treated with multiple medications that included trazodone, with resolution after treatment for urinary retention. [3]
Risk Considerations
The risk of urinary retention may be higher in patients with baseline urinary outflow obstruction (for example, benign prostatic hyperplasia), given the documented association in the case report. [3]
Antidepressants with anticholinergic effects are more commonly associated with urinary retention than agents with minimal anticholinergic activity, but trazodone still has documented urinary retention in labeling. [1]
When to Seek Urgent Care
Acute urinary retention should be treated as an urgent condition when unable to pass urine, with suprapubic pain or distension, or with worsening lower urinary tract symptoms after starting or increasing trazodone. [1]
If urinary retention occurs, trazodone should be discontinued and appropriate supportive management should be initiated per prescribing information. [1]