Which antidepressant is famous for its potential to cause priapism?

Trazodone is well known for its potential to cause priapism, which is a prolonged and painful erection that is considered a medical emergency. This side effect arises due to the drug's action as a serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor (SARI), which impacts various serotonin receptors and can lead to vasodilation and increased blood flow to the genital area.

Priapism is a rare but serious side effect of trazodone, particularly at higher doses, making it essential for patients to be aware of this possibility during treatment. The awareness of such side effects is crucial in pharmacology, as it helps healthcare providers monitor patients effectively and ensure their safety.

The other antidepressants listed, such as fluoxetine and citalopram, primarily act as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and are generally associated with different side effects, while duloxetine is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) that does not have a prominent association with priapism. Understanding the unique side effects and mechanisms of different antidepressants is key to effective patient management and therapy.