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What Is Trazodone?

Trazodone is a prescription antidepressant most commonly used to treat major depressive disorder. It is also widely used off-label for insomnia and anxiety-related sleep disturbance, and it can be part of multimodal care for chronic pain and post-traumatic stress disorder. Pharmacologically, trazodone is classified as a serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor (SARI). It modulates serotonin activity in the brain, which can help lift mood, reduce anxiety, and promote restorative sleep. Because it also affects histamine and alpha-1 adrenergic receptors, trazodone often produces sedation and can lower blood pressure, which are clinically relevant for both benefits and side effects.

Indications and Common Uses

The primary FDA-approved indication for trazodone is major depressive disorder in adults. Clinicians may prescribe it as monotherapy or combine it with other antidepressants when residual insomnia or anxiety persists.

  • Depression: Helps reduce low mood, anhedonia, and psychomotor agitation or retardation.
  • Insomnia (off-label): Low-dose trazodone at bedtime can improve sleep initiation and maintenance, particularly in patients with comorbid depression or SSRI/SNRI-related insomnia.
  • Anxiety and tension (off-label): May relieve hyperarousal and nighttime awakenings tied to anxiety disorders.
  • Adjunct in chronic pain (off-label): Sedative and anxiolytic effects can improve sleep and overall pain coping in select patients.

Clinicians often choose trazodone when a patient needs both antidepressant action and help with sleep. However, any off-label use should still follow an individualized risk–benefit discussion and ongoing monitoring.

How Trazodone Works

Trazodone’s mood and sleep effects stem from its multitarget pharmacology:

  • Serotonin modulation: Inhibits serotonin reuptake and blocks 5-HT2A/5-HT2C receptors, which may improve mood and reduce anxiety-related arousal.
  • Histamine H1 receptor blockade: Contributes to sedation, often helpful at night but can cause daytime drowsiness.
  • Alpha-1 adrenergic blockade: Can lead to orthostatic hypotension and dizziness, especially when starting or increasing the dose.

The balance of these actions explains why lower doses are typically more sedating (dominated by antihistamine and alpha-blockade) and higher doses express more antidepressant effect via serotonin pathways.

How to Take Trazodone: Practical Instructions

Use trazodone exactly as prescribed by your healthcare professional. The following points are general guidance, not a substitute for medical advice:

  • Take shortly after a meal or light snack. Food can improve absorption and reduce dizziness.
  • For daytime doses in depression, many clinicians split dosing to minimize drowsiness. For sleep, a single bedtime dose is common.
  • Extended-release tablets should be taken once daily, typically at bedtime, and swallowed whole (do not crush or chew).
  • Consistency matters. Take at the same time each day to keep blood levels steady.
  • Onset and expectations: Mood benefits may appear within 1–4 weeks. Sleep often improves sooner, sometimes within days at lower doses.
  • Do not stop suddenly. Abrupt discontinuation can cause rebound insomnia, anxiety, headache, or flu-like symptoms. Your clinician will guide a gradual taper.

If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless it’s close to your next dose. Do not double up. If multiple doses are missed, resume your usual schedule and let your prescriber know at your next visit.

Dosing Overview (Education Only)

Dosing must be individualized. The ranges below are educational and should not be used to self-prescribe:

  • Depression (immediate-release): Often initiated at a low dose and titrated as tolerated. Outpatients are typically kept at moderate daily totals, while higher daily ranges may be used under close inpatient monitoring.
  • Depression (extended-release): Commonly initiated once nightly and adjusted based on response and tolerability.
  • Insomnia (off-label): Lower doses at bedtime (often a fraction of antidepressant doses) may suffice for sleep continuity.

Your age, other medications, liver function, daytime sedation, and cardiovascular history influence the best dose and formulation. Always confirm your plan and any dose changes with your prescriber.

Who Should Not Use Trazodone

Avoid trazodone if any of the following apply unless your clinician determines benefits outweigh risks:

  • Known hypersensitivity to trazodone or structurally related compounds.
  • Concomitant use with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or within 14 days of MAOI use; also avoid starting an MAOI within 14 days of stopping trazodone due to risk of serotonin syndrome.
  • Use with linezolid or intravenous methylene blue without close monitoring for serotonin toxicity.
  • History of trazodone-associated priapism.
  • Severe uncontrolled heart disease, including recent myocardial infarction or known serious arrhythmias, without cardiology input.

Discuss your full medical history before starting trazodone, particularly if you have bipolar disorder (risk of mania/hypomania), seizure disorders, bleeding risks, glaucoma, or significant hypotension.

Important Warnings and Precautions

  • Suicidality: Antidepressants can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults. Monitor closely, especially during initiation and dose changes. Report any sudden mood or behavior changes immediately.
  • Drowsiness and impaired alertness: Trazodone may cause sedation, dizziness, and blurred vision. Avoid driving, operating machinery, or engaging in tasks requiring alertness until you know how you respond.
  • Orthostatic hypotension and falls: Stand up slowly. This risk is higher in older adults and with alcohol, antihypertensives, or dehydration.
  • Priapism: Rare but serious. Prolonged or painful erections lasting more than 4 hours require emergency medical care to prevent permanent damage.
  • Serotonin syndrome: Combining trazodone with other serotonergic agents (e.g., SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs, triptans, tramadol, linezolid, St. John’s wort, lithium) may trigger a life-threatening reaction. Symptoms include agitation, confusion, sweating, fever, tremor, muscle rigidity, diarrhea, and unstable blood pressure. Seek immediate medical attention if suspected.
  • Cardiac effects: Trazodone can prolong the QT interval and precipitate arrhythmias, especially in overdose or when combined with other QT-prolonging drugs or in patients with electrolyte abnormalities. Consider ECG monitoring in those with cardiac risk.
  • Bleeding risk: Serotonergic drugs can increase bleeding, particularly with anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin), antiplatelets (e.g., aspirin, clopidogrel), or NSAIDs. Monitor for bruising and bleeding.
  • Hyponatremia/SIADH: Older adults and those on diuretics are at risk for low sodium, which can cause confusion, seizures, and falls.
  • Angle-closure glaucoma: Pupil dilation can precipitate an acute attack in susceptible individuals. Seek ophthalmologic care if you have severe eye pain or vision changes.
  • Substance use and alcohol: Alcohol and sedatives enhance drowsiness and impair coordination. Avoid combining trazodone with alcohol or illicit substances.

Drug Interactions

Tell your healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and herbal products you use. Important interactions include:

  • Serotonergic agents: SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs, triptans, tramadol, linezolid, methylene blue (IV), lithium, St. John’s wort. Increases serotonin syndrome risk.
  • CNS depressants: Alcohol, benzodiazepines, opioids, sedating antihistamines, sleep aids, muscle relaxants. Additive sedation and respiratory depression.
  • Anticoagulants/antiplatelets/NSAIDs: Warfarin, DOACs, aspirin, clopidogrel, ibuprofen, naproxen. Increased bleeding risk; may require monitoring.
  • Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors: Ketoconazole, itraconazole, clarithromycin, ritonavir, cobicistat, grapefruit juice. Can raise trazodone levels and side effects; dose adjustments may be needed.
  • CYP3A4 inducers: Carbamazepine, phenytoin, rifampin, St. John’s wort. Can lower trazodone levels and reduce effectiveness.
  • Digoxin and phenytoin: Case reports suggest altered levels; monitor for toxicity or loss of effect.
  • QT-prolonging agents: Methadone, certain antipsychotics (e.g., ziprasidone, haloperidol), some macrolides and fluoroquinolones (e.g., erythromycin, moxifloxacin). Additive risk of torsades de pointes.
  • Antihypertensives: Additive hypotension possible with alpha-blockers and other blood pressure medications.

This list is not exhaustive. Always check with your prescriber or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing the dose of any medication.

Side Effects: What to Expect

Most people tolerate trazodone well, but side effects can occur. Many are dose-related and improve as your body adjusts.

Common effects:

  • Drowsiness or fatigue
  • Dizziness, light-headedness, or headache
  • Dry mouth or stuffy nose
  • Nausea, constipation, or abdominal discomfort
  • Blurred vision
  • Muscle aches or tremor
  • Restlessness or nervousness in some individuals

Serious effects requiring prompt medical attention:

  • Allergic reaction: Rash, hives, itching, swelling of the face or tongue, difficulty breathing.
  • Priapism: Erection lasting more than 4 hours, or painful erections.
  • Severe dizziness or fainting: Especially on standing, suggesting orthostatic hypotension or arrhythmia.
  • Irregular heartbeat, palpitations, chest pain, or shortness of breath.
  • Serotonin syndrome: Agitation, confusion, sweating, fever, diarrhea, muscle stiffness, tremor.
  • Seizures or new-onset severe confusion.
  • Signs of bleeding: Black stools, blood in urine, unusual bruising, or persistent nosebleeds.
  • Stroke-like symptoms: Sudden weakness, facial droop, difficulty speaking—call emergency services.

Report persistent or troublesome side effects to your clinician. Never adjust your own dose without guidance.

Special Populations and Clinical Considerations

  • Older adults: More sensitive to sedation, orthostatic hypotension, falls, and hyponatremia. Start low and titrate slowly. Consider fall risk mitigation strategies at home.
  • Pregnancy: Human data are limited. Untreated depression also carries risks for mother and baby. If trazodone is considered, clinicians weigh potential benefits and fetal risks, and monitor for neonatal adaptation symptoms if used late in pregnancy. Do not start or stop without obstetric guidance.
  • Breastfeeding: Trazodone appears in breast milk in low amounts. Discuss risks and benefits; monitor infants for sedation, feeding difficulties, or irritability.
  • Bipolar disorder: Antidepressants can precipitate mania or hypomania. Screen for bipolar spectrum illness before initiation and monitor closely.
  • Liver or kidney impairment: Trazodone is metabolized hepatically (primarily via CYP3A4). Use caution, consider lower starting doses, and monitor for adverse effects.
  • Substance use disorders: Sedation synergy with alcohol and other CNS depressants is dangerous. Avoid concomitant use and seek integrated care for substance use.

Practical Tips for Safer Use

  • Take the first doses in the evening to gauge sedation.
  • Rise slowly from sitting or lying positions to reduce dizziness.
  • Hydrate adequately, especially in hot weather to avoid hypotension and fainting.
  • Avoid alcohol and marijuana; both can magnify drowsiness and impair judgment.
  • Use pill organizers and reminders to promote consistent dosing.
  • Schedule follow-up visits to reassess benefits, side effects, and potential dose adjustments.

Storage and Handling

  • Store at room temperature (68–77°F or 20–25°C) in a tightly closed, light-resistant container.
  • Protect from moisture, heat, and direct sunlight; avoid bathroom storage.
  • Keep out of reach of children and pets.
  • Do not use past the expiration date, and dispose of unused tablets according to local guidelines or pharmacy take-back programs.

Overdose and Emergency Information

Overdose may cause profound sedation, vomiting, low blood pressure, fainting, cardiac arrhythmias (including QT prolongation), seizures, or serotonin syndrome. If you suspect an overdose or observe worrisome symptoms, call emergency services or your local Poison Control Center immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

When to Contact Your Healthcare Professional

  • New or worsening depression, anxiety, agitation, or suicidal thoughts.
  • Severe dizziness, fainting, palpitations, or chest pain.
  • Signs of serotonin syndrome (agitation, fever, sweating, diarrhea, tremor, muscle rigidity).
  • Persistent or severe headaches, confusion, or changes in vision.
  • Prolonged or painful erections.
  • Any suspected drug interaction, especially when starting or stopping another medication.

Medication Checks Before Surgery or New Prescriptions

Tell your surgeon, dentist, and anesthesiologist that you take trazodone. Some anesthetics and perioperative medications can interact with serotonergic agents or exacerbate hypotension. If a new medication is prescribed by any clinician, confirm with your pharmacist that it is safe to use with trazodone.

Lifestyle and Non-Drug Supports

Medications like trazodone are most effective when paired with evidence-based nonpharmacologic strategies:

  • Psychotherapy: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for depression and CBT-I for insomnia can improve outcomes and reduce relapse risk.
  • Sleep hygiene: Consistent sleep-wake schedules, dark and cool bedrooms, limiting caffeine and screens before bed.
  • Exercise and nutrition: Regular physical activity and balanced meals support mood and sleep quality.
  • Alcohol moderation or abstinence: Avoid alcohol to prevent additive sedation and mood destabilization.
  • Social connection and structure: Routines, social engagement, and meaningful activities benefit mental health.

Key Takeaways for Patients and Caregivers

  • Trazodone treats depression and can improve sleep, but it can cause drowsiness and low blood pressure.
  • Effects on mood may take several weeks; sleep benefits may arrive sooner.
  • Never combine with MAOIs, and use caution with other serotonergic or sedating drugs.
  • Watch for red flags like serotonin syndrome, priapism, severe dizziness, or arrhythmias, and seek help promptly.
  • Follow a prescriber’s guidance for dosing, monitoring, and tapering to minimize risks and discontinuation symptoms.

Trazodone U.S. Sale and Prescription Policy

In the United States, trazodone is a prescription-only medication. Federal and state laws require a valid prescription from a licensed clinician to dispense trazodone. It is not legal to purchase or import trazodone for personal use without a prescription. Safe, compliant access typically occurs through one of the following pathways:

  • In-person care: Evaluation by your primary care clinician or psychiatrist, who may prescribe trazodone if appropriate.
  • Telehealth: A licensed clinician evaluates you via a virtual visit and, if clinically indicated, issues an electronic prescription to your chosen pharmacy.
  • Refills and ongoing care: Periodic follow-up allows dose optimization and monitoring for side effects or interactions.

HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Petersburg supports a legal and structured approach to accessing care. Rather than bypassing a prescription, the organization can help connect you with licensed healthcare professionals who evaluate your needs and, when appropriate, provide a legitimate prescription for trazodone through compliant channels. This protects your safety, ensures appropriate monitoring, and adheres to U.S. regulations.

If you are considering trazodone, schedule a consultation with a qualified clinician. Avoid any source offering trazodone without a prescription or outside established pharmacy channels, as this may be unsafe, unlawful, and increase the risk of counterfeit or substandard medications.

Trazodone FAQ

What is trazodone and what is it used for?

Trazodone is an antidepressant in the SARI class (serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor). It’s approved for major depressive disorder and is commonly used off-label for insomnia and anxiety because of its sedating properties.

How does trazodone work?

It weakly blocks serotonin reuptake while antagonizing specific serotonin receptors (notably 5-HT2A/2C), which can improve mood and reduce anxiety. It also blocks histamine and alpha-1 adrenergic receptors, contributing to sedation and lowering blood pressure.

Is trazodone a sleeping pill?

No, it isn’t a hypnotic by classification, but at low doses it’s widely used off-label for sleep initiation and maintenance due to its antihistamine and 5-HT2 blocking effects. Many people take 25–100 mg at bedtime for insomnia.

What is the usual trazodone dosage for depression versus insomnia?

For depression, typical total daily doses range from 150–400 mg (sometimes higher), divided or as extended-release at night. For sleep, much lower doses are used off-label (commonly 25–100 mg at bedtime).

How long does trazodone take to work?

For sleep, sedation usually appears within 30–60 minutes of a dose. For depression and anxiety, it may take 2–4 weeks for noticeable improvement, with full benefits sometimes taking 6–8 weeks.

What are the most common side effects of trazodone?

Sleepiness, dizziness, dry mouth, headache, blurred vision, and constipation are common. Orthostatic hypotension (lightheadedness when standing) can also occur, especially at higher doses or in older adults.

Can trazodone cause serious side effects?

Rare but serious effects include serotonin syndrome, priapism (prolonged painful erection), cardiac rhythm problems including QT prolongation, and severe low blood pressure or fainting. Seek urgent care for signs like severe agitation, high fever, rigidity, chest pain, or any erection lasting over 4 hours.

Is trazodone habit-forming or a controlled substance?

It is not a controlled substance and has low abuse potential. However, abrupt discontinuation can cause withdrawal-like symptoms, so it should be tapered under medical guidance.

Can I drive or operate machinery after taking trazodone?

Avoid driving or hazardous tasks until you know how it affects you. Many people experience next-day drowsiness or slowed reaction time, especially with nighttime dosing.

Does trazodone interact with other medications or supplements?

Yes. Major interactions include MAOIs, other serotonergic drugs (e.g., SSRIs, SNRIs, triptans, tramadol, St. John’s wort), strong CYP3A4 inhibitors/inducers (e.g., ketoconazole, clarithromycin, carbamazepine), and other QT-prolonging agents. Combining with sedatives or alcohol increases drowsiness and risk of falls.

Who should avoid or use trazodone with caution?

People with recent heart attack, significant heart rhythm disorders, uncontrolled glaucoma, severe liver disease, or a history of priapism need caution and consultation. Older adults are more sensitive to sedation and orthostatic hypotension.

What is serotonin syndrome and how is it linked to trazodone?

Serotonin syndrome is a potentially life-threatening condition caused by excess serotonin, presenting with agitation, sweating, tremor, diarrhea, fever, and confusion. Risk increases when trazodone is combined with other serotonergic agents or MAOIs.

Can trazodone affect sexual function?

It can reduce sexual side effects caused by some SSRIs and may improve sleep-related sexual issues. However, it may rarely cause priapism; any prolonged painful erection is a medical emergency.

How should I stop taking trazodone safely?

Taper gradually over 1–2 weeks or longer depending on dose and duration, under clinician guidance. Abrupt stopping may cause rebound insomnia, anxiety, irritability, or flu-like symptoms.

Is there a black box warning for trazodone?

Yes. Like other antidepressants, it carries a boxed warning for increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, adolescents, and young adults, particularly when starting or changing the dose.

Can I take trazodone after drinking alcohol?

It’s best to avoid. Alcohol and trazodone both depress the central nervous system, increasing sedation, dizziness, impaired coordination, and risk of respiratory depression and falls.

Is trazodone safe during pregnancy?

Data do not show a clear increase in major birth defects, but information is limited. Use only if benefits outweigh risks; newborn adaptation symptoms (jitteriness, feeding or breathing difficulties) can occur with late-pregnancy exposure.

Can I use trazodone while breastfeeding?

Small amounts pass into breast milk. Many infants tolerate it, but monitor for excessive sleepiness, poor feeding, or breathing changes, and discuss risks and benefits with your clinician.

What should I know about taking trazodone before surgery or anesthesia?

Tell your surgical and anesthesia teams you take trazodone. It’s often continued to avoid withdrawal and mood destabilization, but they may adjust plans due to risks of hypotension, sedation, and potential interactions with anesthetics and pain medicines.

Is it safe to combine trazodone with cannabis or CBD?

Both can increase sedation, dizziness, and cognitive impairment; CBD can affect CYP enzymes and alter drug levels. Use caution, start low, and discuss with your clinician.

Can older adults take trazodone safely?

Yes, but lower starting doses and careful monitoring are advised due to higher risks of orthostatic hypotension, falls, confusion, and next-day sedation. Fall-prevention strategies are important.

What if I have sleep apnea—can I use trazodone?

Trazodone can worsen sedation and potentially impact airway tone, though some studies suggest neutral or modestly favorable effects. Because responses vary, consult your sleep specialist and avoid combining with other sedatives.

How does trazodone compare to sertraline (Zoloft)?

Sertraline is an SSRI primarily for depression and anxiety with lower sedation and more activation or GI side effects; it’s typically taken in the morning. Trazodone is more sedating and often chosen when insomnia coexists; it’s less effective than SSRIs for some anxiety disorders at low “sleep” doses.

Trazodone vs escitalopram (Lexapro): which is better for depression?

Escitalopram is a first-line SSRI with strong antidepressant and anxiolytic evidence and generally favorable tolerability. Trazodone is effective for depression but often limited by sedation; it may be preferred when nighttime sleep disruption is prominent.

Trazodone vs fluoxetine (Prozac): key differences

Fluoxetine is activating, has a long half-life, and may suppress appetite or cause insomnia early on; sexual side effects are common. Trazodone is sedating, shorter-acting, and more likely to cause orthostatic dizziness but fewer activating effects.

Trazodone vs venlafaxine (Effexor)

Venlafaxine (an SNRI) is potent for depression, generalized anxiety, and panic disorder, with dose-related norepinephrine effects and potential blood pressure increases. Trazodone is less activating, more sedating, and better for sleep problems but generally not as robust for anxiety at low doses.

Trazodone vs duloxetine (Cymbalta)

Duloxetine treats depression, anxiety, and neuropathic pain/fibromyalgia, with possible nausea and blood pressure effects. Trazodone may help sleep and mood but doesn’t treat neuropathic pain as consistently; it typically causes more sedation and orthostatic hypotension.

Trazodone vs bupropion (Wellbutrin)

Bupropion is stimulating, weight-neutral or reducing, and has fewer sexual side effects but can worsen anxiety or insomnia and lowers seizure threshold. Trazodone is sedating, may aid sleep, and has lower sexual side effects than many SSRIs/SNRIs; it can cause dizziness and hypotension.

Trazodone vs mirtazapine (Remeron)

Both are sedating at low to moderate doses and helpful for insomnia. Mirtazapine more commonly causes weight gain and increased appetite; trazodone more often causes orthostatic hypotension and next-day grogginess.

Trazodone vs amitriptyline

Amitriptyline (a TCA) is sedating and effective for chronic pain and migraine prevention but has stronger anticholinergic effects (dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention) and greater cardiac risk in overdose. Trazodone is generally safer in overdose, with less anticholinergic burden but more risk of orthostatic hypotension.

Trazodone vs doxepin

Low-dose doxepin is FDA-approved for sleep maintenance insomnia and is highly antihistaminic with minimal anticholinergic effects at those doses. Trazodone is commonly used off-label for both sleep onset and maintenance but isn’t FDA-approved for insomnia; it may cause more daytime sedation.

Trazodone vs nortriptyline

Nortriptyline is a TCA with less sedation and anticholinergic effects than amitriptyline and is useful for pain. Trazodone is typically more sedating and better for sleep but not as established for neuropathic pain.

Trazodone vs nefazodone

Both are SARIs, but nefazodone carries a boxed warning for rare, severe liver failure and is unavailable in many regions. Trazodone lacks that liver failure risk but can cause more orthostatic hypotension and priapism.

Trazodone vs vilazodone (Viibryd)

Vilazodone is a serotonin reuptake inhibitor and 5-HT1A partial agonist with lower sexual side-effect rates than some SSRIs and is generally activating. Trazodone is more sedating and may be preferred when insomnia is a major symptom.

Trazodone vs vortioxetine (Trintellix)

Vortioxetine is a multimodal serotonergic antidepressant with evidence for cognitive benefits in depression and typically mild sedation. Trazodone is often better for sleep, while vortioxetine may be better for daytime functioning and cognition.

Trazodone vs paroxetine (Paxil)

Paroxetine is effective for depression and many anxiety disorders but often causes weight gain and sexual dysfunction and can be sedating with notable withdrawal if stopped abruptly. Trazodone is sedating but tends to have fewer sexual side effects; it isn’t as broadly indicated for anxiety at low doses.

Trazodone vs seroquel (quetiapine) for sleep in depression

Quetiapine is an atypical antipsychotic sometimes used off-label for insomnia but carries metabolic and movement-related risks. Trazodone typically offers a safer side-effect profile for sleep, though both cause sedation and orthostatic hypotension; choice depends on comorbid conditions and risk tolerance.