Trazodone
PrescriptionWhat is Trazodone?
Trazodone is a prescription medication that was first developed to treat depression. It belongs to a class of drugs called serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitors, or SARIs. Doctors discovered that trazodone also helps people fall asleep and stay asleep. This happens because the medication has a calming effect on the brain.
Today, doctors prescribe trazodone for two main reasons. Some patients take it to treat major depressive disorder. Many others take lower doses to help with insomnia, which means trouble sleeping. The medication comes in tablets that you swallow, and it starts working within 1 to 2 hours.
Trazodone requires a prescription from a doctor. Your healthcare provider will decide if this medication is right for you. They will also determine the correct dose based on your specific needs and medical history.
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Common uses
- Major depressive disorder in adults
- Insomnia, especially when you have trouble staying asleep
- Anxiety disorders when combined with other treatments
- Sleep problems related to depression or anxiety
- Alcohol dependence during recovery
How it works
Trazodone works by changing the levels of serotonin in your brain. Serotonin is a chemical messenger that affects your mood, sleep, and emotions. The medication blocks certain serotonin receptors and also prevents serotonin from being reabsorbed too quickly. This helps more serotonin stay available in your brain.
At higher doses, trazodone acts mainly as an antidepressant. At lower doses, the medication causes drowsiness and helps you sleep. This sleepy feeling comes from how trazodone affects histamine receptors in your brain. Many doctors prescribe the lower doses specifically for sleep problems.
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Dosage information
For depression, doctors typically start with 150 milligrams per day divided into smaller doses. They may gradually increase this to 300 to 400 milligrams per day. For insomnia, the usual dose is much lower, between 25 and 100 milligrams taken at bedtime. Your doctor will determine your specific dose based on your condition and how you respond to treatment. Never adjust your dose without talking to your healthcare provider first.
Side effects
- Drowsiness or feeling sleepy during the day
- Dizziness or lightheadedness when standing up
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Blurred vision
- Nausea or upset stomach
- Constipation
- Muscle aches
Serious side effects need immediate medical attention. These include irregular heartbeat, fainting, painful erections lasting more than 4 hours, unusual bleeding or bruising, severe dizziness, and thoughts of suicide. Some people may also experience serotonin syndrome, which causes confusion, rapid heart rate, fever, and muscle stiffness. Contact your doctor right away if you notice any serious side effects.
Drug interactions
- MAO inhibitors can cause dangerous reactions, wait 14 days between switching medications
- Blood thinners like warfarin may increase bleeding risk
- Other antidepressants, especially SSRIs and SNRIs, can cause serotonin syndrome
- Pain medications including tramadol and fentanyl
- Digoxin levels may increase when taken with trazodone
- CYP3A4 inhibitors like ketoconazole can increase trazodone levels
- Alcohol increases drowsiness and dizziness
- Medications that affect heart rhythm, including certain antibiotics
Blood test monitoring
Your doctor may recommend blood tests to check your liver function while taking trazodone. Liver enzymes show how well your liver is working and whether the medication is affecting it. Some people also need tests to check their sodium levels, especially older adults. If you have existing heart conditions, your doctor may order tests to monitor your heart function. Rite Aid offers blood testing services that measure over 200 biomarkers, including liver enzymes. These tests can help you and your doctor track your health while taking trazodone.
Taking Trazodone? Monitor your levels.
- Track how your body responds
- Catch side effects early with blood work
- Share results with your doctor
Frequently asked questions
Rite Aid pharmacy services are returning soon and will offer trazodone by prescription. Trazodone is a commonly prescribed medication for depression and sleep problems. You will need a valid prescription from your healthcare provider. Contact your local Rite Aid to learn when pharmacy services will be available in your area.
Trazodone usually starts working for sleep within 1 to 2 hours after you take it. Most doctors recommend taking it 30 minutes to 1 hour before bedtime. The sleepy feeling peaks around 1 to 2 hours after taking the medication. You may notice better sleep on the first night, but some people need several days to feel the full effect.
Your doctor will tell you how often to take trazodone based on your specific needs. Many people do take it every night for chronic insomnia. Others use it only when needed for occasional sleep problems. Always follow your healthcare provider's instructions about how often to take this medication.
Your doctor may recommend liver function tests to monitor your liver enzymes while taking trazodone. Some people also need sodium level checks, especially if they are older or take other medications. Rite Aid offers blood testing that measures over 200 biomarkers including liver enzymes. Talk to your healthcare provider about which tests are right for you.
Some people do feel drowsy or groggy the morning after taking trazodone. This side effect is more common at higher doses. If you experience morning drowsiness, talk to your doctor about adjusting your dose or timing. Taking the medication earlier in the evening may help reduce morning grogginess.
Trazodone is not considered addictive in the same way as benzodiazepines or sleeping pills like Ambien. However, your body may become used to it over time. Never stop taking trazodone suddenly without talking to your doctor. They may want to gradually reduce your dose to avoid withdrawal symptoms like anxiety or sleep problems.
You should avoid drinking alcohol while taking trazodone. Alcohol increases the drowsiness and dizziness caused by this medication. Combining the two can be dangerous and may lead to falls, accidents, or trouble breathing. Talk to your doctor if you have questions about alcohol use while on this medication.
If you miss a dose and take trazodone multiple times per day, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Never take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose. If you take trazodone only at bedtime for sleep, you can skip the missed dose and take it the next night as usual.
Weight changes are possible with trazodone, but they are not common. Some people gain a small amount of weight while taking this medication. Others may lose weight or notice no change at all. If you notice significant weight changes while taking trazodone, talk to your healthcare provider.
Trazodone is an antidepressant that also helps with sleep, while medications like Ambien are sedatives designed only for sleep. Trazodone is generally considered less habit forming than traditional sleeping pills. It works better for staying asleep throughout the night rather than just helping you fall asleep. Your doctor will help you choose the right medication based on your specific sleep problems and medical history.