Trazodone: Uses, Interactions, & Warnings
Trazodone is a hydrochloride pill that is an FDA-approved medication and is commonly used to treat major depressive disorder in individuals. Dosages and uses vary by case and individual needs. Always consult a physician before taking trazodone, since it can result in adverse effects when combined with other medications.
Read through this guide to learn more about trazodone, its uses, its side effects, and any risks associated with taking it.
Trazodone is a serotonin modulator that is often prescribed to individuals struggling with depression symptoms. It can also be prescribed as a sleep aid in some instances, or to treat schizophrenia or dementia.
Trazodone helps correct imbalances of the natural chemical serotonin in the brain, which can provide relief from a number of symptoms associated with depression including loss of interest, anxiety, fatigue, insomnia, and overall improved mood.
This drug belongs to a group of drugs called serotonin receptor antagonists and reuptake inhibitors (SARIs), and is not technically included in the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) drug class. However, it does perform very similarly to SSRI drugs, and can be instrumental in treating major depressive disorder.
Trazodone works by increasing levels of serotonin and noradrenaline in your body to help boost mood and even improve sleep. It usually takes up to two weeks to work, but it can also take up to six weeks for an individual to feel the full effects of trazodone.
Trazodone is available under different brand names, including Desyrel, Oleptro, Desyrel Dividose, Trittico, Trazodone D, or Molipaxin.
Trazodone comes in three different forms: tablets, capsules, and liquid. The most common form is tablets. These tablets are characterized by their white, oval appearance, but they can also be circular tablets, and they usually have the dosage stamped into them.
Trazodone is commonly used to treat depression, however, a prescribing doctor may use it to treat other conditions like anxiety and insomnia. This medication helps primarily with depression with anxiety and insomnia often co-occurring with it, which can both be alleviated with this drug.
Trazodone is also known to help aid in restoring appetite, mood, and energy levels which are also common symptoms individuals with depression experience. This drug helps to treat an array of symptoms related to depression by improving the balance of the naturally occurring chemical serotonin in the brain. Many people with depression have an imbalance of this chemical, and Trazodone can help correct this imbalance.
Trazodone dosages are determined by a doctor or psychiatrist. The most common trazodone dosage to treat depression is 150mg, while trazodone for sleep is prescribed at doses in between 25mg and 100mg. Tablets typically come in 50mg, 100mg, and 150mg. Capsules come in 50mg and 100mg strengths, and the liquid version typically has 10mg or 20mg for every 1 ml of liquid. Dosages typically do not exceed the maximum of 400 mg except in rare cases. The following are other common trazodone dosages:
Taking trazodone on an empty stomach can usually cause dizziness, which is why trazodone dosages are typically recommended to be taken with food; for the extended-release version of trazodone, an individual can take it without food before going to sleep.
Like other depression medications, trazodone can cause side effects. These side effects differ by individual and should be monitored in case they become a serious issue or interfere with daily life. If this is the case, speaking to a healthcare provider is the next best step.
Common side effects of trazodone include swelling, blurred vision, dizziness, lethargy, sleepiness, diarrhea, stuffy nose, or weight loss.
Click here to learn more about the side effects of trazodone.
Like most medications, taking trazodone should always be taken with caution in case it interacts with your body negatively, or has adverse reactions to other supplements or medications you are taking. Stay informed on what to be cautious of when taking trazodone.
Trazodone may have adverse effects when mixed with other substances, such as different prescriptions, drugs, or alcohol. These effects can lead to increased severity of side effects or the risk of overdose.
Click here to learn more about Trazodone interactions with other substances.
Never take trazodone without a prescription. Trazodone can cause toxic doses in other medications, hinder the effectiveness of other medications, or cause other interactions that could put your health and well-being in jeopardy if taken without a prescription. If you are interested in taking trazodone, consult your physician.
Trazodone is generally considered safe, and there is no evidence that indicates it is addictive. However, trazodone addiction can still occur. Trazodone also has withdrawal effects if you stop taking it suddenly.
Trazodone can cause overdose symptoms if misused, improperly prescribed, or when combined with medications, it shouldn’t be mixed with.
If you have taken too much trazodone, get medical assistance right away or call 911. Trazodone overdose can lead to long-term physiological conditions or even death in rare cases. Signs of a trazodone overdose include difficulty or ceased breathing, chest pain, slow heart rate, coma, or lack of coordination.
If you misuse trazodone, such as taking it without a prescription or taking more than the prescribed dosage, you could experience the above-listed overdose symptoms.
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