Trazodone

Get Started Now!

 

 

 

 

 

Trazadone

Trazodone is an antidepressant belonging to the drug class known as serotonin receptor antagonists and reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It works similarly to other antidepressant medication types, including tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), serotonin-norepinephrine receptor inhibitors (SNRIs), and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (1). It is known to treat conditions such as depression, anxiety, and insomnia (2).

Trazodone is a generally safe therapeutic that has been repeatedly validated as an efficacious treatment for insomnia, particularly for patients with comorbid depression. Trazodone has been effective for insomnia across many different populations. While it is not currently a drug indicated for insomnia, it is among the most common off-label choices for treating insomnia. (6)

The mechanism of action of trazodone is not completely understood. It is known that trazodone works by preventing the reuptake of serotonin and by inhibiting alpha-1-adrenergic receptors and histamine. It also has effects on 5-HT receptors (1). As a result, it elevates noradrenaline and serotonin levels (2).

The dose of trazodone will depend on the condition you are treating. See below adult dosing recommendations for each condition:

  • Depression: 150 mg once a day
  • Anxiety: 75 mg once a day
  • Insomnia 25 to 100mg / day (6)

Your provider may start you at a lower dose to minimize side effects. They also may increase your dose depending on your response to treatment (3).

Commonly experienced side effects with trazodone include:

  • Drowsiness
  • Constipation
  • Headache
  • Dry mouth
  • Nausea

While the above effects are fairly mild, there are other serious adverse events that can also happen with trazodone. These include:

  • Yellowing of your eyes or skin
  • Bruising
  • Abnormal heartbeat
  • Constipation
  • Inability to urinate
  • Infections (4)

Trazodone produces a low risk for habit-formation and addiction (6). If you experience any of these issues, contact your doctor right away.

Certain individuals should not take trazodone. Therefore, it is important to let your doctor know of your full medical history. In particular, the following conditions may affect your ability to take trazodone:

  • Allergy to trazodone or its components
  • Suicidal thoughts
  • Epilepsy
  • Kidney or liver issues
  • History of heart attack
  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding
  • Porphyria
  • Pheochromocytoma (5)

 

Get Started Now!