Trazodone is an antidepressant that many doctors also prescribe for trouble sleeping. It belongs to a class called SARI (serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor). That sounds technical, but the takeaway is simple: trazodone changes serotonin signals in the brain to help mood and often makes you sleepy, which is why it’s used for insomnia at low doses.
Doctors prescribe trazodone most often for major depressive disorder. At lower doses it’s used off-label to help with sleep problems, especially when other sedatives aren’t a great fit. For sleep, people often feel the sedating effect within an hour. For depression, expect 2–4 weeks before mood improvements start and up to 6–8 weeks for full effect.
Typical dosing ranges: for sleep, doctors usually start with 25–100 mg at night. For depression, common doses are 150–300 mg per day, sometimes split into two or three doses. Maximum daily doses can reach 400 mg in some cases, but your provider will set the right target for you.
Most people notice drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness, or headache. Because trazodone can lower blood pressure when you stand up, get up slowly to avoid fainting. A rare but serious side effect is priapism (a painful, long-lasting erection). If that happens, get emergency care immediately.
Watch drug interactions. Don’t combine trazodone with MAO inhibitors within 14 days — that combo can be dangerous. Combining trazodone with other serotonergic drugs (SSRIs, SNRIs, certain migraine meds, some supplements like St. John’s wort) raises the risk of serotonin syndrome — look for agitation, fever, fast heartbeat, or confusion and seek urgent help if these appear. Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (like some antifungals and antiviral drugs) can raise trazodone levels; your doctor may lower the dose.
Avoid alcohol while taking trazodone. Alcohol increases drowsiness and lowers blood pressure more, making falls or accidents more likely. If you’re elderly, start at the lowest effective dose — older adults are more sensitive to falls and low blood pressure.
When stopping trazodone, don’t quit abruptly without checking with your prescriber. They’ll give a taper plan to reduce withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, irritability, or return of insomnia.
Practical tips: take trazodone at night if it makes you sleepy; swallow tablets with water; don’t drive until you know how it affects you. Keep a simple symptom log for the first few weeks — note sleep changes, dizziness, mood shifts — and share it at follow-ups.
If you notice severe side effects, signs of serotonin syndrome, suicidal thoughts, or priapism, contact emergency services or your prescriber right away. For routine questions about dosing, interactions, or side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist — they can tailor advice to your health and other meds.
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Apr, 23 2025
Wondering how trazodone affects your sex life? This article breaks down what you might expect, who’s more likely to notice changes, and why it happens in the first place. Get the facts on symptoms, real risks, and how to talk to your doctor without embarrassment. Plus, you'll find smart tips to manage side effects and boost your confidence. No jargon, just real-life advice you can use.