Trazodone is an antidepressant used to treat depression, anxiety, or chronic pain. It works by regulating certain chemicals in the brain that help with communication between nerve cells and play a role in mood.

This medication is available in pharmacies in 50 mg, 100 mg, or 150 mg tablets, generally sold only as the generic “trazodone hydrochloride.” It is available by prescription in the United States.

Trazodone should be taken only under the guidance of a psychiatrist, following the prescribed dose and duration of treatment. It is important not to stop taking this medication on your own.

Indications for use

Trazodone is indicated for the treatment of:

Depression with or without anxiety episodes
Major depressive disorder
Pain caused by diabetic neuropathy
Chronic pain

Trazodone increases levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, which help nerve cells communicate. By doing so, it can improve mood and sleep and reduce anxiety and insomnia linked with depression.

A doctor should always determine whether trazodone is appropriate based on individual health needs.

Is trazodone used for sleep?

Trazodone is not officially indicated for sleep, and there is not enough evidence to confirm its effectiveness as a treatment for insomnia. In these situations, benzodiazepines are typically recommended, as they slow brain activity and produce a calming, sleep-inducing effect.

However, trazodone may be prescribed when a person has both depression and insomnia, since drowsiness is a common side effect. This may help shorten the time it takes to fall asleep and increase total sleep time.

Does trazodone cause weight loss?

Trazodone does not cause weight loss and is not recommended for weight-control purposes.

In some cases, trazodone may cause weight gain due to increased appetite. As depression improves, appetite may also return to normal, which can contribute to weight gain.

How to take

Trazodone tablets should be swallowed whole, without breaking or chewing, preferably after a meal.

The commonly recommended doses vary by age:

Adults: the usual dose is 50 to 150 mg per day, divided into two doses 12 hours apart, or taken once daily at bedtime if recommended by a doctor. This dose may be gradually increased depending on treatment response
Older adults: the usual starting dose is 25 to 50 mg per day, and the doctor may slowly adjust the dose as needed based on tolerance and response.

It may take up to 4 weeks for trazodone to reach its full antidepressant effect. Any change in dosage or stopping the medication should always be done under a psychiatrist’s guidance.

Stopping trazodone suddenly can cause unwanted symptoms such as dizziness, anxiety, panic attacks, headache, “electric shock” sensations, or confusion.

Possible side effects

Common side effects of trazodone include dizziness, headache, fatigue, nausea, dry mouth, drowsiness, and an unpleasant taste in the mouth.

In men, trazodone can cause priapism, a painful and prolonged erection. Treatment should be stopped, and immediate medical care is needed to prevent injury.

Although rare, trazodone may cause serotonin syndrome, which can include symptoms such as tremors, stiff muscles, agitation, hallucinations, fever, excessive sweating, fast heartbeat, or loss of consciousness. Emergency care is required if these symptoms appear.

Who should not take it

Trazodone should not be used by children, pregnant women, breastfeeding women, people with heart problems, those recovering from a heart attack, or people with kidney disease, liver disease, or alcoholism.

It should also not be used by anyone allergic to trazodone or any of the tablet’s ingredients.

In addition, trazodone should not be taken with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) such as selegiline, moclobemide, isocarboxazid, phenelzine, nialamide, iproniazid, or tranylcypromine.

At least 14 days must pass after finishing a monoamine oxidase inhibitor before starting trazodone.

Trazodone: Indications, How to Take, Dosing & Side Effects