Trazodone is a medication commonly used to treat depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders. While it helps many people manage these conditions, trazodone may trigger side effects and carries potential risks.

Whether for depression or used as a sleep aid, trazodone can affect everyone differently. This page outlines what is trazodone used for, how it works, and its many side effects. You will also discover how to get compassionate and effective treatment for substance abuse.

What Is Trazodone?

Trazodone is a prescription drug mainly used to treat major depressive disorder. [1] The trazodone drug class is called SARI (serotonin receptor antagonists and reuptake inhibitors). Unlike some other antidepressants, trazodone not only helps improve mood but may also work well for those who have trouble with sleep problems or anxiety linked to depression.

In addition to treating depression, trazodone is often prescribed off-label as a sleep aid due to its calming effects. Although it’s effective in helping people sleep better, the FDA has not approved this use.

Trazodone is a versatile medication, and its ability to manage multiple symptoms has made it a popular option for those struggling with depression and related issues.

How Does Trazodone Hydrochloride Work?

Trazodone hydrochloride works by boosting serotonin levels in the brain. [2] Serotonin is a natural chemical that helps regulate mood, emotions, and sleep. By improving serotonin levels, trazodone can help ease depression symptoms and improve sleep quality.

Trazodone Uses

Trazodone is primarily used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD). That said, doctors may prescribe it for anxiety, insomnia, or chronic pain. The medication may also be used off-label for sleep disorders, although that’s not its main purpose.

What Are Trazodone Brand Names?

Trazodone is sold under many brand names, including:

• Desyrel
• Desyrel Dividose
• Oleptro

These brand names are just different versions of the same medication, trazodone hydrochloride. Depending on the trazodone brand name, the drug may come in different forms and dosages.

What Does Trazodone Look Like?

Trazodone tablets come in various sizes, shapes, and colors, depending on the dosage and manufacturer. Pills can be white, yellow, or orange, often marked with letters or numbers. Check the label to ensure you take the correct dosage of trazodone.

Common Trazodone Dosages

Trazodone is available in several different doses, enabling doctors to tailor treatment based on each person’s individual needs. These doses can range from small amounts to help with sleep to larger doses used to treat depression.

Trazodone 25 mg

A 25mg dose of trazodone is normally used to manage mild anxiety or sleep problems. This is a low dose, often prescribed for people who are sensitive to medications or just starting treatment. While 25mg of trazodone may help with sleep, it’s usually not enough for treating depression.

Trazodone HCL 50 mg

Trazodone 50mg tablet is a common starting dose for people dealing with sleep issues or depression. People take a trazodone 50mg tablet to help with insomnia or as part of a daily plan to treat mood disorders. Dosage may be increased gradually as advised by the prescribing physician.

Trazodone 100 mg tablet

The trazodone 100mg dose is used for those who need a stronger effect, especially individuals with depression (major depressive disorder). The tablet can be taken once daily – usually at bedtime – or may be split into smaller doses throughout the day. Trazodone 100mg tablet can help improve sleep while addressing symptoms of depression or anxiety.

Trazodone 150mg

Trazodone 150mg is a higher dose often prescribed for more severe cases of depression. For those who need this dose, doctors may recommend breaking the dose into smaller amounts taken at different times of the day. Increasing the dosage can lead to side effects like dizziness or drowsiness, which can be minimized by splitting the dose.

Trazodone Side Effects

What are the side effects of trazodone, then? Although trazodone can help people with conditions like depression, insomnia, or anxiety, it may also trigger side effects, some of which can be severe. Use this medication only as directed by a healthcare provider and consult a doctor if you experience any symptoms that persist or worsen.

Common Side Effects

The most frequent side effects of trazodone are usually mild and go away after your body adjusts to the medication. These include:

• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Dry mouth
• Nausea
• Headaches

These side effects might be annoying, but they’re not usually dangerous. Consult your physician if symptoms linger or become more severe.

Trazodone Female Side Effects

Trazodone can affect women differently than men. Some women may experience hormonal changes that cause irregular periods. Another possible side effect is an increase in weight, which can concern some women. Beyond this, women may be more susceptible to dizziness and fatigue when taking trazodone. 

Trazodone Side Effects in Elderly

Trazodone can pose specific risks for older adults [3]. As the body ages, it takes longer to process medications, so side effects like confusion, dizziness, and drowsiness may be more pronounced. These side effects can increase the risk of falls and other accidents. Individuals over 65 should use trazodone with caution, especially when starting or changing the dose.

Serious Side Effects

Serious side effects from trazodone are rare, but they require immediate medical attention. Look out for the following when taking this medication:

• Fainting
• Shortness of breath
• Rapid heart rate
• Irregular heartbeats
• Swelling – an allergic reaction
• Priapism – a prolonged and painful erection in men

Get medical help right away if you or someone you know experiences these complications when taking trazodone.

Trazodone Warnings, Risks, & Precautions

Trazodone can be highly effective for treating certain conditions, but it’s imperative to follow guidelines and be aware of the risks and precautions. This helps avoid adverse side effects and trazodone interactions with other drugs.

What should you not take with trazodone?

Trazodone may interact with other medications, including:

• MAOIs: Combining trazodone with MAOI antidepressants can trigger life-threatening serotonin syndrome [4].
• Sedatives: Sleeping pills or anxiety medications can make you too sleepy and impair your ability to perform daily tasks safely when mixed with trazodone.
• Alcohol: Drinking alcohol while taking trazodone increases drowsiness and slows down reaction times. Avoid this combination.

Inform your doctor of all medications and supplements you take to minimize the chance of harmful interactions.

Interactions With Other Substances

Trazodone can negatively interact with many other drugs. Medications that raise serotonin levels – SSRI antidepressants, for instance – or those that affect heart rhythm are particularly risky.

Combining trazodone with NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) or blood thinners like warfarin can also increase the risk of bleeding.

Discuss all prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, and supplements you take with your doctor before starting trazodone.

Taking Trazodone Without a Prescription

Trazodone should never be taken without a prescription. Using this medication without the guidance of a doctor can lead to serious side effects, dangerous drug interactions, and health risks. Consult a healthcare professional before starting or stopping trazodone.

Addiction Risk Factors

While trazodone is not considered highly addictive like opioids or benzodiazepines, there are still some risks of misuse and dependence. These risks may increase in people with a history of substance abuse or mental health disorders, especially if trazodone is not taken as directed.

Taking higher doses than recommended or using trazodone in combination with other sedating substances like drugs or alcohol can trigger the development of psychological dependence. Over time, the body may become reliant on the sleep-inducing or calming effects of the medication, making it difficult to stop without experiencing withdrawal symptoms.

Follow your doctor’s directions carefully and avoid using trazodone other than prescribed. If you have concerns about misuse or addiction, discuss them with your healthcare provider to manage these risks and ensure safe use of the medication.

Trazodone Interactions

Trazodone is known to interact with many medications, which can affect how it works or increase the risk of side effects. These interactions can range from mild to severe.

Trazodone and Ativan

Ativan, a medication used to treat anxiety, can increase the sedative effects of trazodone. Taking both drugs together may cause extreme drowsiness, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating. In some cases, it may even lead to confusion or impaired thinking. Use this combination cautiously and only under a doctor’s supervision.

Trazodone and Lexapro

Lexapro is an SSRI antidepressant that can raise serotonin levels too high when combined with trazodone. This increases the risk of a serious condition known as serotonin syndrome, which can cause symptoms like confusion, sweating, rapid heart rate, and muscle stiffness. Always talk to your doctor before using these medications together.

Trazodone and Ibuprofen

While trazodone and ibuprofen don’t usually interact, using them together over long periods may increase the risk of bleeding, especially in the stomach or intestines. If you need to take both medications, make sure to do so under the guidance of a healthcare provider and report any unusual symptoms like stomach pain or black stools.

Trazodone and Lorazepam

Lorazepam, like Ativan, is a benzodiazepine used for anxiety or sleep disorders. Combining it with trazodone can amplify the sedative effects, leading to excessive drowsiness, slowed breathing, and difficulty performing daily tasks. To avoid these risks, only take this combination if your doctor has prescribed it.

Hydrocodone and Trazodone

Hydrocodone is an opioid painkiller, and mixing it with trazodone can be dangerous. Both medications can slow down breathing and make you feel very sleepy. This combination also raises the risk of overdose, so you should avoid taking these drugs together unless under strict medical supervision.

Trazodone and NyQuil

Nyquil is often used for cold and flu symptoms and contains ingredients that can make you sleepy. Taking it with trazodone can increase drowsiness, leading to extreme fatigue or trouble staying alert. This combination should be avoided, especially if you need to focus or operate machinery.

Trazodone and Wellbutrin

Unlike trazodone, Wellbutrin is an antidepressant that works through a different mechanism, but combining the two can increase the risk of seizures, especially at higher doses. If prescribed together, your doctor will likely adjust the doses and monitor you closely for side effects.

Zoloft and trazodone

Both Zoloft and trazodone affect serotonin levels, so taking them together increases the likelihood of serotonin syndrome. Symptoms of this condition include agitation, confusion, sweating, and muscle twitching. If you need to take both drugs, your doctor will watch for signs of this rare but dangerous interaction.

Trazodone and Benadryl

Benadryl is an antihistamine that can cause drowsiness. When taken with trazodone, it can make you extremely sleepy, increasing the risk of falls, accidents, or difficulty waking up. This combination should be used with caution, especially in older adults.

Trazodone and Prozac

Prozac is another SSRI antidepressant and combining it with trazodone can lead to higher serotonin levels in the brain. This raises the risk of serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition. Always consult with your doctor before taking Prozac and trazodone together.

Sertraline and Trazodone

Sertraline, like Prozac and Zoloft, is an SSRI that can increase serotonin levels. When combined with trazodone, there’s a greater risk of serotonin syndrome, along with heightened drowsiness and other side effects. Close monitoring by a healthcare provider is crucial if both drugs are prescribed.

Trazodone FAQs

Can I take Wellbutrin in the morning and trazodone at night?

Yes, you can take Wellbutrin in the morning and trazodone at night, as these medications are often prescribed together to manage depression and sleep issues. You should follow your doctor’s instructions to avoid side effects or interactions.

Does trazodone cause constipation?

Yes, constipation can be a side effect of trazodone. Staying hydrated and eating fiber-rich foods may help, but if the issue persists, consult your doctor.

Get Compassionate Substance Abuse Help at Renaissance Recovery

Do you need help for yourself or a loved one dealing with prescription drug addiction? If so, reach out to Renaissance Recovery for immediate assistance.

We treat all addictions and mental health conditions at our luxury rehabs in California and Florida. Our outpatient programs enable you to continue at home, work, or school while getting effective treatment at one of our beachside facilities.

All treatment plans at Renaissance are personalized to reflect the unique nature of all addictions and mental health issues. Treatments may include:

• Talk therapies
• Motivational therapies
• Medication management
• Counseling
• Family therapy
• Group therapy
• Holistic therapy
• Aftercare

For immediate help dealing with trazodone misuse, call 866-330-9449.

Sources

[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470560/

[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3693429/

[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4513583/ 

[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6184959/