Trazodone: Understanding Its Use for Sleep and Depression

If you're struggling with insomnia or depression, your doctor may have mentioned trazodone. At Next Step Psychiatry in Lilburn, we help patients throughout Gwinnett County understand their medication options—including whether trazodone might be right for their situation.

What Is Trazodone?

Trazodone is an antidepressant that's not a controlled substance, meaning it has low risk for dependence and misuse. While FDA-approved for major depressive disorder, its sedating effects mean it's more commonly prescribed off-label for insomnia.

How Does Trazodone Work?

Trazodone is an atypical antidepressant that affects serotonin levels in the brain—the neurotransmitter involved in mood regulation. Its sedative effect comes from its antihistamine properties, which is why it helps many people sleep.

Trazodone for Insomnia

For sleep issues, trazodone is typically prescribed at lower doses (50-200mg) than when used for depression (150-600mg). Many patients prefer it because unlike some other sleep aids, there's no risk of addiction or dependency.

However, trazodone may not be appropriate for everyone, and its effectiveness for sleep requires more research. Dr. Ursani and Fathima Chowdhury, PA-C can help determine if it's the right choice for your specific situation.

Important Considerations

Trazodone may interact with various medications. Always inform your psychiatrist if you take:

• MAOIs or other antidepressants
• Certain antifungal medications
• Tramadol or fentanyl
• Lithium
• Over-the-counter medications and supplements

Potential Side Effects

Common side effects (usually mild) include:

• Nausea and dry mouth
• Dizziness and drowsiness
• Headache

Rare but serious side effects require immediate medical attention, including allergic reactions, irregular heartbeat, or serotonin syndrome symptoms.

Is Trazodone Like Xanax?

No. While both can cause drowsiness, they work differently and have different risk profiles. Xanax is a benzodiazepine with higher risk of dependency, while trazodone is an antidepressant with low abuse potential.