Trazodone is a prescription antidepressant that doctors sometimes prescribe off-label to help with sleep, especially when poor sleep goes along with depression or anxiety. Whether it is right for you is a decision for you and your prescriber.
If you are taking trazodone and still struggling with sleep, or you are wondering what it does, the sections below can help you ask better questions at your next appointment.
What Is Trazodone?
Trazodone is classified as a serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor (SARI) and is mainly approved to treat depression. It is also widely prescribed off-label for insomnia, particularly when sleep problems are linked to anxiety or depression. Sleep and mood are closely connected, and understanding how sleep and mental health affect each other can help you see what may be driving your sleep problems.
How Does Trazodone Help With Sleep?
Trazodone affects serotonin and also blocks certain histamine and adrenergic receptors, which is thought to be why it has a calming, sedating effect. For some people, especially those whose sleep is disrupted by worry or low mood, that effect can make it easier to fall asleep or stay asleep.
Possible Benefits and Limits of Trazodone for Sleep
- Sleep support: some people find it easier to fall asleep or stay asleep
- Help with mood and sleep together: because it is also an antidepressant, it may help people whose insomnia is tied to depression or anxiety
- Not a fit for everyone: it may not help every kind of sleep problem, and it works differently from other sleep medications
Is Trazodone Safe?
Safety depends on your health, your other medications and whether you use alcohol or other substances. Trazodone can cause side effects and can interact with other medications and substances, including alcohol, which can add to its sedating effect. Tell your prescriber about everything you take and about any history of substance use, so they can weigh the risks for you.
Common Side Effects of Trazodone
Many people tolerate trazodone, but side effects can happen. They may include:
- Drowsiness, which can linger into the next day for some people
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness or lightheadedness, especially when standing up quickly
- Headaches
- Nausea or other stomach upset
Less common but serious side effects can include an irregular heartbeat, a prolonged and painful erection, or signs of serotonin syndrome such as agitation, a fast heartbeat, sweating, muscle stiffness or fever. Get medical help right away if you notice any of these. Tell your prescriber about any side effect that is severe or does not go away.
When Trazodone Is Not Helping Your Sleep
If you are taking trazodone and still not sleeping well, it does not mean something is wrong with you. Sleep problems often have more than one cause, including stress, anxiety, depression and substance use. Read about why trazodone may not be working the way you expected, and talk with your prescriber about what to try next. Sleep changes are also common with high-functioning depression and with mood disorders such as bipolar disorder.
When Sleep Problems Go Along With Mental Health or Substance Use
Poor sleep and mental health or substance use often feed each other. If you are caught in that cycle, support for the whole picture can help, not just the sleep. Bold Steps offers a medication management program, along with outpatient mental health and substance use treatment for adults in Harrisburg, and our admissions team can talk with you about what may fit. Call (717) 896-1880 or verify your insurance to get started.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Trazodone for Sleep
What Is Trazodone Used For?
Trazodone is mainly used as an antidepressant. It is also commonly prescribed off-label for insomnia and other sleep problems because of its sedating effect.
How Does Trazodone Help With Sleep?
It affects serotonin and blocks certain histamine and adrenergic receptors, which is thought to have a calming effect that can make it easier to fall asleep or stay asleep.
Is Trazodone Addictive?
Trazodone is generally not considered addictive in the way some other sleep medications are, but that does not mean it is right for everyone. If you have a history of substance use, tell your prescriber so they can take it into account.
What Are the Common Side Effects of Trazodone?
Common side effects include drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness, headaches and stomach upset. Serious side effects such as an irregular heartbeat or signs of serotonin syndrome are less common, and they need medical help right away.
Can I Drink Alcohol While Taking Trazodone?
Ask your prescriber. Alcohol can add to trazodone’s sedating effect and can make side effects worse, so it is important to be open about how much you drink.
Can I Take Trazodone if I Am Pregnant?
Talk with your prescriber before taking trazodone if you are pregnant, nursing or planning to become pregnant.
Can I Change or Stop Taking Trazodone?
Talk with your prescriber before making any changes. They can tell you what is safe for you.
Sleep Struggles Are Not Something You Have to Handle Alone
If poor sleep is tied to depression, anxiety or substance use, you do not have to work it out on your own. Call us at (717) 896-1880 or verify your insurance online, and our team will talk with you about your options.