If you’re having trouble sleeping and it’s turning into a consistent issue, know that you have options. There are several strategies and treatments — such as sleep hygiene tips, therapy, and medications — to help you sleep better.
Trazodone, an antidepressant medication, is occasionally used off-label as one of these treatments.
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What is Trazodone Used for?
Trazodone is a serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor (SARI) medication, sometimes called an atypical antidepressant. It’s FDA approved to treat depression in adults, and it comes as tablets you can split in half. Trazodone is available as a generic medication with doses ranging from 50 mg to 300 mg. Its brand-name equivalent, Desyrel, is no longer available in the U.S.
Although trazodone is only officially approved to treat depression, it’s still prescribed for other conditions. Trazodone has many off-label uses, such as managing:
- Anxiety, including sleep anxiety
- Bulimia
- Insomnia
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Substance use disorder
Is it safe to take trazodone for sleep?
Yes, trazodone is generally safe for adults to take for sleep. But there isn’t much safety data in children, so trazodone isn’t recommended for kids.
Even though trazodone isn’t officially approved for sleep, healthcare professionals have prescribed it as a sleep aid since the 1980s. And in the past, research has shown that trazodone may be a safe and effective treatment for insomnia at low doses.
But, like other medications, trazodone still has its risks. Your healthcare professional will need to consider many factors — such as your age, any other conditions that you have, and any other medications you’re taking — before prescribing you trazodone. It may not be safe for you to take trazodone if you have any of the following health conditions:
- Bipolar disorder
- Glaucoma
- Heart disease
- Kidney problems
- Liver problems
- Low blood pressure
Trazodone may also not be suitable for you if you are an older adult or are pregnant or breastfeeding.
How much trazodone can I take for sleep?
There’s limited research on the best trazodone dosage for sleep. Studies show that a low dose of between 25 mg and 100 mg may be effective for sleep issues — which is a lower dose than when it’s used as an antidepressant. Even at these low doses, trazodone may be able to help you fall asleep and stay asleep.
If you’ve been diagnosed with depression and insomnia, the recommended maximum dosage is usually 400 mg per day. There isn’t a recommended maximum daily dose for insomnia alone. Your healthcare professional can help you decide the safest and most effective dose for you.
Be sure to follow up with your healthcare professional if you feel like trazodone isn’t working to help you sleep. They may adjust your dosage or consider switching you to another treatment.
How quickly does trazodone work for sleep?
Trazodone can start working within 30 minutes, but it may take up to 2 hours for some people to experience the effects. If trazodone doesn’t seem to work for you at all, speak with your prescriber or pharmacist.
Is it OK to take trazodone every night?
For most people, it’s OK to take trazodone every night for short-term sleeping issues (typically less than 1 month), but you should only take this medication as prescribed by your healthcare professional. There’s limited research on the safety of long-term trazodone for sleep. But there are some findings to keep in mind.
Compared to other sleep medications, such as benzodiazepines, trazodone has a low risk for dependence and misuse. Trazodone is not a controlled substance and doesn’t seem to be addictive.
But, as with all antidepressants, trazodone can cause withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly decrease your dosage or stop taking it. This is especially likely if you’ve been taking it every night for a long period of time.
If you’re planning to stop taking trazodone, talk to your healthcare professional. They may ask you to slowly decrease your dosage to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Symptoms of trazodone withdrawal can include agitation, anxiety, and increased sleeping issues.
What are the most common trazodone side effects?
Like all medications, trazodone can cause side effects. The most common trazodone side effects include:
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Headaches
- Blurred vision
- Nausea and vomiting
Trazodone also has a boxed warning — the FDA’s strongest medication warning — for a possible risk of suicidal thinking and behavior. This risk is highest in young adults who have just started treatment or are changing dosages. And in rare cases, trazodone can cause a serious health problem called priapism (an erection that lasts for more than 4 hours).