Key facts about Trazodone
What dosages is Trazodone available in?
Trazodone is available as a 50 mg, 100 mg, 150 mg, and 300 mg oral tablet.
What is Trazodone used for?
Trazodone is an atypical antidepressant and is used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD).
How does Trazodone work?
Trazodone is an atypical antidepressant. More specifically, it’s considered a serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor (SARI). The exact way it works to improve your mood isn’t well-understood. But it’s thought to affect the levels of serotonin in the brain, which are chemicals involved in regulating your mood.
How do I take Trazodone?
Trazodone is typically taken by mouth with starting dose of 150 mg divided into smaller doses and taken throughout the day to treat depression. Your physician might raise your dose slowly over time to a maximum dose of 400 mg daily.
Is it safe for me to take Trazodone?
Trazodone is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you. You should not use this medication if you have taken an MAOI within the past 14 days.
Trazodone Common Side Effects
Common side effects of Trazodone include:
- Sleepiness
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Headache
- Blurred vision
- Nausea or vomiting
Trazodone Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with Trazodone. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
- Serotonin syndrome: fast heart rate, dizziness, sweating, flushing, tremor (shakiness), muscle stiffness, muscle twitching or spasms, uncoordinated movement, distress, seizures, distress, hallucinations, coma
- Abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation): chest pounding, short of breath, chest pain, feeling faint or lightheaded
- Severe bleeding: bruising that doesn’t improve, black-colored stools, pink or red-colored urine, coughing up or vomiting blood, or unusual bleeding from the nose or gums
- Low blood sodium levels: nausea, fatigue, headache, confusion, disoriented, hallucinations (seeing things that aren’t real), seizures, unconsciousness
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on Trazodone
The following medications may interact with Trazodone:
- CNS Depressants – Trazodone may enhance effects of alcohol, barbiturates, or other CNS depressants
- CYP3A4 Inhibitors – Consider Trazodone dose reduction based on tolerability
- CYP3A4 Inducers – Increase in Trazodone dosage may be necessary
- Digoxin or Phenytoin – Monitor for increased digoxin or phenytoin serum levels
- Warfarin – Monitor for increased or decreased prothrombin time
Who makes Trazodone?
Various FDA-approved generic manufacturers
Is Trazodone safe in pregnancy?
Trazodone may cause fetal harm based on animal studies. You should talk to your healthcare provider before taking this medication if you are pregnant.













