Trazodone for Insomnia: Why it's Used? Are there withdrawal symptoms?

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Trazodone is a prescription medication that belongs to a class of drugs called serotonin modulators. It is mainly used to treat depression, but it can also be used off-label to treat insomnia, which is a condition of having difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.

Trazodone was first developed in Italy in the 1960s as an antidepressant. It was introduced in the United States in 1981 under the brand name Desyrel. Since then, it has been marketed under various other names, such as Oleptro, Trittico, and Molipaxin. Trazodone is now available as a generic drug.

Trazodone works by affecting the activity of certain chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters. It increases the level of serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter that regulates mood, sleep, appetite, and other functions. It also blocks the action of histamine, which is a neurotransmitter that promotes wakefulness and alertness. By doing so, trazodone can help improve mood and induce sleepiness.

Trazodone has been shown to be effective in treating depression in several clinical trials. However, the evidence for its use as a sleep aid is less conclusive. Some studies have found that trazodone can improve sleep quality and duration in people with insomnia, especially those who also have depression 1 2. Other studies have found that trazodone has little or no effect on sleep compared to placebo or other medications 3 4. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine does not recommend trazodone as a first-line treatment for insomnia, due to the lack of strong evidence and the potential risks and harms 3.

The dose of trazodone for insomnia varies depending on the individual’s response and tolerance. The usual dose range is between 25 mg to 100 mg taken at bedtime. Some people may benefit from lower doses, while others may need higher doses. The dose should be adjusted gradually and under the guidance of a doctor. Trazodone should not be stopped abruptly, as this may cause withdrawal symptoms.

Trazodone can cause various side effects, such as:

• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Dry mouth
• Nausea
• Constipation
• Blurred vision
• Low blood pressure
• Priapism (a prolonged and painful erection)
• Serotonin syndrome (a rare but serious condition caused by excess serotonin in the brain)

Trazodone can also interact with other drugs, such as:

• Alcohol
• Antidepressants
• Antihistamines
• Antifungals
• Antibiotics
• Blood thinners
• Seizure medications
• Sleeping pills

Trazodone should not be used by people who have:

• Allergy to trazodone or any of its ingredients
• Heart problems or recent heart attack
• Bipolar disorder or manic episodes
• Liver or kidney disease
• Low sodium levels in the blood
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women

Some of the advantages of trazodone for insomnia are:

• It is inexpensive and widely available as a generic drug.
• It is not addictive and does not cause dependence or tolerance.
• It may help people who have both depression and insomnia.
• It may improve deep sleep and reduce nighttime awakenings.

Some of the disadvantages of trazodone for insomnia are:

• It has not been approved by the FDA for this purpose and its efficacy is questionable.
• It can cause many side effects and drug interactions that may outweigh its benefits.
• It can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in young adults and children.
• It can cause priapism, which is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention.

Trazodone is a medication that can be used to treat depression and insomnia, but it is not without risks and limitations. It should be used with caution and under the supervision of a doctor. It should not be considered as a first-choice treatment for insomnia, unless other options have failed or are contraindicated. People who take trazodone should monitor their symptoms and report any changes or concerns to their doctor.

1: Trazodone for Sleep: Dosage, Benefits, Side Effects & Other Risks - Healthline.com
2: Considerations Before Taking Trazodone for Insomnia - Verywellhealth.com
3: Should You Take Trazodone for Insomnia? - Consumerreports.org
4: Will trazodone help me sleep? - Drugs.com