Trazodone: What It’s For, How to Take It, and Safety Tips

Trazodone is a prescription medication used mainly to treat depression and, off-label, insomnia. It’s part of a drug class called serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitors (SARI). Doctors like it because it can lift mood and help with sleep without the stimulant effects some antidepressants cause.

How it works: Trazodone boosts serotonin signaling by blocking certain serotonin receptors and inhibiting reuptake. That combination can improve mood and make it easier to fall asleep. Effects on sleep are usually most noticeable when trazodone is taken at bedtime.

Common doses and tips

For depression adults often start at 150 mg per day, split across the day or taken at night. Doctors may increase up to 300 mg or more depending on response. For insomnia, much lower doses — 25 to 100 mg at night — are common. Always follow your prescriber’s instructions. Don’t stop suddenly; tapering is safer to avoid withdrawal symptoms.

Side effects and what to watch for

The most common side effects are drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness, and constipation. Because trazodone can cause low blood pressure when you stand, get up slowly to avoid lightheadedness. A rare but serious side effect is priapism — a painful, long-lasting erection. If that happens, seek emergency care immediately. If you notice worsening mood or suicidal thoughts, contact your provider right away.

Interactions matter. Do not mix trazodone with MAO inhibitors, and be cautious with other serotonergic drugs such as SSRIs, SNRIs, triptans, or certain migraine meds — combining them raises the risk of serotonin syndrome. Avoid heavy alcohol use while taking trazodone because alcohol increases sedation and breathing problems.

Who should be cautious? People with heart problems, liver disease, or low blood pressure need tailored dosing. Older adults may be more sensitive to falls from drowsiness. Pregnant or breastfeeding people should discuss risks and benefits with their doctor.

Practical tips: Take trazodone with food if it upsets your stomach. If it makes you sleepy, take it 30–60 minutes before bed. Keep a simple symptom log for the first few weeks — note mood, sleep quality, and side effects — and share it at follow-up visits. Most antidepressant effects take 4–6 weeks to show.

If you’re buying medication online, choose licensed pharmacies and verify the prescription requirement. Don’t use unknown sellers offering prescription drugs without a prescription.

Questions to ask your prescriber: What dose will you start with? How long until I should feel better? What side effects should make me call you? Are there safer options given my other drugs or conditions?

Trazodone can help many people, especially when sleep and mood are both issues. With the right dose and monitoring, it’s a useful tool. Talk openly with your provider to find the best plan for you.

If you suffer severe side effects or allergic reactions, go to emergency care. Keep all medicines listed at each visit, and review any herbal supplements with your doctor — some can interact badly with trazodone too.