Trazodone: What It Is and How to Use It Safely

Trazodone is a prescription medicine most often used to treat depression and, at lower doses, insomnia. It belongs to a class of drugs that affect serotonin in the brain. People choose trazodone because it can both lift mood and help with sleep, but it can cause strong drowsiness so timing and dose matter.

Typical starting doses for depression range from 150 mg to 300 mg per day, usually split into two or three doses. For sleep, doctors commonly prescribe 25–150 mg at bedtime. Never change dose suddenly—your prescriber will guide gradual adjustments based on benefit and side effects.

How to take trazodone safely

Take trazodone exactly as your doctor instructs. Because it causes sedation and slow reaction time, take it at night if used for sleep. Avoid alcohol and other sedating medicines like benzodiazepines, opioids, or heavy antihistamines unless your doctor OKs it. Don’t drive, operate heavy machinery, or sign important papers until you know how trazodone affects you.

Tell your prescriber about other drugs you take—SSRIs, SNRIs, triptans, MAOIs, and some antibiotics can raise the risk of serotonin syndrome or other problems. If you have heart disease, low blood pressure, liver problems, or a history of bipolar disorder, mention that too. Pregnant or breastfeeding? Discuss risks and alternatives with your clinician.

Side effects and what to watch for

Common side effects include drowsiness, dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, and dizziness. Because trazodone can lower blood pressure when you stand up, get up slowly from lying or sitting to avoid falls. A rare but serious side effect is priapism—painful, long-lasting erections; seek emergency care immediately if this happens.

Watch for signs of serotonin syndrome: high fever, stiff muscles, fast heartbeat, confusion, or sweating. If you notice suicidal thoughts or worsening mood, especially when starting or changing dose, call your doctor or emergency services right away. Older adults may be more sensitive to side effects like sedation and balance problems.

Good follow-up matters. Schedule check-ins with your prescriber during the first weeks so they can adjust dose and check side effects. Labs aren’t routinely required for trazodone, but your doctor may order tests if you have other health issues or take interacting drugs.

Buying trazodone requires a valid prescription. If you consider an online pharmacy, pick one that's licensed, requires a prescription, and has clear contact information. Avoid sites offering big discounts without prescriptions—medication quality and safety can be unreliable.

Before starting, ask your doctor specific questions: how long until I feel better, what dose will help my sleep versus depression, which side effects need urgent care, and how will we measure success?

If stopping trazodone, plan a slow taper with your provider to avoid withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, irritability, sleep disturbance, or flu-like feelings.

Keep all changes documented and share them at follow-up.