Trazodone: What You Need to Know Before You Take It

If you’ve heard doctors mention trazodone, you probably wonder if it’s right for you. It’s an older antidepressant that works a bit differently from newer drugs. In India, it’s often prescribed for depression, anxiety, and sometimes even for sleep problems. Below we break down how it works, the right way to use it, and what side effects can pop up.

How Trazodone Works and When It’s Used

Trazodone belongs to a class called serotonin modulators. It boosts serotonin levels in the brain, which helps lift mood and calm racing thoughts. Because it also blocks certain receptors, many people feel drowsy after a dose, so doctors sometimes use it as a sleep aid at low doses. In everyday practice, you’ll see it prescribed for moderate depression, generalized anxiety, and insomnia that doesn’t respond to other meds.

The usual starting dose for depression in adults is 150 mg per day, split into two or three doses. If a doctor wants you to sleep, they might start you on just 25–50 mg at bedtime. It’s important to follow the exact schedule your doctor gives – skipping doses or stopping abruptly can cause withdrawal symptoms like headaches, nausea, or a sudden dip in mood.

Common Side Effects and Warning Signs

Most people tolerate trazodone fairly well, but there are a few things to keep an eye on. The most common side effect is drowsiness, especially after the first few days. You might also feel dry mouth, dizziness, or mild headaches.

More serious reactions are rarer but need your attention right away. If you notice a rapid heartbeat, chest pain, or feel faint, call your doctor. Some users report a blurry vision or trouble focusing – this can happen if the dose is too high. A small number of people develop priapism, a painful, prolonged erection that lasts more than four hours; this is a medical emergency.

Because trazodone can affect blood pressure, people with heart problems or hypertension should discuss risks with their doctor. In India, a few case reports have linked high doses of trazodone to liver enzyme changes, so regular liver function tests are a good idea if you stay on the medication for several months.

When it comes to overdose, trazodone can be risky. Symptoms may include severe drowsiness, vomiting, seizures, or irregular heart rhythms. If you suspect an overdose, head straight to the nearest emergency department.

Finally, avoid mixing trazodone with alcohol or other sedatives like benzodiazepines. The combined effect can be dangerously sleepy and increase the chance of falls, especially in older adults.

Bottom line: trazodone can be a helpful tool for depression and sleep, but it works best when you take it exactly as prescribed, monitor how you feel, and keep your doctor in the loop about any new symptoms.