Exploring Trazodone for Sleep: Understanding Side Effects, Dosages, and Advantages
Trazodone is a medication that pharmaceutical companies produced to combat depression. Medical professionals might suggest Trazodone as a remedy for sleep disorders, including insomnia. However, Trazodone might not be suitable for everyone and can bring unwanted side effects.
An individual who struggles with sleeplessness might think about consulting their doctor regarding the possibility of taking Trazodone. It's crucial to remember that Trazodone might not work the same way for everyone.
Get more information about using Trazodone for sleep aid below.
Description
Trazodone is a prescription drug that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized to address depression in the U.S.
Belonging to a group of drugs known as selective serotonin antagonists and reuptake inhibitors (SARIs), Trazodone functions by blocking the absorption of serotonin and other brain chemicals.
Antidepressants like Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are often the first choice for doctors when prescribing medication for depression.
However, a study published in 2017 suggests that the off-label use of Trazodone to treat sleep disorders has surpassed its use as an antidepressant.
Does Trazodone help with sleep?
Trazodone can aid certain individuals in falling asleep. But like other medications, it may be more effective for some than others.
Based on the study mentioned earlier, Trazodone in low doses is generally safe and effective for treating insomnia. However, it's essential to note that the FDA has only approved Trazodone to treat depression.
Is it safe as a sleep aid?
Doctors generally consider Trazodone safe in small doses for sleep disorders such as insomnia. But it might not be as effective as medications like Ambien in treating these sleep disorders.
If someone is having trouble sleeping due to depression, they might require a higher dose of Trazodone. If a doctor deems a higher dose necessary to effectively treat insomnia, they will also inform the person that their risk of experiencing side effects increases.
Doctors do not consider Trazodone to be addictive. However, Trazodone and other SSRIs can still lead to physical dependence when taken long-term.
This form of dependence occurs when a person becomes used to the drug being in their system. As a result, they may experience withdrawal symptoms when the drug is no longer present.
Physical dependence is a process that can happen with many medications. If someone has concerns about physical dependence, they can discuss their concerns with a healthcare professional.
Advantages
Trazodone treats depression and can help a person sleep. Here are some additional benefits:
- It may work better than many sleep aids, like Ambien.
- It is not addictive, but a person will need to gradually reduce higher doses under a doctor's recommendation and supervision.
Side effects
Trazodone can cause various side effects in certain individuals. Some potential side effects include:
- dizziness
- vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, or constipation
- tiredness
- daytime sleepiness
- anxiety
- decreased appetite
- weight loss
- blurred vision
- headache
- vivid dreams and other sleep disturbances
If someone notices side effects, it's important to speak with their doctor, who may adjust their dose or recommend a different medication.
Additionally, someone might experience more serious or life-threatening side effects. If these occur, seek emergency medical attention, and consider discussing discontinuing the medication with your doctor.
Some serious side effects include:
- cardiac arrhythmia
- cognitive and motor impairment
- serotonin syndrome
- activation of mania, particularly in people with bipolar disorder
- orthostatic hypotension and fainting
- increased risk of bleeding
- seizures
- thoughts of self-harming
- prolonged and painful erections
- allergic reactions to the drug
The FDA has also issued a boxed warning regarding the risk of depression and suicidal behavior associated with Trazodone.
Help is available
If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek help:
- Dial or text the 988 Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. Caring counselors are available to listen and provide free and confidential support 24/7.
- Text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 to connect with a volunteer crisis counselor for free and confidential support 24/7.
- Living outside the U.S.? Find a helpline in your country with Befrienders Worldwide.
- Call 911 or your local emergency services number if you feel safe to do so.
If you're calling on behalf of someone else, stay with them until help arrives. You may remove weapons or substances that could cause harm if you can do so safely.
If you're not in the same household, stay on the phone with them until help arrives.
If an individual decides to stop using trazodone, they should adhere to their physician's suggestions for decreasing their dosage slowly as they phase out the medication.
Given that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) hasn't endorsed trazodone for addressing sleep issues, there isn't any official guidance from the drug manufacturer or the FDA regarding trazodone dosages for these conditions.
Nonetheless, the aforementioned study indicates that common doses of trazodone used in clinical trials for treating sleep issues ranged from 25 to 150 mg, consumed at bedtime.
Potential complications
Certain supplements that influence serotonin levels might enhance the probability of developing serotonin toxicity.
The FDA has listed several potential drug interactions with trazodone, including:
- benzodiazepines
- clarithromycin
- carbamazepine
- digoxin
- phenytoin
- warfarin
It's crucial that individuals consult their doctor about all supplements and medications they are currently taking before commencing trazodone use.
Additionally, it's essential that they notify their doctor about any new medications or supplements they begin using while on trazodone.
Additional applications
Initially, trazodone was only prescribed to treat depression. However, doctors now prescribe it to treat sleep disorders and various mental health conditions, such as anxiety disorders.
Alternative strategies
There are other potential methods people can employ to enhance their sleep quality.
Individuals searching for alternate medication options might be prescribed a Z-drug, such as zolpidem (Ambien), eszopiclone (Lunesta), or zaleplon (Sonata). These medications are effective but might lead to dependency and negative side effects over time.
Z-drugs are associated with an increased risk of falls and fractures in older adults, making trazodone a potentially suitable alternative for this population.
Belong to a newer class of drugs for treating insomnia. They function by inhibiting the orexin receptor, reducing the orexin system's wakefulness-promoting effects and causing longer sleep periods.
Examples of orexin antagonists include suvorexant (Belsomra), lemborexant (Dayvigo), and daridorexant (Quviviq).
Moreover, there are various over-the-counter (OTC) sleep aids, such as melatonin, that individuals might consider to help them sleep.
Some might find supplements helpful in promoting relaxation. It's recommended to consult a doctor before using any OTC sleep aids, including supplements, concerning sleeping issues.
A doctor might suggest additional treatments or offer treatment guidance to address any underlying conditions that may exist. They will also be able to identify any potential interactions with current medication use.
Individuals may discover that engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining a balanced diet, and reducing stress can all aid in improving sleep quality.
Click here to learn more about enhancing sleep quality.
Synopsis
While trazodone might be a safe and effective sleep aid for some individuals, the FDA has not endorsed it for addressing sleep issues.
Typically, lower doses of trazodone do not cause side effects, but this risk increases as the dosage increases.
A beneficial first step for individuals is to discuss their sleep concerns with their physician. Together, they can review all treatment options to ensure they are selecting the most suitable medication for their needs.
- The study suggest that the use of Trazodone for treating sleep disorders like insomnia has surpassed its use as an antidepressant, which is a form of off-label use.
- Trazodone, being a selective serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor (SARI), works by blocking the absorption of serotonin and other brain chemicals, helping certain individuals in falling asleep.
- Trazodone might not be as effective as medications like Ambien in treating sleep disorders, but in low doses, it is generally safe and effective for treating insomnia.
- Some individuals may experience side effects while using Trazodone, such as dizziness, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation, daytime sleepiness, anxiety, and decreased appetite.
- Trazodone might not work the same way for everyone, and its effectiveness in treating sleep disorders can vary. Therefore, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new medication.
