Trazodone
Trazodone is an antidepressant with sedating properties. In the UK it is used for depression and sometimes off-label at lower doses for insomnia under prescriber judgement. It is not a conventional sleeping tablet class but can help sleep in some people.
This medicine is part of the Mental health medicines category.
Generic name: trazodone
Quick answers
Short replies to searches people often run before speaking to a clinician. For the overview of what the medicine is used for, see the short summary under the page title above.
What is it for?
Trazodone is an antidepressant with sedating properties.
How long does it take to work?
Many antidepressants need several weeks on a steady dose before full benefit; your GP usually reviews you in that window.
What are common side effects?
Drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness, or low blood pressure on standing.
Can you take paracetamol or ibuprofen with it?
Ask your GP or pharmacist before taking Trazodone with paracetamol or ibuprofen. Many adults use paracetamol for short periods when appropriate; NSAIDs such as ibuprofen need extra checks with your other medicines and health conditions.
More about what Trazodone is used for
Trazodone is an antidepressant with sedating properties. In the UK it is used for depression and sometimes off-label at lower doses for insomnia under prescriber judgement.
It is not a conventional sleeping tablet class but can help sleep in some people.
How does Trazodone work, and how long does it take to work?
It affects serotonin receptors and reuptake differently from SSRIs, influencing mood and sleep drive.
Full antidepressant effect may take weeks.
How and when should you take Trazodone?
Often taken at night because of drowsiness — follow your prescription strength and timing exactly.
Swallow tablets after food if nausea occurs.
What are the common side effects of Trazodone?
Drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness, or low blood pressure on standing.
Next-day grogginess can affect driving until you know your response.
Serious side effects of Trazodone — when to get urgent help
Seek emergency help for painful erection lasting hours (priapism), severe allergic reaction, or suicidal thoughts.
What if you miss a dose of Trazodone?
If you take it mainly for night sedation, missed night doses are often skipped — confirm with your prescriber.
Who should not take Trazodone?
Recent heart attack, arrhythmia risk with QT prolongation drugs, and severe interactions need cardiology input.
Alcohol increases sedation excessively.
Can you take paracetamol or ibuprofen with Trazodone? — other interactions
Other sedatives, MAOIs, strong CYP3A4 inhibitors, and QT-prolonging medicines need review.
Trazodone in pregnancy and breastfeeding
Discuss with your prescriber before pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Blood tests and monitoring on Trazodone
Blood pressure checks early in treatment; mood reviews after dose changes.
What might your GP prescribe instead of Trazodone?
Mirtazapine, other SSRIs, or dedicated insomnia therapies may be discussed.
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Frequently asked questions about Trazodone
People also ask — common Google searches
- What is Trazodone used for?
- Trazodone is an antidepressant with sedating properties. In the UK it is used for depression and sometimes off-label at lower doses for insomnia under prescriber judgement. It is not a conventional sleeping tablet class but can help sleep in some people.
- How long does Trazodone take to work?
- Many antidepressants need several weeks on a steady dose before full benefit; your GP usually reviews you in that window. Always follow your prescriber’s follow-up plan.
- Can you take Trazodone with paracetamol or ibuprofen?
- Ask your GP or pharmacist before taking Trazodone with Paracetamol or Ibuprofen. Many adults use paracetamol for short periods when appropriate; NSAIDs such as ibuprofen need extra checks with your other medicines and health conditions.
- What are the side effects of Trazodone?
- Drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness, or low blood pressure on standing. Next-day grogginess can affect driving until you know your response. See the sections below for more detail, including serious side effects and when to seek urgent help.
- Is trazodone addictive?
- It is not in the benzodiazepine class, but stopping suddenly after long use can cause discomfort — taper with medical advice.
- Why am I dizzy on trazodone?
- Blood pressure drop when standing is common — rise slowly, hydrate, and tell your GP if fainting occurs.
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Often used with
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