What are the side effects of Trazodone?

1 Oct 2004

I have used trazadone when I've had trouble sleeping.My doctor ordered it for me saying that it's an anti-depressant but one of the side effects is that it makes you sleepy.I asked him if he could order me something to help me sleep but that I didn't want a sleeping pill because I tend to abuse them.He told me trazadone was safe and non-addictive.I have since stopped taking them as I am sleeping better.I found them to be a good drug to help you sleep but I can't comment on the anti-depressant side of the drug as I'm not depressed... Dave

P.S. I hope you are feeling better soon... Dave

1 Oct 2004

Did I read your post correctly where it says you were prescribed 50mgs 4x a DAY?? If so, it is no wonder you are a walking zombie! I have been on Trazodone for years, and have found it to be a great anti-depressant and sleeping aid--however I was started out on 50mgs to be taken only at night- I was GRADUALLY (over a period of years) taken to a higher dose to where now i take 200mgs at night only. i have never heard of trazodone being prescribed to take in the daytime-it is sedating and should only be taken at night, and at a low as dose as possible in the beginning. I have fibromyalgia as well as clinical depression and the med has been good for me. IMO i think you just need a lower dose and take it at night. Good luck.

21 Nov 2004

Hey all. I just started taking Trazodone (I've been on it for about 2 weeks) and the Dr. told me to take it at night and to take 1 tab (50 mg). I have trouble sleeping and usually rely on sleep aids to help me fall asleep. Well, so far this med hasn't done anything to help me sleep. I read (I think in the insert) that a regular dose of this med is around 150 mg-- probably no wonder I'm not sleeping, but I guess you do have to start on a low dose and then increase gradually, but after two weeks, I think I should increase to 100 mg because I end up having to take a sleep aid along with this med and I don't want to take too much medication.
Does anyone know how long this drug has been on the market? and what are the dangers of taking it for a long time (e.g. tardive dyskenesia, etc.) By the way, I'm 27.

23 Dec 2004

I take Trazodone to help me go to sleep. Has anyone noticed decreased libido (like you get on prozac)? It's not listed as a side effect, but I seem to be affected by it. thanks

7 Feb 2005

damm I cant believe your Dr. prescribed trazadone 4x a day that's ridiculous . Ive never heard of that. Trazadone is usually prescribed for sleep because its non habit forming . I was prescribed Remeron 15mg a day at bedtime about 10 months ago and it works very well but I think I need to up my dose. You might want to ask your Dr. about it. Just wanted to let you know...

8 Feb 2005

Desyrel (trazodone generic) is used for depression. So I was curious and looked it up and sleepiness doesn't seem to be a side effect, just the opposite. Listed under Major side effects was: inability to fall or stay asleep.

I am curious why it is being prescribed as a sleep med.?

9 Feb 2005

hey have you ever took trzadone . It makes you sleepy as hell . well not everybody but a majority of the people.

9 Feb 2005

Yes, as a matter of fact I did take Desyrel for 8 months and it didn't make me sleepy one single bit. I had to take Ativan in order to sleep.

Don't get me wrong, I have no doubt it can make people sleepy, but it doesn't look like that is the norm. Either way, I still wonder why it would be prescribed strictly for sleep when it is an antidepressant and there are lots of other meds out there that are specifically for sleep. Just wondering, that is all.

Karen

10 Feb 2005

All the Dr. always tell me that the reason why they always try to prescribe antidepresents instead of sleep meds is because the sleep meds are habbit forming,And with my past history they dont weant to get me started on something else.

15 Feb 2005

I was given Trazodone for insomnia by my psychologist. I was never told to take it during the day, only before bedtime. 1 - 2 before bed!

One day at a time...

3 Jun 2005

I was given Trazodone for insomnia. For months I was only getting 3-4 hours sleep a night. Other nights I would wake up every hour on the hour until I just gave up and got up. I take 50mg at bed and I only wake up maybe once at 4 or 5am and able to go right back to sleep. I average 7 - 8 hours sleep now and finally feel like im getting back on track.

Sonata didn't work because it only stays in your system 3 or 4 hours and you wake up. Xanax works but you have to pop another one after 4 hours or so and wait 30 minutes to fall back asleep.

I don't have any side effects and wake up feeling much better than when I was doing Xanax.