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Trazodone User Reviews & Ratings

Brand names: Desyrel, Desyrel Dividose

Trazodone has an average rating of 6.3 out of 10 from a total of 1,396 reviews on Drugs.com. 53% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 31% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Trazodone

  • MMano
  • Taken for 5 to 10 years
  • February 15, 2020

For Insomnia "Hi there. I'm mostly leaving this review not to tell you that this prescription works for me (which it does. Been on it for years and have had no side affects. 50mg to 100mg) but to tell you to take these reviews with a grain of salt. Each person's body reacts differently to medications because our internal makeup is incredibly unique. If you've been prescribed this medication, give it a go for a week or two and if it doesn't work go back to your dr and try something else. Just don't let these reviews scare you out of trying it (or any other prescription for that matter). What is one person's "poison" is another person's "savior"."

8 / 10
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  • CMoel...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 16, 2021

For Insomnia "My doctor gave Trazodone to me for insomnia. I take 75-100mg at night 30 mins before bed. This medication has given me my life back. 1. I sleep through the night. If I do wake up to go to the bathroom, I’m back to sleep right away.( Before I’d wake up every few hours IF I did fall asleep. I’d be consumed with thoughts and worry.) 2. I wake up happy, relaxed and looking forward to the new day. (Before I would dread even waking up.) 3. I now have energy that lasts me until bed time. 4. My major depression, negative thinking, social anxiety are gone. (I’ve been dealing with these for years now.) 5. My drive is back. I now get small and big tasks done every day. ( I had no drive to do anything) 6. I’m reconnecting with friends and family as well. Again this medication has given me my life back but in a more pleasant mood doing so. Downside: my eyes are a little blurry for about a half hour or so upon waking but I’ll take that over the nonexistent life I was living."

10 / 10
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617 Report
  • Stella
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • May 31, 2020

For Insomnia "Took 50 mg trazodone for insomnia, it took about 45 mins to kick in. I've had over 8 hours sleep for 3 nights in a row. I Haven’t had sleep like this in months and months. I've been trying to function on 3 or 4 hours sleep. Now I’m starting to feel like my old self again. After reading some reviews I will share what the pharmacist instructed me to do, I have not had any side effects. Take 30 mins before bed, with a snack, more than a couple of crackers but obviously not a heavy meal, stay upright for those 30 mins. Pharmacist said it will bother my stomach if I don’t. No issues whatsoever. Feel rested and not groggy at all the next day."

10 / 10
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576 Report

Frequently asked questions

  • Freia
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • January 21, 2021

For Insomnia "Trazodone has one active metabolite (mCPP) which is a well-known anxiety-provoking agent. It also generates headaches for testing potential anti-migraine medications. MCPP leads to  breathing trouble, feelings of suffocation, heart palpitations, decreased motor control, confusion, OCD, bipolar behavior, mania and alcohol cravings. MCPP is banned in 12 countries where it's only permitted for scientific research. Trazodone significantly impairs memory, verbal learning and eyesight. I've taken this medication for 20 years and am now legally blind without a prescription. Trazodone gave me chronic fatigue syndrome, orthostatic intolerance, arrhythmia and cerebral ischemia. It triggers seizures and heart attack in the elderly which occurred to both my parents. It decreases blood flow to the brain, causes oxidative stress, reduces sodium and glutathione levels, limits oxygen uptake and depletes mitochondria."

1 / 10
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  • Susie...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • March 1, 2020

For Insomnia "I have been taking Trazodone for severe insomnia for 10 months. I take 100mg nightly. It has literally saved my life. I notice that many of the reviewers that write negatively about the drug are taking other medications at the same time. This could cause bad interactions. I can never thank my doctor enough for matching me up with a non addictive sleep aid after suffering from the dreadful affliction of insomnia for so many years."

10 / 10
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406 Report

Are you taking this medicine?

  • bobal...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • November 4, 2014

For Insomnia "Gave a 9 instead of 10 because of the Traz 'hangover' when you begin (headaches, fog, laziness)--coffee and aspirin should help this. I recommend starting at lowest dose possible and moving up. I take 50mg and it works wonders. Was on Ambien for 7 years but got tired of eating randomly, not remembering things I did and short amount of sleep time. With Trazodone you will have a deep and restful sleep (6-8hrs). Any side effects should go away within a week. Word of caution....you HAVE to lay down, turn out the lights and close your eyes within 30-45 minutes of taking this. Otherwise you risk missing the sleep window and could be up all night. Best sleep aid I've tried."

9 / 10
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658 Report
  • Skippy
  • Taken for 5 to 10 years
  • February 20, 2020

For Insomnia "Works great for sleep. Tried Ambien, Melatonin, others. With Trazodone I fall asleep about 30-60 minutes after taking and wake in morning feeling refreshed. No side effects. If need to be awake no problem. Prescribed by a “natural” doc who does not like anti-depressants but swears by this for sleep issues which are very common for menopausal woman."

10 / 10
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295 Report

More FAQ

  • Ruthy...
  • December 19, 2015

For Anxiety "I began taking this around 3 months ago after the end of my marriage. I wasn't sleeping, had violent mood swings, really bad anxiety and bouts of tearfullness. I take 50mg at bedtime, it eases me into a gentle restful sleep with no groggy feeling in the morning. I'm a lot calmer and haven't killed anyone ;)"

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  • Felo
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • May 31, 2020

For Insomnia "I started trazodone at 150mg for insomnia April 22. The side effects I experienced were dry mouth, mild headache, dizziness, nervousness and shakiness. Told my primary doctor about it so he lowered my dose to 100mg after three weeks. I’ve been on the new dose since May 15 and I still feel the same side effects. I actually feel my anxiety getting worse as I wake up in panic and I can feel my heart beating fast. I love that I’m able to sleep but I hate the side effects. I really don’t want to take it anymore but I’m scared of stopping it. Anyone else experiencing this? Please help."

5 / 10
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240 Report
  • Caitl...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • June 19, 2021

For Anxiety "I really had a rough time starting trazadone. But I gave it two weeks, and wow. I now have 0 panic attacks!!! If I start worrying now, & get those body feelings, they completely go away once I refocus. I am so grateful that I got prescribed. The appetite suppression was ROUGH. For the first month, or if you take your meds too late before bed, you will have a hard time waking up, headaches, and grogginess after waking. But this will all be worth it! The thought of food was nauseating & I had to live off protein shakes just to go on. But seriously, it helped me lose weight & stop my anxiety, I’m so so so beyond happy with it."

10 / 10
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187 Report
  • kj2
  • January 6, 2021

For Insomnia "I was prescribed trazodone for insomnia, but I have anxiety and depression as well. I’m very weary of all medications and don’t take anything for my other conditions, but after almost a week of no sleep I finally gave in to taking this. I think it saved me. I’m finally able to fall asleep before 5AM and stay asleep for more than a couple of hours. Additionally, I feel less anxious and dreadful upon waking up in the morning. I’m only taking 50mg. The only side effect I’ve had is a slight headache upon waking up and still a little sleepy/grogginess but that goes away upon really waking."

10 / 10
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195 Report
  • mack
  • July 21, 2019

For Insomnia "I've taken this medicine for 20 years. I've never had a single problem with the medicine. it's not addictive and helps me sleep 7-8 hours each night without feeling groggy in the morning. I have never had to increase the dose to get the same effect."

10 / 10
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256 Report
  • Bnicole
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • July 6, 2019

For Anxiety "I decided to share my experience because maybe someone somewhere is going through this. I was prescribed trazadone 50mg for anxiety and depression eventually my doses went up to 100mg and 150mg a day. The drug would sedate me put me to sleep. When I woke up my anxiety was 10 x worse I was scared my depression increased. Daily life activities stopped for months I became scared of living or taking care of my child. I had extremely bad brain fog, dry mouth, sleep terrors nightmares that would last hours, heart palpitations, but the worst feeling of all was the increased anxiety the feeling that I had some underlying medical condition that the Dr. Couldn't find, dizziness, shortness of breath, and suicidal thoughts feeling like I would never get better. All along it was the trazodone"

1 / 10
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248 Report
  • Rick
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • January 28, 2020

For Insomnia "I've been on 135 milligrams of trazodone nightly for insomnia for several years and it was absolutely lifesaving. Before that I was on klonopin, benadryl, tylenol pm, ambien, etc, none of which worked well. I had also had a doctor who didn't know what he was doing prescribing me various antidepressants for insomnia. I finally consulted a psychiatrist who suggested trazodone, in part because it's been around for a while (on the market nearly 4 decades) and its effects are well documented. Over a couple of months we figured out the best dosage for me. I take it at the same time each night just before bed, it puts me to sleep and I STAY ASLEEP for the night. I usually wake up a little groggy but that goes away within 10-15 minutes. You can't just try a single dose of it one night and expect it to work. It will take a little time to work out how much you should take to work for you. It's best to work with a good psychiatrist or a doctor who knows what she or he is doing."

10 / 10
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223 Report
  • Ktb
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • November 16, 2020

For Insomnia "I’ve been on 50 to 150mg of trazodone for a little more than two years. Honestly, trazodone is a lifesaver for me. After years and years of insomnia related to ADHD, I finally know what getting sleepy and falling asleep is !(weird to think that’s not normal, I know) I can wake up and attend to anything I need to while medicated with no ‘drugged up’ feeling or fog. I would give trazodone 15 points if I could."

10 / 10
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  • Gomat...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 17, 2014

For Depression "Before taking Trazodone I could not fall asleep at night, I began resorting to drinking just to fall asleep at night and that alone has it's fair share of negative consequences. Literally the first night I took a 50mg Trazodone I was able to fall asleep and stay asleep. I've been on the medication for nearly a month now and I can happily say that I can't remember the last time I've felt this great! I don't feel the need to drink whatsoever. I fall asleep within 30 minutes of taking the tablet, I stay asleep, and I wake up well rested with a much more positive outlook on life! I can't wait to see what the future holds. I strongly recommend this medication for anyone suffering from depression, anxiety, and/or sleep deprivation."

9 / 10
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392 Report
  • gengis
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • October 10, 2013

For Insomnia "I have been on Trazodone for about a year and a half now. I never have had a good nights sleep until I started trazodone. I started with 50mg and it worked decently but I only slept for 6hrs. About 6 months ago I started taking 100mg and I sleep like a baby for 7-9 hrs straight. The intense vivid dreams are actually quite fun. I have never had nightmares on it. When I wake up I am no more out of it than when I didn't take the medicine. I would highly recommend trazodone to anyone with sleeping problems."

10 / 10
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397 Report
  • marys...
  • Taken for 10 years or more
  • July 1, 2014

For Insomnia "I am 75 years old and have been taking trazodone for sleep for about ten years. I take 150 mg. It is a miracle for insomnia. I sleep 8 hours a night straight though. Yes, you do feel groggy in the morning when you first start taking it, but it goes away with time, so don't give up too soon when you start it because of grogginess. I have never heard of taking it with food as one person said. It is non addictive and I feel so rested that I do not feel the need for naps that I always used to take before trazodone."

10 / 10
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363 Report
  • Lorna...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • May 31, 2021

For Insomnia "I am almost 62 and been having trouble sleeping for several years. After knee replacement surgery in late March, this became even worse. After taking Xanax, Aleve PM, and many other meds, i was getting only 2 hours sleep. I'd lay awake until 6 am and doze until 8 am. Between no sleep, covid brain fog, autoimmune disease I couldn't think straight all day and then still not sleep. On May 5th, my doc proscribed 100mg of trazadone each night to help me sleep and it really worked! I now get an average of 7-9 hours sleep each night which helps keep the fatigue and brain fog down. It's not completely gone but so much better. My PCP told me 1 week ago that I had lost 25 pounds since my visit on 4/1/21. Got on the scale this morning and down another 3.5 this last week. Haven't been as hungry and it's coming off easily. Since I have another 100 pounds to go, I'm embracing the positive effects."

10 / 10
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137 Report
  • CKib
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • September 20, 2014

For Depression "This has helped me endlessly. I started taking it about 5 months ago, The first thing that it helps with is sleep, I'll fall asleep so easily & not wake, One thing I noticed however was the vivid dreaming, not too bad if you aren't freaked out by bad or plain weird dreams. For the first few days/weeks it was harder to get up in the morning but having caffeine really helps. I would always feel low before this medication, sad, hopeless and have no energy. With it I'm more confident, make more effort with other people, not afraid of my own company and anything that happens I can see logically. One of my problems was illogical thinking and this has reduced that by 90%. You'll have to be more careful with alcohol on this medication."

10 / 10
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320 Report
  • Garde...
  • May 2, 2020

For Insomnia "Prior to Covid19, I was taking 10mg Melatonin and it wasn’t working for post menopause sleep issues. The weekend that “Lockdown” began, I didn’t sleep for 3 days straight & rapid weight loss. My PCP put me on trazodone and it was a miracle for me. Instructions said 1-2 for insomnia so I have just been taking 1 at bedtime. I go to bed @ 9pm and get up every morning at 4am wide awake. 40 days later it’s not working as well so I may increase to 1.5 and see if that helps. I’m 5’3” and 123 # for reference if that helps. I’ve only had 3 morning headaches which Advil took care of but I forgot to drink H2O those days prior. I could not have made it this far through Covid19 lockdown without it."

10 / 10
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  • Krz
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 8, 2020

For Insomnia "I have taken trazadone for two weeks. I have emotionally unstable personality disorder (EUPD) but was put on it for insomnia. Yes I'm sleeping much better on 50mg but effects are wearing off. Have weird dreams about work but at least I'm sleeping. The main effect has been my anxiety. I used to worry about everything but now I'm so calm and bubbly like I used to be. It's helped more for mood and anxiety which is not what it was prescribed for but I'll take it. Issue though: constipation"

8 / 10
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156 Report
  • JessP...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • October 30, 2014

For Insomnia "Stopping Trazodone ASAP and here's why. Worked for me for about 4 or 5 months but when I needed a higher dosage of it (100-150 mgs), the REALLY BAD SIDE EFFECTS began. I'm talking the worst hand TREMORS ever, to the point where I have trouble holding a pen and writing. I am writing this on my phone and can barely hold it steady. The mental/cognitive effects are worse, I mean seriously I thought I had a brain tumor or something along those lines!!! Extreme CONFUSION, SEVERE SHORT-TERM MEMORY LOSS, I'm dizzy pretty much all the time and the lack of coordination is so bad that my driving suffered. The effects were never at night after I took it, always the next day. If you feel like you're losing it, you aren't. Just stop taking Trazodone."

2 / 10
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308 Report
  • glad...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • October 4, 2013

For Insomnia "I have been taking this for about 6 months. I have anxiety and depression, and can't fall asleep because my mind is constantly going like a video recorder. I love it. No side effects, feel good waking up, sleep like a baby all night long. Look forward to going to bed at night knowing I will sleep through the night."

10 / 10
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324 Report
  • Katrina
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • February 26, 2020

For Insomnia "I have been taking trazodone for about a year and it has really helped with my chronic insomnia but it definitely comes at a price. I feel very tired the next day that doesn't really go away unless I'm drinking caffeine. The only other side effect I have had is mild headaches but thats it. I was taking 50 mg but now i take anywhere between 75-100 mg due to building up a tolerance. I would only recommend this drug to someone (like myself) who has tried every other type sleep aid and it did nothing for them and also sufferers from things like anxiety and depression."

7 / 10
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151 Report

Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.