How long does it take for trazodone to work?
Trazodone may start to relieve depression 1 to 2 weeks after you begin taking it, but it can take up to 6 weeks for the full benefit of the medication to set in.
If your doctor prescribed trazodone for depression, you should not assume that the treatment is ineffective until you’ve given it the full 6 weeks to work.
However, in the first few weeks of treatment, some patients may experience a worsening of symptoms. If you have thoughts of self-harm or suicide while waiting for the treatment to start working, you should talk to your doctor immediately.
Some people may feel drowsy after taking trazodone, so it’s recommended to take it at bedtime.
You should also contact your doctor if you’re experiencing unpleasant symptoms or signs of adverse effects while taking trazodone, such as:
- An irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
- Symptoms of serotonin syndrome (agitation, hallucination, dizziness, tremor, nausea)
- An erection lasting more than 4 hours (for men)
Consult your doctor before stopping treatment with trazodone. Sudden discontinuation of trazodone can cause withdrawal, which comes with symptoms including insomnia, agitation and anxiety. If you want to stop taking trazodone, your doctor will help you taper off the medication safely, taking gradually lower doses.
References
- National Health Service (NHS). Trazodone. December 13, 2018. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/trazodone/. [Accessed July 30, 2021].
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). DESYREL® (trazodone hydrochloride) tablets, for oral use. June, 2017. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/018207s032lbl.pdf. [Accessed July 30, 2021].
- U.S. National Library of Medicine MedlinePlus. Trazodone. April 15, 2017. Available at: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a681038.html. [Accessed July 30, 2021].
See also:
Aimovig
Learn about Aimovig (erenumab-aooe) a once-monthly, injectable medication that can be ...
Botox
Botox is used for cosmetic purposes and to treat overactive bladder symptoms, urinary incontinence ...
Vraylar
Vraylar is a once a day antipsychotic medication used to treat mental health or mood disorders ...
Nurtec ODT
Nurtec ODT (rimegepant) is used to treat acute migraines and prevent episodic migraines, by ...
Emgality
Emgality (galcanezumab-gnlm) is a CGRP antagonist for the preventive treatment of migraine and for ...
Inderal
Inderal (propranolol) is used to treat angina, high blood pressure and heart rhythm disorders ...
Ajovy
Ajovy (fremanezumab-vfrm) is a preventive migraine treatment. Includes Ajovy side effects ...
Vyepti
Vyepti (eptinezumab-jjmr) is used for the preventive treatment of migraine. Includes Vyepti ...
Botox Cosmetic
Botox Cosmetic is a prescription treatment for fine lines and wrinkles. It temporarily improves the ...
Fremanezumab
Fremanezumab is used for chronic migraine, headache, migraine, migraine prevention
Related medical questions
- What are the strongest sleeping pills?
- Trazodone for dogs: Uses, dosage and side effects
- Will trazodone help me sleep?
- Does trazodone cause weight gain?
- How long does trazodone stay in your system?
- Is trazodone a controlled substance?
- How do I use prescription sleeping pills safely?
Drug information
- Trazodone Information for Consumers
- Trazodone prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side Effects of Trazodone (detailed)
- Trazodone user reviews (1,439)
Related support groups
- Trazodone (288 questions, 798 members)