Trazodone для sleep: does it work?
Reviewed by the WeighedHealth Editorial Team against primary clinical sources — FDA labeling, peer-reviewed trials, and specialty-society guidelines.
Content current as of July 2026; updated when guidance or availability changes.
Trazodone is а sedating antidepressant (serotonin modulator) prescribed off-label для insomnia at low doses (25-100 mg at bedtime — anti-depressant doses run 150-400 mg). It's preferred over zolpidem (Ambien) by many primary care physicians because it doesn't cause physical dependence, has minimal abuse potential, and works through different mechanisms (5-HT2A antagonism, alpha-1 blockade). Onset 30-60 minutes. Side effects: morning grogginess (most common), dry mouth, mild blood pressure drop on standing (caution in elderly). Rare but serious: priapism in men. Trazodone trials specifically для primary insomnia (not depression) show modest sleep improvement, less than CBT-I but more than melatonin. Generic, ~$10/month с insurance, ~$20-40 self-pay.
Related questions
CBT-I vs sleep medication: which works better?
CBT-I is AASM first-line для chronic insomnia. Outperforms medication on durability (effects persist 6+ months after stopping). Medication faster (week 1) but tolerance/withdrawal/fall risk. Digital CBT-I apps (Sleepio, Somryst) RCT-grade. Use medication only as bridge.
Is melatonin safe для long-term use?
Melatonin safe short-term (1-3 months) at LOW doses (0.3-1 mg). Long-term safety data sparse. Most retail products contain 3-10 mg — 10-30x physiologic dose. Higher doses don't improve sleep onset and worsen morning function. Avoid в children/teens.