Trazodone
Sleep & Recovery · 5-HT2A antagonist / SARI
Tier B-
Bottom line
Read Off Label grades Trazodone as B- (6.3/10) based on moderate evidence, moderate benefit magnitude, and a low-med-risk safety profile.
Workhorse off-label hypnotic; less addiction potential than Z-drugs or benzos; not FDA-approved for insomnia but widely used.
Studied, labeled, or reported-use context: 25-100 mg PO at bedtime (sleep); 150-600 mg divided (depression) — Rx; not individualized guidance.
What the evidence says
Workhorse off-label hypnotic; less addiction potential than Z-drugs or benzos; not FDA-approved for insomnia but widely used. Priapism is a real counseling point especially for men. Morning grogginess common at higher doses.
Mechanism
Serotonin antagonist/reuptake inhibitor; primary sleep effect via H1 and alpha-1 antagonism at low doses; antidepressant at higher doses (150-600 mg) but sedation is dose-limiting
Studied, labeled, or reported dose & route
25-100 mg PO at bedtime (sleep); 150-600 mg divided (depression)
This records doses and routes described in studies, approved labeling, clinical practice, or documented use. It is not individualized guidance and does not establish safety; context changes with indication, formulation, health history, monitoring, and other medicines.
Citations
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Common questions
- What does the evidence show about Trazodone's effects?
- Read Off Label rates the evidence for Trazodone as Moderate and the benefit magnitude as moderate, producing an overall grade of B- (6.3/10). Workhorse off-label hypnotic; less addiction potential than Z-drugs or benzos; not FDA-approved for insomnia but widely used.
- What safety findings are reported for Trazodone?
- Trazodone has a low-med risk profile in the database. Low-Med (orthostatic hypotension, dry mouth, priapism — rare but notable emergency, serotonin syndrome with MAOIs) Legal status: Rx.
- What doses or routes are reported for Trazodone?
- 25-100 mg PO at bedtime (sleep); 150-600 mg divided (depression) This is context from studies, approved labeling, clinical practice, or documented use; it is not individualized guidance and does not establish safety.
- How does Trazodone work?
- Serotonin antagonist/reuptake inhibitor; primary sleep effect via H1 and alpha-1 antagonism at low doses; antidepressant at higher doses (150-600 mg) but sedation is dose-limiting
This is an independent synthesis of published research by a non-clinician. Scores are opinions supported by citations, not prescriptions. See the full disclaimer and methodology for how this score was produced and what it does and doesn't mean.