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fsaHSA & FSA accepted; best-value for top quality care
fsaSame-day mental health, weight loss, and primary care appointments available
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Trazodone for sleep online

Trazodone hydrochloride is an oral medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat depression. It’s also prescribed off-label for insomnia and other mental-health conditions, including anxiety.

If you suffer from chronic insomnia, a licensed healthcare provider can determine whether trazodone for sleep is right for you. If they recommend trazodone, you could get a prescription online in as little as 24 hours.*

Learn more

Providers on Klarity Health are independent practitioners with clinical autonomy; a diagnosis, treatment, or prescription is not guaranteed.

a picture of Trazodone for sleep online

Providers on Klarity Health are independent practitioners with clinical autonomy; a diagnosis, treatment, or prescription is not guaranteed.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Paul Hetrick
a picture of trazodone for sleep in the blue background

What is trazodone for sleep?

Trazodone hydrochloride is an oral antidepressant medication. It was approved by the FDA in 1981 to treat major depressive disorder (MDD). It belongs to a class of antidepressants called serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitors (SARIs), which slow the reabsorption of serotonin (a chemical messenger) back into the brain to prolong its “feel good” effects.

Trazodone can be taken by itself or in combination with other medications to treat depression. It’s often used with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRIs) antidepressants to prevent some of the more common side effects of those drugs: sexual dysfunction, anxiety, and insomnia.

Trazodone is also prescribed off-label (a condition it’s not FDA approved for) as a treatment for insomnia by itself, as well as several other mental-health conditions: generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Trazodone is also used off-label for other health conditions, including bulimia, substance abuse, chronic pain, and dementia.

Trazodone is a generic drug. The brand name for trazodone is Raldesy. Other brands of the medication — Desyrel, Desyrel Dividose, and Oleptro — have been discontinued in the U.S.

How does trazodone for sleep work?

Trazodone was shown to improve sleep problems in patients taking the drug for treatment of depression or GAD, which led to it being prescribed by providers off-label for insomnia. It works by having a sedative effect on the body and reducing certain neurotransmitters that are associated with arousal.

Trazodone also blocks histamines, which help the immune system and keep the brain alert. A histamine blocker, or antihistamine (as found in common allergy medications, like Benadryl), can have a sedative effect and make you drowsy.

A clinical placebo-controlled study found taking 50 to 100 milligrams a day of trazodone helped secondary insomnia caused by depression, with the higher dose most effective for improving sleep. The same study found 50 milligrams of trazodone was more effective than a placebo for improving sleep duration and shortening the time it took to fall asleep in patients with primary insomnia (insomnia that’s not a side effect of another health condition). Zolpidem (brand name Ambien) was found to be more effective in this study than both trazodone and a placebo though.

The FDA hasn’t approved trazodone for sleep because there’s not enough data to show it’s effective. And clinical guidance from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine doesn’t recommend trazodone as a treatment for insomnia due to the lack of quality scientific evidence to support it.

the woman has a good sleep after taking trazodone

Who can take trazodone for sleep?

Trazodone is FDA-approved to treat depression. If your healthcare provider thinks the effects of trazodone will improve your sleep, they can prescribe it off-label.

In 2022, over 27 million prescriptions for trazodone were issued in the U.S. Research found that trazodone is more commonly prescribed as a sleep aid than as an antidepressant.

the girl is getting a trazodone prescription from an online provider

How to get a trazodone prescription online

Trazodone requires a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider, such as a physician assistant/associate (PA), medical doctor (MD), or ​​nurse practitioner (NP). If one of these healthcare professionals thinks trazodone is appropriate for you to improve sleep, they can prescribe it for you.

Find a board-certified, licensed provider to discuss trazodone or other insomnia medications on Klarity Health.

If you and your provider decide trazodone is right for you, your provider can send your prescription to an online or local pharmacy or you can drop it off or submit it yourself.

Some states require at least one in-person visit before a provider can prescribe medication. Find online prescribing regulations for your state on the Center for Connected Health Policy website.

Why choose a provider on Klarity Health?

Choose from a growing list of licensed, board-certified providers with expertise in insomnia treatment.

Choose from a growing list of licensed, board-certified providers with expertise in insomnia treatment.

Have an appointment in as little as 24 hours.*

Have an appointment in as little as 24 hours.*

No insurance needed — get reimbursed from insurance or use your FSA or HSA.

No insurance needed — get reimbursed from insurance or use your FSA or HSA.

Trazodone dosage for sleep and how to use it

Trazodone comes in oral tablets in 4 dosages: 50, 100, 150, or 300 milligrams. It’s taken daily. Because of its sedative effects, trazodone should be taken close to bedtime, following a snack or a light meal.

Because trazodone isn’t FDA-approved for insomnia, there are no recommended dosing instructions for trazodone for sleep. Your healthcare provider can determine a dosage that’s best for you, likely prescribing low doses of trazodone first and increasing your dose if needed.

the man takes the right Trazodone dosage for sleep
the man is worried about Trazodone side effects

Trazodone side effects and warnings

The most common potential side effects of trazodone are dry mouth, constipation, drowsiness, dizziness and lightheadedness, fatigue, nervousness, daytime sleepiness, nausea, vomiting, and skin conditions.

Trazodone also has potentially serious side effects. It comes with an FDA-boxed warning for increased thoughts of suicide and suicidal behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults taking the drug for MDD. Young patients should be closely monitored by their families and healthcare providers while taking it.

Trazodone is also linked to priapism (a prolonged painful erection that lasts for several hours). Medical intervention is required if patients have this side effect.

Patients with heart disease should be closely monitored by their providers because trazodone and other antidepressants have been associated with cardiac arrhythmias.

Trazodone shouldn’t be taken with other antidepressants, as it can increase the risk of a rare but serious condition called serotonin syndrome. Other antidepressants include duloxetine (Cymbalta), escitalopram (Lexapro), fluoxetine (Prozac), bupropion (Wellbutrin), and sertraline (Zoloft). Wait at least 14 days after taking an MAOI to use trazodone. People taking the muscle relaxant cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) should also avoid taking trazodone to avoid serotonin syndrome.

If you take Trazodone and have any side effects, work with your provider and consider reporting negative side effects to the FDA by visiting MedWatch or calling 1-800-FDA-1088.

What does trazodone cost?

Trazodone is inexpensive because it’s a generic drug. A 30-day supply of 100-milligram trazodone tablets costs about $19 out of pocket. The 50-milligram tablets cost about $18, and the 150-milligram tablets cost about $21 for 30 tablets. The 300-milligram tablets cost $151 for 100 tablets. Costs are from drugs.com with its discount.

Trazodone is typically covered by insurance. So you may pay only your copay and any applicable deductible depending on your insurance plan. And, with or without insurance, you can use a prescription discount site like GoodRx, SingleCare Rx, NeedyMeds, or drugs.com to save up to 80% on your out-of-pocket cost.

How does Trazodone for sleep compare to other insomnia medications?

More than 20 medications are FDA-approved to treat sleep disorders because they’re proven to be safe and effective treatments for insomnia in clinical trials. Trazodone isn’t FDA-approved for insomnia and is only used off-label as a sleep aid.

FDA-approved insomnia medications include zolpidem (Ambien), ramelteon (Rozerem), and daridorexant (Quviviq). Some benzodiazepines are also FDA-approved for sleep, but these are classified as Schedule IV controlled substances due to their high risk of abuse and addiction.

Zolpidem (Ambien) is FDA-approved to treat short-term insomnia. In clinical trials, it was found to be more effective than a placebo for improving sleep. Research also found Ambien doesn’t impair motor functions 8 hours or more after taking it. Ambien has an FDA-boxed warning due to its link with complex sleep behaviors that can potentially be dangerous, including sleep-walking and sleep-driving.

Ramelteon (Rozerem) is FDA-approved to treat insomnia that’s characterized by difficulty falling asleep. It may cause temporary cognitive or behavioral changes because it’s a hypnotic drug that depresses the central nervous system (CNS) to promote sleep.

Daridorexant (Quviviq) is FDA-approved to treat insomnia characterized by difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep in adults. It’s also a hypnotic. Complex sleep events, including sleep paralysis and sleep-walking, have been reported with daridorexant. Worsened depression and increased suicidal thoughts also have been reported. 

The best way to find out which insomnia medication, if any, is best for you is to talk to an insomnia specialist.

the woman is wondering how does Trazodone for sleep compare to other insomnia medications

With Klarity Health, you’re in good company

Reviews from real patients who received treatment from healthcare providers on Klarity Health.

How Klarity Health works

  1. Choose the right provider for you

    Providers on Klarity Health are licensed and board-certified. They offer a personalized approach to your unique medical needs. See a detailed profile and services for each provider and find the one best suited for your needs. Providers run their own private practice, and their service options can vary and tailor to your unique needs.

  2. Have your initial patient visit

    Your journey to better sleep starts with an initial appointment. Your provider will go over your goals and medical history to recommend a treatment plan that’s right for you. Your plan may or may not include prescription medication.

  3. Work with your provider on your progress

    After your initial appointment, you and your provider stay connected to make sure you’re doing okay and reaching your goals. You stay on track with follow-up appointments, medication refills, and ongoing support from your provider. You’re encouraged to regularly check in with your providers.

  4. Enjoy ongoing support

    If you have questions or need assistance, the Klarity Health Patient Support team is here to help. Along with your provider, they’re committed to making sure you have the best care and support possible.

FAQs about trazodone for sleep

*Appointments are generally available within 24 hours. Free initial consultations are available only with select providers. Prescriptions, particularly for controlled substances, may require an in-person evaluation depending on the state of residence and current federal regulations.

The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Controlled substances may not be appropriate for all patients and any mention of these medications is for educational purposes only, not for marketing or encouraging self-diagnosis. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health. Providers on Klarity Health are independent practitioners with clinical autonomy. Nothing in this article is intended to diagnose or treat any condition, including guaranteeing prescription medication of any kind or dosage. Not all providers on Klarity Health prescribe all medications, particularly medications that are controlled substances.

If you’re having a mental health crisis or experiencing a psychiatric emergency, it’s crucial to seek immediate help from a mental healthcare professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or therapist. You can also call your local emergency services, visit your nearest emergency room, or contact a crisis hotline, such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, by calling or teTrazodoneting 988 or dialing the Lifeline’s previous phone number, 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) in the U.S.

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All professional services are provided by independent private practices via the Klarity technology platform. Klarity Health, Inc. does not provide medical services.

PO Box 5098 Redwood City, CA 94063

100 Broadway Street, Redwood City CA, 94063

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All professional services are provided by independent private practices via the Klarity technology platform. Klarity Health, Inc. does not provide medical services.

PO Box 5098 Redwood City, CA 94063

100 Broadway Street, Redwood City CA, 94063

If you’re having an emergency or in emotional distress, here are some resources for immediate help: Emergency: Call 911. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: call or text 988. Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741.
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