Summary
Trazodone is primarily prescribed as an antidepressant and for its anxiolytic and sedative properties, with widespread off-label use for insomnia at lower doses (25-100 mg). Common side effects include drowsiness, orthostatic hypotension, dry mouth, and dizziness. Rare but serious side effects include priapism (prolonged erection requiring immediate medical attention), serotonin syndrome when combined with other serotonergic drugs, and QT interval prolongation. Take with food to improve absorption and reduce side effects. Should not be combined with MAOIs within 14 days.
Dose Information
| ROA | Light | Common | Strong | Heavy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oral | 25-50mg | 50-100mg | 100-150mg | 150mg+ |
Light
Common
Strong
Heavy
Onset, Duration & After-effects
| ROA | Onset | Comeup | Peak | Offset | After Effects | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oral | 30-60 min | 1-2 hrs | 1-3 hrs | 3-6 hrs | 12 hrs | 360-0 min |
Tolerance
Build-up
develops over 1–4 weeks of regular use
Reset
days to weeks depending on duration of use
Effects
Positive
- Physical stimulation
- Stimulation
Negative
- Dry mouth
- Motor impairment
- Nausea
- Headache
- Pupil Dilation
- Vasoconstriction
- Teeth Grinding
- Sedation
Positive
- Anxiety suppression
- Emotion enhancement
- Motivation enhancement
- Mood lift
Negative
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Cognitive impairment
- Motor control loss
- Anxiety
- Dysphoria
Positive
- Tracers
- Color Enhancement
Negative
- Light sensitivity
- Appetite Suppression
- Decreased Libido
- Dehydration
- Dulled perception
- Visual distortions
- Closed-Eye Visuals
- Visual Drifting