Trazodone
Trazodone is an antidepressant medication that works by increasing serotonin activity in the central nervous system through both inhibiting serotonin reuptake and blocking 5HT2 receptors. It is primarily prescribed for the treatment of major depressive disorder and is also commonly used off-label for insomnia due to its sedating effects.
Trazodone is an antidepressant that treats depression and insomnia by enhancing serotonin activity in the brain.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- N06AX05
- RxNorm
- 10737
- Generic
- Trazodone
- Class
- atc-n06
- Brands
- Raldesy
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet, capsule, solution
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
8 groupspregnancy
first trimesteruse lowest effective dose, avoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks; discuss with healthcare provider
regular prenatal checkups, fetal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimesteruse lowest effective dose
continue only if benefits outweigh risks; do not discontinue abruptly
regular prenatal checkups
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteruse lowest effective dose
neonatal monitoring required after delivery; may cause neonatal withdrawal symptoms
monitor newborn for respiratory distress, sedation, feeding difficulties
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
n/ause lowest effective dose
passes into breast milk; monitor infant for excessive drowsiness, feeding problems
observe infant for sedation, poor feeding, developmental changes
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
over 65 yearsstart at low dose (25-50mg), titrate slowly
increased fall risk, monitor for orthostatic hypotension, excessive sedation, hyponatremia
regular blood pressure monitoring, electrolytes, fall assessment
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
adolescents 12 17not approved for depression in pediatric patients; if used off-label start very low
not FDA-approved for depression in patients under 18; black box warning for increased suicidal thoughts in children/adolescents
close monitoring for worsening depression, suicidal thoughts
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severereduce dose, use with caution
metabolite accumulation possible; monitor renal function
monitor renal function tests, adjust dose based on creatinine clearance
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severereduce dose, use with caution
metabolized in liver; dose reduction recommended in severe hepatic impairment
monitor liver function tests
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Drug class
Serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor
FDA approval year
Original FDA approval for Trazodone (Raldesy)
Primary therapeutic uses
Approved and off-label uses
Prescription ranking
US prescription frequency data
Trazodone is FDA-approved for the treatment of major depressive disorder. It is also frequently prescribed off-label for insomnia and anxiety due to its sedating properties.
Trazodone enhances serotonergic activity in the CNS by acting as both a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and a 5HT2 receptor antagonist, increasing serotonin availability in the brain.
Common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, and dry mouth. Caution is advised with other serotonergic drugs due to serotonin syndrome risk. May cause orthostatic hypotension. Avoid alcohol. Typically used when other antidepressants are not effective or tolerated.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy