How to Take Trazodone: Side Effects, Dosage
How to take trazodone: dosage guidelines, side effects, and important warnings including the FDA black box warning for suicidality in patients under 25.
Not medical advice. Speak with a healthcare professional before using any medication.
Reviewed by:
Updated Feb, 15
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Information sourced from FDA-approved prescribing information and peer-reviewed medical references.
How to Take Trazodone
How to Take Trazodone
Per FDA-approved prescribing information, trazodone should be taken with a small snack or shortly after a meal to enhance absorption and reduce gastrointestinal upset. Take it at the same time each day as directed by your prescriber.
- For depression (adults): Per FDA-approved prescribing information, the initial dose is typically 150 mg/day in divided doses. Dosage may be increased by 50 mg/day every 3–4 days. The maximum outpatient dose is generally 400 mg/day in divided doses; inpatient doses may reach 600 mg/day under close supervision.
- For sleep (off-label use, adults): Dosing for insomnia is off-label and determined by your prescriber; consult your clinician for the appropriate dose for your situation.
- If using extended-release tablets: Per FDA-approved prescribing information, swallow whole — do not split, crush, or chew.
- For divided daily doses: Space doses evenly throughout the day as directed by your prescriber.
- If a dose is missed: Per FDA-approved prescribing information, take it when remembered unless it is close to the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and resume the regular schedule.
- Avoid alcohol: Per FDA-approved prescribing information, alcohol may increase central nervous system depression with trazodone.
Warnings Before Taking Trazodone
- Black Box Warning — Suicidality: Per FDA-approved prescribing information, trazodone, as an antidepressant, carries a black box warning for increased risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults (under age 25) with major depressive disorder and other psychiatric disorders. Monitor closely for clinical worsening and unusual behavioral changes, especially during early treatment and dose adjustments.
- Per FDA-approved prescribing information: Do not use if there is a known hypersensitivity to trazodone.
- Per FDA-approved prescribing information: Inform your prescriber of any cardiac arrhythmias, recent myocardial infarction, or history of QT prolongation before starting trazodone.
- Per FDA-approved prescribing information: Disclose all current medications, particularly MAO inhibitors, other antidepressants, serotonergic agents, and sedatives, due to risk of drug interactions including serotonin syndrome.
- Per FDA-approved prescribing information: Inform your prescriber of any history of bipolar disorder, seizure disorder, or bleeding disorders.
- Per FDA-approved prescribing information: Trazodone may cause orthostatic hypotension; use caution when rising from a seated or lying position.
Trazodone Side Effects
Very common
Mild
Drowsiness or Fatigue
Suicidality Black Box Warning: Per FDA-approved prescribing information, trazodone carries a black box warning for increased suicidal thinking and behavior in patients under age 25. Monitor for worsening depression or behavioral changes and report them to your prescriber immediately.
Per FDA-approved prescribing information, somnolence and fatigue are among the most frequently reported adverse reactions with trazodone. Taking the dose in the evening may help reduce daytime sedation.
Normally lasts for:
4–8 hours
Common
Mild
Dizziness or Lightheadedness
Per FDA-approved prescribing information, trazodone may cause orthostatic hypotension, resulting in dizziness or lightheadedness upon standing. Rising slowly from a seated or lying position may reduce this effect.
Normally lasts for:
1–3 hours
Common
Mild
Dry Mouth
Per FDA-approved prescribing information, dry mouth (xerostomia) is a reported adverse reaction with trazodone. Adequate hydration and sugar-free lozenges may help.
Normally lasts for:
1–4 hours
Common
Moderate
Headache
Per FDA-approved prescribing information, headache is a reported adverse reaction with trazodone, particularly during the initial period of treatment.
Normally lasts for:
1–3 hours
Common
Mild
Nausea or Upset Stomach
Per FDA-approved prescribing information, nausea is a reported adverse reaction. Per prescribing information, taking trazodone with food may help reduce gastrointestinal effects.
Normally lasts for:
1–3 hours
Uncommon
Mild
Blurred Vision
Per FDA-approved prescribing information, blurred vision is a reported adverse reaction with trazodone. Notify your prescriber if this persists or worsens.
Normally lasts for:
30 minutes–3 hours
Contact Us for a Personalized Care Plan
Have questions about compounding? Contact Voshell's Pharmacy — we prepare patient-specific medications pursuant to valid prescriptions from your licensed prescriber.
What If You Forgot to Take Trazodone
What If You Forgot to Take Trazodone?
Per FDA-approved prescribing information, if a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered. If it is close to the time for the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume the regular schedule.
- Do not double up doses to compensate for a missed dose.
- If trazodone is prescribed for sleep and the missed dose is not remembered until close to the next night's dose, wait until the next scheduled dose.
What If You Took Too Much Trazodone
What If You Took Too Much Trazodone by Accident?
Contact Poison Control immediately at 1-800-222-1222 (U.S.) if you suspect an overdose, even if no symptoms are present. Call 911 if the person is unresponsive, not breathing, or experiencing a medical emergency.
- Symptoms of trazodone overdose may include: excessive sedation, respiratory depression, QT prolongation, and seizures.
- Per FDA-approved prescribing information, cardiac monitoring may be warranted in overdose situations.
- Do not drive or take additional medications until evaluated by a medical professional.
- Bring the medication bottle or know the exact dose taken when contacting Poison Control or seeking care.
How Much Does Trazodone Cost
How Much Does Trazodone Cost With Insurance?
With insurance coverage, trazodone (generic) is commonly placed on a lower formulary tier. Actual costs depend on your specific insurance plan, formulary tier, deductible status, dosage, and preferred pharmacy network. Contact your insurance plan or pharmacy directly for your actual out-of-pocket cost.
Pricing information is subject to change. This is not a guarantee of coverage or cost.
How Much Does Trazodone Cost without Insurance
Cost of Trazodone Without Insurance
Without insurance, the cost of trazodone varies by pharmacy, dosage strength, and quantity. Contact your local pharmacy or a pharmacy discount program directly for current pricing. FSA/HSA funds may be used for eligible prescription medications.
Pricing information is subject to change and may vary significantly by location and pharmacy.
