Trazodone, the Generic of Desyrel® Tablets

What Trazodone Is and How It Works

Trazodone is an antidepressant used for major depressive disorder and often used off-label to help with sleep. It belongs to the serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor (SARI) class. Many patients start with Trazodone 50 mg at bedtime, while others use divided doses for daytime mood symptoms. If paying cash, trazodone without insurance can be affordable through Canadian pricing compared with typical US costs.

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Trazodone blocks 5‑HT2A/2C receptors and weakly inhibits serotonin reuptake. This can improve mood and reduce anxiety symptoms over time. Its antihistamine and alpha‑1 adrenergic effects add sedation and can lower blood pressure, which is why bedtime dosing is common. The medicine is supplied as oral tablets, often in 50 mg and 100 mg strengths; a common 50 mg tablet imprint is PLIVA 433. Extended‑release forms exist but are distinct products that must be swallowed whole.

Primary indication is depression. Clinicians sometimes use trazodone for sleep in patients with depression or when sedative properties are desired. The medicine is not a controlled substance, and it is generally taken with food or a light snack to reduce stomach upset.

Dosage and Usage

• Starting dose is individualized. For depression, prescribers often begin with low doses and increase gradually based on response and tolerability.
• Bedtime use is common when sedation is helpful. Some patients use divided doses two or three times daily for mood.
• Swallow tablets with water. Extended‑release tablets must not be crushed, split, or chewed.
• If using a 50 mg or 100 mg tablet, follow the exact directions on your prescription label.
• Missed dose: take when remembered unless it is near the next dose. If close to the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume the schedule. Do not double up.
• Alcohol and other sedatives can increase drowsiness and dizziness; prescribers often advise avoiding or limiting them.
• Do not stop suddenly without medical guidance. A gradual taper may be recommended to reduce discontinuation symptoms.

• Store tablets at 20–25°C (68–77°F). Brief excursions 15–30°C (59–86°F) are usually acceptable.
• Keep in the original, tightly closed container. Protect from moisture and excessive heat.
• When you travel, carry your medication in your hand luggage with a copy of your prescription.
• Avoid leaving tablets in a hot car or near windows. Do not freeze.
• Use a pill organizer only if child access is controlled. Keep all medicines out of reach of children and pets.

Benefits and Savings

Trazodone can improve sleep continuity and reduce nighttime awakenings, which may support daytime functioning in people with depression. For mood, benefits often build over several weeks. The sedating profile can be useful when anxiety and insomnia occur with depressive symptoms. Tablets are available in multiple strengths, including trazodone 100 mg, to support careful dose adjustments.

Buying from a Canadian pharmacy can reduce your monthly spend. Many patients see 60–80% savings versus typical US prices, including those comparing trazodone cash price quotes. If you pay out of pocket, trazodone without insurance is often one of the more budget‑friendly antidepressant options. Multi‑month supplies and periodic bulk promotions can further lower the per‑month cost.

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You can set gentle reorder reminders in your account so you do not run out between refills. No need to search for “trazodone near me” each month when your order arrives by mail with prompt, express shipping.

Side Effects and Safety

• Common: drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, headache, blurred vision, nausea, constipation, fatigue.
• Other: lightheadedness when standing, stuffy nose, diarrhea, nervousness, tremor, vivid dreams.
• Sexual dysfunction can occur but is often less frequent compared with some SSRIs.

Serious but less common risks include suicidal thoughts and behaviors in young people, serotonin syndrome (especially with other serotonergic drugs), cardiac rhythm changes including QT prolongation, low blood pressure with fainting, hyponatremia (low sodium), angle‑closure glaucoma, seizures, and rare prolonged or painful erections (priapism). Avoid combining with MAOIs, linezolid, IV methylene blue, or heavy alcohol use. Ask your prescriber about drug interactions if you take SSRIs, SNRIs, triptans, tramadol, St. John’s wort, or other CNS depressants.

Onset Time

Sedation is usually noticeable with the first doses, which is why many people take trazodone for sleep at bedtime. Sleep continuity can improve within days. For depression, mood benefits often appear within 2–4 weeks, with full response sometimes taking 6–8 weeks as the dose is optimized. Dose changes are often spaced by a few days to a week to gauge effects and tolerability.

Compare With Alternatives

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are first‑line for many people with depression and anxiety. Options such as Escitalopram and Fluoxetine are generally less sedating during the day but may cause more activating effects at night in some patients. Trazodone is often chosen when nighttime sedation is desired.

Paxil® (paroxetine) is another SSRI used for depression and many anxiety disorders. It may cause daytime drowsiness and weight gain for some individuals. Unlike most SSRIs, trazodone’s receptor profile can help sleep more directly, which is why prescribers may pair it with an SSRI when insomnia persists.

If insomnia is the main symptom, low‑dose doxepin or non‑drug approaches like sleep hygiene are sometimes considered. For generalized anxiety, SSRIs or SNRIs are common choices. Your prescriber will weigh your medical history and current medicines to select the best option.

Combination Therapy

• With an SSRI or SNRI to support sleep when daytime treatment is already established; monitor for serotonin‑related side effects.
• With bupropion to address residual depression while aiming to reduce sexual side effects; watch for additive insomnia or agitation.
• With mood stabilizers or antipsychotics when treating bipolar depression or complex cases, guided by a specialist.
• Avoid use with MAOIs, or within 14 days of MAOI therapy, due to the risk of severe interactions.
• When combined with other sedatives, clinicians often lower doses to reduce excessive drowsiness and orthostatic dizziness.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Candidates include adults with major depressive disorder, especially when insomnia or nighttime anxiety are prominent. Those with primary insomnia sometimes receive trazodone off‑label after behavioral strategies are tried. It may not suit people with significant heart rhythm conditions, recent myocardial infarction, uncontrolled narrow‑angle glaucoma, severe liver disease, or a history of priapism. Caution is advised in the elderly due to fall risk, and during pregnancy or breastfeeding where risk‑benefit should be assessed.

Use caution if you have a seizure disorder, bipolar disorder (risk of switching to mania), or low sodium. Trazodone hydrochloride may cause next‑day drowsiness; avoid driving or operating machinery until you know your response. Always tell your prescriber about all medicines, including over‑the‑counter products and supplements.

To reduce costs, consider a multi‑month supply if your dose is stable. Unit pricing often improves at higher counts. Reorder reminders help you time refills well. If paying out of pocket, trazodone without insurance usually remains one of the more economical antidepressant options among tablet formulations.

Authoritative Sources

FDA approval history for Desyrel (trazodone)

DailyMed listings for trazodone hydrochloride tablets

Health Canada Drug Product Database: trazodone

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This page is educational and does not replace advice from your healthcare professional. Always follow your prescriber’s directions and read the patient information that comes with your medicine.