Trazodone for sleep

Antidepressants or drugs administered for treating anxieties, addiction to alcohol, mood swifts including depression, acute pains, etc. In many instances, more than one antidepressant is used for optimal resents. Trazodone is one of the widely used antidepressants; it is classified under the genre of meds called SARI – Serotonin Antagonist & Reuptake Inhibiting drugs. Can you use trazodone for sleep? It helps to know more.

SARIs are chiefly administered for treating depression. This drug reduces the reabsorption of brain chemicals like serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. It is a common thing to feel depressed once in a while. But, if you are feeling down for more than a week’s time, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare practitioner.

When you meet a physician, you are more likely prescribe to SARIs. Among the elderly people, doctors administered SARIs with lower level of anticholinergic properties; it is helpful in treating aged people living with depression. Some SARIs are also prescribed for sleep-related problems. However, use of antidepressants for sleeping difficulties like insomnia must be under the supervision of a certified clinical professional.

What is trazodone?

Trazodone is popular member of SARI genre of meds. It is prescribed for treating social anxiety disorder, General Anxiety Disorder(GAD), panic attacks, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). It is widely available as a tablet. This drug is also known for its sedentary properties. It also has significantly lower levels cardiotoxic capabilities; owing to which the side effects it causes are quite mild.

Trazodone received clearance for public use in the early 1980s in US. Currently, it is also sold as a generic drug. As per latest estimates it fairs among top twenty high prescribed drugs in US. In terms of number of prescriptions, trazodone is in the range of 30-million each year.

Trazodone maximum dose for sleep

Dosages of 25 milligram (mg) to 100 mg are suited for treating sleeplessness. These doses are significantly lesser than those offered for treating depression and anxieties. For mood swings and depressive disorders, maximum dose can reach up to 400 mg within a 24-hour timeline.

Hence, trazodone maximum dose for sleep is 100 mg. At this dosage level, you tend to fall asleep in less than 35 minutes from the time a dose. In some cases, users may take more than 100 minutes before dozing off.

Minimum dose of trazodone for sleep

Trazodone can make you sleep even at relatively lower dosages. As low as 25 mg can make most people sleep. Regardless of the dosage strength, it is recommended to take this antidepressant regularly. Trazodone is used for short-term spells of insomnia.

There is not much research done on the daily intake of trazodone for sleep. As against many other sleep-inducing meds, trazodone poses minimal risks of abuse / misuse and dependency. Also, this med does not fare under the controlled list of substances – released by the US-based federal drug authorising agency – food & drug administration (FDA).

However, even at lower dosage levels – trazodone may cause a few signs of withdrawal. These signs can include severe spells of migraine, sleeplessness, dizziness, etc. So, if your medication plan is coming to an end or if you are aiming to discontinue the use of trazodone, keep your treating physician aware of it.

Your doctor may taper off the last few doses. If you still witness withdrawal signs like anxieties, being agitated, etc., inform your treating doctor of such problems. If you are not able to consult with a doctor, seek help from a healthcare setting. Those who are in US must quickly call 911. Users of trazodone in Canada – who continue to experience extreme levels of dizziness – must call Health Canada or a local poison management center.

If you wish to know more about using trazodone for sleep or about minimum dose of trazodone for sleep, speak to your caregiving team and / or a pharmacist.

Disclaimer

Information provided here are only of supplementary nature. Information shared here does not substitute a qualified doctor’s advice. This website is not suggesting intake of this drug as safe or appropriate. Hence it is advised to talk to your doctor before consuming this med or any other drug.