Trazodone

Trazodone is an antidepressant most frequently prescribed at low doses for insomnia. It is non-habit-forming, does not require tapering in the way that benzodiazepine sleep medications do, and is well-tolerated for most people.

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At antidepressant doses (150–400mg), trazodone treats depression by affecting serotonin. At lower doses (25–100mg), it is heavily used off-label for sleep — and it is one of the most commonly prescribed sleep aids in the US. Its sedating properties come without the dependence risks of benzodiazepines.

🌙 Insomnia (off-label)
😔 Depression
😟 Anxiety (off-label)

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Komal Nathani

Komal is an LGBTQ+ affirming psychiatrist who works with queer, trans, and gender-expansive adolescents and adults navigating anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, and identity. She offers a space where your full self is welcome, and brings real understanding to the intersection of queerness, culture, and mental health. 

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Adam Butera

Adam is an LGBTQ+ affirming psychiatrist with 23 years in private practice, offering care for depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, addiction, and ADHD. He takes time to understand each person as a whole human being, working with adolescents, adults, and seniors across diverse backgrounds. 

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Real questions. Honest answers.

  • While trazodone is an antidepressant, it is most frequently prescribed at low doses as a sleep aid. It is among the most widely used medications for insomnia in the US.

  • No — trazodone is not a controlled substance and does not cause physical dependence or tolerance in the way benzodiazepine sleep aids do.


  • Trazodone's sedating effects are typically felt within 30–60 minutes of taking it. It is usually taken 30 minutes before bedtime.

  • Morning grogginess (especially at higher doses), dry mouth, dizziness, and blurred vision are most common. Starting at a low dose helps manage these.

  • In rare cases, trazodone can cause priapism — a prolonged, painful erection unrelated to sexual arousal. This is a medical emergency. If it occurs, seek emergency care immediately.


  • Many people take it nightly for months or years without developing tolerance or dependence — a key advantage over benzodiazepine sleep aids.

  • At full antidepressant doses (150–400mg), trazodone is effective for depression, though it is used less often for this purpose than newer antidepressants.

  • Book a free consult at Outspace. Our psychiatrists will assess your sleep and mood symptoms and determine whether trazodone is the right fit.