Trazodone for Insomnia Treatment

Posted on May 20, 2009 in Latest News

Trazodone (Trazodone Hydrochloride), which is sold under the brand name Desyrel , is prescription drug  with sedative and anti-depressant properties. As Trazadone works as a sedating anti-depressant, it is often used to treat insomnia. Trazodone is beneficial for those who suffer from both depression and insomnia.

How Does Trazodone Work for Insomnia?
Trazodone increases the levels of seritonin in the body. Seritonin is a naturally occurring chemical in the body, which acts as a natural sleeping pill. Trazodone inhibits the re-uptake of serotonin in the body, thereby increasing its levels in the body and inducing sleep.

Trazodone is primarily used to treat depression, but drowsiness is a beneficial side-effect of this drug. Clinical studies show that 40% of the people taking Trazadone experience drowsiness.  Hence, this medication can be used to treat insomnia in short-term.

The dosage of Trazodone for treating insomnia is much lesser than the dosage of Trazodone for treating depression. For insomnia, Trazodone is taken once before bedtime, but for depression it is taken three times a day.

Trazodone Side Effects Insomnia:
An individual taking Trazodone may have a restful sleep, however, he/she may experience side-effects such as headache, fatigue, hangover, nose congestion, the next day. Other side-effects of Trazadone include constipation, blurred vision, muscular pain  etc.

Trazodone insomnia treatment might be effective for short-term, but speaking to your healthcare provider before taking Trazodone for insomnia is important. Lifestyle changes such as sleeping at the same time every day, avoiding day-time naps, managing stress, avoiding caffeinated drinks before bedtime,  keeping the bedroom conducive for sleep are recommended for long-term insomnia treatment.

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