#23: trazodone (Desyrel) | Treating Unipolar Major Depressive Disorder and Insomnia

Trazodone is an antidepressant that also is commonly used for insomnia (off-label). When treating MDD in adults the immediate release tablet is initiated at 50 mg twice daily and incrementally increased every 3-7 days to a typical dose range between 200-400 mg/day. If used for treating MDD and if the sedative effect is not desired it is recommended to have a smaller daytime dose and a larger bedtime dose. When treating insomnia dosing is initiated at 50-100 mg at bedtime. Most common side effects are sedation, dizziness, and low blood pressure. Serotonin syndrome is a concern so watch for symptoms such as agitation, hallucinations, coordination problems, fast heartbeat, sweating, fever, n/v/d, and tight muscles. Trazodone has a Black Box Warning for Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors so patients should be monitored for clinical worsening and the emergence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.  Go to DrugCardsDaily.com to find past FREE PDFs of the drug card sheets that were used for the show. SUBSCRIBE on Spotify or Apple Podcasts or search for us on your favorite place to listen to podcasts. I plan to continue going over the Top 100-200 Drugs as well as occasionally throwing in one of the newly released drugs that peak my interest. Also, if you’d like to say hello, suggest a drug, or leave any constructive feedback on the show thus far I’d really appreciate it! Leave a message on my hosting site HERE.