Trazodone oral tablet is a generic medication. It’s the same drug as the former brand-name medications Desyrel and Oleptro. But it’s no longer available in brand-name versions.
This article describes trazodone oral tablet’s dosages, strengths, and details on how to take it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for trazodone.
If you want to know more about trazodone oral tablet, see this overview article. It covers details about the drug’s uses, side effects, ways to save on cost, and more.
Boxed warning: Risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors
Trazodone has a boxed warning for a risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Boxed warnings are serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
For details, see the “Dosage of trazodone” section below. Also see the end of this article for more information about this warning.
Trazodone oral tablet comes as follows:
- Form: tablet that you swallow
- Strengths:
- 50 milligrams (mg)
- 100 mg
- 150 mg
- 300 mg
Dosage of trazodone
This article describes the recommended dosages* for trazodone oral tablet.
If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should take the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of trazodone oral tablet without your doctor’s recommendation.
Before you start trazodone, your doctor will ask about other conditions that could affect your treatment. These include:
If you or a family member has one of these conditions, your doctor may monitor you more closely. Or they may advise taking a different drug.
* The drugmaker provides these recommended dosages.
Usual recommended dosages of trazodone
Usually, doctors start by prescribing a low dosage of trazodone oral tablet. Then, they’ll adjust it over time until the right dosage is reached. Ultimately, your doctor will prescribe the smallest dosage of trazodone oral tablet that gives the desired outcome.
The usual dosages of trazodone for depression are shown below.
- Starting dosage: 150 milligrams (mg) daily, usually divided into two or three doses.
- Maintenance dosage: Your doctor may increase the daily starting dosage by 50 mg every 3 to 4 days. The new daily dose will usually be divided into two or three doses. These increases will continue until your symptoms are managed.
- Maximum dosage:* 400 mg daily, usually divided into two or three doses.
* For people staying in the hospital with severe depression, the maximum dosage may be higher. The dosage might be up to 600 mg daily, divided into doses as the doctor prescribes.
Each time your doctor increases your dose, they’ll monitor to be sure your symptoms are managed. Once they are, your doctor might decrease your dose to help reduce side effects.
Dosage adjustments for trazodone
Your doctor will prescribe a dosage of trazodone oral tablet based on several factors. These include:
- the specific condition being treated and how severe it is
- side effects you may experience
- your age
- your other health conditions
- your other medications
Missed dose of trazodone
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist right away if you realize you forgot a dose of trazodone oral tablet. They may advise you to take the missed dose. Or they may advise you to skip it and take your next dose as scheduled.
Do not take a double dose of trazodone to make up for a missed dose.
For tips on how to plan your doses of trazodone oral tablet and avoid missing a dose, read this article. You could also try:
- downloading a reminder app on your phone
- setting an alarm
- putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your calendar, bathroom mirror, or bedside table
Frequently asked questions
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about trazodone oral tablet and its dosage.
Can trazodone be used in dogs? If so, what is the dosage?
Trazodone has been studied for use in dogs. One possible use is for stress relief during veterinary visits.
Remember that dogs and humans have very different needs, which include dosages of medications. That’s why you should not give your dog trazodone or any medication before talking with a veterinarian. Doing so could be harmful to your pet.
Find out whether your veterinarian feels your dog could benefit from trazodone. If they do, they can prescribe a safe dosage for your dog.
Is there a dosage of trazodone for sleep, anxiety, or pain?
No, the drugmaker of trazodone does not have a recommended dosage for sleep, anxiety, or pain. Trazodone is not approved to treat these conditions.
But doctors might prescribe trazodone off-label for these conditions. With off-label use, doctors prescribe a drug for a purpose other than its approved uses.
Trazodone has a side effect of drowsiness. If you have drowsiness while taking trazodone, talk with your doctor. They may suggest that you take a lower dose or take your dose at bedtime.
Be sure to take the dosage of trazodone your doctor prescribes. They will choose the dosage that best fits your needs. If you have any questions about your dosage, ask your doctor.
Does an older adult have to take a lower dose of trazodone?
The drugmaker suggests caution in prescribing trazodone to older adults. These are usually people ages 65 years and older.
Studies of trazodone didn’t show different side effects in older adults compared with those in other age groups. But studies of other antidepressant drugs did. Keep in mind that trazodone is an antidepressant.
If you are an older adult, talk with your doctor about the best dosage of trazodone to meet your needs. They will consider your age, your overall health, and other medications you take.
Can trazodone be taken long term?
Yes, doctors usually prescribe trazodone oral tablet as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely take it long term.
If you have questions about how long you should take trazodone oral tablet, talk with your doctor.
Is there a risk of withdrawal with trazodone?
It depends. (Withdrawal describes symptoms that can occur when you stop taking a drug on which your body is dependent. With dependence, your body needs the drug to function like usual.)
If you stop taking an antidepressant, the symptoms of depression might return. (Trazodone is an antidepressant.) This is sometimes called discontinuation syndrome rather than withdrawal.
Trazodone and other antidepressants have been studied for withdrawal symptoms. But there isn’t enough evidence yet to determine whether trazodone has a risk of withdrawal.
If you are interested in stopping trazodone treatment, talk with your doctor. They will likely plan to gradually decrease your dosage to safely stop the treatment.
How trazodone is taken
Trazodone oral tablet is swallowed. You’ll usually take it two or three times per day. You should take trazodone after a meal or snack.
Sometimes you may need to split a trazodone tablet for your correct dose. Trazodone tablets are scored, which means the middle has a groove for easier splitting. If you have to split your trazodone tablet, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They will show you how to split the tablet correctly.
Your doctor may advise that you take this medication around the same time each day. This keeps a consistent amount of the drug in your body. And that can help it work more effectively.
If trazodone makes you drowsy, your doctor may advise that you take it before bedtime.
If it’s hard for you to swallow tablets, view this article. It provides suggestions on how to swallow medications that come in pill form.
Also, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re having difficulty taking your medication. They can offer recommendations about taking it.
Trazodone coupon
Visit this page to access Optum Perks coupons and get price estimates for trazodone when you use the coupons. These coupons can provide significant savings on your prescription costs.
Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with any insurance copays or benefits.
Overdose of trazodone
It’s important that you do not take more trazodone than your doctor prescribes. Doing so can lead to serious side effects.
Symptoms of trazodone overdose
Common symptoms of an overdose can include:
Serious symptoms of an overdose can include:
- heart rhythm changes
- seizures
- trouble breathing or stopped breathing
- prolonged erection of the penis
What to do if you take too much trazodone
If you think you’ve taken too much trazodone, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.
What to ask your doctor
This article describes the usual recommended dosages for trazodone oral tablet. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they’ll determine the dosage that’s best for you.
Do not change your dosage of trazodone oral tablet without your doctor’s recommendation. You should take trazodone oral tablet exactly as your doctor prescribes it. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about your treatment plan.
Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- Does my trazodone dosage need to be lowered if I start a new medication?
- How will we know when we find the right maintenance dosage of trazodone?
- Will a lower dosage of trazodone cause fewer side effects?
- Should I take my trazodone dosage before bedtime?
- After my symptoms are managed, will you decrease my trazodone dosage?
Boxed warning for trazodone
Trazodone has a boxed warning for a risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Boxed warnings are serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Antidepressant drugs increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children and adults ages 24 years and younger. Trazodone is an antidepressant. Suicidal thoughts include mood or behavior changes that occur suddenly. Possible symptoms are insomnia (trouble sleeping), irritability or depression that worsens, thoughts about dying, aggression, and suicide attempts.
Due to this risk, your doctor will likely monitor you closely if you are an adult age 24 years or younger. They will watch for signs of suicidal thoughts and behaviors that are new or are getting worse than before.
Trazodone is not approved for use in children.
For details, see the “Dosage of trazodone” section above. You can also talk with your doctor to learn more.
Find more ways to get support for someone having suicidal thoughts and behaviors in this article.
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
