This sudden drop in blood pressure may occur more often when you stand up from sitting. This is a risk of an erection lasting a long time which is painful. The risk of changes in heart rhythm is higher if you already have heart problems. muscle tremor, rigidity, trouble with balance.

increased heart rate, body temperature, headaches.

hallucinations, agitation, dizziness, seizures.

The risk of serotonin syndrome is higher when taking other medications or supplements that raise serotonin levels such as some migraine medications.

This occurs when too much serotonin builds up in the body and may lead to serious reactions. This risk is higher in young adults and children. Call 911 or local emergency services if you are experiencing any life-threatening symptoms such as difficulty breathing.Īccording to the FDA, serious risks include: A small 2014 study found that 100mg of trazodone had a positive impact on sleep arousal.Īre there risks of taking trazodone for sleep?Īlthough rare, trazodone can cause serious reactions. Some sleep medications may negatively affect obstructive sleep apnea and sleep arousal.

May be a better choice if you have sleep apnea.

This may slow certain types of age-related mental decline like memory in older adults. Trazodone might help improve slow wave sleep.

May help prevent age-related mental decline.

Compared to other medications, such as the benzodiazepine class of medications like Valium and Xanax, trazodone is not addictive. Trazodone is less expensive than some newer insomnia medicines because it is available generically. A 2017 review of studies of trazodone use for insomnia found the medication was effective for primary and secondary insomnia in low doses. Your doctor may also prescribe it if other sleep medications, such as Xanax, Valium, Ativan, and others (short- to medium-acting benzodiazepine medications), haven’t worked for you. If these treatment options are not effective for you, your doctor may prescribe trazodone for sleep. What are the advantages of trazodone for sleep?Įxperts recommend cognitive behavioral therapy and other behavioral modifications as the first treatment for insomnia and sleep problems. Trazodone is not approved for use in pediatric patients. People taking this medication should be closely monitored for worsening symptoms and emergence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Taking trazodone has increased the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in pediatric and young adult patients. Like many antidepressants, trazodone has been issued a “Black Box Warning” by the FDA. This effect may be one of the main reasons trazodone works as a sleep aid. It does this by blocking chemicals in the brain that interact with serotonin and other neurotransmitters, such as, 5-HT2A, alpha1 adrenergic receptors, and H1 histamine receptors. One of its actions is to regulate the neurotransmitter serotonin, which helps brain cells communicate with each other and influences many activities such as sleep, thoughts, mood, appetite, and behavior.Įven at lower doses, trazodone can cause you to feel relaxed, tired, and sleepy. This medicine works in multiple ways in your body.

Trazodone is a prescription medication approved for use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as an antidepressant.

Adderall and insomnia help