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.
Most students with insurance pay a $25 average copay. No insurance? Sessions start at $110.
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.
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Your insurance questions, answered.
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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.
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No — trazodone is not a controlled substance and does not cause physical dependence or tolerance in the way benzodiazepine sleep aids do.
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Trazodone's sedating effects are typically felt within 30–60 minutes of taking it. It is usually taken 30 minutes before bedtime.
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Morning grogginess (especially at higher doses), dry mouth, dizziness, and blurred vision are most common. Starting at a low dose helps manage these.
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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.
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Many people take it nightly for months or years without developing tolerance or dependence — a key advantage over benzodiazepine sleep aids.
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At full antidepressant doses (150–400mg), trazodone is effective for depression, though it is used less often for this purpose than newer antidepressants.
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Book a free consult at Semester Health. Our psychiatrists will assess your sleep and mood symptoms and determine whether trazodone is the right fit.