Trazodone Dosage: What You Need to Know About Safe Dosing and Side Effects

When you hear trazodone, a serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor used mainly for depression and insomnia. Also known as Desyrel, it's one of the most commonly prescribed off-label sleep aids in the U.S. But getting the dose wrong can mean tossing and turning all night—or feeling too drowsy to drive. Unlike sleep meds that knock you out, trazodone works by gently calming brain activity, which is why it’s often used for people who can’t sleep because their mind won’t shut off. The key isn’t just taking it—it’s taking the right amount for your body and reason.

trazodone dosage, varies widely depending on whether it’s being used for depression or insomnia. For depression, doctors usually start at 150 mg per day, split into smaller doses, and may increase slowly up to 400 mg. But for sleep, most people take between 25 mg and 100 mg at bedtime. That’s a big difference. Taking 150 mg for sleep? You might wake up groggy, dizzy, or even feel like you’re floating. Many patients don’t realize they’re on too high a dose until they switch to a lower one and suddenly sleep better without the hangover. And it’s not just about the number. Timing matters. Taking it too early in the evening can make you sleepy before dinner. Taking it right before bed, with a light snack, helps it work without crashing your digestion. Also, trazodone interactions, especially with other sedatives, SSRIs, or alcohol. Also known as serotonin syndrome risk, combining it with drugs like fluoxetine or even ibuprofen in high doses can spike serotonin levels dangerously. That’s why you never start or stop trazodone without talking to your doctor.

Side effects are usually mild but can be annoying—dry mouth, dizziness, blurred vision. Less common but serious? Priapism (a painful, long-lasting erection), which needs emergency care. If you’re over 65, you’re more sensitive to the sedative effects. And if you’ve had heart issues, your doctor will check your EKG first. Trazodone isn’t addictive like benzodiazepines, but quitting cold turkey can cause rebound insomnia or anxiety. That’s why tapering down slowly is key.

Below you’ll find real patient experiences, doctor-recommended dosing strategies, and comparisons with other sleep and depression meds—no fluff, no marketing. Just what works, what doesn’t, and what to watch out for.