Trazodone is a prescription medication typically used to treat the symptoms of depression. This drug is occasionally used to treat other conditions, including anxiety, insomnia, schizophrenia, and abnormal, uncontrolled movements.
How Does Trazodone Work?
Trazodone is in class of medications known as serotonin modulators. Trazodone works by increasing levels of serotonin in the brain to help maintain mental balance. Increased levels of serotonin have been shown to relieve anxiety, and increase mood and feelings of well being.
Is Trazodone an Effective Sleep Aid?
Trazodone is sometimes prescribed to help those that are dealing with insomnia and sleeplessness. Increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain has been shown to be helpful in allowing the body to relax and release enough to go to sleep, and this approach is taken by several sleep aids on the market today.
Clinical studies and trials of Trazodone have only been preformed in regards to its anti-depressant capabilities. Trazodone has not been studied or evaluated as a treatment for insomnia. It has been shown to be one of the most sedating anti-depressants, and that may be why it is used as a treatment for insomnia. Consumer reviews speak highly of the sleep that was experienced when taking Trazodone, but the long-term effects that can come from using this drug as a sleep aid are pretty much unknown.
Side Effects of Trazodone
Trazodone may cause a variety of side effects, including:
- Headache or heaviness in head
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Bad taste in mouth
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Weakness or tiredness
- Nervousness
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering things
- Confusion
- Nightmares
- Muscle pain
- Dry mouth
- Sweating
- Blurred vision
- Tired, red, or itchy eyes
- Ringing in ears
The following side effects are much more serious, and you should contact your doctor if you experience any of these:
- Chest pain
- Fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
- Fever, sore throat, chills, or other signs of an infection
- Hives
- Skin rash
- Itching
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
- Hoarseness
- Decreased coordination
- Uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body
- Numbness, burning, or tingling in the arms, legs, hands, or feet
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Fainting
- Painful erections that last longer than normal
Final Word on Trazodone
Trazodone was developed as an anti-depressant medication, not as a sleep aid. And while it does cause drowsiness and seems to provide a restful nights sleep, the long term effects of Trazodone on those suffering from insomnia is relatively unknown. Like many prescription drugs, there is a risk a addiction with Trazodone. You could also experience withdrawal symptoms when trying to stop taking it,
You should discuss all of the options available to you with your doctor when looking for a medication to treat insomnia. This may be exactly what he feels you need, but there could be other, less risky alternatives that would work just as well or better at treating your sleeplessness.
