Trazodone is an antidepressant medicine. It's used to treat depression, anxiety, or a combination of depression and anxiety.
Trazodone works by increasing your levels of serotonin and noradrenaline so you feel better.
It can help if you're having problems like low mood, not sleeping (insomnia) and poor concentration.
Trazodone comes as tablets, capsules and liquid that you swallow. It's only available on prescription.
Key facts
- Doctors usually prescribe trazodone when other antidepressants have not worked or have caused side effects.
- It can take 1 to 2 weeks before trazodone starts to work, but it may be 4 to 6 weeks before you feel the full benefit.
- Trazodone can make you feel sleepy. If you take it once a day, it's best to take it in the evening or before you go to bed.
- If you and your doctor decide to take you off trazodone, your doctor will usually recommend reducing your dose gradually to help prevent withdrawal side effects.