Always follow your doctor's advice, and the instructions that come with your medicine.
Dosage and strength
Trazodone tablets come as 50mg, 100mg and 150mg strengths. Capsules come as 50mg and 100mg strengths. The liquid has either 10mg or 20mg of trazodone in every 1ml.
For depression, the usual dose is 150mg daily. But in some cases your doctor may start you on a lower dose of 100mg to reduce the chance of side effects.
For anxiety, the usual dose is 75mg daily.
Your dose may go up or down depending on how it affects you. Your doctor may prescribe up to 300mg a day for anxiety, or more for depression, if you need a stronger dose.
How to take it
Your doctor may advise you to take your dose of trazodone once a day. If you have a larger dose, your doctor may suggest that you split it and take it twice a day.
If your dose is 300mg a day or less, your doctor will probably tell you to take it as a single dose at bedtime. As trazodone can make you feel sleepy, taking it at bedtime may help if you're having trouble sleeping.
Take trazodone after food to reduce the chances of feeling sick.
How long to take it for
If you have only had 1 episode of depression, you'll need to take trazodone for at least 6 months after you feel better.
Stopping before that time can make depression come back.
If you have had depression more than once, your doctor may recommend carrying on with trazodone for longer.
If you forget to take it
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it's almost time for your next dose. In this case, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time.
Never take 2 doses to make up for a forgotten one.
If you often forget doses, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to help you remember to take your medicines.
If you take too much
Taking too much trazodone can cause symptoms including:
- being sick
- feeling very sleepy
- being confused
- feeling dizzy or fainting
- problems with your heart or breathing
- a fit or seizure
The amount of trazodone that leads to an overdose varies from person to person.
Urgent advice: Contact 111 for advice now if:
- you take more than your prescribed dose of trazodone and have any symptoms
Go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111
Immediate action required: Call 999 or go to A&E now if:
- you have a seizure or fit
If you need to go to A&E, do not drive. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.
Bring the trazodone packet or leaflet inside it, any remaining medicine, and any other medicines you take.
Stopping trazodone
Once you have been feeling better for 6 months or more, your doctor may suggest that you stop taking trazodone.
Your doctor will probably recommend reducing your dose gradually over several weeks, or longer if you have been taking trazodone for a long time.
This is to help prevent any withdrawal side effects you might get as a reaction to coming off the medicine. These can include:
- feeling dizzy
- feeling sick
- numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
- trouble sleeping
- feeling agitated or anxious
- headaches
- shaking
Important
Do not stop taking trazodone suddenly, or without talking to your doctor.