Trazodone Alternatives in District of Columbia
Compare generic and therapeutic alternatives to Trazodone (trazodone hydrochloride) available at District of Columbia pharmacies. Save up to 89% on your prescription — no insurance required.
Top Alternatives in District of Columbia
Zolpidem (generic Ambien)
therapeutic
Prescription sedative-hypnotic — more potent for acute insomnia
Avg cash price: $15/mo
Melatonin (OTC)
therapeutic
OTC supplement — gentler option for sleep initiation
Avg cash price: $8/mo
Mirtazapine (generic Remeron)
therapeutic
Sedating antidepressant — similar off-label sleep use, causes weight gain
Avg cash price: $12/mo
District of Columbia Prescription Assistance Programs
DC Medicaid Rx (DC Health Care Alliance)
Prescription drug coverage for DC Medicaid beneficiaries and uninsured DC residents with incomes up to 200% FPL through the DC Health Care Alliance program.
Eligibility: Low-income DC residents including adults up to 215% FPL for Medicaid, and uninsured adults through the Alliance program.
DCPAP (DC Pharmaceutical Assistance Program)
Assists eligible low-income DC seniors with Medicare Part D co-payments and coverage gaps.
Eligibility: DC residents aged 65+ enrolled in Medicare Part D with income at or below 300% FPL. Contact the DC Office on Aging at 202-724-5622.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is trazodone most commonly used for?
Trazodone is FDA-approved for major depression at 300–600 mg/day. However, it is most often prescribed off-label at low doses (50–150 mg at bedtime) for insomnia, due to its sedating properties without addiction risk.
Is trazodone habit-forming?
No — trazodone is not a controlled substance and is not habit-forming. This makes it a widely preferred sleep aid over benzodiazepines (lorazepam, alprazolam) and zolpidem for long-term management.
How does trazodone compare to zolpidem for sleep?
Zolpidem is more potent for acute sleep onset and works faster. Trazodone is less effective for severe insomnia but lacks zolpidem's controlled substance classification, morning grogginess, and dependence risk.
What is the risk of priapism with trazodone?
Trazodone carries a rare but serious risk of priapism (painful, prolonged erection) in men — estimated at 1 in 6,000 patients. Any erection lasting over 4 hours requires emergency treatment.
What does trazodone cost through Script Unlock?
Generic trazodone is one of the most affordable medications available — typically $8–$14/month. Script Unlock pharmacies offer competitive cash pricing for this commonly prescribed sleep aid.