TrazodoneTrazodone Hydrochloride

About Trazodone

Trazodone blocks certain serotonin receptors and, at higher doses, inhibits serotonin reuptake. At the low doses used for sleep its sedating and antihistamine-like effects dominate; at the higher doses used for depression the antidepressant effect emerges. Because it is not a controlled substance and has less dependence potential than benzodiazepines or the so-called Z-drugs, prescribers often reach for it when someone has both low mood and poor sleep.

It is approved only for major depression, so use for insomnia is off-label but extremely common. It is taken at bedtime for sleep or in divided doses for depression. Next-morning grogginess, dizziness on standing and dry mouth are the usual complaints. Priapism, a prolonged painful erection, is a rare but serious side effect that needs emergency care.

Trazodone tablets are scored, and the 150 mg tablet is scored so it can be divided into three. Dose adjustments are made by the prescriber.

Taking Trazodone

How to take it

Shortly after a meal or light snack, which reduces dizziness. For depression it is taken once at bedtime or in divided doses; when prescribed for sleep, a low dose at bedtime. The tablets are scored and may be split along the score.

If you miss a dose

If you take it at bedtime and remember the next morning, skip the missed dose rather than taking it during the day. Otherwise follow the usual rule: take it when you remember unless the next dose is near, and never double up.

Storage

At room temperature, protected from light and moisture, out of reach of children.

Interactions to know about

It must not be taken with an MAOI or within 14 days of one. Other serotonin-affecting medicines raise the risk of serotonin syndrome; ketoconazole, ritonavir and similar drugs raise its levels; drugs that affect heart rhythm need care; and alcohol and other sedatives add to drowsiness. A rare but serious side effect is a prolonged, painful erection, which needs emergency care.

This summarizes the official prescribing information. Your prescriber’s and pharmacist’s instructions, and the leaflet that comes with your medicine, take priority.

Why the cash price for Trazodone differs from pharmacy to pharmacy

Trazodone is a commodity generic and its cash price is almost entirely dispensing fee and margin. For a bedtime dose that continues for months or years, the spread between pharmacies matters more than it looks on a single fill.

Because it is often prescribed at low doses, the number of tablets per fill is small and the dispensing fee becomes the majority of the price. A pharmacy with a low fee, or a flat-price generic list that includes trazodone, will beat one with a higher fee regardless of drug cost.

Ways to pay less for Trazodone without insurance

• Ask for a ninety-day prescription.
• Ask whether trazodone is on the pharmacy’s flat-price generic list.
• If your dose is a fraction of a tablet, ask the prescriber whether a scored higher-strength tablet could be split.
• Compare independents and mail-order pharmacies.
• Upload your prescription to Script Unlock so licensed pharmacies can quote their cash price. You pay the pharmacy directly.

Questions to ask your pharmacist about Trazodone

1. 1.How long before bed should I take it?
2. 2.Should I take it with food?
3. 3.Is it safe with my other medicines, especially other antidepressants or sleep aids?
4. 4.What should I do if I feel dizzy when I get up at night?
5. 5.What are the warning signs of priapism or serotonin syndrome?

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