Trazodone
Desyrel (human, discontinued) · generic trazodone
Trazodone is a human antidepressant that veterinarians prescribe to calm dogs: after surgery when rest is needed, for thunderstorms and fireworks, for vet visits and grooming, and alongside behaviour therapy for anxiety. It is a cheap generic that any pharmacy can fill.
What it is used for
In people trazodone treats depression and insomnia; in dogs it is used almost entirely for its calming effect, which starts within an hour or two and lasts several hours. It is given as needed before a stressful event or daily during a period of enforced rest, and it is often combined with gabapentin or with a daily anxiety medicine such as fluoxetine.
The dose is set by weight and vets usually suggest a trial dose at home before relying on it for a real event, because the response varies from mild calming to marked sleepiness. Cats are prescribed it less often but it is used for transport and clinic stress.
Most dogs tolerate it well; sleepiness, wobbliness and occasionally vomiting or increased excitement are reported.
Safety points that differ from human use
- Trazodone acts on serotonin, so combining it with other serotonin-active drugs (fluoxetine, clomipramine, tramadol, some flea and tick products) needs the vet’s judgement; signs of serotonin excess include agitation, tremor, high temperature and vomiting.
- It lowers blood pressure slightly and adds to the sedation of other calming medicines.
- Keep the bottle out of reach: a dog that eats a quantity of tablets needs a poison control call.
- Tablets
- Compounded suspensions and small capsules for cats and small dogs
- 50, 100, 150 and 300 mg tablets
The tablets are scored, so a vet can prescribe a half or quarter tablet for a small dog rather than a compounded product.
Why the cash price varies
Trazodone tablets cost pharmacies very little; the cash price is the dispensing fee and margin, and because prescriptions are often small (a few tablets for a visit) the fee is most of it. A compounded liquid for a cat costs more and varies by compounder.
How to pay less
- Ask the vet whether a scored human tablet, split, would do rather than a compounded strength.
- If your dog takes it daily, ask for a ninety-day prescription.
- Ask whether trazodone is on the pharmacy’s flat-price generic list.
- Upload the prescription to Script Unlock so licensed pharmacies can quote their cash price. You pay the pharmacy directly.
Questions for your vet
- Should I do a trial dose at home first, and when?
- How long before the event should I give it?
- Is it safe with my dog’s other medicines and flea treatment?
- What signs mean the dose is too high?
- Can I split a tablet for my dog’s weight?
Rules on refills, transfers and controlled substances differ by state; see pharmacy rules by state.
How Script Unlock gets you a cash price for your pet’s trazodone prescription
Prices on this site come from pharmacies responding to a real prescription. We do not publish estimated, average or "typical" prices, because none of those would be your price.
- 1You upload your prescription
A photo of your your pet’s trazodone prescription prescription is enough. Nothing is sold on the site; you are asking pharmacies to quote.
- 2Licensed pharmacies respond
Pharmacies that Script Unlock has verified see the request and each can reply with its own cash price for your exact drug, strength and quantity.
- 3You choose and pay the pharmacy
You compare the responses, pick a pharmacy, and pay that pharmacy directly when you collect. Script Unlock never takes a patient payment and never sets the price.
Related pet medications
Sources
- Merck Veterinary Manual
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control
- FDA Orange Book (approved generics and therapeutic equivalence)
- MedlinePlus drug information (National Library of Medicine)
Written by the Script Unlock editorial team from the sources above. Not yet reviewed by a veterinarian or veterinary pharmacist. Last checked 2026-10-03. Nothing here replaces your vet\u2019s directions; doses for animals are set by weight and species.
Script Unlock is a marketplace that lets licensed pharmacies quote a cash price on your prescription. It does not prescribe, dispense or sell medication, does not process patient payments, and does not give medical advice. Always follow the instructions of your prescriber and pharmacist and read the medication guide supplied with your medicine.