Trazodone Review

What is Trazodone?

Trazodone is prescription medication that is typically used to treat the symptoms of depression. Trazodone is occasionally prescribed to treat other conditions, including anxiety, insomnia, schizophrenia, and abnormal, uncontrolled movements.

Trazodone is part of a class of medications know as serotonin modulators. This drug works by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain to help maintain mental balance. Having adequate levels of serotonin in the body has been shown to relieve anxiety, and increase mood and feelings of well being. Several sleep aids on the market today are using formulas that also claim to increase levels of serotonin, allowing the body to relax and release itself over to sleep.

Trazodone has been shown to be one of the most sedating anti-depressants, which may be why this is occasionally being prescribed for sleep. Many patients seem to agree that it does provide relief from their symptoms of insomnia and sleeplessness, allowing them to sleep restfully and well throughout the night.  Some though, report that they do feel groggy in the morning after taking this drug.

Can Buy Trazodone in Stores?

No. Trazodone is only available by prescription.

Trazodone Pros

• Proven to increase levels of serotonin in the brain.
• Provides relief from anxiety and nervousness.
• Increases mood and feeling of well being

Trazodone Cons

• Only available with a prescription from your doctor.
• Was not formulated to be a sleep aid.
• Studies and research have not been preformed on the long-term effects of Trazodone when used by those with insomnia.
• May cause addiction, dependence, and withdrawal symptoms.
•  A variety of potential side effects including: headaches, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, constipation, confusion and trouble concentrating, nervousness, nightmares, muscle pain and weakness, sweating, blurred vision, ringing in ears, chest pain, irregular heartbeat, trouble breathing or swallowing, swelling, uncontrolled shaking, and painful erections that last longer then normal.

Conclusion

Trazodone was developed as an anti-depressant medication, and while it does seem to be effective at also helping people fall asleep, it was not formulated to be a sleep aid. The clinical trials and studies preformed on Trazodone have only evaluated its anti-depressant properties. Trazodone has not been studied in regards to treating insomnia. This drug does cause drowsiness and seems to provide a restful night’s sleep for those struggling with this issue, but the potential long-term effects that can occur from using this drug to combat sleeplessness are unknown.

When searching for a sleep aid to treat your insomnia you should discuss all of the options available with your doctor. This may be the perfect solution for you and your body, but keep in mind that there are many alternatives out there that don’t carry the potential risks. Trazodone can cause some serious side effects, as well as being potentially addictive. You may also experience withdrawal symptoms when you decide to stop taking it. These are all things that you need to keep in mind when making a decision about which treatment is best for you and your needs.