Trazodone Uses

Trazodone is a prescription medication that is used to treat major depression. It may also be used to treat insomnia, anxiety, schizophrenia, uncontrolled movements, and alcohol dependence.

There may be other uses of trazodone — your healthcare professional or pharmacist can provide medical advice and give you more trazodone drug information.

Trazodone Mechanism of Action

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter (certain natural chemical in the brain) that plays an important role in mood regulation. Trazodone is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), meaning it prevents the reuptake (absorption) of serotonin by brain cells. In other words, trazodone works by making more serotonin available, and thereby creates a sense of wellbeing in people with depression.

Trazodone Doses

Trazodone is available as 50 mg, 100 mg, 150 mg, and 300 mg tablets. The usual initial dose of trazodone is 150 mg/day in divided doses. The dose can be increased by 50 mg every 3-4 days up to a maximum dose of 400 mg/day in divided doses.