Trazodone is a commonly prescribed medication used to treat depression and insomnia. It works by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain, which can help improve mood and promote sleep.
The standard dosage of trazodone for insomnia is between 25-100 mg taken 30 minutes before bedtime. However, doctors may prescribe up to 400 mg for insomnia depending on the severity of symptoms. At higher doses, trazodone is more likely to cause drowsiness the following day.
How long does trazodone 50 mg keep you asleep?
For the average person, a dosage of trazodone 50 mg will help you fall asleep and stay asleep through the night. You can expect approximately 7-8 hours of sleep when taking this dose.
Here is a breakdown of what to expect:
- Within 30-60 minutes of taking 50 mg trazodone, you will likely begin to feel drowsy and fall asleep faster.
- Trazodone 50 mg will keep you asleep for at least 7 hours, on average.
- You may experience some residual drowsiness the next morning after taking 50 mg trazodone.
- Taking trazodone too close to waking time can cause next-day drowsiness due to the medication’s long half-life.
Always take trazodone right before bedtime to avoid daytime sleepiness. The effects typically wear off within 8 hours but can last longer in some individuals depending on metabolism and other factors.
Factors that influence how long trazodone keeps you asleep
Several factors can impact how long trazodone 50 mg keeps you asleep, including:
Age
Older adults tend to be more sensitive to medications in general. Trazodone may stay in their systems longer, increasing sleep duration.
Other medications
Using trazodone with other sedating drugs, like tranquilizers, antihistamines or opioids, can augment its effects. This can lead to prolonged sleep but increases the risk of next-day drowsiness.
Alcohol use
Combining alcohol and trazodone significantly increases drowsiness. Even small amounts of alcohol can make trazodone’s effects last longer.
Dosage
Higher doses of trazodone above 50 mg are more likely to cause next-day drowsiness and keep you asleep longer through the night.
Tolerance
When taken regularly, some people develop tolerance to trazodone’s effects. This means it may work for shorter periods before another dose is needed.
Trazodone dependence
If trazodone is taken long-term, dependence can occur. This may result in withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly, including rebound insomnia.
Tips for taking trazodone effectively
Here are some tips to help trazodone work optimally:
- Take trazodone 30-60 minutes before bedtime with a light snack.
- Avoid alcohol and sedatives, which can add to trazodone’s effects.
- Use the lowest effective dose. Start with 25-50 mg for insomnia.
- Take trazodone on an empty stomach to increase absorption.
- Don’t take trazodone too close to waking time to prevent morning drowsiness.
- Talk to your doctor about potential medication interactions.
- Discuss any concerns about side effects, dependence or tolerance.
When is trazodone prescribed?
Doctors may prescribe trazodone for the following uses:
Insomnia
Trazodone is FDA-approved to treat insomnia at doses from 25-100 mg nightly. It can treat sleep onset and sleep maintenance issues.
Depression
For depression, the typical trazodone dosage is 150-600 mg per day, often divided into multiple doses. It works as a serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor (SARI).
Anxiety
While not FDA-approved for this use, trazodone may be prescribed off-label for anxiety, panic attacks and phobias due to its calming effect.
Chronic pain
By improving sleep and depression, trazodone can help manage certain chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia.
Alcohol dependence
Some doctors prescribe trazodone to treat sleep issues and depression in recovering alcoholics.
PTSD
Trazodone can help manage sleep disturbances associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Side effects of trazodone
Potential side effects of trazodone can include:
- Drowsiness, fatigue
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Headaches
- Lightheadedness upon standing
- Nausea
- Morning sedation
Trazodone is less likely to cause daytime sedation in lower doses under 100 mg per night. Talk to your doctor if any side effects are bothersome.
Risks and warnings
Trazodone has some important safety considerations:
- May increase suicidal thoughts and behavior in young adults. Use caution under age 24.
- Priapism (prolonged erection) is a rare but serious side effect.
- Use caution when combining with other CNS depressants like alcohol or sedatives.
- Withdrawal symptoms may occur if stopped suddenly after regular use.
- Can rarely cause serotonin syndrome when combined with other serotonergic drugs.
Trazodone interacts with many other medications, so be sure your doctor knows all drugs you are taking before starting trazodone.
Frequently asked questions
How long after taking 50 mg of trazodone will it kick in?
You can expect to feel the effects of trazodone 50 mg in around 30-60 minutes. Trazodone reaches peak concentrations in the bloodstream 1-2 hours after taking it.
Does trazodone 50 mg help you stay asleep?
Yes, trazodone 50 mg can help with sleep maintenance by keeping you asleep through the night. Its effects on serotonin promote deep, restful sleep.
Is it safe to take trazodone every night?
For short-term use, taking trazodone nightly is relatively safe. However, long-term nightly use increases the risks of dependence and tolerance. It’s best to take occasional trazodone ‘drug holidays.’
Why do doctors prescribe trazodone for sleep?
Trazodone enhances sleep by interacting with serotonin receptors, histamine receptors, and alpha-adrenergic receptors in the brain. This promotes relaxation and drowsiness. It’s less habit-forming than other sleep medications.
How long after taking trazodone is it safe to drink alcohol?
It’s recommended to avoid alcohol for at least 5-6 half-lives of trazodone after taking it. Trazodone’s half-life is 5-9 hours. To be cautious, avoid alcohol for at least 24-36 hours after taking trazodone.
Conclusion
In summary, trazodone 50 mg will help most people fall asleep and stay asleep for around 7-8 hours. Its effects can last longer in some cases, especially at higher doses. To reduce morning drowsiness, take trazodone 30-60 minutes before bedtime. Be aware of potential side effects and interactions. Consult your doctor with any concerns about taking trazodone for sleep.
