NSTK · 01.2026Independent supplement reference
NutriStack
Edition 1.0Updated July 13, 2026

Trazodone

Prescription ·Exploratory record · not publication-reviewed ·Updated July 13, 2026

Prescription serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor (SARI) approved for major depressive disorder. Most commonly used off-label at low doses as a sleep aid due to its potent sedating and non-habit-forming properties. At higher antidepressant doses, provides serotonergic and anxiolytic activity. A widely used alternative to benzodiazepines and Z-drugs for insomnia. Dosage must be determined by your prescribing physician.

Evidence tier
Moderate
Indexed sources
11 2003–2025
Interactions
0
Depletes
1 nutrient
Read the sources → Compare profiles
Publication status

Exploratory record, not a reviewed medical publication.

See the editorial and medical-review policies for the publication gate.

This generated database record has not completed a claim-level review by a qualified human medical reviewer. Bibliography links and evidence labels are not approval. The page remains available for reference and is excluded from search indexing.

In short

What the research says.

A quick, data-only summary. The full evidence, dosing, and sources are below.

Prescription serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor (SARI) approved for major depressive disorder. NutriStack rates the supporting evidence as moderate. Common adult dosing is 50–100 mg at bedtime for insomnia; 150–400 mg daily for depression (as prescribed by your physician), though a prescriber sets the actual dose. With long-term use it can deplete sodium. This profile indexes 11 sources.

What it's good for
  • Insomnia improvement (off-label)1,2
  • Depression symptom relief
  • Anxiety reduction
  • Non-habit-forming sleep aid1,2
  • No abuse potential
What to watch for
  • Sedation and drowsiness
  • Dizziness
  • Orthostatic hypotension
  • Concurrent MAOI use (within 14 days)
  • Known hypersensitivity to trazodone1,2

The bottom line

Evidence rating moderate. Most-documented uses: insomnia improvement (off-label), depression symptom relief, anxiety reduction. 11 sources indexed (2003–2025), with 0 interaction records on file.

The science

How it works, mechanistically.

Core mechanism

Inhibits serotonin reuptake (SERT blockade) while antagonizing serotonin 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C receptors. Also antagonizes histamine H1 receptors (contributing to sedation) and alpha-1 adrenergic receptors (contributing to orthostatic hypotension). The dual action of serotonin reuptake inhibition and 5-HT2A antagonism may enhance net serotonergic signaling through 5-HT1A receptors.

Class
Atypical Antidepressant (SARI)
Absorption
Water-soluble; take with food
Dosing

Dosing & protocol.

Common range
50–100 mg at bedtime for insomnia; 150–400 mg daily for depression (as prescribed by your physician)
Recommended form
Tablet

Take shortly after a meal or light snack to improve absorption and reduce dizziness. Take at bedtime due to sedating effects.9

Depletions

What it depletes.

Nutrients this medication can lower over time, and what to replace.

Sodium

Moderate

Antidepressant-associated SIADH can increase renal free-water retention and dilute serum sodium, producing hyponatremia.

Monitor Serum sodiumOnset Often within the first 2 to 4 weeks; can occur later

Full Trazodone depletion and interaction guide →

Safety

Full safety detail.

Side effects

  • Sedation and drowsiness
  • Dizziness
  • Orthostatic hypotension
  • Dry mouth
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Priapism (rare but serious)
  • Blurred vision

Contraindications

  • Concurrent MAOI use (within 14 days)
  • Known hypersensitivity to trazodone1,2
  • Concurrent use with IV methylene blue or linezolid
  • Recovery period after myocardial infarction
Sources

Sources, by evidence tier.

Numbered references. Citations throughout the page link here.

Meta-analyses & systematic reviews

3

Randomized controlled trials

3

Reference material

5
FAQ

Common questions.

Quick answers about Trazodone, drawn from the data on this page.

What is Trazodone?

Prescription serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor (SARI) approved for major depressive disorder. Most commonly used off-label at low doses as a sleep aid due to its potent sedating and non-habit-forming properties. At higher antidepressant doses, provides serotonergic and anxiolytic activity. A widely used alternative to benzodiazepines and Z-drugs for insomnia. Dosage must be determined by your prescribing physician.

What is Trazodone used for?

Commonly cited benefits of Trazodone include: Insomnia improvement (off-label); Depression symptom relief; Anxiety reduction; Non-habit-forming sleep aid; No abuse potential. NutriStack rates the overall evidence as moderate.

What is a typical dose of Trazodone?

A typical adult dose of Trazodone is 50–100 mg at bedtime for insomnia; 150–400 mg daily for depression (as prescribed by your physician). The commonly recommended form is Tablet. These are general ranges, not personalized advice; confirm the right dose with a clinician.

What are the side effects of Trazodone?

Reported side effects include sedation and drowsiness, dizziness, orthostatic hypotension, dry mouth, headache, nausea. This is educational information; check with a healthcare professional before use.

How strong is the evidence for Trazodone?

NutriStack rates this as Moderate, meaning several aligned RCTs or one large RCT plus supporting reviews. Full tier criteria are at https://nutristackapp.com/methodology/evidence-tiers.

Use this with your stack

Trazodone in NutriStack.

Add it to your stack, see how it interacts with everything else you take, and get a Stack Score that updates the moment it does.

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NutriStack is an informational and organizational tool, not a medical service, and not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any supplement or medication.