Prescribing Trazodone for sleeping disorders is very common. While it is actually an anti-depressant and antianxiety drug, it is known to be effective in curing insomnia. This PsycholoGenie article elucidates its uses, side-effects, and right dosage.
Trazodone is an oral psychoactive drug that acts as an anxiety reliever, anti-depressant, and helps induce sleep. Its use for sleeping disorders is quite common. Apart from this, it is also helpful in treating other mental and mood disorders. Moreover, it is known to prevent the occurrence of suicidal thoughts. Since there are many cases wherein depression medications lead to worsening of the condition, it is very important to consult a doctor before intake of such drugs and medications.
Use for Sleeping Disorder
Usage for sleeping disorder is very common, even though it is not known to be the right drug for insomnia. In fact, trazodone is a depression and anxiety medication. While working as an anti-depressant and reducing the anxiety symptoms, the chemicals in it regulate your body’s sleep cycle causing sleepiness. Intake of Trazodone before going to bed helps in providing an undisturbed sleep. However, side effects like stuffy nose, severe headache, etc., can be experienced.
Dosage
Your doctor might prescribe it for sleep or other disorders considering your age, and other medications that you are currently taking. Generally 50 mg Trazodone is prescribed to be taken before going to bed. Your doctor might also prescribed 150 mg Trazodone everyday that will be divided in small dosage to be taken at given intervals. The dosage won’t exceed 600 mg per day. It is best to take trazodone after meals or at least snacks, unless your doctor recommends to take it on an empty stomach.
The doctor will gradually decrease the dosage before withdrawing it completely. In case you notice any side effects after intake of this prescription drug, seek medical help immediately. Do not stop its intake on your own. In case you miss a dose and remember so, 4 hours or more duration before the next dose, you can still take it. Else, you must skip the missed dose, and continue with the regular dosing cycle. Remember that you are not supposed to double-up the dose.
Possible Side Effects
The most common side effects are constipation, stuffy nose, headache, fatigue, dizziness, blurred vision, pounding in ears, nausea, shortness of breath, decreases or increased pulsation, nervousness, or uncommon excitement. Other side effects include blood in urine and other urination problems, muscle tremors, nightmares, trouble recalling information, dryness of the mouth, bad taste, or skin rash.
In case you experience difficulty breathing, chest pain, drowsiness, hangover, noticeable swelling of face, lips, mouth or tongue, hallucinations, irregular heartbeat, lightheartedness, or vomiting you must soon consult your doctor. Even if you experience other mental and behavioral conditions like suicidal thoughts or attempts, panic attacks, worsening of anxiety and depression, you must soon consult your doctor.
Before you opt for this or any other medication for the same condition, it is always best to try some natural remedies for insomnia. Following the right sleeping pattern, hygiene, and posture can probably be helpful to cure sleeping disorders. You can opt for remedies like meditation or other relaxation techniques for getting rid of depression and anxiety symptoms. In case of severe sleeping disorder, you must consult a medical practitioner, and follow his instructions. Make sure you follow the dosage schedule as prescribed by him to avoid any possible health complications. Never take such medications without consulting a doctor.
Disclaimer: This PsycholoGenie article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.
