Mission Connection has released a guide on trazodone, a medication that is sometimes prescribed off-label to treat sleep disorders. The resource covers applications, efficacy, and how the drug can be used safely to improve sleep quality.
For more information, please visit https://missionconnectionhealthcare.com/mental-health/sleep-aids/trazodone/
According to data from ClinCalc, trazodone was the 18th most prescribed drug in the United States in 2022, with over five million people filing a prescription for it in a single year. The drug is FDA-approved for use as an antidepressant, but because it can also alleviate insomnia, it is one of the most frequently prescribed sleep aids in the country.
As Mission Connection’s guide explains, trazodone belongs to a class of drugs known as serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitors (SARIs), which increase serotonin levels in the brain while blocking receptors that reabsorb the hormone. The drug also blocks 5-HT2A receptors, which can interrupt both non-REM and REM sleep; alpha-1 receptors, which are responsible for the fight or flight response; and H1 histamine receptors, which play a role in emotions and body temperature. The result is an overall calming effect that shifts the mind from a state of alertness to a state of rest; for this reason, it is particularly effective for users whose insomnia is caused by anxiety or depression.
Mission Connection’s guide says that trazodone is preferred by many because it is relatively inexpensive compared to brand-name sleep aids like Lunesta and Belsomra. Additionally, the drug causes fewer side effects than options like Ambien, meaning it is less likely to impair daily functioning. However, the resource notes that trazodone can still cause headaches, dizziness, daytime sleepiness, and orthostatic hypotension; it is also possible to overdose on the drug, resulting in potentially life-threatening conditions like serotonin syndrome and cardiac arrhythmias.
If dosed properly, trazodone can be used by adults struggling with insomnia to achieve restful sleep. However, Mission Connection’s guide notes that the drug is only a short-term solution for individuals whose sleep disturbances are caused by mental health conditions or chronic stress. For these cases, the resource advises readers to consider complementing trazodone with professional therapy programs to address the root causes of their sleep disorders.
More information is available at https://missionconnectionhealthcare.com/