Several medications are used to treat anxiety disorders, such as Ambien, Belsomra, and Lunesta. However, there's another commonly used to help people fall asleep: an antidepressant which has been around for decades called Trazodone. It's often used as a sleep aid due to its sedative effects. So, does Trazodone treat anxiety effectively? Find out more articles below.
This is one of the most commonly prescribed medications for treating insomnia. A nationwide representative survey by Consumer Reports in October 2018 showed that 10% of Americans had used prescription medications to combat insomnia in the past 12 months, and of those, one-third had used Trazodone
1. What is Trazodone?
Trazodone is an antidepressant medication. It is often prescribed when other antidepressants are ineffective or cause side effects that are more concerning than the benefits. Trazodone is part of a class of antidepressants known as serotonin antagonists and reuptake inhibitors.
In the early 1980s, trazodone was commonly prescribed to patients with depressive symptoms. Although trazodone is primarily used as an antidepressant, doctors may prescribe it for patients with other complications, such as schizophrenia or anxiety.
Trazodone is classified as a serotonin modulator. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter, a chemical in the brain, that works by sending signals between nerves. This chemical is used to regulate mood, appetite, sleep, memory, digestion, and sex drive. Serotonin modulators target multiple serotonin receptors to slow serotonin reuptake, resulting in higher serotonin levels being utilized in the brain.
The mechanism of action of trazodone has not been fully studied. It is known to inhibit two types of serotonin receptors in the brain and may increase serotonin levels. Serotonin is a chemical messenger that affects many factors, including mood, emotions, and sleep. Therefore, an increase in serotonin may alleviate symptoms of conditions such as depression.
Trazodone is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of major depressive disorder. However, it is sometimes prescribed off-label to treat anxiety. A drug is considered off-label when it is prescribed to treat a medical condition that the FDA has not approved it for. A common reason for prescribing off-label drugs is when a patient has tried other approved treatments without experiencing benefit.
In addition to anxiety, trazodone has been used off-label to treat other conditions, such as insomnia, substance abuse, and Alzheimer's disease.
While some antidepressants like SSRIs and SNRIs are often used as first-line treatments for anxiety, trazodone is not routinely used. It may be prescribed for anxiety if other medications are ineffective.
Side Effects
Like all medications, trazodone can cause side effects, and some can be quite serious:
Headache
Nausea or vomiting
Loss or increase in appetite, which can lead to weight changes
Dry mouth or unusual taste
Dry eyes or blurred vision
Sleepiness, dizziness, fatigue
Sweating
Loss of balance
Decreased sex drive or erectile dysfunction in men
Frequent nightmares
Constipation
Fainting or dizziness
Using Trazodone could cause headache and dizziness
If any of these side effects become severe, or if they persist, contact your doctor immediately for advice. Some more serious side effects of trazodone can be harmful, although they are less common, including:
Increases maximum plasma concentration (blood fluidity), making the blood thicker.
Liver abnormalities can occur in patients who misuse trazodone.
Increased consumption will increase enzyme levels in the liver. Additionally, there are other potential risks associated with the use of trazodone, but there is no convincing scientific evidence to support them, including:
An increase in suicidal thoughts and behaviors, especially in children and adolescents.
The occurrence of priapism, a prolonged, painful erection.
Heart rhythm disturbances, meaning the heart rate may be faster than normal, slower than normal, or irregular.
Anaphylactic shock, a very serious allergic reaction.
If you experience any serious side effects while taking trazodone to treat anxiety, contact your doctor immediately.
Precautions
Due to the nature and potential side effects of a drug like trazodone, it's important to understand the safety precautions associated with it:
Keep out of reach of children.
Drink more water while being treated with trazodone.
Trazodone should not be prescribed while taking other medications. Patients should inform their doctor about all medications they are currently taking before starting treatment with trazodone.
People treated with trazodone may experience similar side effects, but each person may react differently.
Trazodone should be taken after meals.
If taking trazodone in tablet form, take it 1 or 2 hours after a meal.
It's best to take it before bedtime, and only at this time can patients take it on an empty stomach.
Do not crush or chew.
Trazodone can have harmful interactions with grapefruit or grapefruit juice. Therefore, these should not be consumed while being treated with trazodone.
You should avoid eating grapefruit while taking Trazodone.
2. Is Trazodone Effective for Anxiety?
Many studies conducted in the past have evaluated the effectiveness of trazodone for anxiety:
A 1993 study showed that trazodone reduced anxiety to a similar degree as diazepam (Valium) in people with anxiety disorders.
Another 1987 study showed that trazodone improved symptoms in a small number of people with panic disorder or phobias with panic attacks.
A study in 2001 suggested that trazodone may help reduce insomnia and nightmares associated with post-traumatic stress disorder.
Another potential benefit of using trazodone to treat anxiety is that it may help people fall asleep more easily. One of the common side effects of trazodone is increased sleepiness. Trazodone is sometimes prescribed off-label to treat insomnia.
Many people mistakenly believe that using trazodone to treat anxiety is similar to using Xanax. In fact, Xanax is a different type of drug from trazodone. Xanax is an anti-anxiety medication, and it is called a benzodiazepine. Examples of other benzodiazepines include Valium and Klonopin.
Benzodiazepines work by increasing activity at receptors in the brain called GABA receptors. This has the effect of slowing down the patient's nervous system, helping them feel more relaxed and calm. Xanax is similar to trazodone in that it can cause side effects such as fatigue and sleepiness. However, when used during the day, it can interfere with patients' daily activities.
Another difference is that, unlike trazodone, Xanax and other benzodiazepines can be addictive, even when used as directed. Therefore, they should only be used for short periods of time.
3. Using trazodone to treat other problems
3.1. Trazodone for Sleep
Trazodone can be prescribed for sleep-related issues…
General insomnia includes difficulty falling asleep, light sleep, and early awakening.
It is prescribed to patients when their daily lives are affected by their sleep problems. Usually, doctors will prescribe a lower dosage of trazodone if the goal is to improve sleep quality.
This antidepressant should be taken before bed.
Sleepiness is a side effect of taking trazodone to reduce depression. For the treatment of insomnia patients, this side effect can actually be beneficial.
Trazodone can replace a prescription called Ambien, which is used to treat insomnia.
Trazodone is also used to treat insomnia.
3.2. Trazodone for Depression
In some cases of depression, trazodone can be used to control and manage symptoms.
The primary goal of Trazodone is to regulate brain chemicals used to promote positivity, mood, and social behavior.
Due to its low cost, it is often known as one of the most cost-effective ways to treat depression.
3.3. Trazodone Used in Addiction Treatment
The effects of trazodone can help to deter drug addiction, such as cocaine use.
Sometimes, the human body can develop a dependence on cocaine because it is a highly addictive drug.
Quitting cocaine can make a person feel more anxious, more depressed, and they may have difficulty sleeping.
Trazodone can make addicts less agitated due to its sleep-inducing effects. This helps to effectively support addiction recovery.
3.4. Trazodone for the treatment of memory loss
Some doctors may prescribe trazodone for individuals suffering from dementia.
Dementia is a brain disorder that causes a decline in memory, language, and other thinking skills. It can interfere with a person's ability to perform everyday activities.
Trazodone is sometimes used as an alternative to antipsychotic medications for the treatment of dementia, as the side effects of antipsychotics can be more severe.
3.5. Trazodone for pregnant women
Some expectant mothers may be prescribed trazodone for specific mental health concerns.
It is crucial to consult with a doctor before using trazodone during pregnancy.
Studies have shown that trazodone does not have a negative impact on the fetus.
3.6. Trazodone for Animals
Beyond its use in human mental health, trazodone is sometimes prescribed for various conditions in animals, particularly dogs.
It can be used to treat conditions like separation anxiety, behavioral issues, and difficulty sleeping in dogs.
Veterinarians may prescribe trazodone for daily use. The dosage can vary depending on the size of the dog and the severity of their condition.
Trazodone is found in veterinary medications used to treat animals, primarily dogs, after they have undergone surgery.
This medication adjusts brain chemicals, specifically serotonin, helping animals feel more comfortable after surgery.
Trazodone has been widely known and used for nearly 40 years to help patients combat the symptoms of depression, anxiety, and panic attacks. When used appropriately, this medication can have significant positive impacts in treating an individual's specific needs.
If you or someone you know is experiencing any of the above mental health concerns, please consult with a therapist or doctor to see if trazodone may be beneficial for you
To arrange an appointment, please call … or make your reservation directly HERE. You may also download the MyVinmec app to schedule appointments faster and manage your reservations more conveniently.
