Key Takeaways
- The most common side effects of trazodone include drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness, nausea, and headache, many of which improve as your body adjusts to treatment.
- Less common and serious side effects, including sexual dysfunction, heart rhythm changes, and suicidal thoughts, require closer monitoring and medical attention.
- If side effects persist or become difficult to manage, a healthcare provider can help adjust your treatment plan or explore alternative options.
Trazodone is an antidepressant medication that’s typically prescribed to treat depressive disorder and anxiety disorder, and is used off-label for insomnia. Trazodone works by changing serotonin levels in the brain to improve mood and sleep quality. While Tradozone use can be beneficial, there are common side effects and risks to understand and consider, like with every medication.
Knowing the side effects of Trazodone medicine is critical if you’re considering taking this drug to change your serotonin levels. Side effects can vary based on dosage, individual response, and whether trazodone is being used for depression, anxiety, or sleep-related concerns.
Common Side Effects of Trazodone
Like most antidepressants, trazodone can cause side effects as your body adjusts to treatment. Most of the common reactions are mild and tend to improve over time. The likelihood and severity of side effects can vary depending on your dosage, overall health, and whether trazodone is being used for depression, anxiety, or sleep-related concerns.
One reason trazodone is frequently prescribed off-label for insomnia is its sedating effect. In fact, drowsiness is one of the most commonly reported trazodone side effects. If you're taking trazodone for sleep, understanding how long trazodone takes to work can help set realistic expectations around both benefits and side effects.
Common side effects of trazodone include:
- Drowsiness or daytime sleepiness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dry mouth
- Throat irritation
- Headache
- Abdominal pain
- Constipation
- Low blood pressure
- Itchy eyes
- Disorientation
- Blurred vision
- Coordination issues
- Fainting
Many of these symptoms occur because trazodone affects serotonin levels and can also influence blood pressure, alertness, and coordination. Staying hydrated, rising slowly from sitting or lying positions, and taking the medication exactly as prescribed may help reduce discomfort. While these side effects are generally not dangerous, persistent or worsening symptoms should be discussed with your doctor. Understanding which reactions are expected and which may signal a more serious concern can help you use trazodone more safely and confidently.
Less Common Side Effects of Trazodone
While most people experience only mild or short-term side effects, trazodone can occasionally cause less common reactions that may affect weight, urinary function, or sexual health. These side effects are reported less frequently but can still have a meaningful impact on quality of life and treatment adherence.
Weight gain
Does Trazodone cause weight gain? Gaining weight is rarely experienced when taking Trazodone medicine. The National Library of Medicine indicates that just 1% of people might gain weight after taking it. However, some later research shows both weight gain and loss are possible. Changes in appetite, sleep quality, and underlying mental health symptoms may also contribute to fluctuations in weight over time.
Incontinence
Incontinence is another rare side effect of high doses of Trazodone. The research article on the Investigation of the effect of trazodone suggests that people with urinary incontinence should seriously consider this and perhaps consult with a healthcare provider before taking Trazodone. Any new or worsening urinary symptoms should be reported to a doctor, especially if they interfere with daily activities or sleep.
Sexual dysfunction
According to Neuroscience Applied, an estimated 1.5% of people taking Trazodone will have decreased sex desire due to the drug. Most people see a return of sexual desire and genital sensitivity in time, though. If sexual side effects persist or become bothersome, a healthcare provider may be able to recommend dosage adjustments or alternative treatment options.
These side effects are less common than drowsiness, dry mouth, or dizziness, but they can still influence whether a medication feels like the right fit. Understanding the difference between uncommon side effects and more serious adverse reactions is equally important when evaluating the overall safety of trazodone.
Serious Side Effects to Watch for with Trazodone
Most people taking trazodone will not experience severe adverse reactions. However, some side effects require immediate medical attention because they can affect mood, heart function, breathing, or neurological health. Recognizing these warning signs early can help prevent complications and ensure you receive appropriate care if a serious reaction occurs. Serious side effects from taking Trazodone include suicidal thoughts, worsening symptoms of depression, and decreased immune system efficiency.
“There are a couple of side effects of Trazodone that we need to watch. The first one is an abnormal heart rhythm, too fast or too slow. It can also decrease the immune system’s efficiency, leading to more colds and infections. Bowel movement and urination irregularities can also be cause for concern. Unexplained bruising, headaches, aches and pains, confusion, nervousness, fainting, coordination issues, and blurred vision that pick up in frequency should be monitored.”
– Talkspace therapist Meaghan Rice, PsyD, LPC
Other reactions can occur as a result of Trazodone use, including:
- Seizures
- Changes in heart rate, including a rapid, slow, or irregular heartbeat
- Changes in behavior, such as aggression or agitation
- Hallucinations
- Difficulty breathing
If you experience any of these symptoms, especially suicidal thoughts, worsening depression, or breathing difficulties, contact your doctor or seek emergency medical care immediately.
Although these reactions are rare, they should never be ignored. Understanding which symptoms require urgent attention can help you use trazodone more safely and make informed decisions about ongoing treatment with your healthcare provider.
Do Trazodone Side Effects Go Away?
In many cases, yes. Most common trazodone side effects become less noticeable as the body adjusts to treatment, particularly during the first few weeks. Symptoms like drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness, and mild nausea often improve without any changes to the medication.
However, not every side effect resolves on its own. If symptoms persist, worsen, or begin interfering with daily life, your doctor may recommend adjusting your dosage or exploring other treatment options. If you're evaluating whether trazodone remains the right fit, it can also be helpful to understand the differences between trazodone and mirtazapine, as these medications have distinct side effect profiles and treatment uses.
How long do Trazodone side effects typically last?
The duration of trazodone side effects varies based on factors like dosage, age, overall health, and how your body responds to the medication. Many common side effects improve within a few days to several weeks as treatment continues. Some effects, such as daytime drowsiness or dizziness, may fade relatively quickly, while others can take longer to resolve. If side effects remain bothersome after several weeks, speak with your healthcare provider about potential treatment adjustments.
How Can You Manage Trazodone Side Effects Safely?
Managing trazodone side effects often involves a combination of medication adjustments, symptom monitoring, and lifestyle changes. The goal is not to stop treatment at the first sign of discomfort but to work with your healthcare provider to find the safest and most effective approach.
Some strategies that may help include:
- Monitoring symptoms and tracking when they occur
- Adjusting dosage under medical supervision
- Changing the time of day you take trazodone
- Taking medication with or without food as directed
- Staying hydrated
- Practicing stress-management techniques such as yoga or meditation
- Exercising regularly when appropriate
- Using supportive remedies, such as ginger tea for nausea or probiotics for digestive discomfort
If side effects remain difficult to manage, your doctor may discuss alternative medications. Exploring options such as mirtazapine alternatives can help inform conversations about other treatments that may better align with your needs and goals. Ultimately, any medication changes should be made with professional guidance rather than on your own.
“Managing Trazodone side effects could include drinking additional water, supporting a healthy lifestyle, eliminating drug use — especially NSAIDS and cigarette smoking — limiting or eliminating caffeine and/or alcohol, telling your doctor anything and everything you’re already taking, being careful about risky activities that don’t allow room for the sedative effect of Trazodone, and making sure your doctor knows everything about previous medical conditions.”
– Talkspace therapist, Meaghan Rice, PsyD, LPC
How Can Talkspace Psychiatry Help with Managing the Side Effects of Trazodone?
Trazodone can be an effective treatment to treat symptoms of depression, anxiety, and sleep-related concerns, but it’s important to understand its potential side effects before starting treatment. While many side effects of trazodone are mild and improve as your body adjusts, some may require medical attention or dosage changes. Knowing what to expect, how long symptoms may last, and when to seek help can make treatment safer and more manageable.
If you’re looking into whether Trazodone may be a good fit for your mental health needs, Talkspace online psychiatry services offer personalized assessments with licensed professionals who can help determine if this or any other medication could benefit you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does trazodone make you sleepy the next day?
Yes, next-day drowsiness is one of the most common side effects of trazodone, especially when first starting treatment or after a dose increase. Taking it earlier in the evening and allowing enough time for sleep may help reduce morning grogginess.
Can trazodone cause weight loss?
Weight loss isn't a common side effect of trazodone, but some people may experience changes in appetite or weight while taking it. More commonly, weight remains stable, though individual responses can vary.
Is trazodone addictive?
Trazodone isn't considered addictive and isn't classified as a controlled substance. However, stopping trazodone suddenly can lead to withdrawal-like symptoms, so it should only be discontinued under medical guidance.
What should I avoid while taking trazodone?
Avoid alcohol and other medications that cause drowsiness unless approved by your doctor, as combining them with trazodone can increase sedation and dizziness. You should also use caution when driving or operating machinery until you know how trazodone affects you.
How quickly do trazodone side effects start?
Many trazodone side effects, including drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, and headache, can begin within the first few days of treatment. These effects often improve as your body adjusts to the medication over the following weeks.
Sources
- DailyMed – Trazodone Hydrochloride Tablet. U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=71961ab1-951d-1493-f76c-2ff25cca2a85. Accessed May 31, 2026.
- Gica S. Investigation of the effect of Trazodone on spontaneous and acetylcholine-induced bladder detrusor smooth muscle contractions. Dusunen Adam:The Journal of Psychiatry and Neurological Sciences. 2022. doi:10.14744/dajpns.2022.00170. https://dusunenadamdergisi.org/storage/upload/pdfs/1649333605-en.pdf. Accessed May 31, 2026.
- Goldberg JF, Steinman MQ, Stahl SM. Trazodone once-a-day: A formula for addressing challenges in antidepressant safety and tolerability. Neurosci Appl. 2023 May 22;2:101127. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12244117/. Accessed May 31, 2026.
Talkspace articles are written by experienced mental health-wellness contributors; they are grounded in scientific research and evidence-based practices. Articles are extensively reviewed by our team of clinical experts (therapists and psychiatrists of various specialties) to ensure content is accurate and on par with current industry standards.
Our goal at Talkspace is to provide the most up-to-date, valuable, and objective information on mental health-related topics in order to help readers make informed decisions.
Articles contain trusted third-party sources that are either directly linked to in the text or listed at the bottom to take readers directly to the source.
.jpg)
.jpg)
