Trazodone for anxiety and depression

@imataurus Trazodone was developed as an antidepressant more than 50 years ago. It is considered an "atypical" antidepressant and I have most often seen it prescribed for sleep because it has a sedative effect. I don't know how often physicians prescribe Trazodone for depression these days so I can't say how effective it is, by itself, for anxiety and depression. I know people who take Trazodone for sleep in addition to the newer antidepressants such as SSRIs (for example, Prozac and and Zoloft), SNRIs (for example, Cymbalta and Effexor) and NDRIs (as in Wellbutrin). Trazodone in its generic form is inexpensive and non-addicting as compared to other meds for insomnia.

Trazodone

-- https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a681038.html

There may be other members who will post here who have had experiences with Trazodone prescribed for anxiety and/or depression.

Trazodone is a sedating antidepressant without anticholinergic properties. Nefazodone is a newer antidepressant that is a structural analogue of trazodone but is less sedating, which is what I take since I no longer can tolerate SSRIs due to neurological issues from long term use. (I take carbidopa-levodopa for a hand tremor.)

I no longer can take other anti-anxiety medications due to renal disease.

Nefazodone (Serzone) is working fairly well, though less well than the SSRIs did in the past. I used to take 150 mg in the morning and 100 mg in the evening and had daily episodes of tearful depression and anxiety between my AM and PM doses. I think the in-between "down" has to do with the half-life of the medication. My doctor agreed with my suggestion that I take 100 mg AM & PM and 50 mg midday and the "breakthrough" anxiety and depression between the morning and evening doses usually passes fairly quickly now, especially if I stay busy. As an adjunct to medication I consult with a therapist regularly to maintain and enhance cognitive behavior strategies to help lessen the depression and anxiety I have experienced most of my life.

I have found Cymbalta effective for anxiety and depression. It is non-addictive, as is Trazodone.

I don’t have trouble sleeping for the most part. I’m on Effexor xr for a lot of years and it’s not working as well. Doc is trying to get me off that and start the T. I’m confused why she chose it as I need it for anxiety and depression. Hope it doesn’t make me too groggy the next day