trazodone (Desyrel)

Meet with a licensed provider online to explore if an antidepressant medication like trazodone (Desyrel) may be right for you.

Treatment for:
Insomnia

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How prescribing works

  • 1

    Find a provider who meets your needs

    Browse our providers online or call our scheduling team for matching assistance — find a provider who accepts your insurance and meets your needs, whether that’s a clinical specialty or a shared life experience. Choose a date and time that works for you and how you’d prefer to pay (using insurance or self-pay).

  • 2

    Meet 1:1 to begin treatment

    Meet online with your provider to begin treatment. At your first session, share any symptoms or struggles you’re experiencing along with your goals. Together, you and your provider will discuss if medication may be a good next step. Your provider may write you a prescription to be filled at your local pharmacy.

  • 3

    Attend sessions and start feeling better

    Once your treatment plan is created, your provider will regularly check in and encourage feedback to ensure any medication you may be prescribed is effective for you.

FAQs

What is trazodone (Desyrel) used for?

Trazodone is used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD), commonly called depression. It works in different ways to treat depression: It is thought to work as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) to increase serotonin levels in the brain, and also blocks certain other brain chemicals to help treat depression symptoms.

Why is trazodone (Desyrel) widely prescribed for sleep?

Trazodone may be prescribed off-label for sleep issues. An off-label use is when a medication is prescribed for a purpose other than its approved use. Taking trazodone may make you feel sleepy or tired, which is one of the reasons the medication is often used to help with sleep. Trazodone is also often preferred as a sleep aid over other medications because it is not habit-forming. If you have depression and problems with sleep, your provider may discuss trazodone as a treatment option.

Does trazodone (Desyrel) cause weight gain or loss?

Trazodone may cause weight gain or weight loss. Although weight gain was not a common side effect of the medication, you may experience increased appetite with the use of the medication, which could cause some weight gain. Trazodone may also cause nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea which, in serious cases, can cause some weight loss. If you experience weight changes with trazodone, talk with your provider.

Is trazodone (Desyrel) a controlled substance?

No, trazodone is not a controlled substance—it is not habit-forming, and taking it long-term is not known to cause addiction. If you have other questions about trazodone, talk with your provider to learn more.

Why is trazodone (Desyrel) not helping me sleep?

Trazodone is prescribed off-label to treat insomnia. However, there may be reasons it's not helping you sleep better. For example, you may need a dosage adjustment. In some cases, trazodone may worsen sleep problems. If your provider prescribed trazodone for sleep and it's not working, reach out to them. They can discuss your symptoms and provide other options.

How long does trazodone (Desyrel) last?

When used to support sleep, trazodone can make some people feel groggy the next day. When used to treat depression, trazodone is maintained in your body at a therapeutic level.

How long does trazodone (Desyrel) take to work?

Depending on why you are taking trazodone, it can work immediately to support sleep, or within 1 to 2 weeks to treat other symptoms. However, it may take several weeks before you notice the full effects of the medication. Don't stop taking trazodone on your own if you feel it's not working for you. Reach out to your provider and discuss your symptoms—they can suggest options for you to consider.

Can I get a prescription online?

You can meet online with a licensed provider at Thriveworks — if it’s clinically appropriate, they may prescribe you medication for the treatment of a diagnosed mental health condition. Your Thriveworks provider will send your prescription to a local pharmacy to be filled.

Can I use my health insurance for online prescriptions and refills?

Thriveworks accepts most major insurance plans for our online psychiatry and therapy services. Your insurance may also cover the cost of any medication prescribed to you by your Thriveworks provider, which can be filled at a local pharmacy. Check with your insurance provider to confirm your medical and prescription coverage information.

How do I get a prescription at Thriveworks?

Schedule an online appointment with a licensed psychiatric provider at Thriveworks. After meeting with you and discussing your symptoms and treatment plan, your provider may recommend a prescription medication and/or additional services to help you reach your goals.

This information has been reviewed for accuracy and approved by our licensed psychiatric team. Published December 10, 2024

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Dr. Scott Gordon

Accepting medication as part of your mental health care plan is an individual and often deeply personal decision. At Thriveworks, we’re here to help you understand your care options and support you on the path toward wellness. We prioritize treating the whole patient, whether through medication, therapy, or a combination of both — guided by clinical best practices and rigorously developed treatment strategies to help clients safely and efficiently resolve their symptoms.

Dr. Scott Gordon Chief Medical Officer

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