Is Trazodone an SSRI?

Is Trazodone an SSRI?

Trazodone is a medication that is primarily used to treat depression. However, it is not classified as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), which is a common type of antidepressant medication. Instead, trazodone is classified as a serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor (SARI).

Trazodone works by increasing the levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that is thought to play a role in regulating mood, in the brain. By increasing the levels of serotonin, trazodone helps to reduce the symptoms of depression, such as feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and lack of interest in activities.

Unlike SSRIs, which only affect serotonin, trazodone also has effects on other neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine and dopamine. This may be why it is effective in treating a wider range of symptoms than SSRIs, including anxiety and insomnia.

Trazodone is typically prescribed at a lower dose than other antidepressants, and it is often used in combination with other medications. It is also used off-label to treat a variety of other conditions, such as chronic pain and insomnia.

Trazodone has a relatively low risk of side effects, but it can cause drowsiness and dizziness, especially at higher doses. It can also cause changes in blood pressure and heart rate. Therefore, it is important to talk to your doctor about any other medications you are taking and any medical conditions you have before starting trazodone.

Summary

Trazodone is an antidepressant medication that is primarily used to treat depression, but it also has effects on other neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine and dopamine. It is classified as a serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor (SARI), it is not an SSRI, and it works by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain. It is often used in combination with other medications and can be used off-label to treat a variety of conditions such as chronic pain and insomnia. It has a relatively low risk of side effects, but it can cause drowsiness and dizziness, especially at higher doses. It is important to talk to your doctor about any other medications you are taking and any medical conditions you have before starting trazodone.

Conclusion

In summary, Trazodone is a medication that is used to treat symptoms of depression, anxiety, insomnia, and chronic pain. It works by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain. Trazodone is not a benzodiazepine and does not work in the same way as benzodiazepines. It is considered to be a less addictive option for the treatment of anxiety and insomnia. However, it can still cause side effects and should be used with caution. It is always important to follow your doctor's instructions when taking any medication.

CBT-I: A Long-Term Sleep Fix

Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is a natural, side-effect-free sleep treatment. It involves relearning your sleep habits and addressing issues that are getting in the way of quality sleep. Studies show that CBT-I works as well as or better than sleep medications and that its effects last after the treatment is done.1

Fill out Dawn Health’s questionnaire to get started with CBT-I right from your computer — no in-person visits necessary. Quality, natural sleep is possible when you embark on a CBT-I treatment journey.