The prescribed dosage for trazodone may vary depending on a person’s individual treatment plan. Factors such as your medical history and response to the drug also may affect your dosage of trazodone.

Trazodone is used in adults to treat major depressive disorder (MDD).

Trazodone belongs to a drug class called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and 5HT2 receptor antagonists. Trazodone is available in a brand-name version.

This article describes the dosage of trazodone, its strengths, and how to take it. For a detailed overview of this drug, check out this in-depth trazodone article.

Your doctor will likely start you on a low dosage and adjust it over time to reach the right amount for you. They’ll ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.

The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended for trazodone. But be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs. In some cases, doctors may adjust your dosage from those mentioned here.

Trazodone form

Trazodone is available as an oral tablet.

Trazodone strengths

Trazodone comes in the following strengths:

  • 50 milligrams (mg)
  • 100 mg
  • 150 mg
  • 300 mg

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Trazodone is approved to treat MDD. The typical starting dosage for adults is 150 mg daily, taken in divided doses throughout the day. (The number of divided doses might depend on the condition trazodone is treating. For example, you might divide the daily dosage into two or more smaller doses to be taken throughout the day. Your doctor will advise you on the number of divided doses.) Your doctor will monitor you throughout treatment to see how you respond to the drug. They’ll also watch for any side effects you may experience.

If needed to treat your condition, your doctor may increase your dose by 50 mg daily every 3 to 4 days.

The maximum daily dosage of trazodone is 400 mg in divided doses. In cases where the condition is more severe, doctors may prescribe a higher maximum daily dosage.

Once you have an adequate response to the drug, your doctor may lower your dosage slowly over a period of time. Or they might lower your dosage if you’re experiencing certain side effects. Throughout treatment and when your dosage changes, they’ll continue to monitor you for side effects and how you respond to the drug.

Always follow your doctor’s prescribed instructions. Notify them if you experience any side effects that may prevent you from taking your medication.

Your doctor or pharmacist will give you specific instructions for taking trazodone. Typically, recommendations for taking trazodone include:

  • Swallow the tablets whole.
  • You may break the tablet in half on the score line (groove) if you have difficulty swallowing pills or to take a specific prescribed dose.
  • Take each dose shortly after a meal or snack.

Your doctor will prescribe your daily dosage. You should divide your dosage into smaller doses to be taken throughout the day. (The number of divided doses might depend on the condition trazodone is treating. For example, you might divide the daily dosage into two or more smaller doses to be taken throughout the day. Your doctor will advise you on the number of divided doses.)

Trazodone may cause drowsiness. If you experience this, your doctor may have a recommendation about dividing your doses. They may suggest taking the major portion of your prescribed daily dose at bedtime (and smaller portions at other times of the day). In doing so, the drowsiness may interfere less with your waking hours.

How long do you take trazodone?

Trazodone is usually a long-term treatment. You and your doctor can discuss whether it’s safe and effective for your condition. If you agree that it is, you’ll likely take it long term once you reach your maintenance (routine) dose.

Do not take more trazodone than your doctor prescribes, as this can lead to harmful effects.

Symptoms of trazodone overdose

Symptoms caused by an overdose of trazodone can include:

What to do in case you take too much trazodone

Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve taken too much trazodone. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number). Or go to the nearest emergency room.

The following are answers to some commonly asked questions about trazodone’s dosage.

What’s the dosage of trazodone for insomnia?

Trazodone is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in adults to treat MDD. It’s not approved to help treat sleep problems or insomnia (inability to get enough sleep).

But some doctors may prescribe it off-label to treat insomnia in adults and children. With off-label use, doctors prescribe a drug for a purpose other than what it’s approved to treat or help prevent. Generally, the dosage of trazodone used for insomnia is 50 mg to 100 mg daily.

If prescribing trazodone for insomnia, your doctor will also consider several other factors. These include:

  • your specific condition
  • your medical history
  • other medications you’re taking or receiving
  • any preexisting heart conditions you might have
  • whether you have a history of suicidal thoughts and mental health disorders

If you’d like more information on trazodone for insomnia, talk with your doctor.

What’s the dosage of trazodone for anxiety?

Trazodone is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in adults to treat MDD. It’s not approved to help treat anxiety.

Still, some doctors may prescribe it off-label to treat anxiety in adults and children. With off-label use, doctors prescribe a drug for a purpose other than what it’s approved to help prevent or treat. Doctors prescribe off-label dosages based on what other doctors generally prescribe for the same use.

Your doctor will also consider several other factors when prescribing trazodone for anxiety. These include:

  • your specific condition
  • your medical history
  • other medications you’re taking or receiving
  • any preexisting heart conditions you might have
  • whether you have a history of suicidal thoughts and mental health disorders

If you’d like more information on trazodone for anxiety, talk with your doctor.

Is trazodone approved for use in dogs? What’s the dosage?

It’s possible that veterinarians might prescribe trazodone for use in dogs. The dosage they prescribe may depend on several factors, such as:

  • the specific condition it’s treating
  • the animal’s medical history and other conditions
  • the weight and age of the animal
  • other medications the animal is receiving

Your veterinarian can discuss trazodone for your dog. Be certain to never give any animal any medication unless your veterinarian recommends and approves it. You can talk with your veterinarian to learn more.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.