Oleptro
(Trazodone)
Improves mood and helps you sleep.
Our bottom line
Oleptro (Trazodone) works well as a sleep aid, but has more side effects when used at higher doses for treating depression.
- Drug class: Mental health
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (trazodone)
Upsides
- Commonly used in lower doses to help treat sleep problems (insomnia).
- Safer sleep medication than others (benzodiazepines or Unisom) for people age 65 and older.
- Fewer sexual side effects than many other antidepressants.
- Has been used for sleep and depression for a long time. There's a lot of information available about how it works and how safe it is.
- Comes as a generic medication and is cheaper than many other sleep aides.
- Six out of ten people who use an antidepressant for the first time find that it works for them.
What to expect from Oleptro, on one page
Download Fact Sheet
59Downsides
- Not as effective as other medications for depression.
- More sedating than other antidepressants.
- Causes more side effects when used at higher doses for depression. Includes sleepiness, dizziness, upset stomach, and irregular heartbeat.
- Like most antidepressants, can cause higher risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior for people age 24 and younger.
- The first antidepressant you try doesn't always work or it can cause side effects you really don't like. You might need to try a few different medications until you find one that works for you.
What to expect from Oleptro, on one page
Download Fact SheetOleptro (Trazodone) is a serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SRI) antidepressant. It increases serotonin activity in the brain, which regulates mood.
- Drug class: Mental health
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (trazodone)
Used for
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Extended release
Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.- Rite AidGet free coupon$7.27
- CostcoGet free coupon$7.35
What to expect when you take Oleptro (Trazodone) for Depression
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Effectiveness
- Starts to kick inFull effects
- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Possible side effects
- Sleepiness
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Stomach problems
- Tiredness
Side effect rates for Oleptro (Trazodone)
- Somnolence/Sedation46%46%19%19%
- Drowsiness41%41%20%20%
- Dry Mouth34%34%20%20%
- Headache33%33%27%27%
- Dizziness/Lightheadedness28%28%15%15%
- Dry mouth25%25%13%13%
- Dizziness25%25%12%12%
- Nausea21%21%13%13%
- Headache20%20%16%16%
- Blurred Vision15%15%4%4%
- Fatigue15%15%8%8%
- Nausea/Vomiting13%13%10%10%
- Diarrhea9%9%11%11%
- Constipation8%8%6%6%
- Skin Condition/Edema7%7%1%1%
- Fatigue6%6%3%3%
- Weight Loss6%6%3%3%
- Nasal/Sinus Congestion6%6%3%3%
- Abdominal/Gastric Disorder6%6%4%4%
- Diarrhea5%5%2%2%
- Syncope5%5%1%1%
- Musculoskeletal Aches/Pains5%5%3%3%
- Tremors5%5%4%4%
- Nightmares/Vivid Dreams5%5%6%6%
- Weight Gain5%5%2%2%
- Back pain5%5%3%3%
- Vision blurred5%5%
- Sexual dysfunction5%5%2%2%
- Hypotension4%4%
- Incoordination2%2%
- Ejaculation disorders2%2%
- Decreased libido2%2%
The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Oleptro.
People taking Oleptro felt side effect more
People taking Oleptro felt side effect less
Risks and Warnings for Oleptro (Trazodone)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.- Higher risk if:
- › Age 24 years or younger
Oleptro (Trazodone) may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior. Watch for worsening depression or any unusual changes in mood or behavior, especially during the first few months of treatment or when the dose changes. Report anything concerning to a doctor immediately. Oleptro (Trazodone) is not approved for use in children younger than age 18.
This is a black box warning. The FDA requires this warning when there is a significant risk of serious or life-threatening effects that anyone taking the drug should consider.
Common concerns from people taking Oleptro (Trazodone)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?Research studies with animals found harmful effects on unborn babies. It hasn’t been properly studied in humans. The benefits might outweigh the risks even if you’re pregnant. Talk with your doctor.
Tip: Always talk with your doctor before you take any medication while pregnant.- Worth itSome hassleReviewed Oleptroon 8/12/2017❗️DO NOT MIX WITH ALCOHOL. 🍸26WomanA month or soInsomnia
- Not worth itLow hassleReviewed trazodoneon 11/8/2019Did not help me sleep lorazepam worked better.57ManA month or soInsomnia
- Not sureSome hassleReviewed Oleptroon 8/26/2017Worked for sleep, not so much for depression25ManA couple weeksDepression
- Worth itLow hassleReviewed OleptroDrowsy in morning58WomanTwo years or moreI took it for: insomnia