Does trazodone come in 100mg? (3+ standard doses)

In this article, we will discuss whether trazodone comes in 100mg. We will also share the standard doses of trazodone and the uses, dosing recommendations, and side effects of trazodone. 

Does trazodone come in 100mg?

Yes, trazodone comes in 100mg. 100mg tablets and 100mg capsules are two of the available strengths of trazodone. Trazodone, an antidepressant, is a serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor (SARI) primarily used for major depressive disorder (MDD).

Trazodone is available in different dosage forms including tablets, capsules, oral drops, and injection solutions. Tablets are available as immediate-release (IR), and extended-release (ER) formulation (1). 

The available standard doses of trazodone are as follows (1,2):

• trazodone 50mg oral tablets
• trazodone 100mg oral tablets
• trazodone 150mg oral tablets
• trazodone 300mg oral tablets
• trazodone 50mg capsules
• trazodone 100mg capsules
• trazodone oral solution with 10 to 20mg of trazodone per ml

What is the difference between trazodone capsules and tablets? 

100mg strength of trazodone is available both as a tablet and capsule. Tablets and capsules of trazodone are taken orally and have similar uses and side effects but differ in composition and appearance. 

Trazodone tablets are a solid dosage form where the active ingredient along with excipients are compressed into a compacted form with an oval or round shape. Trazodone tablets are scored and can be cut in half. 

Trazodone capsules have the active ingredient enclosed in the shell which dissolves in the digestive tract to release the medication. Capsules cannot be cut in half and are swallowed whole. 

The choice of dosage form depends on the patient’s preference or dosing requirements. 

What are the indications for 100mg trazodone? 

Trazodone produces its therapeutic effects by inhibiting serotonin reuptake and increasing the levels of this neurotransmitter. It also functions as an antagonist of some serotonin, histamine (H1), and alpha-1 adrenergic receptors (1). 

Trazodone is mainly used to treat MDD and is FDA-approved for this purpose. Due to its antagonist properties, it also acts as a sedative and is used off-label to improve sleep in individuals with sleep disturbances (1). 

Off-label, trazodone has been used for the following conditions and has been effective (1):

• post-traumatic stress disorder
• anxiety
• substance abuse
• Alzheimer’s disease
• fibromyalgia
• sleep apnea
• bulimia

The doses of trazodone used for every condition vary and the 100 mg tablet can be used either once a day if 100mg/day is recommended or is used when higher doses of trazodone are to be taken in divided portions. 

How effective is 100mg trazodone? 

The activity of trazodone depends on the dose you are taking. Trazodone only functions as a sedative at lower doses. The lowest effective dose of trazodone for sleep is 25mg while 100mg dose is the maximum strength used for sedation (3). 

For antidepressant activity, trazodone must saturate the serotonin receptors. This saturation is achieved at higher doses ranging from 150-600 mg. Thus, at a 100mg dose, trazodone is not effective as an antidepressant. 

Although 100mg of trazodone does not have optimum antidepressant activity, it is recommended as an initial dose for depression to minimize the side effects and assess individual response. The dose is then increased gradually. 

Several studies have investigated the efficacy of trazodone in insomnia. Research suggests that a 100mg dose of trazodone is the most effective in improving sleep duration and quality (4).

At 100mg dose, trazodone is also effective in managing sleep disturbances in dementia patients. This dose has also been prescribed to patients with depression to manage the insomnia caused by antidepressants (4). 

Your healthcare provider will prescribe the dose of trazodone based on your condition, symptoms, and individual characteristics. Do not increase or decrease the dose of trazodone without medical oversight. 

What are the dosing recommendations for trazodone?

For adults, it is recommended to start treatment with trazodone for depression at a dose of 150mg. However, lower doses are prescribed first starting from 75mg, and increased gradually to reach the desired dose (1). 

The highest recommended strength of trazodone for depression is 300mg. For older adults, it is recommended to start the treatment with a 100mg dose (1). 

For anxiety, the treatment is initiated from a 75mg dose which can be increased up to 300mg. Trazodone can be given at a dose of 600mg to hospitalized patients (1). 

The high doses of trazodone are to be taken throughout the day and not all at once. For this purpose, 100mg tablets can be used. For a 300mg/day dose, three tablets of 100mg tablets can be taken throughout the day. 

Who should not take trazodone?

The benefits and risks of trazodone have been studied in various populations including pediatrics, nursing and pregnant women, the elderly, and people with kidney and liver impairment. The following are the recommendations: 

Pregnancy: 

Trazodone is a category C drug. Animal studies have demonstrated that trazodone can harm the fetus but studies on pregnant females are not sufficient to support this data.

Thus, in pregnancy, trazodone should only be used if the benefits outweigh the risks (5). 

Nursing mothers: 

If trazodone is taken by a nursing mother, it can pass from the bloodstream to human milk. Thus, trazodone should be used cautiously in nursing women (5). 

Pediatrics: 

Trazodone can increase self-harming thoughts and behaviors in pediatric patients and there is not enough data to support that trazodone is safe for this population (5). 

Elderly population: 

Trazodone can be used in older adults but doses should be appropriate as it can deplete sodium levels in the body and older adults are more susceptible to this side effect (5). 

Renal and hepatic impairment: 

The research on the safety of trazodone in individuals with impaired liver and kidney function is limited so this population should use trazodone cautiously (5).  

What are the side effects of trazodone?

Trazodone in high doses is associated with an increased risk of side effects than in low doses. Common side effects of trazodone include (1,5):

• lightheadedness
• acid reflux
• drowsiness
• nightmares
• fatigue
• changes in sex drive
• QT prolongation
• constipation
• dry mouth
• dry eyes
• orthostatic hypotension
• suicidal thoughts
• priapism

As per my knowledge, trazodone comes in 100mg strength in both capsule and tablet form. Other than the difference in dosage form, 100mg capsule and tablet of trazodone are similar in terms of uses and side effects. 

Trazodone can be used for different conditions in different doses. The doses of 25-100mg are used for sedation and don’t have an antidepressant effect. A 100mg dose is the most effective for sleep and a 100mg tablet can be taken for this purpose. 

For antidepressant activity, higher doses are required and the maximum dose is 300mg. In such cases, trazodone is taken in divided doses and a 100mg tablet can be taken two or three times a day depending on the dose. 

References