Meta Information

ID:trazodone

Name:Trazodone

Schema Version:1.5

Alternate Names

• Desyrel
• Oleptro

Intervention Type

therapeutic_agent

Expected Cost Mean

Low Cost:

5

High Cost:

20

Cost Type:

monthly

Description:

Low-cost generic prescription, often covered by insurance.

Summary

Trazodone is a serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor (SARI) primarily used as an antidepressant. For healthspan, it is widely used off-label at low doses as a non-addictive hypnotic to improve sleep architecture, particularly increasing slow-wave (deep) sleep. High-quality sleep is foundational for cellular repair, glymphatic clearance in the brain, and hormonal regulation, making it a key leverage point for longevity.

Purpose

Atypical antidepressant used off-label to improve deep sleep architecture.

Card Summary

An atypical antidepressant used at low doses to improve deep sleep quality, a foundational pillar of healthspan.

Drug Class

serotonin-antagonist-and-reuptake-inhibitor

Drugs In Class

Empty Array

Impact

Score:

5.5

Justification:

Improves sleep architecture, a critical process for systemic repair and brain health.

Evidence

Grade:

A

Score:

8.5

Justification:

Extensive human RCTs and widespread clinical use for off-label insomnia treatment.

Safety

Score:

5

Justification:

Prescription drug with common side effects and risk of serotonin syndrome.

Flags

• Risk of serotonin syndrome when combined with other serotonergic agents (e.g., SSRIs, MAOIs).
• May cause significant next-day grogginess or 'hangover' effect.
• Rare but serious risk of priapism (prolonged erection) requiring immediate medical attention.
• Potential for orthostatic hypotension (dizziness upon standing), increasing fall risk.
• Use with caution in individuals with pre-existing cardiac conditions due to arrhythmia risk.

Verdict

Effective sleep aid, but requires prescription and awareness of side effects.

Created

2026-04-27T00:52:29.882550Z

Model

Gemini 3.1 Pro (High)

Delivery

Route:

oral

Scope:

• systemic

Indication

Focus:

disease_treatment

Description:

Trazodone is a serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor (SARI) primarily used as an antidepressant. For healthspan, it is widely used off-label at low doses as a non-addictive hypnotic to improve s...

Typical Protocol

• 25-100 mg taken 30-60 minutes before bedtime for sleep quality improvement.