Trazodone hydrochloride (Desyrel) is a prescription medicine used for the treatment of depression and is often used as a sleep aid ("off-label") , even though it has not been approved by the FDA for this use. Trazodone is a sedating antidepressant, which means that it will probably cause drowsiness. Drowsiness is one of its most common side effects.

Trazodone is particularly useful as a sleep aid in people with depression, which is the opposite of many anti-depressants which actually are known to cause insomnia. Trazodone is also used to treat insomnia caused by other antidepressant.

Trazodone's use as a sleep aid is off-label, meaning that it was not created or sold by its manufacturer for that use. It's directions for use as a sleep aid are not on the packaging or label, hence "off-label." It has not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a sleep aid. Despite the fact the FDA regulates how a medication can be advertised or promoted, these regulations do not restrict a healthcare provider's ability to prescribe the medication "off-label." Usually this is done under different doses and duration. It's really up to your doctor or pharmacist. Gray area.

Serious stuff. Definately check with your doctor before taking.

Prescription Sleeping Pills: Ambien | Benzodiazepine | Non-Benzodiazepine | Dalmane | Desyrel | Doral | Estazolam | Eszopiclone | Flurazepam | Halcion | Lunesta | ProSom | Restoril | Rozerem | Sonata | Quazepam | Ramelteon | Temazepan | Trazodone | Triazolam | Zalepon | Zolpidem