I had been prescribed xanax which helped with sleep, too, but stopped after seeing Dr. Amen’s videos… I have tried the supplements (magnesium, melatonin (tried both immediate and sustained release), valerian root, GABA in various combinations), and am able to fall asleep but not stay asleep. I have been off caffeine and alcohol for several weeks, and exercise in the mornings. I have now been prescribed Trazadone for sleep aid. What is the impact of this on brain health? Should it be avoided like xanax? Can it be used long term?
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Trazadone for sleep?
Updated on September 10, 2016 in
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I used Trazadone for about 8 years with no negative affects. I was going through a very stressful time and unable to sleep when the Dr. prescribed it and it helped me get the sleep I needed. Since retiring, my stress levels are low and I decided not to use it anymore.
Good luck!
Thanks vwicklund for sharing your experience. I am glad it worked for you. I am struggling with the dose as 50mg doesn’t seem to help at all and 100mg still doesn’t seem enough to get the sleep (solid without waking and only about 5.5 – 6 hours) but then I am really dizzy when I get up. Not a good feeling.
Dr Amen mentions a number of drugs that recommends for various issues if supplements don’t help, but I don’t recall him ever mentioning this medicine. I guess I wondered why.
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Thanks for the discussion. I have used Trazodone for sleep with my patients for many years. It is the one medicine I use if supplements don’t work. I may go up to 200mg a day, but you have to watch out for the dizziness. CES (cranial electrical therapy) can also be helpful.
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