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Trazodone will not be the right choice for everyone. There are several different alternatives for Trazodone, therefore, you should always discuss your options with your doctor in great detail to determine the best way to manage symptoms.

Please see our withdrawal page for information about stopping trazodone and our dosage page for information about starting trazodone.

Potential Alternatives for Trazodone

Cymbalta (Duloxetine)

Similarly to Trazodone, Cymbalta is used to improve a patient’s mood and help treat depression. One difference that sets these two drugs apart is that Trazodone also serves as a sleeping aid, while Cymbalta’s other purpose is to treat chronic pain.

Cymbalta (duloxetine) is becoming an alternative drug of choice in some cases where Trazadone is not advisable. Trazodone and cymbalta have slightly different mechanisms of action. Duloxetine, however, cannot quite replace trazodone in all cases as there are a few differences between them, including but not limited to:

  • Trazodone may cause more side effects than Cymbalta when used in higher doses to treat depression.
  • Trazodone is more sedating than Cymbalta.
  • Cymbalta can increase high blood pressure and other side effects

Wellbutrin (Bupropion)

According to Iodine, Wellbutrin (Bupropion) is good for treating depression and has fewer sexual side effects than other antidepressants, but you need to be okay with avoiding alcohol.

Wellbutrin (bupropion) is becoming an alternative drug of choice in some cases where Trazadone is not advisable. Wellbutrin has a different mechanism of action than trazodone. This drug, however, cannot quite replace trazodone in all cases as there are a few differences between them, including but not limited to:

  • Wellbutrin (bupropion) has fewer side effects than Trazodone.
  • Wellbutrin can also help with symptoms of ADHD.
  • Wellbutrin can actually boost sex drive for some people.
  • Wellbutrin LESS likely to cause weight gain than other anti-depressants.

Celexa (Citalopram)

Some research suggests that Celexa (Citalopram) may be a viable alternative for improving moods and relieving certain types of pain. However, this alternative must be administered with caution, as it is not the best choice for people with heart or liver problems.

Celexa (Citalopram) is becoming an alternative drug of choice in some cases where Trazodone is not advisable. Celexa has a slightly different mechanism of action. This drug, however, cannot quite replace Trazodone in all cases as there are a few differences between them, including:

  • Celexa is available as generic, which is cheaper.
  • Celexa can cause sexual side effects like decreased sex drive, difficulties with orgasm or ejaculation, and minor weight gain (1 to 5 pounds).
  • Trazodone has more side effects than Celexa.

Zoloft (Sertraline)

Zoloft (Sertraline) is becoming an alternative drug of choice in some cases where Trazodone is not advisable. Sertraline and trazodone have different mechanisms of action. This drug, however, cannot quite replace Trazodone in all cases as there are a few differences between them, including but not limited to:

  • Zoloft (sertraline) is good for treating depression and anxiety, but it can interact with many medicines.
  • Zoloft causes less sleepiness than other antidepressants.
  • Zoloft is the best choice among antidepressants if you are pregnant.

Other Medications

Please note this list may not include all potential alternatives to Trazodone. Other alternatives may include:

  • Remeron (mirtazapine)
  • Lexapro (escitalopram)
  • Prozac (fluoxetine)
  • Effexor (venlafaxine)
  • Elavil (amitriptyline)

Disclaimer: this article does not constitute or replace medical advice. If you have an emergency or a serious medical question, please contact a medical professional or call 911 immediately. To see our full medical disclaimer, visit our Terms of Use page.


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