Trazodone Drug Class

Trazodone (tra zuh done) belongs to a group of medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It is a prescription oral medication that is used to treat major depressive disorder.

Trazodone Age Range

Trazodone is approved for use in adults over the age of 18 years. In some cases, a health professional may decide to prescribe trazodone to pediatric patients. 

A small number of children, teenagers, and young adults under the age of 24 years who take antidepressant medications or mood elevators such as trazodone can become suicidal and develop thoughts or plans of killing or harming themselves. Family members should be aware that there can be unexpected mental health changes on trazodone, especially when treatment is first started or the dose is changed. This risk is present even in adults over the age of 24. You should get in touch with your healthcare provider right away if you or a family member experiences symptoms such as new or worsening depression, suicidal thoughts, aggression, agitation, severe restlessness, irritability, extreme anxiety, panic attacks, or trouble sleeping while taking trazodone. Family members should be vigilant for these symptoms in case someone is unable to seek medical care for themselves.