Low-dose trazodone as a hypnotic in patients treated with MAOIs and other psychotropics: a pilot study

In open trials, 20 of 21 patients with major depression who developed insomnia during treatment with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) reported sustained hypnotic effects from trazodone 50 to 75 mg. Similarly, 26 of 27 mood disorder patients with insomnia unrelated to MAOIs reported improved sleep with low-dose trazodone. No negative interactions with MAOIs and other psychotropics were observed, side effects were minimal, and no tolerance to the hypnotic effects of trazodone occurred. Low-dose trazodone may be a safe and effective agent for treating MAOI-induced and other insomnias.