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Effects of Trazodone on Sleep: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Maria Kokkali1, Elisavet Pinioti1, Andreas S Lappas1,2
1Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Thessaly, 41334, Larissa, Greece.
Trazodone improves sleep quality and objective sleep duration but not perceived sleep time. This medication is associated with increased adverse effects, requiring careful consideration of its risk-benefit profile for insomnia treatment.
Area of Science:
- Sleep Medicine
- Pharmacology
- Clinical Trials
Background:
- Sleep disturbances and insomnia are prevalent and challenging to manage.
- Trazodone is frequently prescribed for sleep issues, yet robust meta-analytic evidence is limited.
- This study addresses the need for updated evidence on trazodone's efficacy and safety, considering recent diagnostic criteria for insomnia.
Conclusions:
- Trazodone may improve sleep quality and continuity but has minimal impact on perceived sleep duration and daytime impairment.
- The drug is associated with adverse effects, necessitating a thorough risk-benefit assessment for patients.
- Limited data highlight the need for further research to enhance generalizability and confirm findings.
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