Tag: Sari

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a leading cause of disability worldwide [1.2.3]. Trazodone, a medication approved to treat MDD, has a complex and dose-dependent relationship with brain chemistry. So, **does trazodone increase serotonin?** Yes, but its mechanism is more intricate than a simple increase.

According to a 2006 double-blind study, extended-release trazodone and sertraline (Zoloft) were comparably effective in treating major depressive disorder. However, choosing **which is better for depression, Zoloft or trazodone**, depends heavily on a patient's individual symptoms, side effect tolerance, and coexisting conditions.

While widely known for its sedative properties at lower doses, a 2023 review in *Annals of General Psychiatry* highlights that trazodone is primarily an FDA-approved antidepressant for major depressive disorder. The answer to **is trazodone a mood stabilizer or antidepressant?** lies in understanding its unique, dose-dependent mechanism of action.

Multiple clinical trials have shown that for treating major depressive disorder, trazodone and amitriptyline are equally effective antidepressants [1.3.3, 1.3.5]. The question of *what is stronger, trazodone or amitriptyline?* depends heavily on the condition being treated—depression or off-label uses like insomnia—and individual patient factors.

The rate of life-threatening liver failure from nefazodone is estimated at 1 case per 250,000 to 300,000 patient-years [1.6.7]. Despite this risk, the answer to 'Is nefazodone still available?' is yes, though its use is limited and controversial [1.2.2].

Trazodone is a widely prescribed medication for conditions like major depressive disorder [1.2.2]. A common and important question that arises is, **is trazodone an opioid or narcotic?** The definitive answer is no; it belongs to a distinct class of drugs called serotonin modulators [1.2.1, 1.3.2].

According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), trazodone is not a scheduled controlled substance, meaning it is not classified as a narcotic under federal law. This distinction is critical for understanding the pharmacology and safety profile of trazodone hydrochloride.

In 2019, approximately 24 million prescriptions for trazodone were filled in the United States, with at least 85% for off-label uses like insomnia. This widespread use raises the question: what class of drug is trazodone and how does it actually work?

Used since the 1980s, SARI drugs are a class of antidepressants that offer a distinct mechanism of action compared to more common medications. A SARI is a Serotonin Antagonist and Reuptake Inhibitor, a term that explains its dual action in the brain. But **what is a SARI drug** and how does it function in treating conditions like depression and insomnia?