Is It Safe To Take Ambien And Trazodone Together?

Insomnia, Anxiety, and Depression are a bit interrelated when it comes to a person facing the condition. It is widely shared among people who have been suffering from both states. This might happen due to various reasons such as stress, life problems, or traumas.

For people suffering from such conditions, the common problem is that they find it challenging to have a peaceful sleep and a different feeling of uneasiness. There are two variations of Insomnia such as primary (suffering not because of health conditions) and secondary (suffering because of various health conditions).

There are various symptoms of Depression and Anxiety like conditions, such as feelings of sadness, emptiness, building frustration, fear, or thinking of things that might be going to happen.

For all these conditions, you might consume medicines. So as Ambien is used for Insomnia and Trazadone is used for Depression or anxiety-like disorders, you should know would these two medicine consumed would help you or have any side effects on your health.

What is Zolpidem?

Ambien is a non-benzodiazepine sedative or hypnotic drug. Ambien is mainly used for Insomnia. When individuals experience Insomnia that involves waking up in the middle of the night and not being able to go back to sleep, higher doses of Ambien or an extended-release version may be used after consultation from the healthcare provider.

Zolpidem For Anxiety

Ambien CR, an extended-release formulation, releases over time to help you fall asleep and stay asleep. You can get a generic version of Ambien under its Brand name, Zolpidem.

Ambien increases the availability of the GABA inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain and spinal cord. This neurotransmitter reduces the actions of other neurons in the brain, which produce sedation.

It has a short half-life; it works fast and does not remain in the body for long. It can induce sleep with comparatively lower doses.

What is Trazodone?

Trazodone (Desyrel and Oleptro) was initially developed as an antidepressant drug but is used off-label for Insomnia. Trazodone causes a soothing effect of sleepiness and drowsiness, which is why many doctors prescribe it as a sleep aid for sleep problems.

How Does Trazodone Work?

It increases the availability of the serotonin neurotransmitter in the CNS and is categorized as a serotonin antagonist reuptake inhibitor. It blocks the neurons from reabsorbing serotonin after it has been released into the CNS system.

This also produces a relaxing effect, which is a mild sedating effect. Therefore, Trazodone has found a more excellent utility as a sleep aid than antidepressant medication. 

Zolpidem vs Trazodone: Which is more effective?

Should I Take Trazodone And Ambien Together?

Trazodone and Ambien are two medications approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Both medicines are used to help people fall asleep. Although both medications are used for sleep, they have many differences.

Taking Ambien and Trazodone together might increase the side effects, such as difficulty concentrating, dizziness, drowsiness, and confusion. Trazodone can help prolong the sleep, while Ambien helps with initial Insomnia. Some people, especially older people, may also experience impaired judgment, thinking, and motor coordination.

It would be best to be careful while taking these drugs and other medications. Talk to your doctor if you take any medicine or herbal supplement while on these drugs.

Can You Take Ambien And Gabapentin Together?

Dosage consideration of Trazodone and Ambien

Trazodone (Desyrel)

The critical thing to know: The initial dose for the patient should be its lowest effective dose.

For Depression:

• Initial recommended dose: 150mg orally daily in a divided dose.
• Continuation Dose: The dose might increase by 50mg/day every 3-4 days
• Maximum Dose: 400mg/day in divided doses.

Off-label for Insomnia:

• The usual oral dose is 50 to 100mg at bedtime.

Ambien (Zolpidem)

• The initial recommended dose of Ambien is 5mg oral at bedtime for women and 5 or 10mg oral at rest for men.
• This medication should only be taken once at night, immediately before bed, with at least 7 to 8 hours to sleep.
• The maximum dosage is 10 mg at bedtime.

Staying Awake on Ambien

Side Effects of Trazodone and Ambien

With the administration of any medicine, there are associated risks and benefits. Even if the treatment works, you might experience some undesirable side effects. Reach out to your concerned medical practitioner immediately if you experience any of the following:

Medications Not To Be Mixed With Ambien and Trazodone

Ambien and Trazodone might interact with other medications, increasing or worsening the side effects.

Can I Take Melatonin With Trazodone For Sleep?

Bottom Line From Practical Anxiety Solutions

Ambien is used for the treatment of Insomnia; however, Trazodone was initially developed as an antidepressant and is off-label used for Insomnia. Combining these two drugs might increase the side effects and experience impairment in judgment, thinking, and motor coordination.

Individually while using any drug (Ambien or Trazodone), it is advised to limit alcohol consumption. It would be better for your health if you do not take medicine because of its side effects. Talk to your doctor before starting any medication to avoid unusual side effects.