Trazodone is primarily used as an antidepressant to treat major depressive disorder. It helps improve mood, appetite, and energy levels, and can also decrease anxiety and insomnia related to depression by increasing serotonin levels in the brain

. In addition to depression, trazodone is used to treat anxiety disorders and insomnia, often prescribed when other antidepressants have not worked or caused side effects

. It has sedating effects that make it useful for sleep problems associated with depression or other conditions

. Trazodone may also be used off-label for a variety of other conditions, including symptoms related to dementia, schizophrenia, eating disorders, fibromyalgia, chronic pain, and alcohol dependence, although evidence varies and these uses are less common

. Key points about trazodone use:

• Treats depression and anxiety, often when other antidepressants fail or cause side effects

• Helps with insomnia due to sedating properties

• Used off-label for other conditions like dementia symptoms, chronic pain, and alcohol withdrawal symptoms

• Typically prescribed in doses ranging from 150 to 300 mg/day for depression, sometimes higher in severe cases

Overall, trazodone is a versatile antidepressant with additional benefits for sleep and anxiety, making it useful in a range of psychiatric and some non- psychiatric conditions