I'm a little afraid that trazodone will make me gain weight?

Question

Hello, my doctor prescribed trazodone 50 mg to help me sleep because I have insomnia i meant to say gain weight. sorry.

Naji-tom Samaha · Accepted Answer

Good morning, ma'am, I would like to qualify the weight gain: the drugs of the great class of trazodone act on different receptors and neurotransmitters such as serotonin, histamine and acetylcholine, among others. These receptors can affect feelings of satiety and hunger Antidepressants do not necessarily increase weight, they increase appetite To this end, moderate intensity exercise for at least 30 minutes a day and a balanced diet according to Canada's Food Guide can not only help counter this effect but also help with mood and better sleep quality. In addition to trazodone, the most important thing is to look at non-pharmacological measures to improve sleep hygiene and quality. Here are a few of them: At least 1 hour before bedtime, turn off any type of screen: computer, phone, TV, and handheld readers too. Most of them emit a type of light that is stimulating. Regardless of bedtime, I suggest getting up at the same time each day, which will help establish a sleep routine eventually. Keep the bedroom for sleeping and intimacy only. No reading, work, or TV in bed. This way, the body will associate the bedroom with sleep as soon as you enter it. Avoid naps during the day, and avoid stimulants like coffee as much as possible, especially in the afternoon. If you have been in bed for 15 minutes and are not falling asleep, I suggest you get up, go to the kitchen or living room for a few minutes, and then return to the bedroom. This can have a reset effect. If you have a lot of worries, write them down in a notebook or journal at night, so you can be reassured that they won't be forgotten and that you can address them the next morning. Never look at the clock during the night as this is a great source of stress! These strategies can take up to 2 weeks to implement, so go at your own pace, gradually, you must be patient and willing too. Finally, if you have never taken trazodone, I might suggest starting with 1/2 tablet 30 to 60 minutes before bedtime. I hope I've put your mind at ease, so please don't hesitate if you have any other questions! Tom Samaha, pharmacist