Who prescribes trazadone for insomnia?

Anonymous
GP? Or do I need to see a psychiatrist? I'm not eager to try a benzo and have been reading about trazadone as an alternative. But not sure who to see. I'm pursuing CBT but need some help in the meantime so I can get enough sleep to function. Thank you.
Anonymous
GPs can do it, but not all are willing. This would be my first line of inquiry, though. Other than that a neurologist who deals with sleep problems or a psychiatrist.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:GPs can do it, but not all are willing. This would be my first line of inquiry, though. Other than that a neurologist who deals with sleep problems or a psychiatrist.


Why would they be more willing to prescribe Ambien?
Anonymous
Either can. Ambien worked better (quicker, more refreshed in AM).
Anonymous
My psychiatrist did. While it helped me sleep, it was far too powerful and left me groggy the next day. I also suffered memory loss. I suggest Ambien as a first try.
Anonymous
But I'm terrified of the side effects of Ambien, like sleep walking...
Anonymous
Also, isn't it hard to wean from Ambien?
Anonymous
One more thing - what if I need to get up in the night to tend to my kids? Is that possible on Ambien?
Anonymous
I've been on it for years - 18+. It was originally prescribed by a sleep specialist, but my GM writes my scripts for it now. Be careful though. i'm at a point now but if I ever have to go off of it will be dreadful I don't think I can live without it. if I missed tonight I have a miserable night although I'm on it to regulate my sleep patterns, not so much to get me to sleep.
Anonymous
My GP prescribed Trazodone, and its a godsend. It leaves me far less groggy than Ambien and is a lot cheaper too.
Anonymous
Can you easily wean off trazadone if CBT seems to be working?
Anonymous
I went to see Dr. Kianoury at Georgetown. She is a sleep medicine doctor. She prescribed trazadone for me and it has been working like a charm for about a year. Before that I could fall asleep but I was constantly waking up and the sleep I was getting was not very deep. With the trazadone even if I wake up, the sleep I am getting is deeper and I'm not falling asleep at my desk. It has been a literal lifesaver.

The only side effect is a bit of grogginess when the alarm goes off. The good news is that I am waking with the alarm instead of waking at 3:00am and hoping to fall back to sleep for a few hours.
Anonymous
Since you're doing CBT I would suggest a psychiatrist. This would be an adjunct until you feel some relief through the therapy.

My psychiatrist prescribed Trazodone after I'd suffered with PTSD-related insomnia for more than a decade. Once I was getting enough sleep, my anxiety was more treatable.
Anonymous
What dosage are people taking of trazodone?
Anonymous
PP here. I take 150mg. I have taken as much as 300 mg. I think a lot of people start at 50 and titrate up.
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