Today it is known that there are natural ways of treating insomnia, however there are millions of insomnia sufferers that are prescribed a variety of drugs as soon as they have problems sleeping, instead of other natural treatments. The people who have difficulty sleeping also have a tendency to purchase over the counter medications that are sleep aids. One of the drugs that are prescribed often by physicians is the drug Trazodone for the patient that is suffering from insomnia.

The prescription name of Trazodone is Trazodone Hydrochloride and there is also a generic of this drug known as Desyrel and this is also known as an anti-depressant. This is a drug that is often prescribed not only for insomnia but also for depressive disorders and it is for this reason when insomnia is a part of a depressive disorder Trazodone will likely be prescribed.

The main effect of Trazodone is drowsiness and this is why it can be useful in treating insomnia and it can also be used with certain other anti-depressants that are known for causing insomnia when taken for depression.

There are some side effects that can be expected in some patients who are taking Trazodone and they can be drowsiness, which is a desired effect for the patient with insomnia, the patient can be irritable, have congestion, a stomach ache, along with nervousness, pain in the muscles and sweating. There can also be other side effects in some patients and this includes weight gain or loss, as well as a dry mouth.

Many of these side effects are ones that have become common with many medications today and while they do not affect every patient any of these side effects are possible when taking this medication.

There is one other side effect that can cause the patient long lasting or permanent damage or require surgery and while it is a rare side effect it should be mentioned. This is a long lasting erection that can become painful and require emergency care and even surgery to relieve the pain.

With this simple explanation of Trazodone and its possible side effects this is a medication that when prescribed for insomnia and as a part of the treatment for major depressive disorders can be a relief for the patient suffering from insomnia.

In a study that was done using Trazodone and also a placebo for patients that not only suffered from insomnia but also anti-depressive disorders with favorable results. They found that by the third night of the study the 87% of the patients increased the dose and slept without waking.

In this study there was no daytime effects from the Trazodone and the side effects were slight with the exception of one patient whose symptoms subsided when the dosage was decreased. The final results of the study showed that of 15 patients 67% who were given Trazodone had improved sleep while 13% of the patients who received the placebo had any difference in their sleep patterns.