From the Guidelines
Trazodone can cause night sweats as a side effect, and patients should be aware of this potential adverse reaction when taking the medication. The evidence from various studies, including those published in the Annals of Internal Medicine 1 and the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine 1, suggests that trazodone can disrupt the body's temperature regulation mechanisms, leading to excessive sweating during sleep. The likelihood of experiencing night sweats may vary depending on the dosage, with higher doses potentially increasing the risk. Some key points to consider when taking trazodone include:
- The medication can affect serotonin levels in the brain, which may contribute to the development of night sweats
- Higher doses of trazodone may increase the risk of night sweats
- Patients experiencing troublesome night sweats while taking trazodone should discuss this with their healthcare provider rather than discontinuing the medication abruptly
- Adjusting the dosage, changing the timing of administration, or switching to an alternative medication may be considered if night sweats significantly impact sleep quality or daily functioning
- Staying hydrated and keeping the bedroom cool may help manage this side effect while continuing necessary treatment. It's essential to weigh the benefits and risks of trazodone, considering its potential to cause night sweats, and to discuss any concerns with a healthcare provider to determine the best course of treatment.
From the Research
Trazodone and Night Sweats
- There is no direct evidence in the provided studies that trazodone causes night sweats 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- However, a study on selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) found that they may be associated with night sweats 2.
- Trazodone is an antidepressant with a different mechanism of action than SSRIs, and it is often used to treat insomnia and other depressive symptoms 3, 4.
- A study comparing trazodone to SSRIs found that trazodone improved health status and quality of life in patients with major depressive disorder, but it did not mention night sweats as a side effect 4.
- Another study found that trazodone affects periodic leg movements and chin muscle tone during sleep less than SSRIs in children, but it did not mention night sweats 5.
- A study on the use of trazodone for neurovegetative climacteric symptoms found that it was effective in reducing anxiety, insomnia, and irritability, but it did not mention night sweats as a side effect 6.