Can anyone tell me if Trazadone is classified as a benzo?

I have had to submit to weekly urine tests for benzo-diazapams at a clinic I am a patient at; and although my family physician has prescribed Trazadone for a short term sleeping problem I am having(she states that it should be safe on the short-term and it is not apparently a narcotic), but alas I am afraid to take it, after having read so many differing viewpoints on the internet with regard to its’ addictive principles. Hance my question; is it considered therefore, part of the class of drugs called benzodiazapams? I would appreciate any information I can get…

I presume you mean "Trazodone".

No, it is not a benzodiazepine-class of drug. Trazodone is a serotonin reuptake inhibitor. Benzodiazepines affect GABA receptors — an entirely different pharmacology.

I’m a little surprised that your doctor has prescribed Trazodone for insomnia. Although that is a use for the drug, it is more commonly used as an anti-depressive. There are many more specific drugs for insomnia, including Zolpidem (Ambien), and Eszopiclone (Lunesta) which are both non-benzodiazepine hypnotics.

5 Responses to “Can anyone tell me if Trazadone is classified as a benzo?”

  1. bmac Says:

    It’s an antidepressant.

    Just to let you know…..Trazadone is NOT addictive. It is an antidepressant. You will not test positive for benzos because it’s not one. I was on it myself for almost a year–continuously. Stopped it suddenly and had not problems with it.
    References :
    drug researcher

  2. Peeps Says:

    Trazadone is classified as a selective seritonin reuptake inhibitor, not a benzodiazepine. You can go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benzodiazepine#Members for a fairly inclusive list of benzodiazepines.
    References :

  3. Mark H Says:

    I presume you mean "Trazodone".

    No, it is not a benzodiazepine-class of drug. Trazodone is a serotonin reuptake inhibitor. Benzodiazepines affect GABA receptors — an entirely different pharmacology.

    I’m a little surprised that your doctor has prescribed Trazodone for insomnia. Although that is a use for the drug, it is more commonly used as an anti-depressive. There are many more specific drugs for insomnia, including Zolpidem (Ambien), and Eszopiclone (Lunesta) which are both non-benzodiazepine hypnotics.
    References :

  4. N T Says:

    No it is not a benzo. It is a sleeping aid, but be careful if you are a guy, it can cause prolonged painful erection
    References :

  5. shadow88_00 Says:

    Trazodone is not a benzo…I take it for insomnia on occassion, I have had no trouble using it off and on so IMHO I don’t think it is addictive. One thing I don’t like is the "trazodone haze" I have the next morning. That is why I only take it when the insomnia is bad.
    Good Luck
    References :

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