trazodone: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical/Medical
Quick answer
What does “trazodone” mean?
A prescription antidepressant medication used to treat major depressive disorder.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A prescription antidepressant medication used to treat major depressive disorder.
A serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor (SARI) that also has sedative properties, sometimes prescribed off-label for insomnia or anxiety.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Both refer to the same pharmaceutical compound.
Connotations
Neutral pharmaceutical term in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both UK and US English, confined to medical/healthcare contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “trazodone” in a Sentence
The doctor prescribed [trazodone] to the patient.The patient takes [trazodone] at night.[Trazodone] is used to treat depression.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in pharmaceutical industry reports.
Academic
Used in medical and pharmacology literature.
Everyday
Used only when discussing personal medication or healthcare.
Technical
Standard term in psychiatry, pharmacology, and clinical practice.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “trazodone”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “trazodone”
- Misspelling as 'trazadone' or 'trazadine'.
- Using it as a general term for any sleeping pill.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, trazodone is not a controlled substance in most countries, but it requires a prescription.
Yes, it is commonly prescribed off-label for insomnia due to its sedative effects, especially at lower doses.
Its sedative effects can be felt within an hour, but its full antidepressant effect may take several weeks.
Drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, and headache are among the most commonly reported side effects.
A prescription antidepressant medication used to treat major depressive disorder.
Trazodone is usually technical/medical in register.
Trazodone: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtræz.ə.dəʊn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtræz.əˌdoʊn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'TRAZ' (like 'tranquil') + 'ODONE' (sounds like 'alone') → a tranquilizer for when you feel alone (depressed).
Conceptual Metaphor
MEDICATION IS A TOOL (for balancing brain chemistry).
Practice
Quiz
What class of drug is trazodone primarily?