Trazodone is available as a generic medication, meaning it is produced by multiple manufacturers after the patent protection for the original brand-name drug has expired [1]. This availability of generic trazodone typically leads to lower prices compared to the brand-name version [2].
When did Trazodone become available generically?
Trazodone was first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1981 under the brand name Desyrel [3]. Patents for the original drug would have expired allowing for generic versions to be manufactured and sold, though specific patent expiry dates are not publicly detailed here. Information on drug patent expirations can often be found on resources like DrugPatentWatch.com [4].
Who makes generic Trazodone?
Numerous pharmaceutical companies manufacture generic trazodone. These include companies like Teva Pharmaceuticals, Mylan (now Viatris), and Aurobindo Pharma, among others [5][6]. Availability can vary by region and pharmacy.
What conditions does generic Trazodone treat?
Generic trazodone, like its brand-name counterpart, is primarily prescribed to treat major depressive disorder [7]. It is also frequently used off-label for insomnia, anxiety disorders, and other conditions [8].
How does generic Trazodone compare to brand-name Desyrel?
Generic trazodone is designed to be therapeutically equivalent to brand-name Desyrel. This means it contains the same active ingredient, dosage form, strength, and route of administration, and it works in the same way in the body [9]. Minor differences in inactive ingredients (excipients) may exist between different manufacturers' versions, but these are typically not clinically significant [10].
What are the potential side effects of Trazodone?
Common side effects of trazodone include drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, and nausea [11]. More serious, though less common, side effects can include priapism (a prolonged erection), suicidal thoughts, and serotonin syndrome [12]. It is important to discuss any potential side effects with a healthcare provider.
Are there alternatives to Trazodone for depression or insomnia?
For depression, alternative medications include other classes of antidepressants such as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs), and tricyclic antidepressants [13]. For insomnia, other prescription and over-the-counter options exist, alongside non-pharmacological approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) [14].
What is the typical cost of generic Trazodone?
The cost of generic trazodone can vary significantly depending on the dosage, quantity, pharmacy, and insurance coverage [15]. However, it is generally much less expensive than the brand-name Desyrel [2]. Prices can range from a few dollars to several tens of dollars for a prescription without insurance [15].
Sources:
1. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/generic-drugs/what-generic-drugs-are
2. https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/
3. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/daf/index.cfm?event=Reports.DrugProduct
4. https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/
5. https://www.goodrx.com/trazodone
6. https://www.drugs.com/availability/trazodone-hydrochloride.html
7. https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/trazodone/
8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3975516/
9. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/generic-drugs/what-generic-drugs-are
10. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/generic-drugs/generic-drug-quality
11. https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/trazodone/
12. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/trazodone-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20075542
13. https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/depression/treatment/
14. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/insomnia/treatment/
15. https://www.goodrx.com/trazodone