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Sedative-hypnotic

Also called: Sleep aid

A general term for medications that promote calmness or sleep. Trazodone is not FDA-approved as a sedative-hypnotic, but its sedating side effect is why it is commonly prescribed off-label for insomnia.

Unlike FDA-approved sleep medications such as zolpidem or eszopiclone, trazodone was never specifically developed or approved as a sleep aid. Its sedative properties are a side effect of its antihistamine and serotonin-receptor activity, which many prescribers use intentionally at low doses.