See our Drowsiness and Sedation page. This antihistamine-like activity is also part of why trazodone is so commonly used off-label for sleep at low doses, even though it was originally developed and approved as an antidepressant.
Why does trazodone make me so drowsy?
Short answer: Trazodone blocks histamine H1 receptors, similar to how antihistamines like diphenhydramine cause drowsiness — this is the mechanism behind its most common side effect.
Editorially reviewed
Not medical advice. This answer is general and educational. Your prescriber knows your full history and can give guidance specific to you.