Medical emergency
Worsening depression or suicidal thoughts
The subject of trazodone's FDA boxed warning: antidepressants, including trazodone, can increase suicidal thinking in children, adolescents, and young adults, especially early in treatment.
Editorially reviewed
This can be a medical emergency. If you notice these signs in yourself or someone else, call 911 (US) or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. Do not wait to see if it passes.
Key points
- The subject of trazodone's FDA boxed warning
- Risk is highest in patients under 25 and early in treatment
- Caregivers should watch for behavior changes, not just verbal statements
This is the specific risk behind trazodone's boxed warning — the FDA's strongest safety warning. It applies to trazodone because it is an antidepressant; pooled clinical trial data across antidepressants showed an increased risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in patients under 25, particularly in the first weeks of treatment or after a dose change.
Anyone taking trazodone, or a caregiver of someone taking it, should watch for new or worsening depression, unusual changes in behavior or mood, or any talk of self-harm — and contact a healthcare provider immediately, or call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or 911 in an emergency.
Call your prescriber or seek care if you notice:
- Any talk of suicide or self-harm
- Sudden worsening of depression or anxiety
- Unusual agitation, hostility, or impulsivity
Not medical advice. This page describes general patterns reported for trazodone and does not replace individualized guidance from your prescriber or pharmacist.
