Key takeaways
Amitriptyline (formerly branded as Elavil) and trazodone (formerly branded as Desyrel) are both used to treat depression, but they belong to different classes of medications. Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) that works by increasing serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain, while trazodone is an atypical antidepressant known as a serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor (SARI). Amitriptyline is often used off-label for nerve pain and migraine prevention, whereas trazodone is sometimes prescribed off-label for insomnia. Amitriptyline can cause side effects like weight gain and sleepiness, and it has many interactions with other medications. Trazodone, on the other hand, is not a first-choice medication for depression and can cause side effects such as sleepiness, dry mouth, and dizziness. Both medications can cause withdrawal symptoms if stopped abruptly and are not controlled substances.
