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. Common side effects of amitriptyline include sleepiness, weight gain, and dizziness, while trazodone commonly causes sleepiness, dry mouth, and dizziness. Both medications can cause withdrawal symptoms if stopped abruptly, but trazodone has fewer sexual side effects compared to some other antidepressants. Additionally, trazodone can cause a rare but serious condition called serotonin syndrome, especially when taken with other medications that affect serotonin levels.
