Trazodone (Desyrel/Trialodine) Medicare Coverage

Trazodone is an antidepressant medication used to treat major depressive disorder. It is typically taken twice daily, and the dose depends on your response to the drug.

Trazodone increases the amount of available serotonin in your body to help relieve symptoms of depression. The brand name equivalents of Trazodone are called Desyrel and Trialodine.

Major side effects of Trazodone include dizziness, constipation, fatigue, dry mouth, diarrhea, upset stomach, headache, excitability, shakiness, stuffy nose and weight gain or loss.

How much does Trazodone cost with Medicare?

Trazodone coverage and costs may vary based on the specific plan you have, as well as what coverage stage you're in.

Contact your plan carrier or consult your plan formulary for more cost information.

Does Medicare cover Trazodone?

According to GoodRx, 100% of Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Part D plans covered Trazodone in 2023.¹

• Medicare Advantage plans or Part D plans that cover Trazodone include copay amounts that can range widely from one plan to another. Plan members may also be responsible for meeting a deductible before the plan’s drug coverage kicks in.
  
  
• Medicare Advantage plans that offer prescription drug coverage are called Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plans (MA-PD). 89% of 2024 Medicare Advantage plans include prescription drug coverage.²
  
  
• Medicare prescription drugs plans each have their own formulary, or drug list, that details what prescription drugs are covered by the plan and how they are covered.

Drug coverage may vary based on plan availability. You may be able to find Medicare Advantage plan options in your area that cover Trazodone. We represent carriers such as Humana, UnitedHealthcare^®, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna Healthcare, Wellcare, or Kaiser Permanente.

You can also compare Part D prescription drug plans available where you live and enroll in a Medicare prescription drug plan online when you visit MyRxPlans.com.

Additional information

Trazodone should be taken every day. Even if you begin to feel better, do not stop taking Trazodone without talking to your doctor. Stopping Trazodone too quickly can lead to worsening depression and severe side effects.

If you feel sleepy after taking this drug, talk to your doctor. Your doctor may adjust your dose or change what time of day your take the drug. It can take several weeks to feel the full effect of this medication.

If you are taking a short acting formulation of Trazodone, take after a meal or a light snack. If you are on the long acting formulation of Trazodone, take on an empty stomach.

Serotonin syndrome can happen while taking trazodone. Signs of serotonin syndrome includes agitation, change in balance, confusion, muscle twitching, abnormal heartbeat, seizures and more.

Talk to your doctor if you experience these symptoms or any other unusual side effects.

This article is for informational purposes only. It is not healthcare advice, treatment, or diagnosis. It is not an endorsement of or recommendation for this medication. Speak to your doctor or healthcare provider about your specific healthcare needs, including your prescription medications. Only take medication as directed by your doctor.

Coverage and costs of prescription medications will vary by Medicare plan. Not all plans are available in all areas.

Written by Hayden Gharibyar, Pharm.D.