By Edmund Murphy

Last updated: 06 November 2023 & medically reviewed by Dr. Kimberly Langdon

All medications, narcotics, and illegal substances are regulated through the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), which determines the drug's potential for abuse and its medical properties. Read on to find out if trazodone is regulated under the CSA and what the implications of its regulation status are.

Key takeaways:

  • While studies into the abuse potential of trazodone are limited there doesn’t seem to be any risk of abuse.

  • Though the prescribed dose of trazodone is often lower when used to treat insomnia instead of depression, there is little research into how people who take the drug react to it and whether they may become dependent.

Is trazodone a controlled substance?

Trazodone controlled substance status

The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) does not recognize trazodone as a controlled substance as studies have shown that there is little evidence of the drug being abused, nor being dependent or addiction-forming. While studies into the abuse potential of trazodone are limited there doesn’t seem to be any potential for abuse.[1]

Is trazodone a narcotic?

Trazodone is not commonly considered a narcotic and is not listed as such by the DEA. Narcotics are typically considered to be prescription or illicit drugs that are regularly abused and or are addictive.

What is a controlled substance?

The United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) classifies medications, illegal drugs, and narcotics under the Controlled Substances Act as a way of regulating a substance's potential for harm and abuse versus its medical validity. 

There are five different classifications, known as Schedules, under the controlled substances act. Schedule I drugs have no medical value and a high potential for abuse and dependence. These drugs include illegal substances such as heroin, meth, and crack. Schedules II through V represent a gradual decline in a substance's potential for abuse and an increase in its medical value, though the two aren’t directly correlated. Schedule V drugs have the lowest potential for abuse and if it is unclassified then it is deemed to hold no addictive properties.

Research into trazodone abuse potential

Like most forms of antidepressants, clinical trials of trazodone for the treatment of depression and anxiety disorders have not shown any drug-seeking or other addictive behaviors. However, while studies into trazodone's effects (such as weight gain) are well documented, data on its abuse potential is lacking. 

For example, trazodone is occasionally used outside of treatment for mental health disorders, such as when it is prescribed off-label for conditions such as insomnia. Though the prescribed dose of trazodone is often lower when used to treat insomnia than depression, there is little research into how people who take the drug react to it and whether they may become dependent.[1]