Comprehensive medication guide to Raldesy including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.
Estimated Insurance Pricing
$10–$50 estimated copay for commercially insured patients after prior authorization; Raldesy is typically not on Medicare Part D formularies. Commercial plans may classify it as Tier 3–4 brand-only. Copay card reduces cost to as low as $10/month for eligible patients.
Estimated Cash Pricing
$389–$456 retail for Raldesy (trazodone oral solution, 150 mL) without insurance; as low as $390 with a GoodRx coupon at select pharmacies for a 30-day supply. Commercially insured patients may pay as little as $10/month with the Raldesy copay card.
Medfinder Findability Score
60/100
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Raldesy (trazodone hydrochloride oral solution, 10 mg/mL) is a brand-name prescription antidepressant manufactured by Validus Pharmaceuticals LLC. FDA-approved in 2024, it holds the distinction of being the first and only FDA-approved oral liquid formulation of trazodone in the United States.
Raldesy is indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults. It is not approved for use in pediatric patients. The liquid formulation was developed specifically for patients who have difficulty swallowing tablets — including elderly patients, those with dysphagia or swallowing disorders, post-surgical patients, and individuals in care settings where caregiver-administered liquid medication is preferable.
Trazodone itself has been available in the U.S. since 1981 and was originally marketed as Desyrel (tablets, now discontinued). Raldesy represents the first standardized, FDA-approved liquid version of this established medication, available in 150 mL and 300 mL bottles with a measured oral dosing syringe for accurate dosing.
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Raldesy is classified as a serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor (SARI) — a unique type of antidepressant that works through multiple mechanisms simultaneously. Unlike SSRIs, which only block serotonin reuptake, Raldesy both increases serotonin availability and blocks specific serotonin receptors.
Raldesy inhibits the serotonin transporter (SERT), preventing the reuptake of serotonin from the synaptic cleft, which increases serotonin signaling associated with mood improvement. Simultaneously, it blocks 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C serotonin receptors — an action that promotes deep sleep, reduces anxiety, and avoids the sexual dysfunction and insomnia commonly caused by SSRIs.
Raldesy also blocks histamine H1 receptors (contributing to its sedating effects) and alpha-1 adrenergic receptors (which can cause orthostatic hypotension and nasal congestion as side effects). This multifaceted mechanism makes Raldesy effective for depression while simultaneously addressing the sleep disturbances and anxiety that frequently accompany MDD.
150 mg (15 mL) — oral solution (10 mg/mL)
Starting dose for MDD in adults — taken in divided doses after meals
200–400 mg/day — oral solution (10 mg/mL)
Therapeutic maintenance dose range for outpatient MDD — titrated by 50 mg/day every 3–4 days
Up to 600 mg/day — oral solution (10 mg/mL)
Maximum dose for hospitalized inpatient MDD — under close medical supervision only
Raldesy can be moderately difficult to find at retail pharmacies in 2026. As a newer brand-only specialty liquid (FDA approved in 2024), it is not yet automatically stocked at every pharmacy. Major national chains list Raldesy in their ordering systems, but individual locations may not carry it on the shelf. Raldesy is not listed on the FDA's Drug Shortages Database — the challenge is one of stocking and distribution, not manufacturing supply.
Most pharmacies can order Raldesy from their wholesaler within 1–2 business days. Specialty pharmacies (such as Walgreens Specialty and CVS Specialty) are generally more reliably stocked. Insurance coverage is limited — Medicare Part D typically does not cover Raldesy, and commercial plans often require prior authorization.
The fastest way to find Raldesy in stock is to use medfinder, which contacts pharmacies near you on your behalf to identify which ones can fill your prescription. Validus Pharmaceuticals also offers the Raldesy Liquid Innovation With Care Patient Support Program (877-384-1417 or patient.raldesy.com) for cost assistance.
Raldesy (trazodone hydrochloride) is not a DEA-controlled substance, meaning it has no special scheduling restrictions. Any licensed prescriber with prescribing authority can write a prescription for Raldesy, including via telehealth without requiring an in-person visit.
Psychiatrists: Most common prescribers for complex or treatment-resistant MDD cases
Primary care physicians (PCPs) and family medicine doctors: Routinely prescribe trazodone for depression and insomnia
Nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs): Can prescribe Raldesy in most states
Neurologists: May prescribe Raldesy for patients with neurological conditions affecting swallowing
Geriatricians: Specialists in elder care who commonly treat dysphagia and depression together
Raldesy can be prescribed via telehealth. Licensed telehealth providers on platforms such as Teladoc, MDLive, Brightside Health, and others can evaluate and prescribe Raldesy for adults with MDD without an in-person visit requirement.
No. Raldesy (trazodone hydrochloride) is not classified as a controlled substance by the DEA. Trazodone has no recognized abuse potential or dependence liability. It is not subject to DEA scheduling restrictions.
As a non-controlled substance, Raldesy can be prescribed with unlimited refills (subject to your doctor's discretion and applicable state laws), can be e-prescribed through standard EHR systems, and can be prescribed via telehealth without requiring an in-person visit. There are no special DEA-mandated prescription forms, quantities, or tracking requirements for Raldesy.
Drowsiness/somnolence (most common)
Dizziness or lightheadedness (especially when standing up)
Dry mouth
Nausea (reduced by taking with food)
Diarrhea
Blurred vision
Nasal congestion
Headache
Fluid retention / mild weight changes
Priapism: Painful or prolonged erection lasting more than 4 hours — seek emergency care immediately
Serotonin syndrome: Agitation, fever, rapid heart rate, muscle twitching — seek emergency care
QT prolongation: Palpitations, chest pain, fainting — contact doctor immediately
Hyponatremia: Confusion, weakness, headache, seizures in severe cases
Suicidal thoughts: Black box warning; highest risk in adults under 24 — call 988 or 911
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Generic trazodone tablets
Same active ingredient (trazodone HCl) in tablet form; widely available and very affordable ($4–$24/month); not an option for patients who cannot swallow tablets
Sertraline oral concentrate (Zoloft)
FDA-approved liquid SSRI at 20 mg/mL; widely available and lower cost; first-line MDD treatment; may cause insomnia and sexual side effects unlike Raldesy
Escitalopram oral solution (Lexapro)
FDA-approved liquid SSRI at 1 mg/mL; widely available as generic; good tolerability; liquid formulation suitable for patients with swallowing difficulties
Mirtazapine ODT (Remeron)
Orally disintegrating tablet that dissolves on tongue — ideal for dysphagia; sedating antidepressant with similar sleep-promoting properties to trazodone; generic available
Compounded liquid trazodone
Available from 503A-registered compounding pharmacies; same active ingredient; not FDA-approved; quality/consistency may vary; useful as a bridge when Raldesy is inaccessible
Prefer Raldesy? We can find it.
MAOIs (phenelzine, tranylcypromine, linezolid, IV methylene blue)
majorContraindicated — risk of life-threatening serotonin syndrome. Allow at least 14 days between stopping an MAOI and starting Raldesy.
CYP3A4 inhibitors (ketoconazole, ritonavir, clarithromycin, grapefruit juice)
moderateMay increase trazodone blood levels, raising side effect risk including cardiac arrhythmias. Consider Raldesy dose reduction.
CYP3A4 inducers (rifampin, carbamazepine, phenytoin, St. John's Wort)
moderateMay decrease trazodone levels, reducing effectiveness. Raldesy dose increase may be necessary.
CNS depressants (alcohol, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, opioids)
moderateRaldesy enhances CNS depressant effects. Avoid alcohol entirely. Use other CNS depressants with caution.
Warfarin
moderateRaldesy may increase or decrease INR. Monitor prothrombin time/INR when initiating, adjusting, or stopping Raldesy.
NSAIDs, aspirin, antiplatelet agents, anticoagulants
moderateIncreased risk of bleeding. Avoid concurrent use with NSAIDs when possible; use acetaminophen for pain relief instead.
Digoxin and phenytoin
moderateRaldesy may increase serum levels of digoxin and phenytoin. Monitor levels when starting or stopping Raldesy.
Raldesy is a meaningful clinical advancement — the first FDA-approved liquid trazodone — serving a specific patient population that has long needed a standardized, quality-controlled alternative to crushed tablets or compounded liquids. For patients with major depressive disorder who cannot swallow tablets, Raldesy fills a genuine gap in the treatment landscape.
The primary challenges in 2026 are not clinical but logistical: limited pharmacy stocking due to its new market entry, restricted insurance coverage (particularly for Medicare beneficiaries), and a high retail price without assistance programs. However, Validus Pharmaceuticals' copay card and patient assistance programs significantly reduce the cost barrier for eligible patients, and pharmacy availability is expected to improve as the product matures.
If you're struggling to find Raldesy in stock, medfinder contacts pharmacies on your behalf to locate which ones can fill your prescription. Combined with the Raldesy patient support program and a well-documented prior authorization, most patients can access this medication at a manageable cost.
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Our medication guides are researched and written to help patients make informed decisions. All content is reviewed for accuracy and updated regularly. Learn more about our standards
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