AuthorisedTherapeutic use (Phase IV)Interventional

Effectiveness of Trazodone on Emotional Blunting in Patients with Major Depressive: a Phase IV, Open-label, clinical study

Major depression can often leave people feeling emotionally numb or flat, a symptom known as emotional blunting. This means it can be hard to feel normal emotions such as joy, love, or sadness. This clinical trial is testing whether an established antidepressant called trazodone can help restore a healthy range of feelings. The study is open to adults aged 18 and over with major depression. Participants will take slow-release trazodone tablets every day for eight weeks. Because this is an open-label study, both participants and doctors will know the medicine being taken. Over the two months, participants will complete questionnaires to measure their feelings, thinking, sleep, and overall quality of life. The findings will help doctors understand whether trazodone can help people not only recover from low mood, but also feel more emotionally connected to everyday life.

At a glance

Status

Authorised

Phase

Therapeutic use (Phase IV)

Sponsor

Angelini Pharma Italia Aziende Chimiche Riunite Angelini Francesco A.C.R.A.F. S.p.A. Enunciabile Anche Angelini Pharma Italia S.p.A. Angelini Pharma S.p.A. A.C.R.A.F. S.p.A. Acraf S.p.A. Angelini S.p.A. aziende Chimiche Riunite Angelini Francesco A.C.R.A.F. S.p.A.

Enrolment target

120

Start

29 Jul 2026

Major depressive disorder (MDD)

What is this study about?

Depression is more than just feeling down. Many people experience a sense of emotional numbness, sometimes called emotional blunting. When this happens, it can feel like your emotions have been switched off. You might struggle to feel happy, affectionate, or even sad, leaving you feeling cut off from friends, family, and activities you used to enjoy. While many treatments help lift low mood, some can leave people feeling emotionally flat.

This trial is studying a medicine called trazodone to see if it can help relieve this emotional numbness. Trazodone is an established antidepressant that works on brain chemicals linked to mood and sleep. In this study, it is given as a slow-release tablet, which releases the medicine gradually into the body throughout the day.

Researchers want to see if eight weeks of treatment can help people regain their normal emotional range. Along with tracking emotions, the trial looks at how well the medicine improves sleep, memory, concentration, and general quality of life. Finding treatments that treat both low mood and emotional numbness is essential for helping people feel truly back to themselves.

Key takeaways

Tests whether trazodone can improve emotional numbness in major depression.
Open to adults aged 18 and over.
Involves taking daily slow-release tablets for eight weeks.
Measures changes in emotions, mood, sleep, and everyday quality of life.
Participation is voluntary, with no dummy pill used.

Who may be eligible?

This study is open to adults aged 18 and older who are living with major depression. It is open to people of all genders.

To be considered, you will need a diagnosis of major depressive disorder and be experiencing difficulties with emotional blunting or numbness.

Before joining, the research team will carry out a health review. They will check your medical history, any other health conditions you may have, and what medicines you are currently taking to make sure this trial is safe and appropriate for you.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

I am 18 years old or older.
I have been diagnosed with major depression.
I feel emotionally numb, flat, or disconnected from my feelings.
I am able to take a daily tablet for eight weeks.
I can attend regular clinic appointments and complete questionnaires.

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

Taking part in this study lasts for about eight weeks. During this time, you will take slow-release trazodone tablets by mouth every day as prescribed by the study doctor. This is an open-label trial, which means you and the research team will both know which medication and dose you are taking.

You will attend clinic appointments at the start and end of the trial, with regular check-ins during the eight weeks. At these visits, you will complete questionnaires about your emotions, mood, sleep, and how well you are managing daily activities at home, work, or socially. The study team will also check your overall health and monitor any side effects throughout the study.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part may help improve your depression, sleep, and ability to feel emotions, although benefits cannot be guaranteed. Like all medications, trazodone can cause side effects. Common ones include feeling sleepy or dizzy, having a dry mouth, or headaches. The study doctors will monitor your health closely to ensure you stay safe. Joining the trial is entirely voluntary, and you are free to leave at any time without giving a reason and without it affecting your regular medical care.

Locations (3)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

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Unverified
Bulgaria
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Unverified
Poland
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Unverified
Hungary

Common questions

What is emotional blunting?

Emotional blunting is when you feel emotionally numb or flat, making it difficult to feel positive or negative emotions, or to feel connected to others.

What is trazodone?

Trazodone is an approved antidepressant medicine that helps balance certain natural chemicals in the brain that affect mood and sleep.

Will I receive a dummy pill (placebo)?

No. This is an open-label study, which means all participants receive the active medicine and everyone knows what treatment is being given.

How long will the trial take?

The treatment and assessment period lasts for about eight weeks.

Can I leave the study early if I change my mind?

Yes. You have the right to withdraw from the trial at any point, and doing so will not affect your standard NHS care.