Written by: Ahsan Riaz
Reviewed by: Dr. Diana Rangaves, PharmD, RPh — Pharmacist, Medical Writer, and Author

If you’ve ever found a small blue, oval pill with ALV 196 on it, you’ve probably wondered what it is and whether it’s safe. Sometimes people come across these pills in an old medicine box or mixed with other prescriptions and want to be sure before taking them.

The ALV 196 Blue Pill is known as Trazodone Hydrochloride 100 mg, a medicine doctors often prescribe for depression, anxiety, or sleep problems.
It can be helpful, but it should never be used without a doctor’s advice.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to recognize this pill, what it’s used for, how it works in your body, and what side effects you should know about — explained in simple terms so you understand it clearly.

What Is ALV 196 Blue Pill?

The ALV 196 Blue Pill produced by Alvogen Inc contains Trazodone Hydrochloride 100 mg.
It’s an antidepressant that helps improve mood, reduce anxiety, and promote better sleep.
This medicine works by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, a chemical that affects emotions and sleep patterns.

Doctors often prescribe it for depression, anxiety, or insomnia. Because it affects brain chemicals, you should only use it under a doctor’s direction.

For more details, you can read about Trazodone Hydrochloride on Drugs.com.

Pill Identification

Here’s how you can identify it easily:

This small, blue, oval-shaped tablet with the imprint ALV 196 is recognized as Trazodone Hydrochloride 100 mg. It’s a prescription medicine commonly given for depression, and sometimes used to help with anxiety or sleep problems.

• Imprint: ALV 196
• Color: Blue
• Shape: Oval / Elliptical
• Strength: 100 mg
• Manufacturer: Alvogen, Inc.
• Drug Class: Phenylpiperazine antidepressants

The active ingredient, Trazodone Hydrochloride, helps balance serotonin in the brain. This chemical plays a key role in regulating mood and sleep patterns.

If you ever find a pill with this marking, make sure to verify it through a pharmacist or a reliable pill identifier tool. Many pills look alike, so confirming the imprint is the safest way to avoid confusion.

What Is ALV 196 Used For?

This pill is mainly used to treat depression, but doctors also prescribe it for anxiety and sleep problems.

It helps increase serotonin activity in the brain, which improves mood and helps you feel calmer.
Because it can make you sleepy, many people take it before bedtime to help with insomnia.

Some doctors also use it in smaller doses just to help patients sleep better.
It’s important to take it only as prescribed and not to mix it with alcohol or other sedatives.

How to Use It Safely

Take this medicine only as your doctor tells you. It’s usually taken once a day, often after a meal or before bedtime. Swallow the tablet with water don’t crush or break it.

Try to take it at the same time every day so your body stays used to it. If you forget a dose, take it when you remember. But if it’s almost time for the next one, skip the missed dose never take two together.

Avoid alcohol and other sleep medicines while using it, since these can make you too drowsy or dizzy.

Don’t stop taking it suddenly without talking to your doctor, even if you start to feel better. Always follow your prescription and let your doctor know if you notice anything unusual.

Side Effects

Some people may feel light side effects when using this medicine, especially at the start. These usually get better with time.

Common effects include:

• Feeling sleepy or tired
• Dizziness when standing up
• Dry mouth
• Mild headache
• Upset stomach or nausea

To reduce dizziness, stand up slowly after sitting or lying down. Drinking enough water and taking the tablet after food can also help.

In rare cases, serious effects can happen like irregular heartbeat, confusion or shortness of breath. If you notice any of these, contact your doctor right away.

It’s always a good idea to keep track of how you feel and share it with your doctor during follow-ups. This helps make sure the medicine is working safely for you.

Is ALV 196 Blue Pill Safe?

Yes, it’s safe when used under a doctor’s guidance. This medicine is commonly prescribed for depression, anxiety or trouble sleeping, and most people use it without major problems.

Still, safety depends on your overall health and other medicines you take. It’s not meant for self-use, so never take it without a proper prescription.

Avoid alcohol or other sleep medicines while using it, as these can increase dizziness or drowsiness. People with heart, liver or kidney issues should always check with their doctor first.

If you notice anything unusual like chest pain, fast heartbeat or confusion get medical help right away.

When taken correctly and monitored by a healthcare professional, this pill can be both safe and effective for managing your condition.

ALV 196 vs Other Medicines

While ALV 196 (Trazodone) is often used for depression and sleep problems, it’s different from other common antidepressants.

Here’s a simple comparison:

Medicine	Active Ingredient	Main Use	Common Strength
ALV 196	Trazodone Hydrochloride	Depression, Anxiety, Sleep Problems	100 mg
Zoloft	Sertraline	Depression, Anxiety	50–100 mg
Lexapro	Escitalopram	Depression, Generalized Anxiety	10–20 mg
Amitriptyline	Amitriptyline Hydrochloride	Depression, Sleep Aid	25–50 mg

Trazodone is often chosen because it can help both with mood and sleep, while some other antidepressants may cause insomnia.

Where to Buy ALV 196 Blue Pill

To ensure safety, purchase only from licensed pharmacies or with a doctor’s prescription.
When buying online, look for:

• The Alvogen logo on the packaging
• A valid batch number and expiry date
• The blue ALV 196-imprinted tablet

Avoid too good to be true offers they often lead to counterfeit products.

Final Thoughts

The ALV 196 Blue Pill can help improve mood, reduce anxiety, and support better sleep when used responsibly. It’s clinically tested and trusted for treating depression and related sleep problems.

References

• Drugs.com — Pill Imprint ALV 196
• Medicine.com — Pill Finder: ALV 196 Blue Pill
• MayoClinic.org — Trazodone (Oral Route) Information

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer