Trazodone poses a low risk of either abuse or addiction. However, people who take the drug for an extended period – even those who adhere to all medical guidance – may experience trazodone withdrawal symptoms if they abruptly end or significantly reduce their use.
If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, call us today or visit our admissions page to start your journey toward recovery.
What Is Trazodone?
Trazodone is a prescription medication that is most frequently used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) and insomnia. The full name of this drug is trazodone hydrochloride, which is commonly shortened to trazodone HCL or simply trazodone.
In the United States, it was previously sold under the brand names Desyrel and Oleptro, but neither of those brands are still active:
- Desyrel, an immediate-release medication, earned approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1981. The drug’s manufacturer withdrew it from the market in 2006.
- Oleptro, which was an extended-release version of trazodone, was approved by the FDA in 2010 and discontinued in 2015.
Today, trazodone remains available in the U.S. as a generic drug.
Typical Uses
Trazodone’s sole FDA-approved use is to treat major depressive disorder, either alone or in combination with other medications and/or psychotherapy.
It is also used on an off-label basis to treat people who have a variety of concerns, including:
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Bulimia
- Fibromyalgia
- Insomnia
- Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Substance abuse
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSD)
How It Works
Trazodone is classified as a serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor (SARI).
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter (chemical messenger) that plays a key role in several functions, including mood, reward, learning, and memory.
Usually, nerve cells release serotonin into the synapses, or small gaps that separate cells throughout the central nervous system (CNS). Once the serotonin has delivered its message, it is transported back to the originating nerve cell, where it is reabsorbed and stored for future use.
When a person takes trazodone, the drug interferes with the transport of serotonin while also blocking certain receptors that reabsorb it. This elevates the level of serotonin within the synapses, which can have the effect of amplifying its message.
For some people, this artificial increase in serotonin and certain other neurotransmitters leads to benefits such as elevated mood, decreased anxiety, and better sleep quality.
Side Effects
As with virtually every other prescription medication, trazodone can cause a range of adverse effects. The drug’s more common side effects include:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Fatigue
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Nausea
Trazodone has also been linked with several more severe side effects, such as:
- Sudden drop in blood pressure when standing up
- Fainting
- Irregular heartbeat
- Priapism (persistent and painful erection)
- Visual hallucinations
- Mania
- Suicidal thoughts
Trazodone Withdrawal Symptoms
Withdrawal occurs when your body adapts to the presence of a substance, then suddenly needs to re-establish equilibrium when the substance is no longer present.
Since trazodone artificially increases the amount of serotonin and certain other neurotransmitters in your central nervous system, its absence can cause fluctuating levels of these chemicals. These fluctuations, in turn, may trigger both physical and psychological distress.
Physical Symptoms
The physical impact of trazodone withdrawal symptoms can include:
- Headaches
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Dizziness and lightheadedness
- Excessive perspiration
- Abnormal sleep patterns, including both insomnia and hypersomnia
- Nausea
- Muscle aches
- Fatigue and weakness
Some people who have gone through trazodone withdrawal have also reported a phenomenon known as “brain zaps,” which feel like a series of brief electrical pulses in your brain. Brain zaps are not particularly painful, but they can be quite disconcerting.
Psychological & Cognitive Symptoms
From the perspective of your mental health and cognitive capacity, potential symptoms of trazodone withdrawal include:
- Anxiety
- Agitation, anger, and irritability
- Depression
- Mood swings
- Vivid, disturbing nightmares
- Problems with focus and concentration
- Forgetfulness
- Brain fog (general cognitive sluggishness)
Timeline
If you experience trazodone withdrawal symptoms, the initial effects will likely begin between 24-48 hours (one to two days) after your last dose.
Physical symptoms are usually the first to appear, with some people likening the experience to having the flu. These symptoms typically intensify over a period of two to three days, then begin to subside.
Psychological and cognitive symptoms usually start around the third or fourth day, just as the physical effects are starting to wear off. These symptoms often persist for a week or two, though some can last for several weeks or even months.
How to Manage Trazodone Withdrawal
The best way to manage (or avoid) symptoms of trazodone withdrawal is to consult with your doctor before ending your use of the medication. (Note: This advice applies to all prescription meds. It is never a good idea to stop or alter your dosage level without first discussing the matter with the professional who prescribed the drug to you.)
If your doctor agrees with your decision, they can set up a tapering schedule.
Gradually reducing your dosage level over time can give your body the opportunity to slowly adjust, which can prevent or minimize withdrawal. Slowly ending your use of trazodone can also help you and your doctor monitor your mental health, so you’re not suddenly dealing with the rapid onset of intense anxiety or depression.
Whether you will be switching to another antidepressant or ending your medication use altogether, talking to your doctor can also ensure that you have the appropriate medical and mental health support in place before you make this change.
Learn More About Detox and Rehab in Georgia
If the distress of withdrawal has prevented you from ending your trazodone use, you may benefit from a brief stay in a detoxification (detox) program. In detox, you will be cared for by experienced professionals who can safeguard your health and minimize your discomfort.
Retreat of Atlanta is a trusted source of medical detox and residential rehab for adults who have become dependent on prescription medications and recreational substances. Working together, we can help you successfully rid your body of trazodone, then begin to build a foundation for a healthier and more satisfying future.
To learn more or to schedule a free consultation, please visit our Admissions page or call us today.