Trazodone Addiction, Treatment & Side Effects

Trazodone Abuse and Addiction

Trazodone is generally considered a safe and effective long-term solution for the treatment of depression, insomnia, and other conditions. Prolonged use could still lead to physical dependence and difficulty detoxing. You or your loved ones don’t have to struggle with dependence. At Muse Treatment, we offer proven treatments for withdrawal from virtually every kind of substance. Call today and let us get you the help you deserve.

What is Trazodone?

Primarily used as an antidepressant, doctors may prescribe trazodone off-label for a small number of other conditions, including anxiety and insomnia. It comes in tablet form ranging in strength from 25mg to 300mg. The average starting dose is 150mg, but it may take a little time before settling on what works best for you. Overall, you get the full benefit of its effects in 6 weeks, although you may notice it beginning to work within the first two.

Trazodone Effects 

Trazodone works by interacting with the chemical receptors of certain neurotransmitters in your brain. Among those, serotonin stabilizes your mood while histamine helps you sleep. You’ll soon begin feeling more like yourself and less likely to become overwhelmed by anxiety or worry. Because trazodone affects similar receptors as other antidepressants, medications, vitamins, and even over-the-counter supplements, it’s important to review a complete list with your doctor or pharmacist. 

Some common side effects include changes in weight, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, and lightheadedness. You may want to avoid driving or operating heavy machinery while adjusting to the effects. More serious side effects may require immediate medical attention. Call your doctor or go to the nearest emergency room if you experience any of the following:

• Blurred vision
• Chest pain
• Fainting
• Impaired thinking, concentration, and memory
• Nosebleeds
• A painful erection lasting more than 2 hours
• Pounding in ears
• Raised or lowered heart rate 
• Seizures
• Shortness of breath
• Skin rash
• Suicidal ideation
• Trouble walking
• Unusual or unexplained bruising

Signs of Trazodone Abuse and Addiction

Despite not being a controlled substance, meaning it hasn’t been shown to cause drug-seeking behavior in users, the risk of physical dependence or overdose while taking trazodone remains. In laypeople’s terms, you’ll feel it when you stop taking trazodone, but it’s unlikely you’re going to lose your house chasing that habit.

Trazodone abuse, on the other hand, is a very real and potentially fatal possibility. Whether you’re taking it alongside other drugs or medications, or taking more than the prescribed dose, the following signs may be an indication of abuse or overdose:

• Changes in heartbeat
• Difficulty breathing
• Drowsiness
• Painful erection that does not go away
• Seizures
• Vomiting

If you suspect someone around you is abusing trazodone and they begin showing signs of overdose, call 9-1-1 or seek medical help immediately. Anyone certified in life-saving techniques should begin CPR measures until help arrives. If it’s you experiencing these symptoms, call 9-1-1 and, if possible, ask someone to wait with you in case you lose consciousness. In extreme cases, trazodone overdose can have catastrophic effects on the heart’s ability to function, and may even lead to death.

Trazodone Withdrawal Symptoms 

The most important things to remember when coming off trazodone are to coordinate with your doctor and do it gradually. Stopping abruptly may intensify your withdrawal symptoms, especially if you have a co-occurring mental health condition. Depending on your personal history with trazodone, you may experience:

• Chills and sweating
• Fatigue
• Feeling agitated, dizzy, or confused
• Headaches
• Impaired thinking, concentration, and memory
• Insomnia
• Irritability
• Nausea and vomiting
• Pain, burning, or tingling in the hands and feet
• Seizures
• Shock-like sensations
• Suicidal ideation
• Tinnitus

Long-Term Side Effects of Trazodone Abuse

There isn’t much data on the long-term effects of taking trazodone, either illegally or as prescribed. The effects will go away once the drug leaves your system. Remember to always follow your doctor’s recommendations and report any side effects. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about every medication (prescription and over-the-counter), vitamin, and supplement you’re currently taking, and don’t start anything new without first getting their approval.

Trazodone Addiction Treatment

Few drugs, if any, come without the risk of addiction or chemical and physical dependence. Coming off of them is often difficult, and in some cases, dangerous. Talk to your doctor about the potential risks for addiction and dependence with any new or existing medications. 

If you suspect that either you or a loved one is struggling with trazodone or other drug dependencies, don’t wait, call the recovery specialists at Muse Treatment. We will gladly answer any questions or concerns, provide information regarding our various treatments and programs, and most importantly, remind you that you’re not alone. Take your first step towards a better tomorrow, today.