Trazodone Addiction, Treatment & Side Effects

Trazodone is an antidepressant medication mainly used to treat depression. It works by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, which helps regulate mood, anxiety, and sleep patterns. While primarily prescribed for major depressive disorder, trazodone is also commonly used off-label as a sleep aid due to its sedating properties. Although the medication has a relatively low potential for abuse compared to other sleep medications and antidepressants, trazodone addiction can occur if the drug is consistently misused.

Patients are at lower risk for trazodone addiction since it doesn’t produce euphoric effects or lead to physical dependence in the same way that benzodiazepines or other controlled substances do. However, patients may develop a psychological reliance on trazodone for sleep, and stopping the medication abruptly can lead to symptoms like anxiety, agitation, and insomnia. This article will explain the side effects of trazodone, its withdrawal symptoms, and addiction treatment methods to overcome addiction with prescription drug rehab in Los Angeles.

What Is the Biggest Side Effect of Trazodone?

The most common side effects of trazodone are excessive sedation and daytime drowsiness, which can significantly impact daily functioning. This drowsiness can be so intense that it may persist well into the following day, leading to what many patients describe as a “hangover effect.” The drug’s ability to sedate can impair cognitive function, reaction time, and physical coordination, making it potentially dangerous to drive or operate machinery. This is why healthcare providers typically recommend taking trazodone before bedtime and ensuring a full 7-8 hours of sleep is possible before engaging in activities requiring alertness.

Another significant side effect of trazodone that frequently concerns patients is priapism, which is a prolonged and painful erection lasting more than four hours that occurs without sexual stimulation. While rare, this side effect requires immediate medical attention as it can lead to permanent erectile dysfunction if left untreated. The risk of priapism is one reason why healthcare providers carefully evaluate a patient’s medical history and current medications before prescribing trazodone, particularly in male patients. As with any prescription medication, trazodone should only be taken under a doctor’s orders, and any changes in dosage should be discussed with a physician to avoid beginning a drug addiction.

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.

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.

Why Is Trazodone Not Recommended?

Trazodone may not be recommended in certain situations due to its potential risks. It carries a warning for increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, particularly in young adults, adolescents, and children. This risk is highest during the first few months of treatment or when dosages are adjusted. There are also concerns about its use in elderly patients due to the increased risk of falls and cognitive impairment caused by its sedating effects.

The medication may also not be recommended for people with certain heart conditions, as it can cause cardiac arrhythmias and other cardiovascular complications. People taking MAO inhibitors must avoid trazodone due to the risk of serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition. Some patients may also find the side effects, such as severe morning drowsiness, dry mouth, blurred vision, and dizziness, too disruptive to their daily activities. The medication can also interact with numerous other drugs, including common over-the-counter medications and supplements, making it a challenging choice for patients on multiple medications.

Does Trazodone Need to be Tapered?

Yes, trazodone typically needs to be tapered when discontinuing use rather than stopping abruptly. While it’s not physically addictive in the way that benzodiazepines are, suddenly stopping trazodone can lead to discontinuation syndrome. This tapering process helps minimize withdrawal effects and allows the body to adjust to decreasing levels of the medication gradually. A healthcare provider should always determine the specific tapering schedule, depending on factors like current dosage, length of use, and individual patient circumstances. The tapering process might take several weeks or months, with gradual dose reductions every few weeks. This gradual approach helps minimize these withdrawal effects and provides time to monitor how the patient responds to the dose reductions.

Does Trazodone Have Withdrawals?

Yes, trazodone can cause withdrawal symptoms when stopped, especially if discontinued abruptly. Although it’s not considered addictive in the traditional sense, the body becomes accustomed to the medication’s effects on serotonin and other neurotransmitters, leading to withdrawal symptoms when stopped. Common withdrawal symptoms include anxiety, agitation, sleep disturbances, tremors, gastrointestinal upset, and muscle aches.

The severity and duration of drug withdrawal symptoms can vary significantly among people taking the medication, depending on factors such as the length of time on the drug, dosage, and individual mental health. Some people may experience relatively mild symptoms lasting a few days, while others might have more intense symptoms persisting for several weeks. This is why healthcare providers typically recommend a gradual tapering schedule rather than stopping the medication suddenly. The tapering process allows the brain and body to slowly adjust to functioning without the prescription, significantly reducing the intensity of withdrawal symptoms.

Overcome Trazodone Addiction With Help From Muse Treatment

Despite its benefits and low risk for dependence, trazodone is a prescription drug medication that can be abused. If Trazodone addiction begins, it’s imperative to seek help the right way. Professional treatment for trazodone dependence typically starts with a comprehensive medical evaluation to determine the appropriate level of care and create a personalized treatment plan. Treatment usually involves a medically supervised tapering process in either an outpatient or inpatient setting, depending on the severity of dependence and any co-occurring mental health conditions.

A crucial component of professional treatment involves addressing the underlying issues that led to trazodone addiction in the first place. This often includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which helps patients develop healthy sleep habits and coping mechanisms for anxiety or depression. After the initial treatment phase, ongoing support through therapy and support groups can help maintain long-term recovery and prevent relapse. Muse Treatment in Los Angeles offers prescription drug detox and therapy to help patients overcome the challenges of addiction. Our inpatient and outpatient programs are personalized to fit the individual needs of each patient. Please call Muse Treatment at 800-426-1818 today to learn more about our prescription drug addiction treatment programs.

External Sources

• GoodRx: 11 Trazodone Side Effects You Should Know About
• National Library of Medicine: Trazodone
• WebMD: Trazodone: Uses, Side Effects, and More