Trazodone Addiction and Treatment
Key Takeaways
- Trazodone is not addictive but can lead to dependence - Jump to Section
- Withdrawal can cause insomnia, anxiety, and mood changes - Jump to Section
We know that depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions can be challenging to manage. This is why finding a medication that works for you is important. Fortunately, trazodone is a great option for depression and even sleep problems, making it a popular antidepressant option.
Like with any medication, even with one that has a lower potential for abuse, you should only take trazodone as prescribed. Even if it’s not as common, trazodone addiction and misuse can still occur.
Is Trazodone Addictive?
Although trazodone is not considered highly addictive or even addictive in the traditional sense, misuse can lead to physical dependence and psychological addiction.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t classify trazodone as a controlled substance, indicating a low potential for abuse. That said, we believe it’s still critical to emphasize that long-term use or misuse of any medication can lead to drug dependence.
Examples of misuse include:
- Taking the medication without a prescription
- Using the medication more often or in higher doses than prescribed
- Using the medication in unintended ways (snorting)
- Visiting more than one doctor to get multiple prescriptions
Trazodone is a prescription antidepressant FDA-approved to treat depression and anxiety. Under the supervision of your healthcare provider, it’s generally safe to take.
Your healthcare provider’s instructions are there to ensure the medicine’s efficacy and safety. Disobeying these instructions can increase the risk of experiencing side effects and risks, which include drug tolerance and addiction.
If you’re misusing the drug, we encourage talking to your healthcare provider about the best way to taper off trazodone to avoid dependence.
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Signs and Symptoms of Trazodone Addiction
While your healthcare provider is the only one who can properly diagnose you with addiction, some signs might help you identify if you or your loved one needs professional support. If you recognize these signs, we encourage you to seek that support and medical intervention immediately.
Behavioral Signs of Trazodone Addiction
A person struggling with trazodone addiction may exhibit the following signs:
- Neglecting their responsibilities at home, work, or other social situations
- Trying to obtain more of the drug illegally and use it despite its negative consequences
- Prioritizing drug use over other important aspects of their day-to-day
- Isolating from social situations or hobbies they used to love
- Developing an obsession with using the drug
- Doctor shopping to secure multiple prescriptions
Long-term addiction can lead to agitation, confusion, depression, and suicidal thoughts. That’s why people must get the help and support they need as soon as possible.
Physical Symptoms of Trazodone Addiction
Addiction leads people to take more of the drug than they should. Doing this can lead to experiencing the drug’s side effects.
Some of these include:
- Headaches and dizziness
- Stomach pain
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Sedation
- Diarrhea
- Low blood pressure
- Muscle aches
- Blurred vision
In worse cases, a person could also experience trazodone’s severe side effects, which include:
- Chest pains
- Shortness of breath
- Difficulty breathing
- Sexual dysfunction
- Fast or irregular heart rate or rhythm (tachyarrhythmias)
- Serotonin syndrome
- Priapism (a painful erection that lasts for more than 4 hours)
There's also a risk of overdose, which can lead to serious health issues or can be fatal.
If you notice any of these symptoms in yourself or a loved one, get medical intervention immediately. You must address addiction as soon as possible so your healthcare provider can start to slow down your use. Tapering your use is the best course of action to avoid severe withdrawal.
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Symptoms of Trazodone Withdrawal
Trazodone addiction can result in dependency, leading to withdrawal symptoms upon discontinuing the drug or reducing your dosage. The severity and duration of these symptoms will vary but usually depend on how much of the drug you were taking and for how long.
You may also feel antidepressant discontinuation syndrome (ADS), which happens as your body reacts to a short-term drug deficiency. Your body will typically correct this on its own. However, you may still experience uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms, such as:
- Altered sleep patterns
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Nausea/Vomiting
- Shock-like sensations
- Suicidal thoughts
- Vertigo or difficulty walking
- Trouble concentrating
- Headaches
- Irritability
- Chills
- Depersonalization
- Hyperarousal
Experiencing withdrawals does not always mean a person is addicted, but it indicates a physical dependency on the medication.
A psychological dependence may manifest in more behavioral symptoms, such as anxiety and feelings of inadequacy without the drug. These signs can persist even after your body’s completely rid of trazodone, so it’s best to consult your healthcare provider on how to address them.
Intense withdrawal can lead to overdose, relapse, and even death. It’s important to be transparent with your symptoms so your doctor can make the proper adjustments.
How to Avoid Trazodone Withdrawal
Talk to your healthcare provider to prevent or minimize ADS symptoms. Together you can develop a dosing schedule to taper off the drug gradually.
Tapering means reducing the dose over several days. This allows your body to become accustomed to its natural processes and to stop looking for the drug.
What Are the Symptoms of Trazodone Overdose?
Taking an excessive amount of trazodone can lead to an overdose, life-threatening circumstances, or even death. It can be dangerous and requires immediate medical attention.
If you or someone you know is taking trazodone, it's essential to be familiar with the following symptoms, which could indicate an overdose:
- Chest pain
- Irregular heartbeat
- Decreased heart rate
- Low blood pressure
- Difficulty breathing or respiratory arrest
- Dizziness and lack of coordination
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Seizures
- Tremors
- Coma
This is not an exhaustive list. If you experience any concerning symptoms after taking trazodone, you must seek medical attention. Let the emergency response team know of your drug use and how much of it was used so they can prepare accordingly.
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What Are Trazodone Addiction Treatment Options?
If you or a loved one struggles with trazodone addiction, it’s better to seek substance abuse treatment. Addiction is a medical condition and requires professional care.
The good news is that you have many treatment options available to help you recover. Talk to your healthcare provider regarding the right treatment program for your needs.
Your options are:
- Medical detox: Medically supervised detox used to avoid harmful withdrawal symptoms
- Inpatient treatment: Treatment that involves checking yourself into a rehab facility for 24-hour medical supervision
- Outpatient treatment: A treatment plan where you are freely allowed to leave the rehab facility
- Cognitive behavioral therapy: A short-term therapy technique explores the link between thought patterns and addiction
- Dual diagnosis treatment: A treatment program that addresses co-occurring mental health conditions alongside addiction
- Support groups: Organizations like Narcotics Anonymous (NA) provide a much-needed community to help maintain sobriety after treatment
Alternative Medications and Treatment to Trazodone
Trazodone can be a helpful medication for some people managing depression or insomnia. However, we understand it may not be the perfect fit for everyone, and you may be vulnerable to misusing it.
To support your healing and recovery, we’ve compiled a list of alternatives for addressing major depressive disorders or sleep problems. These are some options you should discuss with your healthcare provider.
Non-Medication Approaches for Depression and Sleep Issues
Several effective non-medication treatments can help improve your mood and sleep quality, such as:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This evidence-based therapy helps identify and change negative thought patterns that contribute to depression and insomnia.
- Relaxation Techniques: Techniques like deep breathing, meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation can promote relaxation and ease anxiety, improving sleep and overall well-being.
- Regular Exercise: Physical activity is a natural mood booster and sleep enhancer. Aim for moderate exercise several days of the week.
- Mind-Body Practices: Yoga, tai chi, and qigong combine physical movement with mindfulness, promoting better sleep and emotional balance.
Natural Antidepressants
Some natural products have been explored for their potential antidepressant effects, including:
- SAM-e and Omega-3 Fatty Acids: These have shown some promise, but more research is needed. Speak with your healthcare provider to know if they might be a suitable option for you.
- Lavender: Aromatherapy may offer some relaxation benefits, but its effectiveness for depression requires further investigation.
- St. John's Wort: This herb can interact with medications and cause serious side effects. It's not recommended without close medical supervision.
- 5-HTP and DHEA: These require careful evaluation by your doctor due to potential side effects and interactions with other medications.
If you're considering switching from trazodone to another medication, consult with your healthcare provider first. They can guide you through the process.
It may involve gradually tapering off trazodone to minimize withdrawal symptoms and adjusting the dosage of the new medication to find the most effective balance for you.
What's Next?
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