Trazodone Abuse, Addiction & Treatment

Trazodone Withdrawal: Dealing With Cravings and Treatment

Trazodone is an antidepressant primarily used to treat depression and anxiety. It has become a widely prescribed medication because of its sedative properties and effectiveness in improving sleep patterns. However, like many medications, it can lead to withdrawal symptoms when discontinued, especially after long-term use. One of the most challenging aspects of stopping trazodone is dealing with cravings, both for the substance itself and the relief it provides. These cravings can be intense and often lead to setbacks in the recovery process. Understanding the causes of trazodone withdrawal, its symptoms, and effective treatment strategies is critical for individuals seeking to manage their withdrawal symptoms successfully.

Fortunately, seeking professional help from prescription drug detox centers in California, like Resurgence Behavioral Health, can provide essential support during this challenging time. We take a personalized, holistic approach and offer tailored treatment plans that address the physical symptoms of withdrawal and the psychological factors contributing to cravings and relapse. Our team is highly skilled at managing cravings and matching treatment plans to individuals’ unique needs.

What is Trazodone?

Trazodone is an antidepressant medication that is classified as a serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitors (SARI’s). Trazodone is also known under the brand names:

• Oleptro
• Desyrel
• Desyrel
• Dividose

Trazodone is made available in tablet formats in doses of

• 25mg
• 50mg
• 100mg
• 150mg
• 300mg

Individuals will often start at a 150mg dose to begin with and will be gradually increased by 50mg if needed and recommended to do so by your physician. 

Can Trazodone Cause Low Blood Pressure?

Low blood pressure is a recognized side effect of Trazodone, particularly when standing up from a sitting or lying down position. This phenomenon is known as orthostatic hypotension, a type of low blood pressure that occurs when you transition quickly to an upright position. It can lead to symptoms like dizziness, lightheadedness, or even fainting.

Trazodone sedates the central nervous system and acts as an alpha blocker, meaning it can relax and dilate blood vessels. This occurrence can reduce blood pressure, making individuals more likely to experience orthostatic hypotension. The risk of low blood pressure is also higher in older people and those who already have a history of low blood pressure or cardiovascular issues. Meanwhile, taking trazodone in combination with other medications that lower blood pressure or alcohol can exacerbate this effect.

This side effect is most commonly seen when people first start taking trazodone or after a dosage increase, as the body may take time to adjust to the medication. However, for some individuals, it may persist as long as they are on the medication.
It’s important to rise slowly from a seated or lying position to minimize the risk of low blood pressure or dizziness. Staying well-hydrated and avoiding sudden movements can also help manage Trazodone symptoms. If dizziness or fainting becomes frequent, talking to a medical professional who may recommend adjusting the dosage, trying a different medication, or adding strategies to manage the side effects more effectively is essential.

Does Trazodone Make Vision Blurry?

Trazodone can cause blurry vision as a potential side effect, although it’s not one of the most common. Blurry vision can occur because trazodone has mild anticholinergic properties. These properties affect the nervous system and interfere with specific eye processes, such as focusing or fluid balance. These effects may lead to difficulty seeing clearly, especially when changing focus from near to far or vice versa.

In most cases, blurry vision caused by trazodone is temporary and may improve as your body adjusts to the medication. However, some people may continue to experience vision problems for as long as they’re taking the drug. Like low blood pressure, this side effect is generally more noticeable when first starting trazodone or after an increase in dosage. The sedative effects of trazodone may also contribute to this sensation, as drowsiness can make it harder to focus and see clearly.

If you experience blurry vision while taking trazodone, it’s important to be mindful of your safety, particularly when driving or operating heavy machinery. If the blurry vision is persistent or bothersome, you should reach out to a healthcare provider. In rare cases, vision changes could signal a more serious issue, so it’s always best to err on the side of caution and consult a professional.

Does Trazodone Make You Tired All the Time?

Trazodone can make you feel tired or drowsy, which is one of the reasons it’s often prescribed to help with sleep disorders, including insomnia. Trazodone has sedative effects because it works on serotonin receptors in the brain, which can cause tiredness or lethargy, especially in the first few days or weeks of taking the medication.

Many people desire this drowsiness, mainly if they use trazodone as a sleep aid. However, feeling constantly tired or groggy during the day can be a problematic side effect for others. It might also be more noticeable when you first start the medication or if your dose is increased.

Talking to a doctor is crucial if tiredness interferes with your daily activities. They might suggest adjusting the dose, switching to a different medication, or exploring other strategies to manage sleep or mood without causing daytime fatigue.

Does Trazodone Give You Headaches?

Trazodone has been known to cause headaches, although it is not among the most commonly reported side effects. The exact reason for this isn’t fully understood, but it likely relates to how the drug affects neurotransmitters in the brain, particularly serotonin. Trazodone works by increasing serotonin levels, which can impact various brain functions, including blood flow and pressure regulation, which can contribute to headaches.

For some individuals, headaches may be mild and temporary, subsiding as the body adapts to the medication. However, they can persist or become more frequent for others, potentially interfering with daily activities. The sedative properties of trazodone, which are useful for helping with sleep, may also cause a sense of grogginess or tension that contributes to head pain.

If you experience headaches while taking trazodone, monitoring their severity and frequency is essential. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen may help alleviate the discomfort. However, it’s best to contact a medical professional if headaches become severe or persistent. Addressing Trazodone side effects by learning when to seek inpatient treatment for mental health early on can help you find the best treatment plan for your needs without compromising your quality of life.

Signs of Trazodone Abuse and Addiction

Trazodone addiction will impact each person differently and individuals will demonstrate different signs and symptoms of trazodone abuse. There are certain factors that will increase the severity of your drug addiction including how long you have been using trazodone, how much you take in one time, if you consume other substances while abusing trazodone, and your overall physical health and wellbeing. Individuals that may be living with a severe trazodone addiction will often show the following signs: 

• Rapid changes in mood
• Drowsiness 
• Dizziness 
• Mania 
• Increased moods 
• Going to multiple doctors to receive prescriptions for trazodone 

Trazodone Withdrawal Symptoms

When you abruptly quit your use of trazodone, you become at risk for developing an antidepressant discontinuation syndrome that can produce severely uncomfortable and unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Common withdrawal symptoms that individuals will experience are: 

• Dizziness 
• Lightheadedness 
• Difficulty concentrating 
• Headaches 
• Chills 
• Depersonalization 
• Nausea 
• Vomiting 
• Suicidal thoughts or behaviors 
• Vertigo 
• Difficulty walking 
• Irritability or agitation 

Long-Term Side Effects of Trazodone Abuse

Trazodone use is generally safe, however, if you engage in substance abuse there can be long term side effects that can impact your physical, emotional, and mental health. Common long term side effects are: 

• Serotonin syndrome 
• Angle closure glaucoma 
• Difficulty with coordination 
• Blurred vision 
• Hypertension 
• Fainting 
• Heart rhythm abnormalities 
• Tremors 
• Gastrointestinal concerns 

Reach Out to Resurgence Behavioral Health if You Need Support for Trazodone Withdrawal

If you’re struggling with trazodone withdrawal or with an addiction to pain medications and need support, reaching out to Resurgence Behavioral Health can be a crucial step toward recovery. Resurgence offers a compassionate, structured environment where you can receive personalized care tailored to your needs. Our team of experienced professionals understands the challenges of managing withdrawal symptoms and cravings, offering a range of therapeutic approaches to help ease the transition off trazodone.

From medical detox to ongoing counseling and support, Resurgence ensures you’re not navigating this process alone. Whether you’re dealing with physical symptoms like fatigue or headaches or the psychological aspects of withdrawal, our addiction treatment programs can guide you toward a healthier, more stable future. If you find it challenging to manage the process independently, don’t hesitate to contact Resurgence Behavioral Health at 855-458-0050 for the help you deserve.

External Sources

• WebMD – Trazodone
• GoodRx – 11 Trazodone Side Effects You Should Know About
• NHS – Side effects of trazodone