Research shows that about 66% of adults in the United States take at least one prescription drug.[1] People take prescription medications to manage the symptoms of mental health and medical conditions. Many people believe that it is always safe to take prescription drugs, but some have the potential for misuse, dependence, and other complications.

Trazodone is a commonly prescribed medication used to treat sleep problems, depression, and anxiety.[2] Millions of people use Trazodone, and some will become addicted to it.

This article will explore the effects and risks of Trazodone abuse. You will learn:

• The dangers of abusing trazodone
• How long trazodone remains in your body
• Where to find substance abuse treatment

If you or someone you love struggles with trazodone abuse or another type of substance use disorder, you are not alone. Contact the Moving Mountains specialist to explore our treatment and recovery support programs. Reach out with questions or to set up an intake appointment.

What is Trazodone?

Trazodone is a prescription medication that hit the market in 1981.[2] Since then, doctors have prescribed it to help their patients manage anxiety, reduce depression, and improve sleep.

Trazodone is available under several brand names, including:

• Desyrel
• Desyrel Dividose
• Trazodone Z
• Oleptro

People typically take trazodone orally. Typical dosage ranges from 50 mg to 300 mg. The dosage a person takes depends on the type, severity, and duration of their symptoms. Doctors typically prescribe low doses of trazodone to reduce the risk of abuse and dependence.

Recognizing Trazodone Abuse

Doctors generally prescribe low doses of trazodone to help people manage symptoms of depression, anxiety, and insomnia. Some patients take larger doses of this drug, which can induce sedation, relaxation, and excessive drowsiness.

Some people may like the way trazodone makes them feel. They may abuse their prescription drugs. Trazodone abuse includes:

• Taking a larger dose of trazodone than prescribed
• Taking it more often than prescribed
• Using it for longer than prescribed
• Using it differently than prescribed, such as crushing and snorting pills or dissolving it and inserting it rectally
• Taking trazodone without a prescription (recreational use)

Abuse can increase the risk of unwanted side effects of trazodone, including:[3]

• Nausea
• Constipation
• Dry mouth
• Low blood pressure
• Changes in appetite
• Excessive sweating
• Headache

Long-term trazodone abuse can cause more severe complications, including:

• Breathing problems
• Painful erections
• Chest pain
• Irregular heartbeat
• Serotonin toxicity

Some people use trazodone to counteract the stimulant effects of cocaine or other drugs. Mixing trazodone and other substances can have serious consequences, including overdose or serotonin syndrome.

People who abuse trazodone may become addicted to it. It can be very challenging to overcome trazodone addiction. People may experience severe withdrawal symptoms that make it hard to avoid relapse.

Most people who develop trazodone addiction require intensive treatment and ongoing support to prevent relapse.

How Long Does Trazodone Stay in Your Body?

If you need to take a drug test, you may wonder how long specific tests can detect trazodone. The time it takes a person’s body to process trazodone can vary, depending on a variety of factors. The factors  that affect how long trazodone remains in your body include:

• Your age
• Wight
• General health
• Body composition
• Gender
• The amount you took
• Other substances you used at the same time

Trazodone’s half-life is 5-13 hours.[2] This means your body will eliminate half of the drug in your system in this timeframe. Trazodone is metabolized by the liver and eliminated from the body via urine.[4]

Different types of tests can detect trazodone for various lengths of time. Drug tests typically do not test for trazodone. However, trazodone metabolites may show up as a false positive for amphetamines.

Here is an overview of how long tests may detect trazodone metabolites.

Urine tests

Urine tests may detect trazodone metabolites for up to 26 days after your last dose.

Blood tests

Blood tests can detect trazodone metabolites for 1-3 days after your last dose.

Saliva tests

Trazodone metabolites may create false positives for amphetamines for up to three days after your last dose.

Hair follicle tests

Hair follicle tests may detect trazodone metabolites for up to four months after your last dose.

Different factors can affect how long drugs stay in your system, including your health, age, and metabolism. You cannot force your body to eliminate drugs faster.

If you find it challenging to stop using trazodone or other drugs, you may require professional treatment and support. Addiction treatment programs offer evidence-based therapies and support.

Comprehensive treatment can help you identify and address the physical, emotional, and behavioral aspects of substance abuse. It can give you the support and tools you need to work toward long-term recovery.

Find Treatment Now

If you or a loved one struggles with prescription drug abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Contact the intake specialists at Moving Mountains Recovery for information about our programs or to schedule an intake appointment.