[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]
Prefer to listen? Play the audio version below:
ย
ย
Trazodone is a prescription medication primarily used to treat depression and, in some cases, insomnia, anxiety, and certain mood disorders. It belongs to a class of drugs called serotonin antagonists and reuptake inhibitors (SARIs), which work by increasing serotonin levels in the brain to improve mood and promote relaxation.
Although trazodone is not considered addictive in the same way opioids or benzodiazepines can be, it can be physically habit-forming. Stopping trazodone suddenly can lead to withdrawal symptoms, such as dizziness, nausea, irritability, or sleep disturbances. Because of this, doctors typically recommend gradually tapering off the medication instead of quitting abruptly.
While trazodone itself isnโt addictive, some people may develop a psychological reliance on it, especially if theyโve been using it for sleep for a long time. The subreddit r/insomnia has numerous posts from users who have tried quitting trazodone only to be surprised by just how intense their withdrawal symptoms became.
In this article, weโll explore trazodone withdrawal by looking at how trazodone works, what the research says, and what real people say about their experiences with the medication.
How Does Trazodone Dependence Develop?
Trazodone dependence can develop over time, especially for people who use it regularly for sleep or anxiety. Dependence occurs when the body adjusts to the drug and relies on it to function normally. Dependence is more likely to develop in people who take high doses or for long periods of time.
While trazodone does not produce cravings like opioids or benzodiazepines, stopping it suddenly can lead to withdrawal symptoms, which may make someone feel like they need to keep taking it.
Common Symptoms of Trazodone Withdrawal
Withdrawal from trazodone can vary from person to person, depending on how long theyโve been taking it and at what dose. However, common withdrawal symptoms include:
- Trouble sleeping (insomnia)
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Nausea
- Digestive issues
- Irritability
- Mood swings
- Fatigue
- Low energy
- Headaches
- Brain fog
- Difficulty concentrating
- Depression
- Suicidal thoughts
While trazodone withdrawal is usually not dangerous, it can be uncomfortable. The best way to stop taking trazodone safely is to work with a doctor to slowly reduce the dose, allowing the body to adjust over time.
What Reddit Users Say About Trazodone Withdrawal
On the Insomnia subreddit, users regularly seek advice and support from other people while detoxing from trazodone. While some people report only minor withdrawal symptoms, most people agree that trazodone withdrawal is highly unpleasant.
One user, CrysDawn24, writes, โTrazodone withdrawals are terrible!! My doctor told old me I had to stop cold turkey to take another med (non-psych med) and I thought the new medicine was trying to kill me. Nope! It was withdrawals from trazodone. I spent days on no sleep, with extreme gastrointestinal upset, and every other crazy withdrawal symptom. Now I am 3-4 weeks out and I still am not myself. I hate itโ
Egarfpark describes their experience: โTrazedone is HORRIBLE. Fatigue during the day, brain fog, and the detox is worse. I can’t stay asleep. I wake up at 3am, WIDE AWAKE, then fall asleep a few hours later for maybe a half hour, waking up a headache. The entire day is F’d. It’s been 10 days of this, and all I was taking was 50mg.โ
Another user whose account has since been deleted says, โI have been feeling quite ill and mentally strange. Ringing in ears, anxiety, G.I. issues, the breathing troubleโฆ and just an all over sick feeling.โ
Even people who report tapering off trazodone describe having withdrawal symptoms. ParticularZucchini64 wrote, โI had horrible withdrawal from Trazodone, and I even taperedโฆ I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy.โ
CommunitySensitive71 agrees, saying, โBeen on high dose for 11 years. trying to come off it is MISERABLE. Brain zaps, heart palpitations, hot flashes, sweats, exhausted. I have to do the slowest taper in the world and I still feel like I’m dying.โ
Users agree that quitting the medication cold turkey is never a good idea, and that a slow, gradual taper is the best way to go. Radiant-Disaster-300 describes their tapering schedule given by their psychiatrist: โIโm currently tapering off trazodone 150mg, and Iโm a bit worried about withdrawal, Iโd like to be prepared for what I might experience. I stopped taking it at one point cold turkey and it was horrible- nausea, headaches and more. Now Iโve been advised by my psychiatrist to drop down to 100mg for a week and then 50mg for the next week and then stop completely.โ
How Long Does Trazodone Withdrawal Last?
Symptoms typically appear within a few days of stopping and can last for one to two weeks, though some people may experience longer-lasting effects. Some Reddit users report experiencing insomnia, depression, and other symptoms for as long as six to nine months.
The average trazodone withdrawal timeline looks like this:
- Days 1-3: Initial symptoms like dizziness, nausea, headaches, and rebound insomnia may appear.
- Days 4-7: Symptoms may peak, with sleep disturbances, mood swings, and fatigue being the most noticeable.
- Days 8-14: Symptoms begin to fade, though some people may still experience mild insomnia, anxiety, or brain fog.
- Beyond 2 weeks: Most symptoms resolve, but in some cases, lingering effects like mood changes or sleep disturbances can persist for several weeks.
People who have taken trazodone for a long time, especially at higher doses, may experience more intense and long-lasting withdrawal symptoms than other users.
Tapering Off Trazodone Under Medical Supervision
The safest way to stop taking trazodone is by gradually reducing the dose under a doctorโs guidance. Tapering allows the body to adjust slowly, reducing the risk of withdrawal symptoms.
Tapering schedules are individualized, but many healthcare providers advise reducing the dose by only 25-50mg each week. If symptoms become too uncomfortable, the taper may be temporarily paused until symptoms resolve.
While tapering, individuals should use alternative sleep or anxiety management techniques to ease the transition.
If youโre thinking about stopping trazodone, itโs best to consult with a healthcare provider to create a plan that works for you.
Mental Health and Substance Use Treatment at Moving Mountains Recovery
Whether you need help with depression, insomnia, or substance use disorder, Moving Mountains Recoveryโs evidence-based treatment programs can help. To learn about our mental health and addiction treatment programs or to get started with a confidential, risk-free assessment, please contact us today!
References:
- National Institute of Health (NIH): Trazodone
- National Institute of Health (NIH): Trazodone for Insomnia: A Systematic Review
- NIH: Mechanisms of the development of trazodone withdrawal symptoms
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
