What Is Trazodone Used For?
Trazodone is a generic drug prescribed for a number of conditions. Brand names are Desyrel and Oleptro (now discontinued). A time-release version is also manufactured called Desyrel Dividose. First approved by the FDA in the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD), it is more often prescribed in the treatment of insomnia. Other uses include anxiety, Fibromyalgia, headache, and is also used as a sedative for cocaine or alcohol withdrawal. Additionally, trazodone is prescribed off-label for pain syndromes, panic disorder, diabetic neuropathy, eating disorders, and OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder).
Note: There may be effective non-drug-based trazodone alternatives to be considered that your physician has not told you about. Please ask us about these.
Trazodone Side Effects
Trazodone side effects are similar to other antidepressants. These trazodone side effects may be mild to moderate or severe, in which case, medical attention may be required. Trazodone side effects can include mild to moderate to severe reactions.
Trazodone side effects include:
- Seizures
- Tremors
- Increased depression
- Suicidal thoughts
- Cardiac arrhythmia
- Irritability
- Panic attacks
- Anxiety
- Aggressiveness
- Mania
- Impulsive actions or behaviors
- Muscle aches or pains
- Changes in weight
- Blurred vision
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Fainting, especially after rising from a seated or lying position
- Drowsiness
- Tiredness
- Headache
- Impaired vigilance (inability to remained focused, becoming inattentive)
- Agitation
- Nervousness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Decreased libido
- Low blood pressure
- Nasal congestion
- Constipation
- Priapism (a persistent painful erection)
- Difficulty breathing
- Rash
- Swelling (most notably of the lips, tongue, throat, face)
- Hives
Some of these side effects may require immediate medical attention as in severe allergic rash, seizures, cardiovascular events, or any severe reaction.
Trazodone Withdrawal Symptoms
Some persons may experience very little in the way of trazodone withdrawal symptoms during gradual cessation. Others may have more noticeable reactions.1
WARNING: Abruptly stopping an antidepressant drug can often induce intense withdrawals that can last for a very long time, and may significantly increase the time required for complete recovery.
Commonly reported adverse trazodone withdrawal symptoms and effects can range from mild to moderate to severe.
Trazodone withdrawal symptoms include:
- Suicidal thoughts
- Sweating
- Muscle weakness
- Nausea
- Insomnia
- Depersonalization
- Anxiety
- Mood swings, i.e., crying spells
- Anger
- Irritability
- Tightness across the chest
- Disorientation
- Itching
- Agitation
- Headaches
Stopping Trazodone: Important Info Regarding Discontinuing/Quitting Trazodone
Trazodone has a half-life of approximately 6 to 9 hours and trazodone withdrawal symptoms may begin quite soon, within a day or a day and a half of the last dose. These figures would be different if a time-release version of the drug was prescribed.
It is thought that abrupt trazodone withdrawal, as in stopping all at once can cause a rebound effect in certain neurotransmitters, especially if the natural precursors for these neurotransmitters are not being supported during trazodone withdrawal, for example, with targeted nutrition. In any case, slow and gradual trazodone withdrawal is indicated as the best overall method.1
Certain factors may influence how intense withdrawal can be for an individual, such as how long the drug was taken, the general health of the individual, and how high the dosage was. Taking trazodone for long periods of time may result in trazodone addiction or dependence and requires medical oversight for a safe and more comfortable experience.
Always consult your prescribing physician or other competent medical practitioners before stopping trazodone or any antidepressant drug.