There are many medications that are approved to treat mental health disorders which can turn into dangerous drugs of addiction. One such drug is Trazodone, an antidepressant and sedative which is often prescribed to treat depression, anxiety, insomnia, and alcohol dependence. Because of the drug’s effect on the brain, Trazodone use can become problematic, leading to patterns of abuse and addiction. Knowing the signs and symptoms of Trazodone abuse is key to effectively treating it as early as possible.
What is Trazodone?
Trazodone is an atypical antidepressant, meaning that it has an atypical effect compared to other antidepressants, which can help treat drug-resistant depression. It acts as a serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor, blocking the reuptake of serotonin in order to increase the amount of it available in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that regulates mood, so by acting on serotonin, Trazodone alleviates depression symptoms. The drug also slows down the speed of messaging in the central nervous system, making it effective in treating anxiety and insomnia. Since sleep problems are such a common symptom of drug and alcohol withdrawal, Trazodone is also occasionally prescribed for medication-assisted addiction treatment.
Despite its sedative effects, Trazodone use does not usually lead to physical dependence. However, it is still possible to abuse the drug and subsequently develop psychological dependence on it. The potential for abuse and addiction is greatest if it is used on a long-term basis and if it is being used to treat anxiety and insomnia, because it can become habit-forming. Individuals who abuse Trazodone may also abuse other substances concurrently, which increases the likelihood and severity of addiction.
What Trazodone abuse looks like
Unlike many illicit narcotics, Trazodone does not produce a traditional high, which is why it is not strongly associated with physical dependence. However, people may still develop cravings for the drug’s sedative and mood-boosting effects, leading to psychological dependence. For some, even if it was used as prescribed, it can become a crutch. They may feel unable to function without the drug or begin taking higher and higher doses, outside of physician recommendations. The probability of developing dependence increases exponentially if Trazodone has been used for longer than a couple of months.
On its own, Trazodone is considered relatively mild, so it is often abused in conjunction with potentially more dangerous drugs like opioids or alcohol. Mixing Trazodone with other substances is problematic because it can have a synergistic effect, meaning that the effects of the two or more substances combined is far greater and more unpredictable than any one substance on its own. It’s important to seek addiction treatment for Trazodone abuse, whether it is abused alone or with other substances. Failure to do so can have major detrimental effects on physical and mental health.
Despite its effectiveness in treating several mental health conditions, Trazodone can have many side effects, many of which can be serious. Common side effects include:
- Blurred vision
- Congestion
- Drowsiness and fatigue
- Heavy perspiration
- Swelling of hands and feet
- Weight loss
- Dry mouth
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Numbness
- Memory impairments
- Priapism (persistent erection)
- Heart palpitations
Though less common, Trazodone can also have serious side effects that may require medical attention. These include:
- Severe dehydration
- Sudden changes in heartbeat
- Severe dizziness or shortness of breath
- Unexplained bleeding or bruising
- Rashes on the skin
- Jerky or twitchy muscles
- Swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat
- Hallucinations
Long-Term Effects of Trazodone
If you or someone you love has been taking Trazodone, it’s important to understand the long-term effects. Knowing the risks can be the first step toward a healthier, safer future.
Trazodone abuse and addiction is diagnosed under the umbrella of substance use disorder. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), diagnosis requires the presence of two or more behavioral signs as outlined below. These signs include:
- Increase time, effort, and money spent obtaining and using Trazodone
- Continued Trazodone use despite negative professional or personal consequences
- Misusing the drug against medical indications
- Combining Trazodone with other drugs and substance to achieve a more dramatic effect
- Neglecting family or work obligations due to its use
- Reduced interest in hobbies or other enjoyable activities in favor of Trazodone use
- Continued Trazodone use despite the negative effects it may have on one’s health
- Attempting and failing to quit using Trazodone
- Tolerance, which means larger and larger doses are required to achieve the same effect
- Withdrawal symptoms, which occur if Trazodone use is suddenly reduced or discontinued
Trazodone withdrawal
Long-term Trazodone use can lead to withdrawal. This is because the body becomes used to the drug’s effect on the brain and nervous system, typically after a period of at least 1.5 to 2 months. When the drug is suddenly eliminated, the body experiences a variety of unpleasant symptoms as it adjusts to the absence of the drug. These symptoms may last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, with the worst symptoms occurring after a few days. Trazodone withdrawal symptoms include:
- Restlessness
- Sleep disturbances including insomnia
- Headaches
- Increased sweating
- Dizziness
- Agitation or irritability
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Electric shock sensations
Withdrawal can cause rebound symptoms of the conditions the medication is used to treat, like insomnia or anxiety. This is why medical professionals recommend slowly tapering off use of the drug. Medical detox may be helpful to safely manage withdrawal and underlying mental health conditions.
Mixing Trazodone with other substances
The biggest danger of Trazodone abuse involves its dangerous interactions with other substances. Mixing it with certain drugs significantly increases the likelihood of severe side effects or overdose. If combined with other antidepressants or sedatives, it can compound its sedative effects, potentially leading to depressed respiration or cardiac activity. It is also known to cause drowsiness, stupor, confusion, or cognitive issues when used in combination with Gabapentin, Zopiclone, or Clonazepam. If used with Sertraline, it can severely affect blood pressure or cause seizures, fever, or hallucinations. Finally, in combination with drugs that also affect serotonin in the brain such as Lexapro, Cymbalta, or Prozac, Trazodone can lead to serotonin syndrome, which is a dangerous buildup of serotonin that can be lethal.
Trazodone abuse and addiction can be treated effectively with inpatient addiction treatment. First, the individual must safely eliminate all traces of the drug, which is done through a process called medical detox. During detox, individuals are carefully monitored and their withdrawal symptoms managed effectively to reduce their effects and treat potential rebound symptoms. The detox period is especially sensitive when Trazodone is abused in conjunction with other drugs, which may have more severe withdrawal effects.
After detox, the person is in better physical condition to tackle psychological recovery. Treatment then progresses to behavioral interventions, which can help identify triggers or underlying issues related to substance abuse. This treatment can also be helpful in treating mental health conditions that Trazodone was used to treat. In addiction treatment, individuals work with a therapist one-on-one as well as in peer groups. The goal of psychological intervention is to learn healthier coping skills and relapse-prevention techniques. If needed, individualized treatment can address other concurrent issues like depression or anxiety.
Trazodone addiction FAQs
Can I overdose on Trazodone?
It’s not common to overdose while taking only Trazodone. Fatal overdose becomes more likely if the drug is mixed with other substances. Certain drug interactions are especially dangerous, so it’s important to talk to your doctor about other drugs you may be taking while on Trazodone.
How long is Trazodone withdrawal?
Trazodone withdrawal may last a few days, and even up to a couple of weeks depending on the severity of the addiction. At high doses and when used for a longer period, withdrawal may last longer and be more severe.
Can I become addicted to Trazodone even if I take it as prescribed?
Though it is generally safer to use prescriptions as outlined by a doctor, it is still possible to develop a problematic relationship with prescription drugs. If you are exhibiting any signs or symptoms of substance abuse such as cravings for the drug, you should contact your prescribing physician for next steps.
Can I drink alcohol while I’m on Trazodone?
Doctors advise against mixing Trazodone and alcohol because they are both nervous system depressants. The combination can have a more powerful effect and can lead to severe drowsiness and lack of coordination. Drinking heavily while on Trazodone can lead to accidental overdose.
Effective substance use treatment requires a careful assessment of each person’s needs and recovery goals.
At Austin Pines Ranch, we offer an extensive array of programs and services to accommodate those needs, taking into account personal and professional obligations and time commitment. With the help of a professional team, we will evaluate substance abuse history, mental health, and psychosocial status to determine the level of care that’s best suited for you.
