Trazodone Addiction and Treatment Options
What is Trazodone?
Trazodone was originally developed as an atypical antidepressant, acting as a serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor. It blocks the reuptake of serotonin, increasing the amount of it available in the brain. By affecting this neurotransmitter, which plays a vital role in regulating mood and behavior, Trazodone improves the symptoms of depression. It also has sedative effects, slowing the activity of the central nervous system, which is why it is effective in treating anxiety and insomnia which may be caused by excessive nervous system activity. Trazodone is also used to treat symptoms related to drug and alcohol withdrawal. This is because sleep disturbances and delirium are common symptoms of drug and alcohol withdrawal.
Though Trazodone is not associated with physical dependence in the same way as other sedatives, it is still possible to abuse and become addicted to it, especially when it’s being used primarily to treat insomnia and anxiety. Potential for abuse increases with long-term use, which can become habit-forming. For instance, those taking it for insomnia may become unable to fall asleep without it. Likelihood of severe effects and addiction also increases if it is abused concurrently with other drugs.
Trazodone side effects
Like any prescription drug, Trazodone carries some significant side effects, some of which may be serious although less common. The most common side effects include:
- Blurry vision
- Excessive sweating
- Congestion
- Drowsiness
- Swelling of hands and feet
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Dry mouth
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Numbness
- Memory loss
- Priapism (persistent erection)
- Heart palpitations
More serious side effects may require medical attention. These include:
- Severe dehydration
- Suddenly increased or decreased heartbeat
- Sudden dizziness or shortness of breath
- Unexplained bleeding or bruising
- Skin rashes
- Twitching muscles
- Swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat
- Hallucinations
Trazodone abuse
Though Trazodone does not produce a high like traditional narcotics, people may come to crave the drug’s therapeutic effects including its mood-elevating and sedative effects. This can cause dependence over time, particularly if the drug has already been used for a period longer than one and a half to two months.
Since the effects of this prescription are relatively mild, it is commonly used as a secondary drug of abuse in combination with potentially more problematic drugs. It can also be abused even with a prescription by taking higher doses or more frequent doses than indicated by a doctor. If Trazodone abuse has become problematic, either alone or in conjunction with other drugs, it is important to seek addiction assistance to avoid serious adverse effects.
Signs of Trazodone addiction
Several behavioral signs can indicate the presence of Trazodone addiction. Even if it was originally taken with a prescription, the presence of any of these signs may indicate problematic use that requires treatment. These signs include:
- Obtaining Trazodone without a prescription or doctor-shopping to obtain multiple prescriptions
- Spending more time, effort, and money obtaining Trazodone
- Continued use despite negative professional or personal consequences
- Misusing the drug against medical indications
- Purposefully combining Trazodone with other drugs to achieve a greater effect
- Neglecting family or work obligations due to its use
- Continued use despite the adverse effects it may have on health
- Developing tolerance to the drug which requires greater doses to achieve the same effect
- Withdrawal symptoms if Trazodone use is reduced or discontinued
Trazodone withdrawal
Withdrawal occurs when a person has been taking Trazodone for a long period, typically longer than 6-8 weeks. Over time, the body becomes accustomed to the effect of the drug on the brain. Suddenly discontinuing use can lead to withdrawal symptoms as the body adjusts to the change. Trazodone withdrawal symptoms include:
- Insomnia
- Restlessness
- Headache
- Sweating
- Dizziness
- Agitation
- Nausea and vomiting
- Decreased appetite
- Sensations of electric shock
- Irritability
Withdrawal symptoms are similar to many of the conditions that the medication is designed to treat, like insomnia. Symptoms may last for days to weeks, peaking after a few days. This may be difficult to overcome, which is why it is not advised to quit using cold-turkey. In some cases of Trazodone addiction or co-occurring use with other drugs, medical detox may be required to safely manage withdrawal.
How Trazodone interacts with other medications
Trazodone has several serious drug interactions including alcohol and Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI) drugs. Combining it with other drugs significantly increases the risk of overdose and other harmful side effects. It is especially problematic when combined with other antidepressants or sedatives because their effects are compounded, leading to a synergistic reaction which may be unpredictable. When taken in conjunction with Gabapentin, Clonazepam, and Zopiclone, it can cause drowsiness, confusion, and issues concentrating. Trazodone and Sertraline can also lead to severe changes in blood pressure, fever, seizure, or hallucinations. Concurrent Prozac use can also lead to the development of serotonin syndrome, an extremely high buildup of serotonin in the nervous system which can be deadly.Treatment for Trazodone abuse and addiction
Trazodone abuse most commonly occurs when individuals abuse multiple drugs. This makes addiction treatment slightly more complicated as comprehensive treatment must include all drugs of abuse. Typically, Trazodone abuse treatment begins with medical detox. This is usually done in an inpatient setting where a person can be monitored by a physician and their withdrawal symptoms carefully treated and alleviated. Following detox, which physically eliminates the drug or drugs from the body, treatment emphasizes therapy and behavioral interventions that address underlying causes for drug use. In many cases, this includes treating the physical or mental health issues that the drug was originally prescribed to treat.
These psychological interventions may include individual and peer group therapy and may be conducted as inpatient or outpatient treatment, depending on the severity of the addiction. It’s common for addiction treatment to begin as inpatient treatment and progress to outpatient treatment when a person is less likely to relapse on their own. In addition to treating the mental health issues that are associated with Trazodone use, therapy can teach healthier coping mechanisms and relapse-prevention strategies to help individuals learn to manage their addiction.
Trazodone Addiction FAQs
Trazodone abuse and addiction treatment at Riverwalk Ranch
A Dallas-Fort Worth Metropolitan Area Addiction Treatment CenterAt Riverwalk Ranch, we can treat Trazodone and co-occurring drug abuse and addiction with any of our personalized addiction rehab programs. Our ranch is located in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, where experienced addiction professionals, doctors, and therapists can create an individualized treatment plan and provide 24-hour medical care during detox. To aid in your journey toward recovery, our facilities offer excellent amenities to make for a safe and comfortable stay.
If you or a loved one is suffering from Trazodone abuse or addiction, please contact our addiction treatment center today at (877) 863-3869. Whether you are local to Dallas or Texas or you want a fresh start in a new environment, Riverwalk Ranch can provide a therapeutic and supportive home for you to undergo addiction treatment. Our professional staff are committed to helping you overcome your substance addiction so you can be on your way to recovery.
