The antidepressant Trazodone (brand names include Desyrel and Oleptro) is commonly prescribed not just for depression but also for anxiety and sleep disorders. One of the reasons it is so widely used is because it has a calming effect, making it particularly helpful for people who struggle with insomnia or need extra help managing their anxiety. Doctors often prescribe Trazodone because it can improve mood, ease anxiety, and help people get a better night’s sleep.
That all sounds great, doesn’t it? It can be a real game-changer for women who have trouble winding down or who wake up frequently during the night. However, not everyone experiences the same benefits, and some women find that it doesn’t work as well as they had hoped. Others might deal with unwanted side effects like dizziness, dry mouth, or feeling groggy during the day, which can be frustrating, especially if it interferes with daily activities.
But if your body has gotten used to it, quitting can lead to Trazodone withdrawal symptoms, which we’ll explore further in this article. These symptoms can make it tough to stop.
How Trazodone Works
Trazodone works by affecting certain chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters, which help control mood and emotions. One of these neurotransmitters is called serotonin, often known as the “feel-good” chemical. When someone is feeling depressed or anxious, the levels of serotonin in their brain might be low. Trazodone helps increase the amount of serotonin, which can improve mood, reduce anxiety, and help you sleep better.
Think of it like adjusting the volume on the track you’re listening to. If the music (your mood) is too low, Trazodone turns up the volume by boosting serotonin levels, making everything sound (or feel) better. By balancing out these brain chemicals, Trazodone is supposed to help people feel calmer, happier, and more rested.
What Happens When You Stop Taking It
When you stop taking Trazodone, especially if you do it suddenly, your body might have a hard time adjusting. This is because your brain has gotten used to the medication helping balance your serotonin levels. Without it, those levels can drop quickly, leading to withdrawal symptoms.
Casa Capri can make a big difference when it comes to stopping Trazodone. In our womens-only rehab setting, you’re surrounded by an expert all-female staff consisting of doctors, therapists, and counselors who understand the challenges of tapering off Trazodone. They can create an empowering, step-down, tiered structure of support that grows as you grow. This way, you’re not going through the process alone or trying to figure out how to manage on your own.
Beyond just the physical aspect, a rehab facility also provides emotional and psychological support. Stopping a medication can sometimes stir up anxiety or bring back some of the symptoms you were originally treating. Having our team of all-female experts to guide you through this can help you stay on track and make the transition smoother. Plus, if any withdrawal symptoms do pop up, the staff can address them right away, making sure you’re as comfortable as possible.
Trazodone Withdrawal Symptoms
The severity and length of Trazodone withdrawal symptoms can vary based on a number of factors, including dosage, length of usage, and individual physiology. Some typical symptoms of withdrawal are listed below.
Physical Symptoms of Trazodone Withdrawal
- Headaches: One of the most common symptoms, often presenting as tension headaches.
- Dizziness and Lightheadedness: Feeling unsteady or faint.
- Nausea and Vomiting: Gastrointestinal discomfort, sometimes accompanied by vomiting.
- Muscle Pain and Weakness: Generalized muscle aches and reduced strength.
- Flu-like Symptoms: Including chills, sweating, and body aches.
Psychological Symptoms of Trazodone Withdrawal
- Anxiety: Heightened feelings of worry or panic.
- Depression: Return or worsening of depressive symptoms.
- Mood Swings: Rapid changes in mood, from irritability to sadness.
- Insomnia: Difficulty falling or staying asleep, despite fatigue.
- Agitation and Restlessness: Feeling on edge or unable to relax.
Cognitive Symptoms of Trazodone Withdrawal
- Confusion: Difficulty thinking clearly or focusing.
- Memory Problems: Short-term memory issues, forgetting tasks or details.
- Brain Zaps: Sensations of electric shock-like feelings in the brain.
How Long Do Trazodone Withdrawal Symptoms Last?
The length of time that withdrawal symptoms from trazodone last can differ greatly from person to person. The dosage, length of usage, and mode of quitting are some of the elements that affect the timing. An overview of the Trazodone withdrawal timeframe is provided below:
Acute Withdrawal Phase
- First 1-3 Days: The first stage of withdrawal usually starts between 24 and 48 hours after the last time you took it. Some people may feel their worst symptoms, like headaches, nausea, and fatigue, during this time.
Subacute Withdrawal Phase
- Days 4-14: Symptoms may gradually lessen in intensity but can still be quite bothersome. Psychological symptoms like anxiety, depression, and mood swings are common during this phase. Insomnia and agitation may persist.
Post-Acute Withdrawal Phase
- Weeks to Months: For some people, trazodone withdrawal symptoms can linger for weeks or even months. This phase may involve occasional bouts of anxiety, mood swings, and cognitive issues. It’s important to maintain support and follow-up care during this time.
When to Seek Immediate Help for Trazodone Withdrawal Symptoms
Seek immediate medical attention if you’re experiencing:
- Severe depression or suicidal thoughts
- Intense anxiety or panic attacks
- Persistent vomiting or severe dehydration
- Extreme confusion or hallucinations
- Unmanageable physical pain or discomfort
Casa Capri is an ideal setting for stopping Trazodone because we provide a structured and supportive womens-only environment designed specifically for managing medication withdrawal. At Casa Capri, you’re under the care of medical professionals who can closely monitor your progress and adjust your tapering plan as needed. This level of supervision ensures that any potential withdrawal symptoms are handled quickly and effectively, reducing the risk of complications.
Additionally, our Newport Beach facility is calm and tranquil, free from the distractions and stresses of daily life, which can be especially helpful when you’re dealing with the physical and emotional challenges of withdrawal. (Although we do offer a Virtual Intensive Outpatient Program, or IOP, as well; our staff can assess whether residential or virtual IOP is the best option for you.) Our all-female staff are experienced in helping women through prescription medication withdrawal, providing both medical and emotional support. This combination of close supervision, expert care, and a supportive atmosphere makes a rehab facility the best place to safely and successfully stop taking Trazodone. Reach out today if you want to reclaim your life and start the next chapter.
FAQs About Trazodone Withdrawal Symptoms
Can Trazodone withdrawal cause weight gain?
Weight gain is not a typical sign of withdrawal, but changes in metabolism and appetite during withdrawal could cause weight changes. During this time, eating well and working out regularly can help you keep your weight in check.
Is it safe to use over-the-counter medications to manage Trazodone withdrawal symptoms?
Some over-the-counter medicines may help with certain symptoms, like sickness or headaches. But it’s important to talk to your doctor before starting any new drugs to make sure they won’t make your withdrawal worse or make any other health problems worse.
How do Trazodone withdrawal symptoms affect sleep patterns?
Because trazodone has sedative properties, stopping treatment can cause insomnia or irregular sleep patterns. Getting regular sleep and setting up a relaxing environment are examples of healthy sleep hygiene practices that can help lessen these impacts.
Can Trazodone withdrawal symptoms recur after initial improvement?
Yes, withdrawal signs can come back even after they get better at first. The name for this is post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS). During this time, it’s important to keep getting support and learning new ways to deal with symptoms that keep coming back.
What are the risks of relapsing into depression during withdrawal?
If Trazodone was first taken for depression, there is a substantial chance of relapse during withdrawal. You can increase your chances of success by keeping an eye on your mood and reaching out for help from healthcare experts, therapists, or support groups.
Can lifestyle changes help alleviate Trazodone withdrawal symptoms?
Yes, making changes to your lifestyle like eating better, exercising regularly, staying hydrated, and learning how to deal with stress can help a lot with withdrawal symptoms and improve your general health.
