Trazodone Withdrawal: Symptoms, Timeline & More

Trazodone is a medication used for treating depression, insomnia, and anxiety [1]. In medical settings, it’s known as a serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor; it helps regulate certain brain chemicals associated with mood and sleep.

Most see it as fairly safe, but stopping trazodone suddenly might trigger withdrawal symptoms in some individuals. This page breaks down what to expect with trazodone withdrawal symptoms, what signs to look for, and tips on managing the whole process if stopping becomes necessary.

What is Trazodone?

Trazodone is an antidepressant medication that raises serotonin in the brain. It’s part of a group called phenylpiperazine antidepressants [2], and falls under the SARI category. It means serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor, basically meaning it changes how serotonin acts in the brain. Even though trazodone was first brought out for depression, it’s now often handed out for sleep trouble or anxiety.

Its starting dose for most individuals is 25 mg to 300 mg. 

Trazodone is also used off-label for depression, insomnia, and sometimes for alcohol withdrawal [3], depending on the person’s needs. For depression, doses start from 150 to 400 mg a day.

Trazodone Withdrawal

Trazodone withdrawal is what happens when someone stops taking the prescribed dose. This can bring on both physical and mental symptoms [4]. Even though trazodone isn’t considered addictive, it can lead the body to develop severe dependence. Hence, it’s best not to quit trazodone without talking to a doctor first.

This is more prevalent if someone’s been on it for a while or at higher doses. Some withdrawal symptoms can be rough, and once in a while, they can get pretty serious.

Trazodone Withdrawal Symptoms

Withdrawal symptoms after quitting trazodone look a little different for everyone. The symptoms and how long they last often depend on how long someone’s conditions [5]:

Most notable trazodone withdrawal symptoms:

1. Day-long irritability: After quitting trazodone, it is common for some individuals to feel restless during day-to-day activities as a side effect. These withdrawal symptoms usually fade away after the body gets used to the medication.

2. Confusion or brain fog: Some individuals may experience a decline in cognitive function. This particular cognitive side effect passes within days or weeks.

3. Lightheaded: It is common for some individuals to feel unsteady or off-balance after quitting trazodone. This particular withdrawal symptom usually settles down after the first week.

4. Headaches: After stopping trazodone suddenly, headaches are fairly common and can be mild or occasionally more noticeable.

5. Nausea: Trazodone may cause some individuals to experience an upset stomach. This can worsen into mild nausea. While it is not considered a serious side effect, it tends to be the most disruptive.

6. Trouble concentrating: The imbalance in serotonin after use could cause cognitive struggle, leading to short attention span or being easily distracted, which often comes with withdrawal, but focus returns once the brain adjusts.

7. Trouble sleeping: After long-term use of trazodone for sleep, many people who took it, their old sleep problems might even come back for a while [6].

8. Chills or sweating: It’s not unusual to experience a sudden shift from feeling cold to sweating more than usual. The withdrawal side effect is pretty mild.

9. Flu-like symptoms: Some individuals might get aches, fatigue, or feel “off”. If these flu symptoms stick around, it is recommended to get checked out.

10. Feeling detached: In rare cases, people may feel disconnected from themselves or reality after suddenly quitting trazodone.

11. Worsening Anxiety: Depending on dosage, some individuals can experience mood swings. This is more prevalent with people with a history of depression or anxiety who might feel those symptoms come back for a short time.

12. Suicidal thoughts: While it is infrequent, people with pre-existing conditions might encounter suicidal thoughts. If this happens, seeking help immediately is crucial.

13. Cravings: Most people don’t get strong cravings for trazodone. However, it’s normal to feel an urge to start using again. Hence, quitting is recommended under a doctor’s supervision.

Trazodone Withdrawal Timeline

Withdrawal from trazodone usually starts within a day or two. Peaks in the first week. After that, it gets better within two to four weeks for most people [7]. Symptoms can develop quickly after the last dose. Most folks feel the worst of it in the first week, but things usually settle down soon after.

Trazodone withdrawal symptoms timeline goes as follows:

• First 48 hours: Trazodone leaves the system fast. Early signs, such as dizziness or irritability, may appear immediately.

• First Week: Within 5 to 7 days, symptoms tend to be strongest. Often, trouble sleeping, mood swings, and brain fog are common after stopping use.

• First 15 Days: After the first 2 weeks are clear, Most symptoms start easing off, with sleep and mood slowly returning to normal.

• First Month: By the end of the 30 days, most individuals had started to feel significantly better. Any leftover symptoms are usually pretty mild.

• Short-term use: If trazodone was only taken for a few days, withdrawal isn’t much of an issue, but stopping after longer use.

While trazodone has a half-life of approximately 5 to 9 hours [8], meaning it is eliminated from the body fairly quickly. Still, stopping trazodone should always be done with care. Mainly, if it’s been used for a long time for sleep issues, or if someone is using trazodone for alcohol withdrawal.

Is Trazodone Addictive?

Trazodone is generally not considered an addictive medication. That being said, it does tend to create the same patterns of craving or compulsive use in specific cases [9]. For this reason, it is usually recommended to taper off trazodone gradually. It is highly recommended in cases of prolonged use.

Signs That May Suggest Problematic Use:

1. Some individuals may begin increasing their dose on their own. Often seeking stronger sedative or more calming effects. This is a sign of addiction. This can include focusing on obtaining early refills or visiting multiple healthcare providers to access additional medication. 

2. Some individuals may also find themselves making several unsuccessful attempts to stop trazodone. It is the case, even when adverse side effects become apparent. Others might continue using trazodone despite clear evidence.

Does Trazodone Cause Brain Fog?

Yes, for some individuals, developing brain fog as a side effect shows up during trazodone withdrawal, but it usually doesn’t last long. It’s fairly common for people to feel a bit disoriented or experience difficulty thinking clearly when coming off trazodone. Most people find that this clears up as the body returns to normal.

How to deal with brain fog:

• It often causes confusion or slow thinking, which usually goes away in a few days or weeks.

• To manage the effect, eating well-balanced meals, drinking plenty of water, and getting enough sleep can help.

• If the brain fog hangs around, it’s worth mentioning to a doctor.

Does Trazodone Cause Memory Loss?

No research shows that trazodone causes permanent memory loss. However, some forgetfulness can happen while taking it or stopping [10]. A bit of trouble remembering things can arise for some, though it usually subsides once trazodone is out of the system.

Tips for dealing with trazodone memory loss:

• Any forgetfulness is almost always temporary.

• Most see memory improve once the medication is stopped.

• If memory still seems off after a while, best to get it checked out.

How to Sleep After Stopping Trazodone

Rebound insomnia is common after stopping trazodone, especially for those who used it for sleep [11]. Symptoms usually resolve within two weeks; however, supportive strategies can help alleviate the condition.

• Maintain a regular sleep schedule: Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day.

• Practice good sleep hygiene: Limit screen use before bed, keep the bedroom dark and quiet, and avoid stimulants in the evening.

• Consider non-pharmacological interventions, such as relaxation techniques, meditation, and gentle physical activity.

• Temporary use of alternative sleep aids: Consult a healthcare provider before using melatonin or over-the-counter remedies.

If any trazodone withdrawal symptoms or difficulties persist beyond four weeks, follow up with a healthcare professional.

FAQs

How long can trazodone withdrawal last?

For most individuals, withdrawal symptoms typically last about one to two weeks. Thought some folks might start to notice lighter symptoms. These include sleep problems or mood swings, lasting for up to a month. In many cases, these symptoms typically persist beyond the two-week mark.

Does trazodone need to be weaned off? 

Yes, it’s best to taper off trazodone slowly. Gradually cutting back makes withdrawal easier and lets your body adjust without too many issues.

How long does it take to recover from trazodone? 

For most people, feelings return to normal within a week or two. After stopping, if you’ve been taking it for months or on a high dose, it might take about four weeks for everything to settle down.

How long is the washout period for trazodone? 

In all cases, trazodone is primarily cleared from your system within about three days. However, it usually takes a week or two. 

Get Treatment for Trazodone Misuse at Alliance Recovery

If you are struggling with Trazodone misuse or any other substance abuse, professional help is available. At Alliance Recovery, our experienced team, many of whom have personal recovery experience, is dedicated to supporting your journey to wellness.

When you choose Alliance Recovery, you’ll receive:

• Individual and group therapy tailored to your needs.

•  A supportive, sober community.

•  Comprehensive aftercare planning and career assistance.

Call our treatment team at (844) 287-8506 to get started.

Source

[1] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29262060/

[2] https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/1-Phenylpiperazine

[3] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11934706/

[4] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8056996/

[5] https://www.drugs.com/sfx/trazodone-side-effects.html

[6] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6398835/

[7]https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Study-timeline-for-12-horses-randomly-allocated-to-receive-oral-trazodone-n-7-or_fig1_390295964 

[8] https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB00656

[9] https://www.drugs.com/medical-answers/trazodone-controlled-substance-3561217/

[10] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8182348/

[11] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5842888/