Trazodone is considered a serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor (SARI). It is also referred to as a tetracyclic antidepressant. Doctors prescribe it to treat depression and insomnia.[1]
Trazodone can treat depression by increasing the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in your brain. It also has a calming and sedative effect, which is why it is commonly used to manage insomnia. Trazodone is not a common drug of abuse and it is not considered a controlled substance.
While most people do not abuse trazodone, some individuals might be tempted to. The sedative effect it has can be pleasurable, which might lead people with a history of substance abuse to take large doses of it. Abusing trazodone can be dangerous, so you should always seek professional help if you believe you are addicted to it.
In this article, you will learn:
What you will learn:
- What is trazodone?
- Is trazodone a controlled substance?
- Can you get addicted to trazodone?
- What are the symptoms of trazodone withdrawal?
What is Trazodone?
Trazodone is an antidepressant medication that has a sedating effect. Because it can cause tiredness and drowsiness, it is often used to manage insomnia. If you are taking it for depression, your doctor will probably advise you to take it at night to avoid daytime fatigue.
The side effects of trazodone may include:[1]
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Tiredness and feeling weak
- Nervousness and anxiety
- Dizziness and lightheadedness
- Nightmares
- Muscle aches and pain
- Dry mouth
- Skin rash
- Shaking or tremors
- Stuffy nose
- Tired, red, or itchy eyes
Like any prescription drug, trazodone can lead to side effects. If you experience side effects that are intense or last long, contact your doctor to see if an adjustment is needed.
It is important to note that trazodone can lead to suicidal thoughts. If you experience new or worsened suicidal thoughts, inform your doctor so you can stop the medication and reach out for support.
Is Trazodone a Controlled Substance?
Trazodone is not considered a controlled substance as it is not a common drug of abuse. It has a low potential for misuse and addiction, however, this does not mean people never abuse it. Some people might attempt to take larger doses of trazodone to experience a more intense sedative effect.
When someone abuses trazodone, they might:
- Take a larger dose of the pills than they are prescribed
- Crush the tablets and snort the powder
- Add crushed trazodone to marijuana and smoke it
- Add crushed trazodone to alcohol and drink it
Trazodone abuse can be dangerous for a variety of reasons. First, taking large doses of the drug can increase your risk of experiencing a life-threatening overdose. Additionally, if you are mixing trazodone with other substances, you could experience dangerous drug interactions.
Is Trazodone Addictive?
While trazodone is generally considered safe and effective when taken as prescribed, it can be addictive when abused. You can develop a physical dependence to trazodone if you take it long-term or misuse it.
The main signs of trazodone addiction include:[2]
- Using trazodone in larger amounts or for longer than intended
- Waiting to cut back or quit trazodone use but being unsuccessful
- Spending a lot of time obtaining or using trazodone
- Experiencing urges or cravings to abuse trazodone
- Losing interest in previously enjoyed activities to have more time to use trazodone
- Failing to meet responsibilities at home, school, or work due to trazodone use
- Continuing to use trazodone even though it is causing social problems or physical and mental health issues
- Using trazodone in risky situations, such as while driving
- Needing to increase the amount of trazodone you consume to experience the desired effect
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you stop using trazodone
If you deal with 2 or more of these symptoms, you may have a substance use disorder. While trazodone is not one of the common addictive substances, you should still seek professional treatment to help you overcome your addiction.
What are the Signs of Trazodone Withdrawal?
Whether you are using trazodone to treat major depressive disorder or abusing it to get high, you can become physically dependent. As a result, you will experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking it abruptly.
The symptoms of trazodone withdrawal include:[3]
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Shock like sensations or “brain zaps”
- Balance issues
- Trouble concentrating
- Headaches
- Irritability
- Chills
- Depersonalization and suicidal thoughts
If your withdrawal symptoms stem from an addiction to trazodone, you should seek help from a medical detox center. Symptoms like suicidal thoughts can lead to mental health emergencies, making it vital that you are receiving the proper care.
Get Connected to a Trazodone Rehab Center
If you or a loved one abuses trazodone, Alamo Behavioral Health is here to help. Our individualized and evidence-based approach to addiction treatment will ensure you get the tools and support you need to achieve long-term sobriety.
Contact us today for more information on trazodone addiction and how we can help you regain control over your life.
References:
- Medline Plus: Trazodone
- Psychiatry Online: DSM-5 Criteria for Substance Use Disorders: Recommendations and Rationale
- Lippincott Journals: Mechanisms of the development of trazodone withdrawal symptoms
