We're Here for You
Get Help Now
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Trazodone is an antidepressant. It's used to treat major depressive disorder or MMD. The drug is sold under brand names such as Desyrel and Oleptro, among many other brand names globally.
Trazodone falls in a class of medications known as serotonin antagonists and reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) which increase serotonin levels in the body. Serotonin is a substance in your brain that maintains mental balance.
For this reason, trazodone is effective in treating anxiety, insomnia, and schizophrenia. In addition, it is commonly prescribed to people recovering from alcohol addiction to manage sleep disorders.
Trazodone can also help control abnormal, uncontrollable movements that might result from side effects of other medications.
Trazodone comes in the form of a tablet taken orally. It comes in immediate-release as well as extended-release form.
The standard dosages are 50 mg, 100 mg, and 150 mg tablets, and extended-release tablets. It should be taken once or twice daily as prescribed by your doctor.
Trazodone doesn’t get you high. However, the drug can have sedative effects, which can be a cause of abuse by some people.
Trazodone can help to recover quickly from an anxiety attack. However, some people become used to the drug, causing a tolerance build-up.
This means that a person must take higher doses to get the original level of relaxation.
Although trazodone does not give a euphoric ‘high”, many people continue to abuse the drug because of its sedating effects.
People who abuse it rarely abuse it alone. They take it with other drugs like methamphetamine, alcohol, or ecstasy, among others.
Others attempt to sniff trazodone to get a high concentration very quickly. As a result, the effects of trazodone become intensified, along with the side effects and dangers.
Long-term use of trazodone can lead to dependence, which causes withdrawal symptoms when you try to quit.
People who sniff trazodone take a high concentration of the drug at once, making them more prone to addiction and dependence.
Trazodone may cause side effects, ranging from mild to severe.
Some of these common side effects will improve gradually as the body gets used to it.
In addition to these side effects, regular abusers have a high risk of overdose, which can be life-threatening. In case of trazodone overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222.
Trazodone dependence is difficult, just like any substance abuse case. If you are addicted to trazodone, it is very important to seek medical treatment straight away.
This helps to avoid serious or life-threatening effects or interactions with other drugs.
Since trazodone works by acting on brain chemistry, a sudden decline in consumption may cause withdrawals. These include:
To avoid these symptoms, you may need professional assistance in the tapering process. Tapering is the gradual decrease in your usual dose until you achieve “zero dosage.”
Many medical centers provide detox programs to aid those who are addicted, and one way is known as a medical taper or detox.
Trazodone detox assists individuals in overcoming physical dependence on a drug gradually.
While in trazodone detox, your medical provider will help you reduce your dose gradually while managing the unpleasant withdrawal symptoms through other medications.
Treatment options include outpatient treatment and inpatient treatment.
Chapman House Inc. is a California residential substance abuse treatment facility, certified by the State Department of Health Care Services.
License number 300105IP, expires 10/31/2023.
Link to DHCS website for licensing information.
