Can Trazadone Be Addictive? | Steps to Recovery

Is It Possible For This Prescription Medication to Cause Abuse and Addiction?

What Is Trazodone?

Trazodone is a prescription serotonin modulator that is used both as a low-dose hypnotic & a high-dose antidepressant to treat sleep disorders and mental health disorders like depression. It works by restoring the balance of serotonin & other chemicals in the brain to increase energy, improve mood, increase appetite, and decrease anxiety or insomnia related to depression.

Since trazodone comes with many potential side effects, your doctor may start you at a low dose and increase the dosage overtime to reduce the risk. Some people may be more sensitive to side effects than others, so it is important to take trazodone with caution.

Side Effects of Trazodone

Common side effects of trazodone may be uncomfortable, but typically go away after several days and don’t require medical attention. These side effects may include:

Nausea
Vomiting
Stuffy nose
Diarrhea
Constipation
Drowsiness
Tiredness
Dizziness
Blurred vision
Headache
Weight changes
Dry mouth
Muscle aches

Some other side effects of trazodone are more rare, but they are also more serious. You should give your doctor a call as soon as possible if you experience symptoms like tremors, nightmares, ringing in ears, blood in urine, trouble urinating, fever, sore throat, shortness of breath, or stomach pain.

Trazodone could also come with extremely serious side effects that require immediate medical attention. These severe effects may include chest or jaw pain, fainting, irregular heartbeat, eye pain or swelling, seizures, widened pupils, vision changes, or overdose.

Trazodone Risks and Warnings

In addition to the side effects above, trazodone could cause an allergic reaction. It may increase dizziness if it is combined with alcohol or marijuana. All drug interactions should be avoided if you are taking this medication. Individuals who are using trazodone should not drive or complete any other tasks that involve full vision until the effects have passed.

If you plan to stop using trazodone, talk to your doctor first. Even though the symptoms are typically mild, trazodone may lead to withdrawal if you stop taking it suddenly. It could also lead to trazodone use disorder or substance abuse.

Is Trazodone Addictive?

While it is considered rare for someone to become addicted to trazodone, it is definitely possible. Anyone who takes trazodone for more than 6-8 weeks is at risk for developing a dependence. Additionally, it is possible for people to abuse trazodone for non-medical purposes. For example, some people may snort this medication to increase its sedative effects.

When someone is addicted to trazodone, they will likely display physical, psychological, emotional, and mental symptoms. Here are some signs that someone may be addiction to trazodone or another prescription medication:

They make erratic doctors’ appointments
They suddenly request dosage increases
They frequently request prescription refills
They display indifference toward health concerns & side effects
They have an inability to maintain responsibilities at work, school, or home

When multiple disorders are involved, like abuse and a mental health disorder, inpatient addiction treatment is usually recommended. When someone enrolls in an inpatient treatment program, they will be offered tools to help them get to the route of their disorders.

To learn more about trazodone addiction and treatment options, contact our team of substance abuse treatment specialists by calling us today 267.719.8528.