Trazodone Addiction & Treatment

What is Trazodone?

Trazodone is a prescription medication that is used to treat major depressive disorders. Some behavioral therapy clinicians and other doctors may also prescribe it for insomnia and alcohol addiction, which are off-label uses of the drug.

Trazodone is a serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor or SARI. Also called serotonin modulators, these drugs work by stabilizing levels of serotonin in the brain. They block serotonin receptors from absorbing serotonin and other neurotransmitters, which means that they remain in the brain. The result is that people experience a reduction in their symptoms of depression.

Trazodone is also prescribed in tablet form under the brand names Oleptro, Dividose, and Desyrel. Users are typically advised to take two pills (at different times) each day. Deviating from a physician’s prescribed use of the medication does constitute abuse.

Trazodone Effects

Patients who are prescribed Trazodone should not expect to experience its full effects until they’ve been on the medication for two to four weeks. Taking Trazodone may involve some side effects that users should know about. These effects may also occur or become more pronounced among people who abuse the drug. Common side effects of Trazodone include:

• Confusion
• Lightheadedness or dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Difficulty sleeping
• Sweating
• Headache
• Blurry vision
• Itching or tingling sensations
• Nervousness

Serious side effects like irregular heartbeat, pronounced confusion, or the development of a rash necessitate a trip to a medical treatment center quickly.

Signs of Trazodone Abuse and Addiction

Although not as habit-forming as some prescription drugs like opioids or sleeping pill medications, some people have developed physical dependence and substance use disorders associated with antidepressants like Trazodone. Prescription drug addiction can be just as dangerous as other forms of addiction.

Trazodone addiction and abuse tend to involve certain signs and symptoms. An abuse problem or addiction to Trazodone may involve symptoms such as:

• Doctor shopping to obtain more of the medication
• Using someone else’s prescription for Trazodone
• Forging a prescription for Trazodone
• Buying Trazodone from unauthorized sources (on the street)
• Deviating use from prescription instructions
• Decreased performance at work or school
• Trying to stop taking the drug and finding it impossible to stop using it

A person who abuses Trazodone may also experience serotonin syndrome because they have too high a level of serotonin in the brain; this can be a life-threatening emergency involving symptoms like rapid heart rate and seizures. Addiction to Trazodone requires prescription drug addiction treatment. Addiction treatment saves lives. With addiction therapy, you can manage your substance use disorder and end your dependence on this drug.

Trazodone Withdrawal Symptoms

If you stop taking Trazodone cold turkey, you can expect to experience Trazodone withdrawal symptoms that may include:

• Headache
• Irritability
• Dizziness
• Difficulty walking
• Decreased concentration
• Nausea and vomiting
• Chills
• Suicidal thoughts

When a person stops taking Trazodone or other reuptake inhibitors abruptly, they can expect Trazodones withdrawal symptoms to kick in. Trazodone withdrawals may also trigger more serious complications like heart irregularities. This is why it’s always best to detox at a qualified addiction treatment center that features a medical drug detox program like DayBreak.

Long-Term Side Effects of Trazodone Abuse

Abusing Trazodone may lead to serious health problems such as an increased risk for Trazodone addiction, overdose, and serotonin syndrome. Long-term effects can include:

• Development of memory problems
• Reduced ability to focus/concentrate
• Headaches
• Weakness
• Increased risk of falling
• Coordination problems
• Gastrointestinal complaints
• Heart irregularities

The sooner you enroll in a behavior therapy program at a drug rehab for substance abuse disorders or dual diagnosis, the sooner you can safeguard your health.

Trazodone Addiction Treatment

Like a drug addiction or alcohol addiction, prescription drug addiction will not subside on its own. A person experiencing symptoms of Trazodone addiction needs Trazodone treatment at an inpatient drug rehab or outpatient drug rehab. DayBreak features residential inpatient treatment, outpatient treatment programs, sober living, and aftercare planning. We offer multiple levels of care to provide the support each person needs to experience addiction recovery. We also offer individual counseling and evidence-based treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, relapse prevention, medication-assisted treatment, and more. Contact our drug addiction rehab to begin your Trazodone recovery journey today.