Author Topic: Trazodone Withdrawal (Read 6856 times)

Primemuscle · « **on:** July 16, 2019, 12:29:00 PM »

It's been four days since I've had my usual bedtime dose of 50 mg. of Trazodone for sleep. The first night, I simply forgot to take nighttime meds and supplements. Since I felt fine the next day and didn't have flu like symptoms as can happen when quitting this sleep inducing anti-depressant, I decided to quit. Sunday, I was manic....like I'd taken an amphetamine. Monday, I felt like I'd been run over by a truck and I don't feel much better today.

My doctor first prescribed Trazodone, 300 mg. to me for insomnia when I was around 40 years old. I've used it ever since. Throughout the years I gradually lowered the dose to 50 mg. That's the lowest dosage that is available. Before, when I've unintentionally skipped a dose, I've felt it right away. Obviously, this time is different.

Not everyone experiences side effects. Such a low dosage seemed innocuous enough, like taking a low dose aspirin. My guess is that the withdrawal is heightened because of the longterm usage. It is recommended that you see your doctor before quitting. I agree. If my symptoms don't improve by tomorrow, that's just what I'll do. I read that it is possible to die from these side effects. Some of the listed withdrawal symptoms are, depression, anxiety, insomnia, increased heart rate and indigestion.

Alcohol consumption in conjunction with Trazodone can be deadly. It also intensifies the withdrawal. Before I stopped using trazodone, I had been drinking (again). Withdrawal can last from a few days to many weeks.

The reason I am sharing this with you is because I've long been a fan of Trazodone for sleep issues because it works. In the past, I've recommended this drug to folks. It was wrong of me to do this. If you have sleep issues, see your doctor and maybe even get a second opinion before embarking on any drug.

Withdrawal symptoms that may arise from suddenly stopping trazodone may include:
Rapid mood swings.
Hypomania.
Irritability.
Anxiety.
Agitation.
Confusion.
Insomnia.
Dizziness.
Muscle pain.
Weakness.
Headaches.
Stomach aches.
Sweating.
Fatigue.

https://www.greenhousetreatment.com/trazodone/long-term-effects/

https://novarecoverycenter.com/drugs/trazodone/

Atlas pump · « **Reply #1 on:** July 16, 2019, 01:05:03 PM »

Low dose 0.5mg klonopin for the next week or two will help you breeze through the anxiety, panic, depression and sleep insomnia.

When used sparingly and far between doses, this drug is a God send. I use them a few times a month usually after a wild night of drinking, highly stressed or when I cant sleep. Helps a heap with calming me down, and alleviate any manic thoughts.

I believe the key is to use the lowest dose possible and to only use when absolute necessary. As needed and as prescribed will only lead to addiction. This drug creeps up on you seeing how most people think they are functional until they climb the dose ladder and realise they dont have any left.

Like any drug, always use the bare minimum and take time off.

Powerlift66 · « **Reply #2 on:** July 16, 2019, 01:10:27 PM »

Prime, the OTC stuff like Unison Geltabs dont work for you? I sort of rely on sleep supps (OTC stuff) even those can get somewhat addicting. (Relied upon).
Binge drinking can cause bad anxiety and heart-race, so yes, be careful when combining.
Good luck, let us know how you make out. (Come out of this).

beakdoctor · « **Reply #3 on:** July 16, 2019, 01:24:27 PM »

I really dont like trazodone. Leaves me foggy the entire next day. Only take it for extreme bouts of insomnia. Even then I will split the pill in half and only take 25mg dose.

BlackMetallic · « **Reply #4 on:** July 16, 2019, 01:28:44 PM »

Quote from: Powerlift66 on July 16, 2019, 01:10:27 PM

Prime, the OTC stuff like Unison Geltabs dont work for you? I sort of rely on sleep supps (OTC stuff) even those can get somewhat addicting. (Relied upon).
Binge drinking can cause bad anxiety and heart-race, so yes, be careful when combining.
Good luck, let us know how you make out. (Come out of this).

Prime, stay away from benzos

The trazadone hangover is brutal

There’s a lot of info on trazadone withdrawal

Look it up

I’ll never take it again

My advice: persevere persevere persevere

Exercise, water, clean eating

Reassess in 2 weeks

Don’t go near it again

Primemuscle · « **Reply #5 on:** July 16, 2019, 01:29:06 PM »

Quote from: Atlas pump on July 16, 2019, 01:05:03 PM

Low dose 0.5mg klonopin for the next week or two will help you breeze through the anxiety, panic, depression and sleep insomnia.

When used sparingly and far between doses, this drug is a God send. I use them a few times a month usually after a wild night of drinking, highly stressed or when I cant sleep. Helps a heap with calming me down, and alleviate any manic thoughts.

I believe the key is to use the lowest dose possible and to only use when absolute necessary. As needed and as prescribed will only lead to addiction. This drug creeps up on you seeing how most people think they are functional until they climb the dose ladder and realise they dont have any left.

Like any drug, always use the bare minimum and take time off.

Thank you. I will look into this. Currently and for several years now, I take Wellbutrin SR. 150 mg. twice a day for depression. Will need to check for interaction with klonopin 0.5 mg. Wellbutrin is prescribed for benzodiazepine withdrawal. klonopin is a benzodiazepine.

I take minimum dosages whenever medically feasible. As I've previous mentioned in other posts. I avoid pain medications like the plague.

Just took an Aleve for a mild headache. Hopefully, this knocks out one annoying Trazodone withdrawal symptom.

Powerlift66 · « **Reply #6 on:** July 16, 2019, 01:33:52 PM »

There are other sleep supps that help certain people, just not sure on the depression thing.
(Phenibut, GABA, etc).

Primemuscle · « **Reply #7 on:** July 16, 2019, 01:36:02 PM »

Quote from: Powerlift66 on July 16, 2019, 01:10:27 PM

Prime, the OTC stuff like Unison Geltabs dont work for you? I sort of rely on sleep supps (OTC stuff) even those can get somewhat addicting. (Relied upon).
Binge drinking can cause bad anxiety and heart-race, so yes, be careful when combining.
Good luck, let us know how you make out. (Come out of this).

It is possible that I never tried over-the-counter sleep aid drugs.

Some of the symptoms of over consumption that you mention are quite familiar to me. If I exceed a pint of scotch in one evening, I am likely to have anxiety and associated symptoms the next day. I'm not drinking now meaning for the past several days. Don't crave it either.

Haven't made out in years! LOL!

Humble Narcissist · « **Reply #8 on:** July 16, 2019, 01:36:38 PM »

Stay away from pharmaceuticals as much as possible! Unless your life depends on it and then preferably with drugs that have been in use for over a decade.

Primemuscle · « **Reply #9 on:** July 16, 2019, 01:38:49 PM »

Quote from: beakdoctor on July 16, 2019, 01:24:27 PM

I really dont like trazodone. Leaves me foggy the entire next day. Only take it for extreme bouts of insomnia. Even then I will split the pill in half and only take 25mg dose.

Had I planned this better, I'd have split the 50 mg pills to 25 mg. Too far into quitting now to do this, I think.

Primemuscle · « **Reply #10 on:** July 16, 2019, 01:40:38 PM »

Quote from: BlackMetallic on July 16, 2019, 01:28:44 PM

Prime, stay away from benzos

The trazadone hangover is brutal

There’s a lot of info on trazadone withdrawal

Look it up

I’ll never take it again

My advice: persevere persevere persevere

Exercise, water, clean eating

Reassess in 2 weeks

Don’t go near it again

Isn't interesting how even though we know what is right and healthy for us, we don't always follow it. Everything you suggested is right on.

Primemuscle · « **Reply #11 on:** July 16, 2019, 01:42:19 PM »

Quote from: Powerlift66 on July 16, 2019, 01:33:52 PM

There are other sleep supps that help certain people, just not sure on the depression thing.
(Phenibut, GABA, etc).

Depression is a bitch! This much I know. I started taking Welbutrin following my wife's passing. Maybe it's time to consider quitting this too.

Primemuscle · « **Reply #12 on:** July 16, 2019, 01:43:29 PM »

Quote from: Humble Narcissist on July 16, 2019, 01:36:38 PM

Stay away from pharmaceuticals as much as possible! Unless your life depends on it and then preferably with drugs that have been in use for over a decade.

Good advice. Thanks.

Chadwick The Beta · « **Reply #13 on:** July 16, 2019, 04:44:41 PM »

I also take Trazodone ... also looking to wean myself off of it.

oldtimer1 · « **Reply #14 on:** July 16, 2019, 06:59:19 PM »

Why would you take a mind altering drug for decades? I never understood people who are fans of drugs and take it for decades on end. Nothing taken that long could be good for health. Taking any medicine should be a choice of absolute last resort.

This could be some very bad advice by me. My experience right or wrong has been with anything that is addicting the best path is not to taper. To suffer cold turkey. With each passing week you will feel better and able to fight the urge to use it. The first couple of days are the absolute worst. I can imagine going cold turkey with something like heroin or mind altering drugs could prove fatal.

Rambone · « **Reply #15 on:** July 16, 2019, 07:43:23 PM »

Quote from: Chadwick The Beta on July 16, 2019, 04:44:41 PM

I also take Trazodone ... also looking to wean myself off of it.

This sounds bad. Are you saved my son?

SOMEPARTS · « **Reply #16 on:** July 16, 2019, 07:44:31 PM »

To be fair, MANY people take meds for decades as a habit without much issue and you can apply the same logic to coffee if you want to go there.

That being said I think that people should re-assess and test the reason they take a med if possible. I don't sleep much but never had a problem going to sleep once my head hits the pillow, so I don't really understand taking sleeping aids but to each their own.

The Scott · « **Reply #17 on:** July 16, 2019, 08:26:06 PM »

Please be careful. I know I can be an asshole but I am not a whole ass. Just be careful and consult with your physician(s).

XFACTOR · « **Reply #18 on:** July 16, 2019, 10:39:49 PM »

Quote from: oldtimer1 on July 16, 2019, 06:59:19 PM

Why would you take a mind altering drug for decades? I never understood people who are fans of drugs and take it for decades on end. Nothing taken that long could be good for health. Taking any medicine should be a choice of absolute last resort.

This could be some very bad advice by me. My experience right or wrong has been with anything that is addicting the best path is not to taper. To suffer cold turkey. With each passing week you will feel better and able to fight the urge to use it. The first couple of days are the absolute worst. I can imagine going cold turkey with something like heroin or mind altering drugs could prove fatal.

Have you ever suffered from insomnia. You wouldn’t be posting this if so. You’ll do anything for sleep. I took a benzo for sleeping for about three weeks straight and realized I was hooked already. Breaking that, even after only three weeks was awful. I was a fucking lunatic. That stuff is pure evil.

AbrahamG · « **Reply #19 on:** July 16, 2019, 10:45:22 PM »

I don't want to see anything bad happen to you Prime. Talk to your doctor and have he or she help you devise a plan. I'm pulling for you. Hope you can beat this depression and find happiness.

Humble Narcissist · « **Reply #20 on:** July 17, 2019, 02:26:23 AM »

Quote from: oldtimer1 on July 16, 2019, 06:59:19 PM

Why would you take a mind altering drug for decades? I never understood people who are fans of drugs and take it for decades on end. Nothing taken that long could be good for health. Taking any medicine should be a choice of absolute last resort.

This could be some very bad advice by me. My experience right or wrong has been with anything that is addicting the best path is not to taper. To suffer cold turkey. With each passing week you will feel better and able to fight the urge to use it. The first couple of days are the absolute worst. I can imagine going cold turkey with something like heroin or mind altering drugs could prove fatal.

Only benzos and alcohol withdrawal can be fatal.

Primemuscle · « **Reply #21 on:** July 17, 2019, 02:31:21 AM »

Quote from: oldtimer1 on July 16, 2019, 06:59:19 PM

Why would you take a mind altering drug for decades? I never understood people who are fans of drugs and take it for decades on end. Nothing taken that long could be good for health. Taking any medicine should be a choice of absolute last resort.

This could be some very bad advice by me. My experience right or wrong has been with anything that is addicting the best path is not to taper. To suffer cold turkey. With each passing week you will feel better and able to fight the urge to use it. The first couple of days are the absolute worst. I can imagine going cold turkey with something like heroin or mind altering drugs could prove fatal.

Your's is very bad advice. Each situation/person is different. If you read about Trazodone withdrawal you will learn that under certain circumstances and with some people it can result in death.

I am not saying this is necessarily a good thing, but many medications, including some that affect mood and brain function are an ongoing treatment.

While it is the practice of medicine, I'd take a doctor's advice over someone who has neither the education or experience to advise others. I posted my my current situation as a heads up but not as expert advice.

Anyway, I'm feeling better, although it is 2:30 am and I am still awake....rebound insomnia perhaps?

Primemuscle · « **Reply #22 on:** July 17, 2019, 02:34:27 AM »

Quote from: SOMEPARTS on July 16, 2019, 07:44:31 PM

To be fair, MANY people take meds for decades as a habit without much issue and you can apply the same logic to coffee if you want to go there.

That being said I think that people should re-assess and test the reason they take a med if possible. I don't sleep much but never had a problem going to sleep once my head hits the pillow, so I don't really understand taking sleeping aids but to each their own.

You probably don't understand taking sleeping aids because you don't need them. If you had ongoing problems with both falling asleep and staying asleep you might feel differently.

Humble Narcissist · « **Reply #23 on:** July 17, 2019, 02:39:07 AM »

Quote from: Primemuscle on July 17, 2019, 02:31:21 AM

Your's is very bad advice. Each situation/person is different. If you read about Trazodone withdrawal you will learn that under certain circumstances and with some people it can result in death.

I am not saying this is necessarily a good thing, but many medications, including some that affect mood and brain function are an ongoing treatment.

While it is the practice of medicine, I'd take a doctor's advice over someone who has neither the education or experience to advise others. I posted my my current situation as a heads up but not as expert advice.

Anyway, I'm feeling better, although it is 2:30 am and I am still awake....rebound insomnia perhaps?

You actually need to question your doctor's advice just like any other advice. Doctor's have hundreds of patients and only spend a few minutes with each one. Many doctor's who are older haven't read a book since medical school decades ago and just prescribe whatever the AMA or whoever recommends. Just think of all the drugs over the past few decades that have been recalled after being sold to customers for years and doing great harm. Nobody cares more about your health than you do.

Primemuscle · « **Reply #24 on:** July 17, 2019, 02:39:48 AM »

Quote from: The Scott on July 16, 2019, 08:26:06 PM

Please be careful. I know I can be an asshole but I am not a whole ass. Just be careful and consult with your physician(s).

Thanks. If the level anxiety is bad tomorrow, I will call my doctor. I have been monitoring my heart rate and blood pressure to be sure it isn't going crazy.