While trazodone is generally considered a safe and non-addictive medication, some people experience withdrawal symptoms in the weeks after suddenly stopping or reducing their dose. [1][2] Generally, these symptoms are mild and transient in nature and will resolve on their own in 2-6 weeks. [3] Occasionally, withdrawal symptoms are severe and require medical intervention. Because of the risk for withdrawals, many prescribers recommend slowly tapering off of trazodone, rather than stopping suddenly.
- Suddenly stopping or reducing your dose of trazodone can trigger withdrawal symptoms, which are commonly referred to as antidepressant discontinuation syndrome.
- Common symptoms of trazodone withdrawal include insomnia, mood swings, dizziness, hot and cold chills, nausea, and headache.
- Slowly reducing your dose of trazodone may prevent or lessen withdrawal symptoms, which can persist for 2-6 weeks.
Can trazodone cause withdrawals?
Trazodone is an atypical antidepressant that is most commonly prescribed for sleep difficulties and insomnia, as well as other mental health conditions. While trazodone is considered non-addictive, it is possible to experience uncomfortable physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms when abruptly stopping this medication. [1][2] While not everyone who discontinues an antidepressant will experience withdrawal, it is not uncommon. Generally, antidepressant withdrawals are mild, transient, and will resolve on their own without treatment. [3][4]Â
Collectively, antidepressant withdrawal symptoms are often referred to as antidepressant discontinuation syndrome. These symptoms are believed to be caused by a process called neuroadaptation, when the brain suddenly needs to re-learn how to keep itself chemically balanced after it has adapted to or become reliant on a medication that affects brain chemistry. Antidepressant discontinuation syndrome is more common in people who have been using an antidepressant long-term, as well as those prescribed high doses. [2][4][5]
Common trazodone withdrawal symptoms
While trazodone withdrawal has not been thoroughly studied, there is a lot of research on antidepressant withdrawal symptoms and syndromes. According to these studies, there are a number of different physical and psychological symptoms that can result when a person stops taking an antidepressant medication. [2]Â
Some of the most commonly reported withdrawal symptoms include: [2][3][4]
- Flu-like symptoms, including hot and cold chills and sweating.
- Insomnia or sleep difficulties.
- Mood swings, including feeling anxious, irritable, or sad.
- Headaches and ‘electric shocks’ or ‘brain zaps’.
- Vertigo, dizziness, or lightheadedness.
- Sensory disturbances.
- Gastrointestinal problems.
Occasionally, people will experience withdrawal symptoms that are more severe in nature, including: [3]
- Tics or uncontrolled movements.
- Mania or psychosis.
- Increased suicidal ideation.
- Depersonalization or derealization.
Trazodone withdrawal timeline
Everyone’s experience of stopping trazodone will vary, depending on a number of factors, including the dose and length of time the medication was taken. Some people experience no withdrawals or describe only mild symptoms. Of those who report significant withdrawals after stopping an antidepressant, it is common for symptoms to begin within one week of reducing or discontinuing the medication. [2][3]Â
According to research on antidepressant discontinuation syndrome, most people report that their withdrawal symptoms peak within 2-4 days. Some describe that they become milder and more transient after about a week, but it is possible for withdrawal symptoms to persist for 2-6 weeks. Some studies suggest a small percentage of people experience protracted withdrawals of several months or longer. [3][4][5]Â
When the symptoms are severe in nature, they can often be alleviated by resuming the medication at a lower dose and slowly tapering off over the course of several weeks. Talk with your prescriber if you experience serious and debilitating symptoms of withdrawal, as tapering more slowly off the medication may be the safest and best option.
Withdrawal vs. Rebound vs. Relapse
The term withdrawal is often associated with having an addiction or dependence on a drug, but antidepressant withdrawals are believed to be caused by a process called neuroadaptation. Because antidepressants like trazodone work on mood-regulating receptors like serotonin and norepinephrine, it takes time for the brain to adjust to needing to regulate these neurochemicals without medication. This process is called neuroadaptation and can take several weeks or even months after discontinuing a medication. [3]
Some withdrawal symptoms can also be linked to a process called rebound, which involves a return of symptoms that the medication was previously treating. For example, trazodone is typically used to treat insomnia and depression, which are commonly reported withdrawal symptoms. It’s possible that some of these individuals may be experiencing a rebound of symptoms related to these conditions, particularly if they struggled with these symptoms prior to starting the medication. Rebound symptoms like insomnia and depression can be challenging, particularly because they may be more severe than what the person experienced prior to starting the medication. [4][5]
Relapse is another possible cause of withdrawal after stopping a medication, and involves a return of the original symptoms the medication was treating. While rebound symptoms may be temporary in nature, relapse of symptoms can persist beyond the 6-week mark. Often, relapse-related withdrawal symptoms will only be alleviated when an individual resumes their medication or begins a different medication that has similar therapeutic effects. [3][5]
Risks of stopping trazodone suddenly
According to research, a large number of people who take antidepressants abruptly stop after a short period of time, often without consulting with a medical professional or prescriber. This can be risky, increasing the risk of experiencing withdrawal symptoms or developing antidepressant discontinuation syndrome. [3]
Abruptly stopping or reducing your dose of trazodone can trigger withdrawal symptoms. In some instances, these withdrawals can be severe and debilitating in nature, causing significant discomfort, distress, and impairment. People who have taken high doses or who have been on the medication for 6 months or longer are more likely to experience withdrawals. These individuals are often recommended to gradually decrease their dose under the supervision of a prescribing professional. [3][4][5]Â
How trazodone is safely tapered
More research needs to be conducted to develop guidelines on how to safely taper off of trazodone. Currently, best practices on antidepressant discontinuation recommend that prescribers slowly taper people off the medication, rather than stopping all at once. General guidelines for antidepressant discontinuation recommend that a person’s dose be gradually reduced over a 4-6 week period, although it may be longer or shorter depending on the individual and their specific needs. [3]Â
It is always advised to work closely with a prescriber to develop a schedule for tapering off a medication. Often, tapering schedules will need to be adjusted based on an individual’s experience of withdrawal symptoms. Multiple follow-up appointments may be required to monitor symptoms and progress, and sometimes dose adjustments are required to address a person’s symptoms.
When to seek medical help
While most antidepressant withdrawal symptoms are mild in nature and cause minimal distress or impairment, there are some instances where people experience severe withdrawal symptoms. Talk with your doctor or prescriber if you experience serious symptoms like mania, psychosis, severe depression, or suicidal ideation. Symptoms like uncontrolled muscle tics or spasms are also cause for concern and require medical attention. [3]Â
Support for trazodone withdrawal
Trazodone is not believed to be an addictive medication, but some people do experience withdrawal symptoms that can make it difficult or even dangerous to stop suddenly. If you are struggling with physical or psychological symptoms soon after stopping this medication, it’s important to set up an appointment with the provider who prescribes your medication.Â
In this appointment, make sure to be honest about any uncomfortable symptoms you’re experiencing, even if you’re unsure they’re related to stopping the medication. Also, disclose any other medications or substances you are using, which may affect their treatment recommendations.
