By We Level Up NJ Treatment Center | Editor Yamilla Francese | Clinically Reviewed By Lauren Barry, LMFT, MCAP, QS, Director of Quality Assurance | Editorial Policy | Research Policy | Last Updated: March 23, 2023

Trazodone Side Effects

Trazodone side effects can occur like all medications. Trazodone is commonly used to treat depression, anxiety disorders, and insomnia. Trazodone is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs called serotonin modulators.

Trazodone Side Effects in Elderly

Common side effects of trazodone in elderly people include drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, dry mouth, constipation, and headache. Other less common side effects can include an irregular heartbeat or fainting, changes in appetite or weight gain/loss, confusion and difficulty concentrating. In rare cases agitation or hallucinations may occur.

Elderly people may be particularly sensitive to the sedative effects of trazodone. As a result they should not operate vehicles or heavy machinery until any sedation is completely gone and it is safe to do so. Trazodone should also be used with caution when taking other medications that affect blood pressure as it can cause low blood pressure (hypotension) resulting in lightheadedness and dizziness.

It is very important to notify your healthcare provider right away if any side effects occur as a result of taking trazodone. Your doctor may be able to adjust the dosage or prescribe an alternative medication more suitable for elderly people. It is also important to remember that trazodone should not be stopped abruptly, as this can lead to withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, nausea, vomiting, insomnia, sweating, confusion and irritability.

In conclusion, trazodone can help to manage depression in elderly people but it does come with risks and side effects that must be taken into consideration before beginning treatment. Talk with your doctor about any concerns you have related to taking trazodone and follow their instructions carefully. With the right precautions and communication, trazodone can be a helpful tool for managing depression in elderly people.

Trazodone and Alcohol Statistics

More than 20 million people in the United States have had a substance use disorder. Substance use disorders can involve illicit drugs, prescription drugs, or alcohol. Unfortunately, many are also mixing drugs with alcohol. Effective treatments for substance use disorders are available, but very few people get the treatment they need. Strategies to prevent substance use and help people get treatment can reduce drug and alcohol misuse, related health problems, and deaths.

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What is Trazodone Used for?

Trazodone is an antidepressant that inhibits serotonin type 2 receptors and serotonin transporter. It is a triazolopyridine derivative. Trazodone inhibits the reuptake of serotonin and blocks the histamine and alpha-1-adrenergic receptors. It also induces significant changes in 5-HT presynaptic receptor adrenoreceptors. The Trazodone category is of SARI drugs (serotonin antagonists and reuptake inhibitors), with other members being etoperidone, phenylpiperazine, lorpiprazole, and mepiprazole.

Trazodone administration is via the oral route. It may be taken after meals to decrease postural hypotension and lightheadedness. Trazodone may be available as immediate-release (IR) tablets, prolonged-release tablets, and in some cases, injection and oral drops solutions. It can take one to two weeks before trazodone starts to work, but maybe four to six weeks before you feel the full benefit.

Can you take Trazodone for anxiety attack? Trazodone can also include treatment for the effects of alcohol withdrawal, anxiety treatment, medications for schizophrenia treatment, and uncontrolled movements resulting from side effects from other medications. Trazodone for pain is also frequent off-label use of drugs, and in particular, it can be helpful for chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia. Individuals with chronic pain are often given antidepressants and medications that control the pain. This is because of chronic pain’s effects on mood and the likelihood of developing depression.

Trazodone should not be used in patients with a history of heart disease or a recent heart attack. This medication can cause or worsen QT prolongation (a disorder of the heart), which can cause an irregular heart rhythm that can lead to seizures, fainting, or even death.

Is Trazodone a Narcotic?

Trazodone is not a narcotic. Narcotics are opioids—drugs that relieve pain by blocking the pain receptors in your brain. Trazodone is an antidepressant medication that alters brain chemicals called neurotransmitters to help ease depression.

Trazodone is it a Controlled Substance?

While trazodone is not a narcotic or a controlled substance, specific research on the abuse potential of trazodone is lacking. Clinical trials of trazodone did not show any signs of drug-seeking behavior. Trazodone is intended for use in people with depression. However, trazodone is often prescribed off-label for other conditions, such as insomnia, and the drug’s abuse potential has not been studied for these uses.

Trazodone for Sleep Disorder

Trazodone is not classified by the FDA as a controlled substance, unlike medications such as Lunesta and Ambien. This means that Trazodone is not considered to have potential abuse and misuse. Because trazodone is not classified as a controlled substance, doctors do not have strict limits on how many pills they’re able to prescribe.

Trazodone for sleep disorder treatment medication has the advantage of being an effective treatment for insomnia. Trazodone is helpful at low doses for primary and secondary insomnia. Moreover, it is less expensive than some newer insomnia medications due to its availability. At low doses, trazodone as a sleep aid is often very effective for insomnia.

Trazodone 50 mg Side Effects 

One of the most common side effects associated with trazodone 50 mg is drowsiness. Other side effects may include dry mouth, increased appetite, constipation, or difficulty sleeping. Some people may experience headache, dizziness, confusion, nausea or vomiting, blurred vision, and weight gain when taking trazodone 50 mg. Rarely reported but more serious side effects include changes in heart rate and/or rhythm and muscle twitching. If any of these symptoms persist or worsen after starting trazodone 50 mg it is important to seek medical advice immediately.

In addition to physical side effects associated with trazodone 50 mg use, some mental health side effects have been reported as well. These can include anxiety, agitation, and mood swings. It is also possible to see an increase in suicidal thoughts or behavior when taking trazodone 50 mg. If any of these mental health side effects occur while taking trazodone 50 mg, contact a healthcare professional right away.

It is important to note that trazodone 50 mg may interact with other medications or substances and can cause unexpected dangerous side effects. Make sure you speak with your doctor before taking trazodone 50 mg if you are currently on any other medications or supplements, as well as if you have any existing medical conditions or allergies. Taking trazodone 50 mg without first consulting a healthcare provider can be risky and should be avoided.

If you experience any side effects while taking trazodone 50 mg, contact your doctor right away. Do not stop or change the dosage of trazodone 50 mg without consulting your healthcare provider first. Doing so can cause serious harm and should always be done with medical supervision.

Overall, trazodone 50 mg is a medication that carries risks along with potential benefits. Knowing and understanding the side effects associated with trazodone 50 mg is essential in order to safely use this drug and enjoy its full benefits. Always consult a qualified medical professional before taking trazodone 50 mg for proper diagnosis and treatment of any condition you may have.

Trazodone Long Term Side Effects

What are Tazodone long term side effects? Trazodone is a widely prescribed antidepressant, but there may be long-term side effects associated with its use. In some cases, trazodone long term side effects can cause physical and mental health problems that last long after the patient has stopped taking the medication.

Common Trazodone long term side effects include changes to cardiovascular health such as high blood pressure, an increased risk of heart attack or stroke, and an irregular heartbeat. It can also increase cholesterol levels and worsen existing diabetes.

Other trazodone side effects long term are difficulty breathing, confusion, impaired concentration and memory loss. Psychiatric symptoms like depression or anxiety could be exacerbated by prolonged use of trazodone. If you have been taking trazodone for a prolonged period of time, it is wise to talk to your doctor about the long term side effects of trazodone. Your doctor can help you manage and monitor any potential adverse effects associated with its use.

It is also important to remember that trazodone should only be used as prescribed by your doctor. With caution and proper management, trazodone may be an effective treatment option for many patients who suffer from depression or other mental health conditions.

Is Trazadone Addictive?

Trazodone is addictive or habit-forming, but not in the same way that drugs like cocaine, meth, or heroin are. Rather than an all-consuming physical addiction, a person who abuses trazodone may develop a physical dependence on it and a psychological addiction to it.

Dependence on this drug is marked by withdrawal symptoms of Trazodone when the person reduces their dosage or ceases use completely. Alongside dependence, a person may also develop a psychological addiction to trazodone, in which they might feel they have to use it to feel normal or be happy.

Does Trazodone Get You High?

Although trazodone cannot get you high in the same way drugs as opioids or stimulants can, it can have sedative effects. Despite the lack of euphoria in a trazodone high, the medication produces a relaxing and calming effect that users might find desirable. Trazodone abuse can occur in people to whom it’s been prescribed and in people who take it for trazodone recreational purposes.

Trazodone Side Effects Overview

Trazodone may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

Some side effects can be severe. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:

What are the Long-Term Side Effects of Trazodone?

While trazodone is generally safe and effective when used as prescribed for its intended purpose, an individual who abuses trazodone for extended periods may be at risk of experiencing more intense side effects, long term effects trazodone may include:

• Decreased serum sodium levels (hyponatremia) and associated symptoms (headache, concentration problems, memory problems, confusion, weakness, instability, increased fall risk)
• Serotonin syndrome
• Angle-closure glaucoma
• Blurred vision
• Confusion
• Hypotension
• Fainting
• Coordination problems
• Gastrointestinal upset
• Tremors
• Heart rate and rhythm abnormalities

Trazodone Off Label Uses

Other, not officially approved (off-label) uses of trazodone include the treatment of bulimia, benzodiazepine, and alcohol dependence or abuse, fibromyalgia, degenerative diseases of the central nervous system such as dementia and other organic disorders, schizophrenia, chronic pain, and diabetic neuropathy [3]. Few clinical trials have been conducted to evaluate trazodone’s efficacy in treating the diseases and symptoms for which it is often used in clinical practice. More studies are necessary to investigate possible new therapeutic indications and to scientifically demonstrate the risk/benefit ratio for the many conditions for which trazodone is used but not approved by the FDA.

Trazodone Side Effects Hallucinations

Can trazodone cause hallucinations? According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information [4], there was a case of a 60-year-old man who received trazodone for primary insomnia. Two days later, he returned to the emergency department with distressing visual hallucinations, which prompted inpatient treatment. Trazodone was discontinued, leading to a complete resolution of his visual hallucinations.

Hallucinations are sensory perceptions that occur without an external stimulus in any sensory modality. Visual Hallucinations are more common in acute organic states with clouding of consciousness and patients with neurodegenerative disorders. We report a case of trazodone-induced visual hallucinations that, to our knowledge, is the first described in the literature.

Serotonin Syndrome

The serotonin syndrome/toxicity risk increases if you also take other drugs that increase serotonin. Examples include street drugs such as MDMA/”ecstasy,” certain antidepressants (including SSRIs such as fluoxetine (Prozac), and SNRIs such as duloxetine/venlafaxine), among others. The serotonin syndrome/toxicity risk may be more likely when you start or increase the dose of these drugs.

Clinical symptoms of serotonin syndrome can develop within two hours—or up to 24 hours—after taking an increased dose or adding another serotonergic drug.

Signs and symptoms of serotonin syndrome:

Trazodone and Alcohol

Can you drink with Trazodone? Drinking alcohol while taking trazodone can be dangerous. Trazodone may amplify some of the effects of alcohol, which can lead to dangerous levels of intoxication and even overdose and trazodone and alcohol death. The combination can also cause extreme drowsiness, leading to accidents and injuries. In addition, alcohol can increase the risk of depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems such as anxiety disorders, depression, and suicidal thoughts. Some users who have mixed trazodone with alcohol claim the combination impairs their thinking and judgment. Alcohol is a depressant, and combining an antidepressant with a depressant can lead to unpredictable and dangerous consequences for different users.

Trazodone Interactions with Alcohol

What are the signs of trazodone and alcohol interactions? Trazodone has a possibility for physical dependence when consumed with alcohol. Drinking 50mg of trazodone and alcohol is no exception. Furthermore, this deadly combination can lead to delirium, hallucinations, and seizures in extreme cases. Trazodone alcohol interaction can lead to severe side effects that affect a person’s overall health.

As mentioned, trazodone 50 mg and alcohol can amplify each other’s effects. Since both agents are central nervous system depressants, taking them together can be risky due to additive side effects from their drug interactions, which include:

Trazodone and Alcohol Withdrawal

Long-term use of alcohol and trazodone can also lead to the development of physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms. Trazodone alcohol withdrawal symptoms can include agitation, anxiety, and sleep problems. Instead of coming off Trazodone cold turkey, people on the medication are advised to be tapered or gradually weaned off under the care of a physician.

Severe alcohol withdrawal syndrome can be pretty serious. It can include symptoms such as alcohol-induced insomnia, increased body temperature, anxiety, rapid pulse, sweating, nausea, and vomiting, as well as more severe complications such as hallucinations or alcohol-induced psychosis, agitation, delirium, and seizures. Left unmanaged, alcohol withdrawal can even be life-threatening due to the possibility of grand mal seizures.

Individuals who have become dependent on alcohol and Trazodone may need medically-supervised withdrawal management and detox—either as part of a standalone program or at the start of a rehabilitation program. Medical-supervised detox programs are staffed with healthcare professionals who can monitor the individual’s recovery during withdrawal and provide therapeutic interventions when needed.

Trazodone Withdrawal

What are trazodone withdrawal side effects? Trazodone withdrawal is the body’s process of readjusting to the absence of a drug in its system. For example, after a consistent amount of time taking the drug, the brain and body become used to trazodone and adapt to its presence. Can you have withdrawals from trazodone? If you suddenly quit taking trazodone, you may feel ill as your body readjusts after the change in routine. Trazodone withdrawal can be very challenging for people attempting to stop trazodone.

Attempting to manage the withdrawal symptoms of Trazodone without medical supervision can be dangerous. This is especially true if you take trazodone to treat mood issues like depression, which may worsen if you suddenly quit the drug.

Withdrawal Symptoms from Trazodone

When an individual is going through Trazodone withdrawal symptoms, discomfort is common. Other physical symptoms associated with trazodone withdrawals include:

Since trazodone is often prescribed to treat mental health issues like depression, there are adverse effects when abruptly stopping use. Individuals who struggle with depression and take trazodone for treatment may feel increased depression during Trazodone withdrawal. For this reason, it is important only to stop taking trazodone under a doctor’s care.

How Long Does Trazodone Withdrawal Last? Trazodone Withdrawal Timeline

Everyone experiences trazodone withdrawal symptoms differently. For some individuals, physical symptoms could subside in just a few days. For others, they could last weeks or longer. When individuals experience withdrawal from antidepressant medications such as trazodone, various factors influence the duration of trazodone withdrawal and the intensity of symptoms. These include:

• How long has the individual been taking trazodone
• Dosage amount before starting trazodone withdrawal
• Individual characteristics

Popular Side Effects of Trazodone FAQs

Trazodone Sexual Side Effects Overview

Trazodone is known to have some potential sexual side effects. In some cases, trazodone may decrease sex drive and cause difficulty reaching orgasm or erectile dysfunction in males. In females, trazodone may also cause decreased sex drive and difficulty achieving orgasm. Some people may also experience changes in sexual desire or experience sexual dysfunction as a result of using trazodone.

Common Trazodone side effects sexually related with taking drug may include:

• Decreased sexual desire or drive
• Difficulty achieving orgasm
• Delayed ejaculation or anorgasmia (inability to reach orgasm)
• Erectile dysfunction
• Priapism (an erection that does not go away)
• Painful or uncomfortable sexual experiences

It is important to note that not everyone who takes Trazodone will experience these Trazodone sexual side effects, and some people may experience different or no side effects at all. It is also possible for some Trazodone’s side effects sexually affecting performance to improve over time or with a dosage adjustment.

If you are experiencing any concerning Trazodone sexual side effects, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider. They may be able to adjust your dosage or switch you to a different medication to address these concerns.

It is important to always take medications as prescribed and not to stop taking trazodone or any other medication without consulting with a healthcare provider.

What are Trazodone Male Side Effects?

Trazodone is an antidepressant medication that can have some potential side effects in males. Some of the common trazodone male side effects may include mutliple stymptoms.

Affects of Trazodone Side Effects Sexually Male include the following:

• Trazodone erectile side effects (erectile dysfunction difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection in males)
• Priapism (painful, prolonged erection)
• Decreased libido or sex drive
• Delayed ejaculation or difficulty reaching orgasm

Other Trazodone males side effects include:

• Blurred vision or dizziness

Typical Trazodone side effects in males may not apply to all males. Some males may experience different or no side effects at all. It is also possible for some of these side effects to improve over time or with a dosage adjustment.

If you are experiencing any concerning side effects while taking trazodone, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider. They may be able to adjust your dosage or switch you to a different medication to address your concerns.

Treatment for Trazodone Side Effects and Alcohol Abuse 

To determine the most effective ways to treat Trazodone side effects and co-occurring alcohol addiction, it’s crucial to assess all the symptoms accurately. When a mental health professional has evaluated the symptoms, it may be determined that another form of depression is present and needs a particular treatment. Very often, some combination of medication, psychotherapy, and lifestyle changes are effective for coping with functional.

Medically-Assisted Detox

Detox is often considered the first stage of treatment. It will help you navigate the complicated process of alcohol withdrawal but doesn’t address patterns of thought and behavior that contribute to alcohol use. Various treatment approaches and settings can help provide the ongoing support necessary to maintain long-term sobriety after you complete detox.

Cravings are pervasive side effects of Trazodone during detox and can be challenging to overcome. This often leads to relapse. Constant medical care provided during inpatient treatment helps prevent relapse. Clinicians can give the necessary medication and medical expertise to lessen cravings and the effects of alcohol withdrawals.

Psychotherapy for Depression

Several different modalities of psychotherapy have been used in the treatment of depression, including:

Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Alcoholism and mental health disorders often co-occur. In many cases, traumatic experiences can result in mental health disorders and substance abuse. Dual diagnosis rehabilitation treats both of these issues together. The best approach for the treatment of dual diagnosis is an integrated system. This strategy treats both the substance abuse problem and the mental disorder simultaneously. Regardless of which diagnosis (mental health or substance abuse problem) came first, long-term recovery will depend largely on the treatment for both disorders done by the same team or provider.

Top 5 Most Trazodone and Alcohol Frequently Asked Questions

List of Popular Trazodone Side Effects FAQs