Can Trazodone be Habit-forming or Addictive? Dosage and Dependency

Trazodone is a prescribed antidepressant medicine that is often used in treating major depressive disorder, anxiety, and insomnia.

While it is a non-controlled medicine, there are still some concerns, like is trazodone habit forming?

Trazodone is effective and generally safe when used as prescribed by a medical professional, but if misused, there is a substantial risk of dependency and addiction.

This blog explores what trazodone is, whether trazodone is habit-forming or addictive, and how it works.

What is Trazodone?

Trazodone Hydrochloride (known as trazodone) is a medication primarily prescribed to treat major depressive disorder. Apart from depression, doctors may also prescribe it for anxiety disorders, insomnia, or alcohol addiction.

Trazodone is an FDA-Approved Antidepressant also known by brand names Oleptro, Dividose, and Desyrel. It is also used to treat insomnia.

How does Trazodone work?

Trazodone falls under the class of drugs called Serotonin Antagonistic and Reuptake inhibitors (SARIs), also known as serotonin modulators or Phenyl piperazine Antidepressants. Trazodone operates within the intricate mechanism of neurotransmitters—chemical messengers that facilitate communication among brain cells.

It primarily affects serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood, emotions, and sleep cycles. Unlike some other antidepressants, trazodone doesn’t mainly inhibit the reuptake of serotonin. Instead, it modulates its levels by indirectly increasing serotonin activity while blocking specific serotonin receptors.

Trazodone Dosage

Trazodone is available in 4 strengths. Which are:

• 50mg
• 100mg
• 150mg
• 300mg

The usual starting dose is 150mg daily, and increments depend on the patient’s response to medication.

Is Trazodone Habit forming or Addictive?

The question of whether trazodone is habit-forming is a topic of debate, much like the discussion surrounding the habit forming potential of melatonin.

In general, there is not enough evidence that trazodone leads to addiction. Therefore, trazodone addiction is uncommon.

Similarly, trazodone has a lower potential for habit formation compared to some other medications, but it’s not entirely devoid of the risk. While it’s not classified as a controlled substance due to its lower abuse potential, prolonged or excessive use beyond prescribed guidelines can lead to tolerance and dependence.

Therefore, while trazodone is generally considered less habit-forming, patients need to use it exactly as prescribed and under the supervision of a healthcare professional to minimize the risk of dependence.

If you are taking trazodone you must be aware of habit vs. addiction to regularly monitor its habitual or addictive nature.

Trazodone Dependence and Addiction

Trazodone is a long-term medication that typically leads to dependence rather than outright addiction. Dependence involves the body becoming accustomed to the presence of the drug and adapting to its effects.

Individuals might need trazodone to manage symptoms or achieve a sense of normalcy. This reliance is more psychological than physical.

Addiction, on the other hand, involves a complex interplay of physical and psychological dependence coupled with compulsive drug-seeking behavior despite adverse consequences.

Trazodone’s pharmacological profile typically doesn’t produce the intense euphoria or reinforcing effects seen with substances commonly associated with addiction.

According to the FDA label, there are no systematic preclinical or clinical investigations on the habit-forming potential of trazodone, and the clinical trials that have included trazodone have not shown any signs of drug-seeking behavior. That is why it is not a controlled substance in the United States because people who use it are unlikely to become addicted to it.

Since trazodone is a long-term medication that is taken regularly for months or years, it can lead to dependence, especially in terms of psychological reliance, due to its calming effects or its aid in sleep regulation. Many individuals successfully use trazodone as prescribed without experiencing addiction-related issues. A person who is reliant on trazodone, on the other hand, may have withdrawal symptoms if they stop using it abruptly.

Withdrawal Symptoms of Trazodone

Stopping trazodone abruptly may result in Antidepressant Discontinuation Syndrome. Withdrawal symptoms are caused by changes in the brain that modify serotonin receptors. The brain decreases the number of receptors in response to trazodone.

When a person stops taking the medicine, the reduced amount of receptors causes a short-term drop in serotonin activity. The body will usually repair this on its own; however, discomfort may occur during the adjustment phase. Symptoms may include

• Rebound Insomnia
• Anxiety and Agitation
• Dizziness and Vertigo
• Gastrointestinal Upset
• Fatigue and Malaise
• Mood Changes
• Flu-Like Symptoms
• Sensory Disturbances
• Suicidal thoughts

Remember that trazodone’s FDA label contains a “black box warning,” a list of potentially severe or life-threatening adverse effects produced by a medication enclosed in black lines on the FDA label. Trazodone use may potentially lead to suicidal thoughts in children and adolescents. As a result, trazodone is not FDA-approved for usage in children.

These withdrawal symptoms can be readily treated with the correct help and support of medical professionals to make the recovery process as easy as possible.

How Long Does Trazodone Stay in Your Body?

The duration trazodone stays in the body varies among individuals due to factors like:

• Metabolism
• Dosage
• Overall health

Generally, the medication has a half-life of around 5-9 hours, meaning it takes this duration for half the dose to leave the body.

For Instance,

Suppose someone takes a 100mg dose of trazodone. After 5-9 hours, approximately 50mg of the drug will remain in their system. After another 5-9 hours, this amount reduces to around 25mg, and so on.

However, complete elimination might take longer. It can take several days (around 1-2 days per half-life) for trazodone to be mostly cleared from the system. Factors like liver or kidney function can also influence how quickly the body processes and removes the medication.

How Long Do You Sleep on Trazodone?

Poor sleep patterns are bad habits for mental health. Trazodone is known for its sedative effects and is sometimes prescribed off-label to aid sleep in lower doses than those used for depression treatment. It’s considered a short-acting medication, primarily influencing sleep onset and improving sleep continuity rather than extending overall sleep duration.

The effect of trazodone on sleep duration varies between individuals and is affected by a number of factors, including

• dosage
• Individual response to the medication
• The specific sleep issues being addressed

For some individuals, taking trazodone before bedtime might help shorten the time to fall asleep, known as sleep latency, and promote more restful sleep without causing residual drowsiness the next day.

It’s important to note that trazodone’s goal in sleep management is to enhance sleep quality rather than prolong the total sleep duration.

The duration of sleep on trazodone can vary from person to person. Some individuals might experience a modest extension in total sleep time due to improved sleep quality and reduced wakefulness during the night. Others might notice more significant changes in sleep patterns, experiencing longer and more restorative sleep.

However, individual responses differ, and some people might not experience a substantial increase in sleep duration despite the medication’s sedative effects. Trazodone’s impact on sleep duration is also affected by factors such as underlying sleep problems, overall health, and lifestyle behaviors.

Can I take Trazodone after Drinking Alcohol?

According to American Addiction Centers,” Mixing trazodone with alcohol can increase levels of intoxication—resulting in extreme drowsiness and increasing the risk of overdose and death when either is consumed in excessive amounts.”

We discussed that trazodone is known for its calming effects, while alcohol acts as a depressant. When combined, these two can amplify each other’s sedative properties, making you feel excessively drowsy, dizzy, or disoriented. It’s like having a double dose of uncomfortable and potentially dangerous sleepiness.

Beyond the uncomfortable drowsiness, this combination can mess with your body’s vital functions. Breathing difficulties or a risky drop in blood pressure are both possible effects. Even a modest amount of alcohol alongside trazodone can magnify these effects, putting your safety and health at risk.

Can you Build Tolerance to Trazodone?

Tolerance refers to the body’s adjustment to a medication, leading to a reduced response. Over time, greater doses are required to get the same effect.

In the case of trazodone, some individuals might notice a diminishing response to the medication after using it consistently for an extended period. Initially, a specific dosage might effectively manage sleep issues or depressive symptoms. However, over time, the same dose might produce a different level of effectiveness in promoting sleep or alleviating symptoms.

The development of tolerance to trazodone might manifest differently in various individuals. Some might notice a gradual decrease in its effectiveness, while others may not experience significant changes in their response to the medication.

Factors influencing tolerance include

• Individual differences in metabolism
• Genetic variations,
• The specific conditions being treated.

Conclusion

While concerning the question of whether trazodone is habit-forming or addictive, extensive research and clinical observations indicate that when taken as prescribed, the medication is generally safe and non-addictive. However, individual responses can vary, and it’s crucial to consult healthcare professionals for personalized guidance and supervision when using trazodone.

Always prioritize open communication with healthcare providers to ensure safe and beneficial usage of trazodone or any prescribed medication.

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