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What Are the Symptoms of Trazodone Withdrawal?

By Meshell Powell
Updated: Mar 03, 2024
Views: 81,031
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Trazodone withdrawal can involve a variety of uncomfortable symptoms and should be supervised by a physician. Some of the most common symptoms include headaches, muscle pain, and blurred vision. Psychological disturbances such as extreme anxiety, aggression, and irritability may cause the patient to act out in inappropriate or abusive ways. Some of the more severe symptoms may include chest pain or a loss of consciousness. Any questions or concerns about potential trazodone withdrawal symptoms on an individual basis should be discussed with a doctor or other medical professional.

Many cases of trazodone withdrawal involve mild side effects, especially if the medication is discontinued slowly and under the supervision of a doctor. Dry mouth, headaches, and nausea are among the most frequently reported symptoms. Some people may experience frequent urination, muscle pain, or insomnia while withdrawing from the medication. In some cases, a doctor may prescribe additional medications in order to help alleviate some of the signs of withdrawal from trazodone.

Emotional and psychological disturbances can be among the more dangerous symptoms of trazodone withdrawal. Those with extreme problems may be admitted into a medical facility during withdrawal in order to prevent possible violent behavior. Some of the potential psychological symptoms of trazodone withdrawal include mood swings, aggression, and irritability. If not properly monitored, self-injury or violent behavior toward others may occur.

Extreme confusion and brief lapses of consciousness are possible trazodone withdrawal symptoms. In some cases, speech may become affected, and the patient may have great difficulty communicating thoughts and feelings to others. Hallucinations are not particularly common but may occur, especially in those who have certain psychological disorders.

Digestive disturbances are frequently experienced during the withdrawal process and may take different forms. Nausea, with or without vomiting, is commonly reported. Some patients may become constipated, while others may develop diarrhea. In some situations, alternating bouts of constipation and diarrhea may occur. Mild to moderate intestinal cramping may occur, but any sudden or severe pain should be reported to a doctor.

Flu-like symptoms such as fatigue, fever, and muscle aches commonly occur during withdrawal from trazodone and may range from mild to severe. Excessive perspiration frequently occurs as well. Severe side effects such as chest pain or difficulty breathing should be reported to a doctor right away. While these symptoms are relatively common, it is always wise to rule out any potential underlying medical conditions that may cause similar symptoms.

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Discussion Comments
By anon1005335 — On Aug 07, 2021

I recently cut my dose in half and I'm experiencing extreme headaches.

By anon997770 — On Feb 25, 2017

Bad stuff. I just took my last dose. I was in a auto accident. I am using cognitive sleep behavior therapy. If you want to get rid of insomnia, this is the only way without pills.

By anon997718 — On Feb 17, 2017

I tapered off of 50mg trazodone (occas 100mg). I went to 25mg about ten days, 12.5mg 7 days then stopped. This is day 10 of no trazodone. I am having terrible anxiety, confusion, body aches are subsiding - but have felt flu-like symptoms. I am dealing with this knowing these are common effects and won't last forever. Pure determination and disgust of this medication is all that is pulling me through. I can't believe this information isn't given before prescribing this med.

By anon967267 — On Aug 26, 2014

I forgot to take my 150mg tablets on a weekend break. The first night was OK, but I started feeling aches and flu like symptoms by the third day. I just felt cold and very tired but couldn't sleep. As soon as I got home on Monday morning I took 50mg and then my normal dose at night. I was back to normal the next day.

By anon963188 — On Jul 28, 2014

I have been weaning off of mine. Last night was my first night without it. I had been taking 100mg for almost 15 months to help me sleep after getting off of Clonazepam. I feel very sick today; I have nausea, I don't want to eat, I have no energy. I feel like I have the flu.

By anon961816 — On Jul 20, 2014

It can also cause back pain, sleeplessness, slight disorientation, feeling hot, reduced appetite. I was taking it for sleep and back pain management, but stopped because of being too groggy in the morning, loss of erections, dry mouth and weight gain. I was on a low dose.

By anon952058 — On May 19, 2014

My sister has been on trazadone for several years for depression. She was recently discontinued abruptly because she was having other medical problems the doctor said were caused by the trazadone.

She has been off for three days and is not sleeping, complains of bad headaches, and most of all, she is becoming extremely agitated and is full of rage.

I tried to call the doctor to let them know what is going on, but they say they cannot take any information from me or discuss it because of privacy laws. I don't know what to do. She is scaring me with her rage and threats. I don't want to call police, but may have no choice.

By anon951941 — On May 19, 2014

I'm currently on 500mg a day, so the above is scaring me a lot.

By anon941132 — On Mar 21, 2014

I have been taking Trazadone 150 mg for years now. I quit suddenly because I lost my medication. I haven't had any severe symptoms, just a 'weird' feeling all over and excessive sweating all over. How long do the symptoms last?

By anon934986 — On Feb 23, 2014

The Doctor says trazodone does not cause insomnia. It did for me and it's chronic. I wish I never taken it. It has ruined my life and I can't get the help I need now.

By anon934963 — On Feb 23, 2014

I was taking 150mg for about a year. I've just decided to come off. The doctor told me take 100mg for a week then 50mg for a week. When I finally stopped a couple of days ago, I began to suffer from insomnia, leg pain, agitation and I feel slightly aggressive. I don't know how long it's going to last, but it's annoying.

By anon923855 — On Dec 30, 2013

I stopped cold turkey a few nights ago, as I've finally figured out that I don't have insomnia, but rather Delayed Sleep Phase Disorder. I've been doing a sleep journal to gather some data in the interest of pursuing melatonin/light therapy, and I want to study my natural sleep as much as possible, so I cut out the Trazodone. I've definitely been feeling some withdrawal syndromes – fatigue, minor disorientation, a brief bout of the "brain zaps" yesterday (not today, though) – but thankfully nothing too dramatic. I've been sleeping fine too, but, being on vacation, I've been sleeping on my preferred nocturnal schedule (something I don't have the luxury of doing the rest of the year).

Everyone is different and will experience both variable drug effects and withdrawal symptoms.

By anon360120 — On Dec 24, 2013

How long do the withdrawal symptoms last?

By stoneMason — On Feb 25, 2013

The higher the dose of trazodone and the longer the treatment, the more severe withdrawal tends to be.

I was taken off this drug last year but I had been taking it for several years and 100mg per day. The two weeks after I quit was the worst time ever. I lost consciousness several times and was rushed to the hospital.

My family and coworkers were extremely worried about me and even my doctor felt that there might be an underlying problem like a tumor. But my tests always came back normal.

It doesn't seem that a medication like trazodone can have such severe withdrawal symptoms but it does. I don't think anyone should attempt to quit it unless they are being very closely supervised by a doctor and family members.

By burcinc — On Feb 25, 2013

@feruze-- I'm getting more sleep than you but I'm severely depressed. I feel like a zombie, I'm so detached and also light-headed. I'm this way despite the fact I tapered off of the medication. Did you quit cold turkey? I hope not!

By bear78 — On Feb 24, 2013

I recently stopped taking trazodone and have been having severe insomnia. I get an hour of sleep at most during the night. This seems to be the only major withdrawal symptom I'm experiencing. But since I get practically no sleep, I'm also tired and irritated during the day.

It's been a week already and so far no improvement in my sleep pattern. I hope things get better soon.

Anyone else in the same boat?

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