Trazodone Withdrawal Symptoms

Trazodone is a medication that contains psychoactive compounds with sedative and acts as an anti-depressant. It is believed to increase the activity of serotonin, a brain chemical. When the serotonin levels in the brain are unbalanced, it results in depression. Trazodone acts as an anti-depressant medication. Many doctors prescribe trazodone for generalized anxiety disorders like sleep deprivation, tension and chronic pain.

Trazodone is also used to treat people with panic disorders, migraines, bulimia nervous, alcohol withdrawal symptoms. People who suffer from bipolar depression, schizophrenia, recent heart attack or have a history of drug abuse and suicidal tendencies should never take trazodone. You should always consult a doctor, who may prescribe a dose adjustment or decide whether it will be safe for your health or not.

One of the important factors when taking trazodone is that one may develop worse symptoms of depression or suicidal thoughts, during the first few weeks. Therefore, family members and caregivers always need to remain on high alert and monitor change in mood of the patient. The doctor must visit the patient for check-up regularly for the first 12 hours after the first dose. Pregnant women should inform their doctor regarding their state, before taking the drug. It is not known, what are the effects of the drug on the fetus and thus it is always better to speak to the doctor beforehand. Breastfeeding mothers should stop taking trazodone, as it may pass on to the baby through milk. One should not give trazodone to anyone younger than 18 years of age, without the advice of a doctor.

Trazodone Side Effects
When one uses the drug too frequently, he/she may become addicted to the drug. People become dependent on the drug and it leads to many side effects. The trazodone side effects include:

• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Insomnia
• Dry mouth
• Stuffy nose
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Muscle pain
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Anger or hostility
• Excitement
• Fainting spells
• Fluttery heartbeat
• Fluid retention
• Headache
• Nightmares
• Anemia

There are many other serious side effects of trazodone like erectile dysfunctionand pain during penis erection, which can lasts for 4 hours or more. The other trazodone side effects are weight gain or weight loss, fever, chills, menstruation problems, prolonged erections, sweating skin, etc.

These infinite side effects are caused due to excessive use of trazodone without following the doctors recommended doses. Many times you may experience side effects even after following the doctor's advice. In such cases, stop taking the drug immediately and visit your doctor.

Withdrawal Symptoms of Trazodone
The withdrawal symptoms may include some of the following symptoms

• Aggression
• Anxiety
• Blurred Vision
• Depersonalization
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Hallucinations
• Hostility
• Irritability
• Insomnia
• Lack of coordination
• Lethargy
• Migraine headaches
• Paranoia
• Stomach cramps
• Repetitive thoughts or songs
• Tinnitus
• Akathasia
• Vivid dreams
• Worsened depression
• Over reaction in simple situations

How Long do Trazodone Withdrawal Symptoms Last
It has been observed that the withdrawal symptoms improve with time. You cannot stop taking the drug abruptly, when you have become addicted to it. Many systems and brain are affected by trazodone and sudden discontinuation may lead to discontinuation syndrome. You need to speak to your doctor and follow gradual dose reduction, also known as tapering. The doctor will gradually reduce the doses along with specific nutritional recommendation and help your body overcome the withdrawal symptoms, as soon as possible.

Trazodone Overdose Treatment
If you experience trazodone overdose, contact the poison cell immediately. The trazodone overdose may cause hypotension, excessive sedation, drowsiness, weakness and even death. Trazodone overdose treatment is not specific. Trazodone overdose treatment includes symptomatic care and supportive care. Patient suspected with trazodone overdose should be given immediate attention and given a gastric lavage. It has been observed that forced diuresis helps in elimination of the drug from the body.

Never ever attempt to continue the drug, beyond the prescribed dosage period. As you have seen, there are many dangerous consequences of the drug. Speak to the doctor regarding any doubts on trazodone withdrawal symptoms.