Trazodone is a commonly used antidepressant medication that belongs to the group of drugs classified as serotonin receptor antagonist and reuptake inhibitor. This prescribed medication is primarily used to treat major depressive disorder. Although Trazodone has many benefits for those suffering mood disorders, it is commonly abused, causing physical dependency and addiction.
Trazodone is an antidepressant drug used to treat depression, insomnia, and anxiety disorders. It helps to improve mood, sleep, appetite and increase energy levels. Trazodone is a serotonin receptor antagonist and reuptake inhibitor (SARI) and works by balancing the serotonin levels in the brain, causing increased feelings of happiness and mood stabilization.
Trazodone is also prescribed under the names Desyrel and Oleptro. Doctors may use this medication when trying to treat alcoholism and extreme insomnia. This is often a preferred antidepressant and sleep aid due to the low risks of addiction, however, some people still find ways to abuse this drug and develop a dependence or addiction.
Just like with most other pharmaceutical drugs, Trazodone can be abused and cause negative side effects. Those who abuse this drug often will take it without a prescription, take the drug through different routes of administration (most commonly snorting), take more of the drug than the doctor’s instructions, or intentionally mix it with other drugs in order to enhance the effects.
Abusing Trazodone is dangerous and can lead to building a tolerance, experiencing withdrawal effects once stopping the use of this drug, and addiction. Side effects are commonly enhanced and worsened when Trazodone is abused.
Side effects from Trazodoneinclude:
Trazodone can cause severe side effects that may require medical attention such as difficulty breathing, fainting, panic attack, seizures, dangerously fast or dangerously low heartbeat, and overdose.
If someone is experiencing any abnormal and concerning side effects from Trazodone, contact 911 immediately.
While there is still some debate on the addictiveness of Trazodone, dependency is highly likely to develop after taking this medication for a long period of time. Trazodone works by increasing and balancing the serotonin levels in the brain. Once a person discontinued this medication, they are likely to experience withdrawal symptoms as a result of the decreased amount of serotonin.
Experiencing withdrawal symptoms from Trazodone does not necessarily mean someone is addicted to this drug, however, once a person continues to use this medication to avoid the withdrawal symptoms, or finds ways to obtain the drug without a prescription, they may be on the road to addiction.
Withdrawal symptoms of Trazodone include:
In some circumstances, Trazodone withdrawal symptoms may cause thoughts of self-harm or suicide ideation, in which case medical support should be sought out immediately before the symptoms worsen.
Trazodone increases the serotonin levels in our brain, and therefore if too much is taken at one time, a person may experience serotonin syndrome. Serotonin syndrome is a dangerous condition caused when the brain has produced an abnormal and alarming amount of serotonin and can cause many health effects. These effects can range from mild to severe and include:
Medical attention is needed if a person is experiencing an irregular heartbeat, high fever, seizures, and unconsciousness after taking large amounts of Trazodone.
Overdosing on Trazodone is possible and although it is unlikely when taken on its own, it can result in death when mixed with other drugs such as alcohol or sedatives. Alcohol should be avoided while prescribed Trazodone to avoid possible drug overdose.
Trazodone can have negative interactions with a variety of drugs, both pharmaceutical and recreational. Speak with your doctor about any current medications or drug use before starting Trazodone to reduce the chances of any dangerous medication interaction.
Trazodone abuse, dependency, and addiction are all possible results of this antidepressant medication. If you are showing signs of dangerous Trazodone abuse, have a desire to stop the use of this medication, or want to treat your addiction, contact Quit Addiction Now (888 974-2973) to learn about resources available for you.
