Trazodone is a prescription medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat major depressive disorder.[1] Like most antidepressants, trazodone can cause physical dependence. Quit abruptly, and you can experience symptoms like anxiety and agitation.[1]
A trazodone taper program can help you quit using the drug safely and comfortably. If you’ve mixed this antidepressant with other drugs (like opioids), you may need a detox program instead.
What Is Trazodone Withdrawal?
Trazodone is an antidepressant medication that alters serotonin levels within the brain.[2] People with major depressive disorder take the drug every day, and in time, they can develop physical dependence. Quit abruptly, and you will experience withdrawal.
Are you or someone you know struggling with addiction?
I may have a problem I am concerned for a loved oneWhile antidepressants can be useful for those struggling with depression, they can also be abused. People abuse trazodone because it boosts serotonin within the brain. Some people experience a rush or high due to serotonin buildup and keep using the drug to keep the good feelings going.
Some people take very high doses of drugs like trazodone, crushing their pills and snorting or injecting them.[3] People who abuse trazodone regularly may also experience withdrawal when they quit.
Key Facts
Key Facts
- Trazodone has a half-life of 10 to 12 hours, so most of the drug is removed from the body within about 40 hours.[4] Withdrawal symptoms can appear during this time frame.
- Common trazodone withdrawal symptoms include anxiety, agitation, and sleep disturbances.[1]
- Antidepressant withdrawal symptoms tend to last for several weeks.[5]
- FDA documents say people shouldn’t quit trazodone cold turkey but should taper their doses instead.[1]
Causes of Trazodone Withdrawal: Why Does It Happen?
Antidepressants like trazodone alter chemicals used by critical brain cells. Take them repeatedly, and you can develop physical dependence.
Your brain cells no longer function properly without the drug. Quit abruptly, and those cells malfunction and prompt withdrawal symptoms.
The primary cause of withdrawal symptoms associated with quitting trazodone is reduced serotonin.[2] Generally, the body and brain can correct this issue, but there is often an adjustment period, especially for individuals who have used trazodone for a prolonged period.
Common Trazodone Withdrawal Symptoms
The FDA says abrupt discontinuation of trazodone leads to just three symptoms: anxiety, agitation, and sleep disturbances.[1] But researchers say some people experience more significant problems when they quit antidepressants.
Antidepressant discontinuation syndrome (ADS) is associated with several symptoms, including both physical and psychological changes.[5]
Antidepressant Discontinuation Syndrome Symptoms
| Physical | Mental |
| Flu-like symptoms | Vivid dreams |
| Dizziness | Nightmares |
| Blurry vision | Anxiety |
| Ringing in the ears | Agitation |
| Stiff muscles | Panic |
| Abdominal pain | Depression |
| Chills | Suicidal thoughts |
| Headache | Confusion |
Factors That Affect Withdrawal
Withdrawal symptoms and their severity can vary significantly from person to person. Researchers say some factors increase the chance of a difficult withdrawal process.
Risk of strong antidepressant withdrawal symptoms include the following:[6]
- Longer duration of use
- Higher dose
- Past experience of drug use
Age and physical and mental health at the time of quitting trazodone will further affect the severity of withdrawal symptoms. Those with negative lifestyle habits, a deficient diet, and poor physical and mental health may experience more severe withdrawal symptoms than generally healthy individuals.
Trazodone Withdrawal Timeline
Antidepressant withdrawal time frames vary dramatically. Researchers say that symptoms typically begin within a few days and last for a few weeks.[5]
Based on this research, we can assume that a typical withdrawal timeline looks like this:[5]
Trazodone Withdrawal Timeline
| Within about 48 hours | Symptoms like anxiety, insomnia, and sleep disturbances begin. |
| Within the first two weeks | Symptoms begin to fade. |
| After four weeks | Symptoms are manageable |
Detoxing From Trazodone
Documents approved by the FDA suggest that a cold-turkey quitting process isn’t wise.[1] Stopping use abruptly can trigger withdrawal symptoms. In some cases, they’re strong enough to tempt you to return to drugs.
A drug taper is a safer choice.[1] Your doctor develops a schedule based on your current drug dose. Periodically, the amount you take gets smaller. In time, you’re taking none at all. If you develop uncomfortable symptoms, your taper is moving too quickly.
If you’ve used other drugs alongside trazodone (like opioids or cocaine), you may need more than a medication taper. A structured drug detox program can help you quit using these other substances while you stop antidepressants too.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trazodone Withdrawal & Detox
We’ve compiled some of the most frequently asked questions about trazodone withdrawal here.
Trazodone withdrawal typically lasts for a few weeks.[5]. A taper program might take longer but is safer and less uncomfortable.
You should not quit trazodone cold turkey. Doing so can lead to very strong symptoms. Sometimes, that discomfort leads to drug relapse.
If you quit the drug abruptly after using it for long periods, trazodone can cause withdrawal symptoms.
Physical dependence, caused by ongoing trazodone use, causes withdrawal. Brain cells become accustomed to the drug and malfunction without it. Symptoms last until brain cells begin functioning normally, and that can take a long time.
- Trazodone prescribing information. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Published January 2014. Accessed November 6, 2023.
- Trazodone. Shin J, Saadabadi A. StatPearls. Published July 10, 2022. Accessed November 6, 2023.
- Abuse and misuse of antidepressants. Sullivan M, Evans E. Substance Abuse and Rehabilitation. 2014;5:107.
- Antidepressant properties of trazodone. Bryant SG, Ereshefsky L. Clinical Pharmacology. 1982;1(5):406-417.
- Withdrawal symptoms after selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor discontinuation: A systematic review. Fava G, Gatti A, Belaise C, et al. Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics. 2015;84(2):72–81.
- Estimating Risk of Antidepressant Withdrawal from a Review of Published Data. Horowitz MA, Framer A, Hengartner MP, Sørensen A, Taylor D. CNS Drugs. 2023;37(2):143-157.
