What is Trazodone Withdrawal?
Trazodone is an anti-depressant belonging to the class of medicines called serotonin antagonist reuptake inhibitors. It is used to treat major depression, anxiety disorders, insomnia, night mares, pain syndrome, panic disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, diabetic neuropathy, alcohol withdrawal, eating disorders, etc. It affects the central nervous system.
Increased levels of serotonin affect the brain by managing symptoms of depression. However, over a period of time, people get addicted to the drug because of the effect it has on the individual. Thus, when a person wants to get rid of the addiction they find it difficult to adjust to the absence of the drug in their system as their brain is used to functioning in its presence. This condition is known as trazodone withdrawal.
Image Source: Drugs.com Trazodone
Image Source: Drugs.com
Trazodone Withdrawal Symptoms
- Agitation
- Anxiety
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Insomnia
- Irritability
- Anger
- Crying spells
- Depersonalization
- Depression
- Disorientation
- Fatigue
- Muscle weakness
- Nausea
- Sleep problems
- Mood swings
Assessment
- Few or more of the symptoms are observed in the patient over a period of time.
- Psychological troubles such as stress and depression must be taken into account.
- Tests should be done to know the toxins affecting the patient.
- Patterns of drug use must be closely examined to reach accurate conclusions.
- Medical background should be examined thoroughly to decide upon the most effective method of treatment.
Treatment
- Practice healthy eating and sleeping habits to ensure faster recovery.
- Use medications as alternatives to the drug for a while to give the body some time to cope with the change.
- Care and support can help in easing the withdrawal symptoms.
- Indulge in day to day as well as recreational activities to avoid thinking about the addiction.
- Inculcate healthy habits such as exercising and meditating to keep the body fit.
- Speaking to people who have undergone rehabilitation helps the person to gain motivation.
Prevention
- Avoid use of the drug for recreational purposes.
- Any pattern of dependence must be reported to a doctor as soon as they are observed.
- Avoid quitting the use suddenly to prevent a relapse.
How long does it take for trazodone detox?
Trazodone takes about 2 days to be eliminated from the body. The half-life of the drug is 5 to 9 hours. However, the time taken also depends on the individual’s pattern of consumption. Trazodone should not stay in the system for more than 48 hours after the last dose has been taken. Withdrawal symptoms may persist for weeks, months or even a year after quitting the use.