Author: Alex Thompson

Trazodone Withdrawal: How To Manage Discontinuation Syndrome

In this article, we outline the symptoms of trazodone withdrawal and the timelines for recovery. Trazodone detox is when a patient works with medical staff to safely cleanse their body off the drug and the lingering effects of its use. At its most basic, this can involve nothing more than a tapering schedule, diet, and an exercise regimen.

PHP programs are also referred to as “day treatment” and typically involve 4 to 8 hours of treatment per day for 5 to 7 days a week. Like inpatient treatment, a medical staff is usually on hand to assist with detox, medication management, and withdrawal symptoms. PHP programs also include in-depth therapy programs such as individual and group counseling and sessions that focus on key issues such as anger management, relapse prevention, coping skills, employment assistance, and more. The best method for stopping Trazodone, or any other drug that can cause discontinuation syndrome, is by tapering the dose.

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Physical dependence, caused by ongoing trazodone use, causes withdrawal. Symptoms last until brain cells begin functioning normally, and that can take a long time. Antidepressants like trazodone alter chemicals used by critical brain cells.

Short-term inpatient centers typically start with medical detox and are followed by a program of addiction treatment such as therapy or counseling for 30 to 90 days. These programs range from basic inpatient to luxury options, all varying in terms of their amenities and types of therapy. These facilities usually provide 24-hour medical support and are often led by a team of counselors, clinicians, and doctors. Short-term inpatient rehab is ideal for individuals who need detoxing and therapy but don’t require long-term treatment. Amongst those taking the medication correctly and under the supervision of a doctor, those using Desyrel for depression treatment stand to experience the most painful symptoms.

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Note that this list is not all-inclusive and includes only common medications that may interact with trazodone You should refer to the prescribing information for trazodone for a complete list of interactions. Withdrawal symptoms and their severity can vary significantly from person to person. Researchers say some factors increase the chance of a difficult withdrawal process. You and your doctor will determine the next steps based on whether or not your symptoms of depression have been under control and if they judge that you have the tools necessary to ensure depression does not return. Some patients report that trazodone makes them feel mental changes they do not anticipate, such as ideas of self-harm or even suicide.

Common Trazodone Withdrawal Symptoms

Only trained and licensed medical professionals can provide such services. If you or anyone you know is undergoing a severe health crisis, call a doctor or 911 immediately. The best way to prevent Trazodone withdrawal is by taking the medication in accordance with the instructions of a medical doctor. Aside from this, there is no surefire way to prevent discontinuation syndrome. However, there are steps users can take that will make it less likely that symptoms will manifest.

They will usually taper you off the drug so you can avoid antidepressant discontinuation syndrome or withdrawal. As with all antidepressants, if you suddenly stop taking trazodone, it can result in some uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. Our writers and reviewers are experienced professionals in medicine, addiction treatment, and healthcare.

When this occurs, it can trigger a variety of symptoms that are unpleasant for the user, and in some cases may be dangerous. “The effects of antipsychotics on dopamine receptors can be quite persistent,” Horowitz said. He noted studies have shown that some patients with psychosis still had symptoms of tardive dyskinesia—a side effect of antipsychotics—more than two years after stopping their medication. After publishing their proposed antidepressant protocol in The Lancet in 2019, Horowitz and Taylor moved on to antipsychotic tapering and published those results this year in Schizophrenia Bulletin.

CBT helps individuals change negative cycles of thought and behavior into more positive ones. CBT also helps clients find solutions to triggers that might encourage drug use. Standard outpatient programs are suited to individuals who have just completed an inpatient program and want to continue some form of therapy. Standard outpatient is also ideal for people who may be juggling other responsibilities such as work or school. Individuals typically report to a treatment center or clinic 1 or 2 days per week.

Rapid Discontinuation Increases Relapse Risk

Good forms of exercise include a mix of low and high-intensity exercises such as walking, running, swimming, cycling, or yoga. Depending on your situation, your doctor may prescribe other antidepressants as part of the tapering process. For example, they may substitute a longer-acting antidepressant for a shorter-acting one. As mentioned in the ‘Overview’ section, there is no single recommended tapering approach that will cover all individuals.

Trazodone withdrawal, while relatively rare, can occur, especially in those who misuse the drug or abruptly stop taking it. A medically supervised tapering program is recommended for safe discontinuation. She devoted her life to the study of the connection between crime, mental health, and substance abuse. Apart from her work as management at addiction center, Nena regularly takes part in the educational program as a lecturer. Take note that, even if the user does everything right, they may still have to experience the Trazodone withdrawal and the effects that come with it.

Standard Outpatient Programs

The PAWS period differs depending on the drug, but for antidepressants, the effects can even last for up to a year. While the withdrawal symptoms start to lessen during this period, they typically persist for up to 3 or 4 weeks. This can include the same symptoms as the second phase, plus insomnia, fatigue, and irritability. Trazodone is a type of antidepressant medication that is used to treat conditions like depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders.

However, when alcohol and Desyrel are combined together, there would be a long, severe, and deadly process of Trazodone alcohol withdrawal. Anyone who consumed alcohol and Desyrel together should contact medical assistance to prevent dangerous health events. A few years back, Mark Horowitz, M.D., wondered if the fatigue, memory, and concentration issues he had started to experience were due to his antidepressant therapy. He decided to wean off his medication, and as a doctor with psychiatric training, Horowitz decided he was comfortable handling the medication taper on his own. He knew the clinical consensus was that antidepressants could be tapered to zero over a period of about four weeks with minimal risk.