Depression is a feeling that many people will experience in their lifetime. Many people across the United States will experience at least one episode of depression at some point in their lives, so depression is not uncommon.
In fact, as an emotion, depression is common, and everyone will experience it at some point in their lives. But for some, depression can be felt persistently and to such an extreme that it interferes with their daily lives.
When depression becomes unmanageable, healthcare professionals may prescribe medication such as trazodone. But what is it? Is it a benzodiazepine? And it is addictive?
At Luxe Recovery, we help people who have become addicted to medications overcome their addictions and rebuild their lives.
What Are Benzodiazepines?
Benzodiazepines, also known as benzos, are a class of psychoactive drugs used to treat conditions such as anxiety, insomnia, seizures, and alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
They enhance the effect of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, which has a calming and soothing effect. Benzodiazepines are typically prescribed for short-term use because their use carries the risk of tolerance, dependence, abuse, and addiction.
Examples of benzodiazepines include diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan), alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam (Klonopin), and temazepam (Restoril). They come in various forms, including tablets, capsules, and liquid formulations.
Depending on the specific medication and the treated condition, they can be administered orally or directly into the veins.
It’s important to use benzodiazepines exactly as prescribed by a healthcare provider and to be aware of the potential side effects and risks, especially when used long-term or in combination with other medications or substances.
What is Trazodone?
Trazodone is not a benzodiazepine. Instead, trazodone is an antidepressant medication that is used to treat depression, which works by increasing the level of serotonin in the brain that helps regulate mood.
It is primarily prescribed to treat major depressive disorder (MDD). It’s part of a class of drugs known as serotonin antagonists and reuptake inhibitors (SARIs).
People can also take trazodone as an off-label treatment for conditions like anxiety and PTSD.
Another condition that trazodone can be used to treat is insomnia. This is because the medication has sedating effects and can cause drowsiness in people. However, when treating insomnia, it is generally used in lower doses, with higher doses being used to treat depression effectively.
Trazodone works by modulating serotonin activity in the brain. It increases serotonin levels by blocking serotonin reuptake and acts as an antagonist at certain serotonin receptors.
It should be noted that while trazodone does have legitimate medical uses and can effectively alleviate the symptoms of depression in many people, there are still risks to taking it, and it can be addictive.
Is it safe to combine Trazodone with Benzodiazepines?
In certain situations, a healthcare provider may prescribe trazodone alongside benzodiazepines. These medications target different brain areas and can be used together in specific cases. Trazodone may require several weeks or more to take effect.
Consequently, a clinician might initiate treatment with a benzodiazepine concurrently, as its effects are usually felt more quickly. However, using both medications at the same time can sometimes heighten the risk of adverse effects from either or both drugs or as a result of drug interactions.
Why Do People Take Trazodone?
Trazodone is a medication that can be used in various ways. The most prominent use of the medication is as an antidepressant, which is the intended use. But other uses of trazodone include:
Anxiolytic Effects
Trazodone may also have anti-anxiety effects. It is one of the medications which is primarily used to treat anxiety and related conditions. It can calm the mind and reduce feelings of anxiety and tension.
Sedative
As mentioned previously, trazodone has sedating effects. It is commonly prescribed as a treatment for insomnia to help improve sleep, especially in cases where other sleep medications may not be suitable.
Muscle Relaxant
Trazodone may also be used as a muscle relaxant, which can be helpful for certain conditions that have muscle tension or spasms.
Side Effects of Trazodone
While trazodone does have a variety of uses, taking it can cause side effects. Some of the common side effects of taking the drug are:
- Dizziness: Some people who take the drug may experience dizziness or become lightheaded, especially if they stand up too quickly from sitting or lying down. This can be because the medication lowers blood pressure.
- Dry Mouth: Taking trazodone can lead to dry mouth. This can make it hard for people to swallow. It can also increase feelings of thirst, so it’s crucial to drink fluids if this side effect occurs.
- Blurred Vision: In some cases, trazodone can affect a person’s vision and make it blurry.
- Constipation: Some people who use trazodone can experience slowed bowel movement and constipation.
- Weight Changes: Many antidepressants can cause people to gain or lose weight, and while these effects are possible with trazodone, they are rare relative to other antidepressant medications.
- Nausea: Taking the medication can cause nausea, leading to vomiting.
- Headache: Another possible side effect of taking the medication can be headaches.
- Sexual Side Effects: Antidepressants can cause dysfunction in sexual performance. This can include a decrease in libido and erectile dysfunction, and some people may have difficulty reaching climax
It’s important to note that all medications have side effects, and they are relatively rare. The side effects can vary, with some experiencing one or two, others experiencing more, and others experiencing none.
Suppose you find that the side effects of taking the medication are harming your life. You may need to speak to your primary healthcare provider to adjust your dosage or explore alternative medications.
Do the side effects of Trazodone diminish over time?
Fortunately, the majority of Trazodone’s side effects tend to fade as the body adjusts to the medication’s presence. Nevertheless, should any prevalent side effects continue, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional about changing the dosage or considering an alternative medication.
What Are the Risks of Trazodone?
While trazodone can help many people, it does come with risks. Some of the dangers of the medications include:
Suicidal Thoughts or Behavior
Like many antidepressants, trazodone may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors, especially in young adults, adolescents, and individuals with a history of suicidal ideation or behavior.
A healthcare professional must closely monitor a person taking the medication, especially in the early weeks of taking it. This is because dosages are adjusted in the early weeks to find the right dosage for an individual.
Serotonin Syndrome
Serotonin syndrome is a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by symptoms such as confusion, agitation, rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, sweating, tremors, and muscle rigidity.
It’s essential to inform your healthcare provider about all medications you are taking to avoid this complication, as this can happen when trazodone is mixed with other antidepressant drugs, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
Cardiovascular Effects
Trazodone can cause heart rate and rhythm changes, including prolonging the QT interval on an electrocardiogram (ECG).
This can be concerning in individuals who have pre-existing heart conditions or those taking other medications that affect heart function.
Priapism
This is a rare but severe side effect of taking the drug that is characterized by a painful erection that persists even after attempts to relieve it. This condition requires immediate medical attention to prevent tissue damage.
Withdrawal Symptoms
Another risk with taking the drug is that people who stop taking trazodone abruptly may experience withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, headache, irritability, insomnia, and mood changes. It’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions when getting off the drug to minimize these effects.
Addiction
While trazodone is considered to be at low risk for addiction and abuse because it doesn’t produce a euphoric high like opioids or stimulants, it is still possible for a person to become dependent on the medication. Prolonged use can lead to physical dependency, and some individuals may become reliant on it for mood regulation and sleep.
This is especially true if someone uses trazodone to manage their symptoms without addressing their underlying issues.
Treatment For Prescription Drug Addiction
As with most prescription drugs, there is always a balance where assistance is given and, at the same time, preventing dependency and then addiction.
However, it can happen in some cases. This is especially true when people begin to self-medicate and move away from the guidance of healthcare providers. Eventually, they may find themselves in the same cycle as people who struggle with an illicit substance.
At Luxe Recovery, we can help individuals who are struggling with prescription drug addiction. Contact us now, and we can begin your recovery from prescription drug addiction.
