Trazodone Use in Substance Abuse Treatment

What Is Trazodone Used For?

Each individual in recovery is likely to have had a somewhat unique substance abuse program experience. There are a number of therapeutic variables, including treatment center setting and program duration. However, many commonly encountered treatment components include:

• Individual therapy.
• Group counseling.
• Family therapy.
• Health education.
• Medication.

Trazodone is a medication that is sometimes used to treat depression and insomnia.¹ Trazodone is indicated for the treatment of major depression.¹ Also, among people in recovery from addiction to alcohol, trazodone is the most commonly prescribed medication used to promote sleep.² However, trazodone use may not be appropriate in all cases. Many users taking it to help them sleep may not realize that it is, in fact, an antidepressant, and not a sedative-hypnotic medication formulated specifically to aid sleep (like Ambien, for example).

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Is Trazodone Addictive and How Safe Is It?

Trazodone works by affecting chemical messengers in the brain, including serotonin and dopamine; however, its precise mechanism of action isn’t fully understood.⁸

Trazodone’s primary use is for the treatment of depression.⁷ As previously mentioned, trazodone is also commonly given to patients for insomnia management because one of its side effects is drowsiness; however, this is an off-label (not FDA-approved) use of this substance, and there are limited studies of its efficacy and safety for insomnia in clinical trials.⁹

Among people in recovery from alcohol use disorder, trazadone is the most commonly prescribed medication used to manage sleep disorders.² However, the risks may outweigh the benefits. One study found that once detox is complete, continued trazodone use for sleep management may contribute to increased drinking.¹⁰ The study further noted that until more studies have established the benefits and safety of the drug for sleep disturbance, they cannot recommend with confidence its use for this purpose after the initial detox period ends.¹⁰

Trazodone is not believed to be addictive—there is little evidence users experience any kind of “trazodone high.” However, it can cause negative side effects in the user. It is best to check with your doctor before taking trazodone and discuss the possible risks, especially in the case of off-label use.^7,8

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How Helpful Is Trazodone in Addiction Treatment?

While it has shown some positive results, the use of trazodone in treatment for substance abuse may not always be effective. For example, among people seeking help for alcohol and methamphetamine use, trazodone has produced mixed results:

• A 2003 study found that, among people who were recovering from alcohol use disorders, trazodone did help improve their sleep.³
• A 2008 study found similar results, in that trazodone use improved the sleep of those recovering from alcohol addiction. However, after the study ended, the trazodone group had worse outcomes than the placebo group—they had fewer abstinent days and consumed more drinks on drinking days.¹⁰
• A 2012 study found no improvement in sleep among people who took trazodone while attempting methadone maintenance therapy.⁵

Whether trazodone is an appropriate part of addiction treatment will depend on the individual, the course of treatment, and recommendations from the individual’s doctor.

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What Are Trazodone’s Possible Side Effects?

It is important to note that taking trazodone could cause negative side effects to your mind and body. These include:^4,7

• Headaches.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Priapism (painful, prolonged erection lasting 4 or more hours).
• Diarrhea.
• Weakness.
• Sedation.
• Nightmares.
• Dry mouth.
• Sweating.
• Changes in sexual desire or ability.
• Numbness.
• Red or itchy eyes.
• Ringing in ears.
• Drops in blood pressure when a person stands up after lying or sitting down (orthostatic hypotension).
• Dizziness.
• Abnormal bleeding or bruising.

Trazodone must be taken with caution to avoid serious side effects or overdose. Trazodone overdose symptoms include:^7,11

• Chest pain.
• Shortness of breath/trouble breathing.
• Slowed heart rate.
• Fast or irregular heartbeat.
• Priapism.
• Fainting.
• Coma.
• Seizures.

One of the biggest risks associated with taking trazodone is suicide.¹ Antidepressants increase the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior for children and young adults. If you are taking trazodone, it is important that you are under the supervision of a doctor so that they can monitor your condition for suicidality or other serious changes in mood/behavior. In addition, if you are pregnant or nursing, trazodone may have adverse effects on your baby.¹

Abrupt discontinuation of the medication may result in trazodone withdrawal symptoms, such as anxiety and difficulty sleeping.

Any time you take a medication, there are risks. While trazodone use in substance abuse treatment has shown to help some users in recovery, side effects can occur and, in some cases, they may be severe. If you are considering incorporating this medication into your addiction treatment program, be sure to consider the benefits and risks and do so with the guidance of a qualified medical professional.

Find Treatment for Trazodone Addiction

Professional treatment can start anyone battling a substance use problem on the path to a happier and healthier life. Rehab programs are located throughout the U.S., and many offer specialized treatment that can cater to individual needs. You can use SAMHSA’s Behavioral Services Locator to search for treatment centers. Many state government websites will also provide local drug and alcohol resources to those in need. To find your state government’s website, do a web search for your state name and ‘.gov.’ Once your state website is located, substance use resources shouldn’t be hard to find, and they should provide further phone contacts for your assistance.

American Addiction Centers (AAC) is a leading provider of addiction treatment programs and has trusted rehab facilities across the country. For helpful advice and information and to learn about treatment options with AAC, please contact us free at .

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