Jt713: Trazodone Adverse Reaction

[Jt713]

Hello,

 

I’m new to this forum, looking for some advice / insight. I had a bad COVID infection back in July of 2023 that created sleep disturbances and neurological symptoms that lead me down the road of psychotropic drugs. 2 short stints with Klonopin (shy of 3 weeks) and Valium (about 3 weeks), both at low doses and eventually Trazodone for insomnia that I’ve been on for 4 months everyday at varying doses but generally 100mg the vast majority of nights. I have been off of benzos since November 21st 2023. While it’s possible I could still be experiencing withdrawal on that end, I’m beginning to become suspicious that my problems are more tied to the nightly use of Trazodone. It’s extremely hard to unpack what is what but ever since I started this medication, I’ve had a rash on my face, have a persistent stuffy nose, feel depressed all the time, and rapid cycle in a very consistent pattern between depression and feeling VERY stimulated, the point of masking the depression and feeling like a “rush” of chemicals is coursing through my brain. On paper it might sound manic, but it’s not euphoric at all. It’s terrifying and it’s usually accompanied by severe anxiety, stiff muscles, joint pain and transient itching, pins and needles all over my body. There’s also the element of stress / trauma being in this state for so long that I’m also having difficulty unpacking how much that is adding to these mood swings. Long story short, I’m starting to think I’m having an adverse reaction / possibly even an allergy to Trazodone. Also, I can fall asleep now without this drug but I still take it for fear of withdrawal. Problem is, I feel so awful on this drug already, I’m starting to wonder if this is a case that warrants immediate discontinuation? I feel like the drug I’ve been dependent on for sleep is poisoning me, daily. So what’s the best path? Keep poisoning myself with a slow taper? Or stop?

[LotusRising]

Hi @Jt713,

 

Welcome to SA,

 

We are a peer-run volunteer site dedicated to a harm reduction tapering approach in an effort to minimize withdrawal symptoms. As you may have already read, we suggest tapering by no more than 10% of your most recent dose each month. See  Why taper by 10%.

 

Could you help us out by adding a signature. This will ensure your drug history appears at the bottom of every post, making it more efficient for those trying to assist. 

 

I'm not as familiar with trazadone as I am with other antidepressants, but it sounds to me like these could all be side effects from the drug. 

 

49 minutes ago, Jt713 said:

nd rapid cycle in a very consistent pattern between depression and feeling VERY stimulated, the point of masking the depression and feeling like a “rush” of chemicals is coursing through my brain.

 

Could you explain what you mean about this following a pattern? What time do you take it?

 

It sounds like you were on benzos for about 6 weeks? How did you feel after tapering? What was your taper like?

 

Since you mentioned you can fall asleep without it, does this mean you skip some nights? We do not recommend this, since it can be confusing for your CNS.

 

FYI: here's a link to tapering trazadone:

 

Once we have some more information, we can assist you further.

 

Please post any updates or questions related to your specific situation right here in your thread. It's helpful to keep everything related to your tapering journey in one spot