DS96: Trazodone withdrawal

[DS96]

50mg down to 25mg cold cut (for 2 weeks) bad withdrawal

back to 37.5 for 3 months. Now 5-6 months later im down to 12mg and holding but struggling a bit.

[Emonda]

Welcome @DS96

 

You are tapering way too quickly. I'd pause the taper for some months and let your body recover.

Why taper by 10% of my dosage? The reductions should get smaller and smaller each month, for example: 10mg, 9mg, 8.1mg, 7.3mg etc. This process involves a degree of trial and error, as there is no way of predicting how an individual will respond. Importantly, if you develop unpleasant side effects from tapering, halt the taper, give yourself time to settle, and once stable, taper more slowly and by smaller amounts moving forward. The experience of others suggests that the lower you go in dose, the slower you need to go with tapering.

Those that taper too quickly often develop very unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. This Daily Checklist of Antidepressant Withdrawal Symptoms (PDF) is a helpful summary of what many experience.

Do you have any questions at this time?

Emonda

[DS96]

I Tapered roughly 5% per month… i did a 10-25% taper but found it was too fast for me so went back up and holding at 10-12 mg for now, will update tho.

[Emonda]

5 hours ago, DS96 said:

i did a 10-25% taper but found it was too fast for me

 

Ouch, 25% would hurt me. 2% is about my limit.

 

I'd be holding until the WD symptoms become manageable.

[DS96]

We are all different and on different drugs I’m going at a pace that I can handle. 

[Emonda]

2 hours ago, DS96 said:

I’m going at a pace that I can handle

 

Just listen to your body, and watch out for WD symptoms.

 

WD symptoms can catch up with you.

 

On 10/31/2024 at 1:57 PM, DS96 said:

holding but struggling a bit.

 

The recommended maximum of 10% per month is designed to minimise the pain. If you are struggling a bit, this tells me should hold (as you now are) and slow down your taper once you recommence.

 

Warm wishes to you.

[Jt713]

@DS96Hey just wanted to see how you were doing. We spoke on another thread recently about Trazodone withdrawal / adverse reactions. I've been holding at 3mg for 6 weeks now and it's been pretty rough but my sleep is slowly starting to stabilize. These lower doses are unbelievably difficult to manage. Are you still having any joint / muscular issues? How about your heart (palpitations, rapid beating, etc)? Have you noticed any issues with burning / tingling skin or shock like sensations? 

[DS96]

@Jt713 Hi yes thanks for reaching back out it’s nice to know you’r not alone, as it is hard to find Trazodone success stories. Glad to hear your sleep is getting better. I have been holding at around 7-10mg for the past 6 weeks myself. Like you say the lower doses are very hard to stabilize on, I feel my natural sleep is trying to return but still suffer some insomnia/early waking. I haven’t had any burning or shock sensations but do have tinnitus and RLS from this drug. Stay strong and let me know how you get on. I will do the same. I feel I have gained some of my soul back now that I’m not a lower dose but still not 100% by any means. Are you on pills or liquid?