Trazadone

I have taken Trazadone for years also. It was given to me many years ago when I was in alcohol/drug rehab. I have since gotten sober and have remained so for over 7 years. At one point I took 200 mg of Trazadone about an hour before I wanted to go to sleep. I then got in really good shape, started running, etc., then got Long COVID. I have had it 3 years now. I am not able to exercise anymore. I found that if I do not take Trazadone, I can't sleep. I only take 50 mg a night now.

I will also say, that the FDA and Big Pharma do NOT have much of an idea of how SSRI's SARI's, SNRI's work. They have theories about how they work. Having said that, I have had some success with Cymbalta but insisted on the lowest dose as I have taken many anti-depressants over the years and find that the side effects are worse than the depression. This time, with the Long COVID, and some other traumatic events in my life, I was in a hole that I could not get out of. The Cymbalta has helped with that. Again, that being said, I have to say that as human beings, (even doctors, researchers, etc.) We need to know THAT WE DON'T REALLY KNOW. In living in the present, I am doing what I can, today, to remain sane and carry on. No one is promised tomorrow. Apologies for the epistle, here, but I feel so strongly about people being aware that these drugs do can and do help. However, we may not know what the effects of the drugs are later. I have to tell myself that, today, the Cymbalta helps keep me out of the dregs and Trazadone helps me sleep. I do know that sleep is essential, all things sleep. Hang in there everyone...just today!

Is there evidence that Trazedone may cause dementia? I've been taking 150mg. for years and it
works well. Should I be worried?

@mmwagner46 I can appreciate your concerns as many of us who have been taking medications over a period of years have questions about the implications on our long term health, particularly as we age.

To date and to my knowledge based upon much research performed, there has not been any definitive conclusion indicated a link between Trazadone and the development of dementia. However, side effects have been reported in some people including memory problems, difficulty concentrating, or mental confusion. It is also worth noting that there has evidence that poor sleep could lead to cognitive decline. So there is a case here of risk vs, benefit when using such a medication.

You have stated that Trazadone works well for you but have expressed concerns about usage. Have you noticed any cognitive decline that is alarming to you? Have you expressed any of your concerns - either about any such decline or long term use use of Trazadone with your prescribing provider?

**Pardon my spelling error of Trazodone

I average about 6-7 hours of sleep daily, sometimes more, and sometimes less. My optimum sleep where I wake up and feel well rested is 8-9 hours, which happens once in a while. I generally don't like taking anything for sleep I'll take a Benadryl 25mg tablet occasionally and that gives me about 7 to 7.5 hours of sleep.Recently I was prescribed trazodone 25mg for sleep, but fear taking it because it's classed as SARI anti depressant and I'm afraid of side effects as I had an extremely bad experience with an SSRI that kept me up all night and made me worse at the time many years ago.I'm thinking since Benadryl 25mg does a decent job maybe I can try Trazodone at 12.5mg?Thanks!

@mmwagner46 I can appreciate your concerns as many of us who have been taking medications over a period of years have questions about the implications on our long term health, particularly as we age.

To date and to my knowledge based upon much research performed, there has not been any definitive conclusion indicated a link between Trazadone and the development of dementia. However, side effects have been reported in some people including memory problems, difficulty concentrating, or mental confusion. It is also worth noting that there has evidence that poor sleep could lead to cognitive decline. So there is a case here of risk vs, benefit when using such a medication.

You have stated that Trazadone works well for you but have expressed concerns about usage. Have you noticed any cognitive decline that is alarming to you? Have you expressed any of your concerns - either about any such decline or long term use use of Trazadone with your prescribing provider?

I average about 6-7 hours of sleep daily, sometimes more, and sometimes less. My optimum sleep where I wake up and feel well rested is 8-9 hours, which happens once in a while. I generally don't like taking anything for sleep I'll take a Benadryl 25mg tablet occasionally and that gives me about 7 to 7.5 hours of sleep.Recently I was prescribed trazodone 25mg for sleep, but fear taking it because it's classed as SARI anti depressant and I'm afraid of side effects as I had an extremely bad experience with an SSRI that kept me up all night and made me worse at the time many years ago.I'm thinking since Benadryl 25mg does a decent job maybe I can try Trazodone at 12.5mg?Thanks!

@mmwagner46: it's an understandable concern when our parents age and suffer from dementia that we will be confronted with a similar set of circumstances. It might help to remain grounded in the present and arm yourself with healthy habits now, including: regular physical exercise. eating a heart-healthy diet like the Mediterranean or DASH diet, avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol consumption. remaining socially and mentally active, practicing effective ways to manage stress and maintaining health with regular physicals.

Mayo Clinic also offers programs such as this: https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/wellness/journey/june

Have you practiced or looked into any of these?

Thanks for responding. I do eat a heart healthy diet, don't drink or smoke but no longer do regular physical exercise. I used to belong to a nearby gym but no longer. Trying to manage stress!

@mmwagner46
Can I suggest walking. It does not require a gym or any special condition. I live in Florida so when raining or I don't get out early before heat hits I have a 2 minute route I have inside my home and I do a 20-30 minute walk.

Are you able to ride a bike? If so that can be a great exercise also. I really like bike riding. I live around conservation and preserves so like to see a lot of nature that way.

I find exercise goes a long way to reducing stress and anxiety (mental health) as well as promotion physical health also.