Trazadone

Trazodone is not as addictive as a benzodiazepine. I've taken in a few times for sleep and it helped me fall asleep but not stay asleep. I was able to taper off several times with no problems. Some people may need a longer taper. I quit taking it when I started having a "hangover effect". Talk to your pharmacist and do some research on-line. One article I found says: "Addiction Risk: Trazodone: Generally considered non-addictive, though it can lead to dependence if misused or taken inappropriately. Benzodiazepines: Carry a high risk of addiction due to their ability to produce a rapid calming effect.

Here are two websites that provide more info:
https://12southrecovery.com/articles/is-trazodone-a-benzodiazepine/
https://canadiancentreforaddictions.org/trazodone-side-effects-lead-to-addiction/
What helps me now is 300mg of Magnesium Glycinate a couple hours before bed, 2mg of melatonin and an over-the-counter sleep gummy shortly before bed.

Trazadone was the hardest withdrawals . I was only on for roughly 8 weeks at a low dose of 25mg for sleep. Horrible daily headaches. The taper off was just brutal. Be careful, I got off ativan easier than Trazadone. I know it works for some people and the lucky ones who can just cold turkey stop or the brave ones who take long term for sleep. I Hope the mirtazapine is good for you. I went with CBT therapy .

kawanhee, Trazodone is just as addictive as a benzodiazepine. Have you read any of the stories on here of people who are addicted to Trazodone and have lots of problems trying to get off of it? Mirtazapine is probably the same way... I will happily take Lorazepam and Amitriptyline to get the sleep I need. My doctor knows I will need these meds for the rest of my life. Sleep is SUPER IMPORTANT.... and whatever you need to do to get it, is worth it in my opinion. There are many people out there (on this chat line) who struggle with getting sleep, and are not given the chance to try Lorazepam or another benzo that could give them relief! And a solution to their sleepless nights. I feel SO BAD for these people. I've heard SSRI's are addictive too. And they don't work for many people. You're lucky Mirtazapine works for you. It did not work for me. But neither did Ambien, Trazodone, Lunesta, and a few others. Lorazepam works great for both my issues. Sleep and Anxiety. I also take Amitriptyline which helps as well for many issues. I also take Magnesium glycinate at bedtime. I will continue to argue for people's right to take this medication. Most doctors won't prescribe it, unfortunately. Hopefully someday more doctors will prescribe Lorazepam for people who have tried everything for sleep and nothing works. Hospitals will give Lorazepam to people for sleep or anxiety. Flurazepam was the BEST sleep med.... and for some reason, they stopped manufacturing it. But yet they keep making Oxycodone and Oxycontin, which are far more dangerous. Not too many people abuse sleep meds. They just want to get their sleep. I am very passionate about this subject and will continue to fight for benzodiazepines. Even doctors know they are simply they are the only meds that will work for some people. But unfortunately alot of them have been brainwashed into believing that benzos are terrible. Hope that changes someday.

CBT didn’t work for me. I also tried magnesium glycinate but affected my stomach

@royanthony
I took Trazodone at a low dose (25 mg because I am sensitive to drugs) for about 4 years due to working different hours and it worked amazingly well with no side effects but then it stopped working and I found I could no longer sleep on my own as many will find once they have been on sleep medication for any length of time. Then came the search to find something to help me sleep without the horrible side effects. Belsomra worked well for several weeks and then started causing mild depression and then stopped working. I now take 300 mg Gabapentin out of desperation to sleep but it causes a spacey head all the next morning and some people have a little dizziness as well. Definitely not the best medication for a senior because of the effects on cognition and balance. I tried going back on Trazodone after several years but had to take 75 mg to get to sleep and it caused severe dry mouth that kept waking me up. My daughter in law has been taking 200 mg of Trazodone for the past year with no side effects.

I was told Tylenol PM can cause Dimentia.....

Has anyone else heard this?

Tylenol PM has diphenhydramine in it which is generic Benedryl. The thinking now is Diphenhydramine may have something to do with dementia. So that’s probably why they are saying that.