Stopping Trazodone. Need guidance

Posted by purplegrrrl @purplegrrrl, Apr 22 10:09pm

I started 50mg Traz in October, bumped down to 25mg in January-ish. I just stopped taking it two days ago (as discussed to do so with my Dr.). for context, I have a fear of withdrawal & health-related OCD. I’ve seen mixed reviews about withdrawing from Trazodone & now I’m worried that i should have tapered (although I was already taking half of the lowest pill). Just looking for guidance for if/when symptoms arise, especially since I will be traveling in about a month or so. Thank you for any advice!

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Profile picture for Randy Shields @randallshields56

@merrychristmas definitely tapering off slowly, everyone reactions differently depending on the user and how much you are taking and with what you are taking along the day. Things have to add up. Ask for doctors help and pharmacy. It took me months to wean off

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@randallshields56 Why are you tapering off Trazodone? I take 150mg. before bed and sleep through the night, about 7 hours

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Profile picture for mmwagner46 @mmwagner46

@randallshields56 Why are you tapering off Trazodone? I take 150mg. before bed and sleep through the night, about 7 hours

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@mmwagner46 I stopped trazadone as it’s side effects caused balance issues and blurred vision. I probably did it wrong I just stopped. It never really did much good so maybe that’s why I could go cold turkey. I’m trying Vegas nerve stimulation to see if it works. It was suggested by a chiropractor in addition to using glasses that counter blue light.

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Has anyone tried vagus nerve stimulation? I’m starting it tonight so will report after a couple of weeks. I’ve been on five different meds at pretty high doses and none of them help much. I’m looking into cognitive behavioral therapy.

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I have tried unsuccessfully to taper off of Trazadone due to the headache side effect. I have not been able to go lower than 25mg due to balance issue and lightheadedness. I haven’t given up however.

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Profile picture for mmwagner46 @mmwagner46

@randallshields56 Why are you tapering off Trazodone? I take 150mg. before bed and sleep through the night, about 7 hours

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@mmwagner46 just about to start another medication that requires a cut on it till I can stable the doses together.

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Profile picture for mpjabbey @mpjabbey

I have tried unsuccessfully to taper off of Trazadone due to the headache side effect. I have not been able to go lower than 25mg due to balance issue and lightheadedness. I haven’t given up however.

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@mpjabbey Have you a prescription in liquid form? It's easier to reduce more gradually if you can measure in liquid form.Reduction can be say once every three days; then after however long it takes for tiny reduction every three days to feel ok you can look at next step- even if that's a few weeks or months away... and if tiny reduction every three days adversely affects you then you could make it every 4,5 or however many days a week.
If you already have liquid form and are doing it the way I' was recommended whenever reducing meds, then sorry for repeating advice you already know. Good luck!

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Profile picture for roxiesmom13 @roxiesmom13

@mmwagner46 I stopped trazadone as it’s side effects caused balance issues and blurred vision. I probably did it wrong I just stopped. It never really did much good so maybe that’s why I could go cold turkey. I’m trying Vegas nerve stimulation to see if it works. It was suggested by a chiropractor in addition to using glasses that counter blue light.

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@roxiesmom13 Haz anyone tried TMS?

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Profile picture for safran22 @safran22

@mpjabbey Have you a prescription in liquid form? It's easier to reduce more gradually if you can measure in liquid form.Reduction can be say once every three days; then after however long it takes for tiny reduction every three days to feel ok you can look at next step- even if that's a few weeks or months away... and if tiny reduction every three days adversely affects you then you could make it every 4,5 or however many days a week.
If you already have liquid form and are doing it the way I' was recommended whenever reducing meds, then sorry for repeating advice you already know. Good luck!

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@safran22
I did not know it came in a liquid form. It is something I will bring up with my Doctor. Thank you for sharing that information.

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