Trazodone helps my sleep deprivation but may be caused other issues.

Posted by chris20 @chris20, Oct 20, 2023

Trazodone helped my sleep pattern of 3-4 hours per night, improving that to 5 to 6 hours, and sometimes even 7. This has been a relief, but I have noticed a lessening of ability to enjoy things, e.g. poor appetite, loss of sense of humor, agonizing over political matters, reduced interest in activities formerly enjoyed. Increased sense of caregiver burnout is a big thing, after nearly nine years, 24/7. Now I am wondering if I need to wean myself off the Trazodone. I don't take any other mood or anxiety medication due to side effects. I work out about an hour every day, read, do brain exercises daily, and often play gospel music for people in nursing homes, so it's not a matter of being inactive. Any suggestions are welcome.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Sleep Health Support Group.

ripley | @ripley | Oct 29, 2023

In reply to @gramps "Hi What is this Gummy that everyone's talking about?" + (show)

I believe it's referencing hemp or cannabis gummies with THC, CBD and/or CBN, which are supposed to help with sleep.

gramps | @gramps | Oct 29, 2023

In reply to @ripley "I believe it's referencing hemp or cannabis gummies with THC, CBD and/or CBN, which are supposed..." + (show)

Thanks

con123 | @con123 | Oct 30, 2023

There are many different types of sleep gummies - some are herbal with melatonin, others are hemp derived and have only CDB or CBN, but the type I have has some THC of the Indica variety of cannabis that induces sleep. Best to consult with a dispensary regarding type and dosage if you want to try THC. Dosing is important - more is not always better.

akhw | @akhw | Oct 30, 2023

I had nightmares when taking trauma done. There are other, much better alternatives. I’ve settled on doxepin. I get occasional terrors, but usually only if I take the maximum prescribed dose, 20 mg. My prescription is for 10 -20 mg as needed.

lizziel1 | @lizziel1 | Oct 30, 2023

Unfortunately antidepressants cause one to have no feelings. At 65, I’ve been on since a teenager. Today I don’t experience sadness, joy, love, etc. sort of the price you pay to not have depression.
I would not take an antidepressant for a sleep disorder, if you aren’t depressed. There are better options.

chris20 | @chris20 | Oct 31, 2023

Thank you for this! I have started phasing out the Trazodone and am a less than 1/2 the usual dosage now. And yes, I was certainly losing my ability to feel joy, excitement, appetite, etc. I can feel some lightening up already. Even the 24/7 caregiving doesn't seem quite as tragic as it did a couple of days ago.

celticxian | @celticxian | Nov 3, 2023

I took Trazodone until it stopped working for me so I am now on Ambien - 10 mgs

chris20 | @chris20 | Nov 3, 2023

Are you noticing any side effects?

jstout827 | @jstout827 | Nov 3, 2023

In reply to @celticxian "I took Trazodone until it stopped working for me so I am now on Ambien -..." + (show)

I was on Ambien for years
Until I was walking around at night almost fell down my stairs
finding items on my night table that wasn't there when I went to bed