Trazodone for sleep?

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

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!

Congratulations on your sobriety, I’m an acholic and drug addict. It’s a day to day accomplishment to remain sober. I have more than 20 years sobriety and still face the pitfalls of addiction. You’ve got this

@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

@grammato3
If we on MCC are concerned about spelling verus the serious conditons we have that would be a problem. It is the context of the message not the spelling that is important at least for me.

I take trazodone and it worked for me. Just like all medications it can work for the individual or not work for them.. The side affects to some will not be the same side affects for others. Why it is important to find something that works for you and that is by working with your medical providers.

I am only sharing my experience as maybe it will help some. Everyone is different though. Ive had insomnia all my life and I'm 65 now. I took benadryl for years to help me sleep while I was working a stressful job. I read that it is not good for you and causes memory loss so I stopped . Now retired I am working on myself (I recommend everyone do that earlier!) including losing weight, sleeping and eating better. I found myself a therapist who has helped me with all 3 of the above. I think the biggest help with sleep is that I am happier. Gave up TV at night mostly and read more. I take 100mg of trazodone for the last year and a half and 10 of timed release melatonin. If I find my mind racing, I write down all my thoughts so they are out of my head. I then listen to Mindful Movement hypnosis for sleep podcast which is very soothing. Good luck and maybe this helps a little

Not really but my mom had Alzheimers which always worries me.

@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!