Trazodone Side Effects: Signs & Symptoms

Trazodone is a generic prescription medication that is used to help people with mental health complications. However, there are side effects of trazodone that you should be aware of when taking the drug.

 

While addiction to antidepressants like trazodone is rare[1], there is a risk of misuse and dependency to achieve a desirable effect. If you or someone you care for is experiencing severe trazodone side effects or addiction, Tree House Recovery can help you find the best treatment that works for and with you.

 

Call our admissions team today to learn how we can help you regain a sober, healthy, and fulfilling lifestyle. 

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What Is Trazodone?

Trazodone is an antidepressant that increases the activity of serotonin in the brain and is only available with a doctor’s prescription.

Why Is This Medication Prescribed?

Trazodone is a generic drug that may be prescribed to treat depression in adults. This prescription medication belongs to a class of medicines called antidepressants and may increase the serotonin activity in your brain to help stabilize mood. 

Trazodone Side Effects

The best indication of trazodone addiction is using the drug despite physical, mental, or social consequences. However, since trazodone increases serotonin, there are other side effects of the drug trazodone that you should be aware of.

 

Other trazodone long-term side effects include[2]: 

 

  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness
  • Sweating
  • Muscle Pain
  • Vomiting
  • Digestive problems
  • Dry mouth
  • Confusion
  • Memory trouble
  • Cognitive impairment
  • Tingling sensations

Other side effects may be more severe and require immediate attention as soon as they are noticed. 

Trazodone Long-Term Side Effects

When too much trazodone is taken for too long, more severe trazodone side-effects can start to appear.

 

Trazodone long-term side effects can include[2]:

 

  • Shortness of breath
  • Rapid or irregular heartbeat
  • Trouble breathing
  • Chest pain
  • Seizures
  • Joint pains
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swell of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Itching, skin rash, or hives (pale red bumps on the skin)

If you see these effects, it’s important to see a medical professional immediately.

How Trazodone Effects Me

While less common, there are serious side effects that can affect people taking trazodone[2]:

 

  • Suicidal thoughts or actions. Trazodone or other antidepressants can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts. If you or someone you know on trazodone is about to harm themselves, call 911 or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988, then contact your healthcare provider right away. 
  • Serotonin syndrome. Serotonin syndrome can occur when there is too much serotonin in the body. This syndrome can be life-threatening. Seek help if you notice any of the symptoms listed above. 
  • Heart rhythm changes. Trazodone may cause QT prolongation and torsade de pointes, which are common in older people using the medication and can create irregular heart rhythms.  
  • Orthostatic Hypotension. The prescription medication can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, which may cause dizziness in someone as they stand up too quickly. 
  • Abnormal bleeding. Trazodone and other antidepressants may increase the risk of bleeding or bruising. Those who take aspirin or blood thinners are at higher risk when taking the prescription medication. 
  • Extremely elevated mood. People with bipolar disorder may be prescribed trazodone to manage their depression. However, their risk of having mania or manic episodes may increase when taking the medication. 
  • Glaucoma. Trazodone may increase pressure inside the eye, which can worsen narrow-angle glaucoma. If left untreated, the user may experience blindness. 
  • Decreased alertness. Trazodone may affect a person’s alertness or coordination.
  • Hyponatremia. This prescription drug may cause low sodium levels. 

If you notice any of these symptoms, call your doctor to seek immediate help to end your use of trazodone. It is important to discuss your length of use because you may have developed a dependency on the substance and experienced trazodone withdrawals.

 

There are also specific trazodone risks to women, men, and older adults who take the antidepressant.

Women taking trazodone may experience unique side effects. Those who are pregnant, or trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding while taking trazodone may affect the baby[3]. You doctor will advise on whether or not trazodone is the best medication for you and your unique needs.
Men taking trazodone may experience priapism while taking trazodone[4]. Priapism is an unwanted, often painful, persistent erection. Certain medications, such as antidepressants, can cause this condition, which should be treated as soon as possible. 

Older adults taking trazodone may be at risk for more severe symptoms if they have a current or a history of heart conditions. It is important to discuss whether or not this antidepressant is safe for you with your doctor. 

 

If you are over 65 years old and taking trazodone, you may be at risk of developing side effects during use. 

Because this drug does not have an approved or confirmed level of safety or effectiveness in children, people under 18 years of age should not take this drug. The risks of the abovementioned side effects may appear quickly and severely impact the child’s development.

Trazodone Withdrawal and Overdose Symptoms

There are some side effects of stopping trazodone use that can create withdrawal symptoms that are uncomfortable. If you are considering quitting trazodone, talk to your doctor about treatment options to help manage the side effects of stopping trazodone use.

 

While overdosing on trazodone is rare, it is possible. If you or someone you know has used too much trazodone or has taken medication with alcohol or other substances, get medical help right away.

How to Find Trazodone Addiction Treatment Near Me

While trazodone addiction might not be necessary, it is important to monitor your use of the prescription drug and the use of other substances. If you believe you or someone you love is experiencing trazodone addiction or any form of substance use disorder, Tree House Recovery can help. 

 

Call our experienced team today to learn about treatment options, insurance coverage, and your personalized recovery plan to live a healthy, fulfilling life. 

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  1. Haddad P. (1999). Do antidepressants have any potential to cause addiction?. Journal of psychopharmacology (Oxford, England), 13(3), 300–307. https://doi.org/10.1177/026988119901300321

  2. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2025b, January 31). Trazodone (oral route). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/trazodone-oral-route/description/drg-20061280

  3. NHS. (2022, March 9). Pregnancy, breastfeeding and fertility while taking trazodone. NHS choices. https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/trazodone/pregnancy-breastfeeding-and-fertility-while-taking-trazodone/

  4. Fink, H. A., MacDonald, R., Rutks, I. R., & Wilt, T. J. (2003). Trazodone for erectile dysfunction: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BJU international, 92(4), 441–446. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1464-410x.2003.04358.x