Trazodone is a medication primarily prescribed to manage depression, though it is also commonly used off-label to address sleep difficulties. Individuals beginning treatment often wonder about potential side effects and their duration. Understanding the typical timeline for side effects can help manage expectations and identify when medical attention might be necessary.
Initial Adjustment Period
When beginning trazodone or adjusting its dosage, the body undergoes an initial adjustment period where common, mild side effects may appear. These effects often manifest within half an hour of taking a dose. Most temporary side effects usually resolve within a few days to a couple of weeks as the body adjusts.
Common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, and dry mouth. Nausea, vomiting, headache, and blurred vision are also frequently reported. Drowsiness, a common effect, often lessens after a few days. Taking trazodone with or after food can sometimes help alleviate nausea.
Factors Influencing Duration
The duration of trazodone’s side effects can vary considerably among individuals due to several influencing factors. A person’s unique metabolism plays a significant role, as it dictates how quickly the body processes and eliminates the drug. Trazodone’s half-life, which is the time it takes for half of the drug to be eliminated from the body, ranges from 5 to 9 hours. It takes about five half-lives for a medication to be cleared from the system, meaning trazodone can remain in the body for 1 to 2 days.
The prescribed dosage also impacts how long side effects might last; higher doses can lead to more prolonged effects. Co-administration with other medications can influence trazodone’s metabolism, as certain drugs can alter how the liver breaks down trazodone, affecting the risk and duration of side effects. Underlying health conditions, such as liver or kidney problems, can also affect the body’s ability to clear the medication, leading to a longer presence in the system and a heightened risk of side effects. Older adults, for example, may metabolize trazodone more slowly, increasing their susceptibility to prolonged effects like drowsiness and dizziness.
Persistent or Severe Side Effects
While many side effects are temporary, some may persist beyond the initial adjustment period or emerge as severe concerns requiring immediate medical attention. If side effects like drowsiness, dizziness, or dry mouth persist or worsen after a few weeks, consult a healthcare provider. Your doctor may suggest adjusting the dosage or exploring alternative treatments.
Certain serious side effects, though rare, warrant immediate medical evaluation. These include irregular heart rhythms, which may manifest as changes in heart rate, fainting, or shortness of breath. A prolonged, painful erection lasting more than four hours (priapism) is a medical emergency that requires immediate care to prevent permanent damage.
Other severe but less common effects can involve very low sodium levels (hyponatremia), an increased risk of bleeding, or symptoms of serotonin syndrome, such as agitation, hallucinations, fever, and rapid heart rate. Never discontinue trazodone abruptly without medical guidance, as this can lead to withdrawal symptoms like dizziness, nausea, headaches, and increased anxiety. A healthcare provider can help develop a gradual tapering schedule to minimize these effects.