In this article, I’m going to teach you how to use trazodone for opiate withdrawal. After learning about and researching this drug, I know that it can relieve withdrawal symptoms for some people, but not everyone.
Trazodone is by no means one of the top medications for opiate withdrawal, however, it’s been shown in studies to work pretty well.
Many people have asked the question: “Does trazodone help with opiate withdrawal?” Some people say that trazodone works well, others say it works in a minor way, and still others say it either did nothing for them or even made their Restless Leg Syndrome much worse!
Trazodone For Opiate Withdrawal: Overview
Trazodone was originally discovered and developed in Italy in the 1960’s as a second-generation antidepressant.
After this discovery, trazodone was patented and marketed in many countries and was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1981.
To explain the pharmacology of trazodone, as well as how it may treat the opiate withdrawal syndrome, I really like the description in an article titled: Opioid Withdrawal: A New Look at Medication Options.
Here is a direct quote from the article, which was co-authored by three individuals who all have a Doctorate of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.):
Trazodone (Oleptro, others) is a triazolopyridine derivate that is used as an antidepressant. Trazodone acts as a 5-serotonin (HT)2 receptor antagonist at high doses and inhibits the reuptake of serotonin at the presynaptic membrane.
Trazodone also weakly inhibits alpha-2 adrenergic receptors and strongly inhibits postsynaptic alpha-1 receptors. Due to its ability to inhibit alpha-1 adrenergic receptors, we postulate that it has a role in opioid withdrawal. Interestingly, trazodone has been shown to bind to opioid receptors as well, but only at high concentrations.“
Trazodone is typically used in the treatment of:
- Anxiety disorder
- Major depressive disorder (MDD)
- Insomnia
Along with being an antidepressant, trazodone also has anti-anxiety and sleep-inducing effects. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, the anxiolytic efficacy of trazodone was comparable to that of diazepam in weeks 3–8 of treatment for generalized anxiety disorder. Furthermore, trazodone is often used as an alternative to benzodiazepines for the treatment of insomnia.
Thus, using trazodone for opiate withdrawal may lead to the following effects:
- Antidepressant
- Anxiolytic (anti-anxiety)
- Hypnotic (sleep-inducing)
Trazodone For Opiate Withdrawal Studies
In a trazodone for opiate withdrawal study from 2003, trazodone was shown to significantly reduce opiate withdrawal symptoms in morphine-dependent mice.
In a study from 2000, researchers compared the effects of trazodone-naltrexone versus clonidine-naltrexone in 45 inpatients going through rapid withdrawal from methadone treatment.
Here is a direct quote from the study, in which “T” is used for trazodone, and “C” denotes clonidine:
The maximum daily dosage was 800 mg for T and 1.2 mg for C. The retention rate was similar in both groups (93.3%). Overall, T was as effective as C in the ROD protocol. T was slightly superior in controlling some subjective and psychological symptoms, but not under naltexone challenge. No severe adverse effects were observed. We conclude that T is effective, safe and well-tolerated in acute withdrawal from methadone.”
How To Use Trazodone For Opiate Withdrawal Symptoms
Before you decide to use trazodone for opiate withdrawal, there are some important things to know. With any medication, there are pros and cons associated with its use, and trazodone is no exception.
First of all, trazodone is an anticholinergic drug, and these types of drugs can cause or exacerbate Restless Leg Syndrome.
Furthermore, some people say the medication gives them nightmares while taking it for opiate withdrawal.
To safely use trazodone for opiate withdrawal symptoms, make sure you adhere to the following guidelines:
- Always use trazodone under the supervision of a doctor
- Make sure you thoroughly review the possible trazodone side effects and interactions
- For depression, the maximum outpatient dose of immediate-release tablets is 400 mg daily in divided doses, 600 mg in divided doses for inpatients
- For extended-release tablets, the maximum dose is 375 mg per day
- In the study mentioned earlier, a maximum daily dose of 800 mg (I’m assuming in divided doses even though it’s not stated) trazodone was used in the treatment of methadone withdrawal symptoms
- Due to varying levels of opioid dependence severity and biochemical uniqueness, some people may only need small amounts of trazodone, and some may need larger dosages
- Using trazodone long-term can result in dependence, and once that happens, the abrupt cessation of the drug can lead to a withdrawal syndrome
- Only use trazodone for a few days to a week to treat the most severe opiate withdrawal symptoms
Trazodone For Opiate Withdrawal: Key Concepts
Here is a summary of the main concepts regarding the use of trazodone for opiate withdrawal:
- Many people have benefited from the use of trazodone for opiate withdrawal symptoms
- Some individuals have had bad reactions while using trazodone for opiate withdrawal, such as RLS, nightmares, or other unpleasant symptoms
- Trazodone has been shown in multiple studies to reduce opiate withdrawal symptoms
- It’s not the best medication available for treating the withdrawal syndrome, however, it can offer a lot of help for some individuals – especially when combined with other medications
For people that can’t use trazodone, or choose not to use medications for fear of side effects and/or addiction, there are natural alternatives that may help.
Many individuals going through opiate withdrawal have obtained relief from anxiety and insomnia, as well as many other symptoms, by using a popular Opiate Withdrawal Supplement.
Getting yourself a 30-day supply of this powerful opiate withdrawal supplement might be just what you need to help you get your life back on track.
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If you have any questions or comments about the use of trazodone for opiate withdrawal, please post them in the comment box below.
John, as long as you don’t build up the dependence to tramadol, you should be fine. I feel it helped me get through the 2 first worst days of withdrawal, and once I ran out, my withdrawal symptoms were where they should be on the 3rd day. Hope this helps.
I have been using Trazadone for at least 20 yrs. I take anywhere between 50-350mg a day.withdrawl only last about two days in my experience. Right now I’m in day 5 of morphine withdrawal and am taking a 400 mg trazadone before I go to bed. I think the dreams are killer,they keep your mind busy so you aren’t so sick.Sleep is broken though,but the dreams return.Just my expierence.I never even heard of using it for withdrawal but maybe its helping me.I will do just about anything to get out of this rabbit hole that seems to have no bottom.If you can do than I can do it.I mean,if it was easy,everybody wanna do it.peace out….
Thanks for sharing your experience John.
I’m on day 4 of coming off oxycodone. 140 mg for two months. I’ve been using tramdol for withdrawls and it has seemed to help a lot. I’m just curious as to if it will set me back from taking them. I’ve been taking 150 mg tramodol twice for the first three days and now down to 50 mg three times a day. I will run out after today . I just was scared of the tramadols setting me back to square one. What do you think?
Hello Matt, I still have not received an answer on Trazadone for withdrawal? How can one take this during the day, and still stay awake? Thanks
Randy,
Trazadone simply isnt for everyone and while some find it very helpful for opiate withdrawal, others do not. Also, like all medicines, it affects people differently. For me, there is no way I could take it during the day because it makes me very relaxed and kind of sleepy. This medicine has been compared in clinical trials to diazapam, which is another medicine that I cant take during the day either. I know some can use these medicines to treat their anxiety, the effects are more calming and they dont necessarily feel like they are ready to put their pajamas on like I do! 🙂 It could affect you similar to the way Im affected by it. Maybe it is only something that you can use to get some sleep that usually is hard to get while in withdrawal. There are others who cant use it before bed because for them it causes RLS. Its just one of those medicines that have been proven to help SOME people fight withdrawal, but for me its simply a sleepaid.
thankyou for your reply, its very helpful. one question I have with the loperamide. I have used it for withdrawal in the past, and at around 30, 2mg tabs it actually does take withdrawal away, my question is, “will ppl withdrawal from the loperamide after using this method for 4 to 6 days?
randy
Randy,
4-6 days is too long to use this method , especially at the high amount you are suggesting. Bowel problems or other gastrointestinal problems are a real danger from this. Be very careful. As for withdrawal at that dose? Even though I wouldn’t suspect there to be, I have no personal experience of going that long. For me, with 3 days use, I didn’t feel great when I stopped but I also was still having some withdrawal from my drug of choice. Good Luck!
~Mary
OAS Recovery Specialist
*Remember to drink plenty of water!!
Can someone please help me I have been going to pain management for seven years i would like to stop taking the pain medication but I am too embarrassed to go to rehab I take my medicine as prescribed But it doesn’t work for me like it used to I think I’m going to try the trazodone just happen to have a prescription that was given to my husband last year but he never took it he hates pain medication so I would like to try myself and see if I can get off of it although I have major issues with my back , RA ,Crohn’s disease . but I would like to try and see if I can manage my pain without opiates I tried it for four days on my own for the first three days was and on that fourth day up with literally going to die I was so sick and in so much pain Which makes me so scared to try it again. If anyone knows how long the withdrawal symptoms last or if they differ from person to person any help would be Greatly Appreciated. I am also afraid someone will see my post I keep my private life Much to myself . I I am even embarrassed to take my prescription to the pharmacist I feel they look at me like a drug addicted…
Has anyone been prescribe suboxone and robaxin together? It says there is a major drug interactions and it’s an at home detox. I want my loved one in danger, but I want to do this correctly! Thanks to all!!
Hello Matt, while the information you offer here is great, it still does not explain how to USE TRAZADONE FOR OPIATE WITHDRAWAL?? What is the dosages? How many does one take? 200mg or up to 800 mg in divided dosages? Like 200mg in the morning? Then another 200mg, then another 200mg, then another 200mg, till u get to 800mg? TRAZADONE Will generally knock a person out, I know if I have trouble sleeping, I take 50 – 100mg at bedtime, so how could anyone take this during the day, and stay awake? Any advice and how to dose for withdrawal would be great.
Randy
I have tapered from 200mg tramadol to 50mg in 8 days. Last two days I have taken one half in morning and one half tablet at night. Taking 1-2mg clonidine to lower resting heart rate at night and as needed one 50mg trazodone for sleep which works well for me but don’t want to develop dependency on this psyche drug for sleep. I will be jumping off this week. 6 years/done. I’m also juicing fruits and veggies, drinking 100 ounces of h20 a day and strength training and steam room every day. Only concern is rls and insomnia. I am researching now for very best natural combination for sleep and rls. I hope I can deal with the rls naturally. Really really won’t to be 100% natural. I have experienced virtually none of the typical withdrawal symptoms doing this realities quick taper but a little lazy. Was fortunate enough to rent a cheap condo on the Atlantic coast for 30 days which I know is nearly impossible for most people. I thought I coukd pay for a medical detox and have no flexibility or I could rent a condo on the beach for a minth. Condo $1500. Medical detox multi thousands and still don’t have anything but real world after you walk out the door in a week. If you can carve out 2 weeks alone and remove yourself from the front lines it can make the difference. This site has been extremely helpful in the education process. Tramadol is of the devil!