Trazodone and Anxiety: What Users Say

• Fel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 31, 2020

For Insomnia "I started trazodone at 150mg for insomnia on April 22. The side effects I experienced were dry mouth, mild headache, dizziness, nervousness, and shakiness. I told my primary doctor about it, so he lowered my dose to 100mg after three weeks. I’ve been on the new dose since May 15, and I still feel the same side effects. I actually feel my anxiety getting worse as I wake up in a panic, and I can feel my heart beating fast. I love that I’m able to sleep, but I hate the side effects. I really don’t want to take it anymore, but I’m scared of stopping it. Anyone else experiencing this? Please help."

• Bni...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 6, 2019

For Anxiety "I decided to share my experience because maybe someone somewhere is going through this. I was prescribed trazodone 50mg for anxiety and depression, eventually my doses went up to 100mg and 150mg a day. The drug would sedate me, put me to sleep. When I woke up, my anxiety was 10 times worse. I was scared, my depression increased. Daily life activities stopped for months, I became scared of living or taking care of my child. I had extremely bad brain fog, dry mouth, sleep terrors, nightmares that would last hours, heart palpitations, but the worst feeling of all was the increased anxiety, the feeling that I had some underlying medical condition that the doctor couldn't find, dizziness, shortness of breath, and suicidal thoughts, feeling like I would never get better. All along it was the trazodone."

• 2nd...
• February 19, 2017

For Insomnia "I am literally so thankful for this medication, even though I don't even take it anymore. I took it for 1.5 years. I had horrible insomnia. I was in my first year of med school, and it was getting to the point where my mind was so cloudy, so sick from the lack of quality sleep that I began nearly failing my tests. I had anhedonia, social anxiety, suicidal dreams, no appetite, etc. The first night I took trazodone, my life changed, and all my symptoms washed away. The moment I began sleeping well on trazodone, my grades shot up, my social anxiety was gone, etc, etc. This saved my life."

• jes...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 3, 2020

For Depression "I've been on trazodone for a while. It made me feel terrible, I couldn't control my mind. I thought it was me, and all along it was trazodone. Terrible drug! Please think before you take this, it has ruined my life. I felt scared all the time, really shaky and anxious. I've stopped it now."

• EdB...
• July 4, 2015

For Anxiety "My dose is 150mg at night. First week: weird dreams but I persisted with it. Second week: weird dreams stopped. Felt the same as before. Third week: anxiety gone! That was three years ago. I now manage the return of mild anxiety by walking one to two hours a day."

• Cat...
• April 30, 2020

For Depression "Doc prescribed me Trazodone for depression. I started with 25 mg because I react very sensitively to meds, and the first night I had arrythmia, anxiety, cold sweat, and insomnia. These side effects disappeared after 2 weeks, except for occasional arrythmia. I slept well in the beginning, but I was also extremely tired during the day. I felt a bit more emotionally stable, so I started taking 50 mg, which was a horrible decision. I had severe sexual dysfunction, wasn't able to feel anything during sex. I slept all day, felt extremely weak, my heart was pounding, and I felt like I had to faint a lot. It did nothing for my depression, I felt worse than before! I was crying a lot, and when I wasn't crying, I didn't feel anything at all. After a few weeks on 50 mg, I stopped taking it because I couldn't handle the side effects. Overall, I was on Trazodone for 2.5 months. I had withdrawal symptoms like insomnia, extreme anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and others. I can't recommend this medication to anyone."

• Cat...
• April 30, 2020

For Depression "Doc prescribed me Trazodone for depression. I started with 25 mg because I react very sensitively to meds, and the first night I had arrythmia, anxiety, cold sweat, and insomnia. These side effects disappeared after 2 weeks, except for occasional arrythmia. I slept well in the beginning, but I was also extremely tired during the day. I felt a bit more emotionally stable, so I started taking 50 mg, which was a horrible decision. I had severe sexual dysfunction, wasn't able to feel anything during sex. I slept all day, felt extremely weak, my heart was pounding, and I felt like I had to faint a lot. It did nothing for my depression, I felt worse than before! I was crying a lot, and when I wasn't crying, I didn't feel anything at all. After a few weeks on 50 mg, I stopped taking it because I couldn't handle the side effects. Overall, I was on Trazodone for 2.5 months. I had withdrawal symptoms like insomnia, extreme anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and others. I can't recommend this medication to anyone."

• Mee...
• July 25, 2019

For Insomnia "I know what I experienced after taking trazodone was a 'mental injury'... at least that is what I call it. After taking it for about a month, I started to feel extremely depressed. The depression slowly turned into the most crippling anxiety I have ever had the displeasure of living through. Anxiety that left me feeling physically ill and in pain throughout my entire body. Anxiety that caused my lips to go numb, my hands to cramp up, and my brain to zap. Then came the really dark thoughts... I was so scared! Then, after a mental breakdown, my husband took me to the emergency room where I was diagnosed with 'serotonin syndrome'. I ended up being placed on high doses of anti-anxiety medication and didn't know if I would ever be the same. Luckily, I was able to safely wean off of all medications with the help of prayer, yoga, psychotherapy, friends, family, and my loving husband. PLEASE BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU PUT INSIDE OF YOUR BODY!"

• sle...
• February 22, 2017

For Insomnia "I have been taking trazodone for almost two months now. I went in to the doctor wanting a solution for insomnia but then quickly realized it was due to my situational depression. I told him that I never wanted to go on pills for depression but then he explained to me that trazodone is an antidepressant but doesn't have the horrible side effects such as Prozac. He also told me it's not addictive and that it's a very old antidepressant, so it wouldn't really do much in that category. These pills have made my life so much easier... I used to get anxiety a little bit after I took them but it went away after a week or two. I am prescribed 50 mg but I only take half, it doesn't really knock me out, but I can get to bed before 1 am, which is great."

• 13y...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• April 19, 2023

For Insomnia "People with chronic conditions are often prescribed antidepressants for various 'off-label' uses, but the healthcare providers fail to explain some of the potential side effects, such as anxiety, depression, and nausea. They also neglect to mention that these side effects can take time to develop and intensify, sometimes for weeks or even months. As a result, people may not initially suspect that the antidepressant they are taking is causing these negative side effects. I personally suffered from severe nausea for 13 years, which was worsening over time. I had no idea that the antidepressant I was taking was the cause of it until I finally stopped taking it, and the nausea disappeared immediately. However, I also realized that this antidepressant was the cause of the intense anxiety that had plagued me for years. I lost everyone in my life, including my son and granddaughter, who were the only sources of happiness in my life."

• Anonymous
• January 3, 2016

For Sedation "Started taking it to help me sleep when I was going through intense anxiety. For that purpose, it worked very well. However, there was a side effect of feeling generally panicky all the time. It became so bad over time that I could not leave my house-or even step outside the door. I had to quit cold turkey after a month because this was so debilitating. After four days of being off of it, I was able to walk around my neighborhood again. But 3 months later, I still have trouble driving far distances. This drug almost killed me. Also, while I was on it, I had incredible anxiety-like my skin was crawling. Again, this ceased within a day or two of stopping this medication. All in all, it was a horror experience for me."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 23, 2017

For Sedation "Love trazodone. I was taking Ambien to help me sleep, but I would wake up after 2 or 3 hours. My doctor prescribed trazodone, and I sleep 7 to 9 hours a night. Plus, it has helped my anxiety. Totally recommend."

• Kri...
• May 13, 2018

For Anxiety "I started taking 50 mg at night for sleep. I was told that for anxiety/depression, the therapeutic dose is much higher. I disagree, I have noticed a difference, not just in my sleep, but in the way I think about things-more logically. Last night, I started to have extreme anxiety/paranoia. I decided to take my dose early so I would be knocked out, ending the thoughts. It didn't knock me out-maybe it was too early to take it, or maybe I was too anxious. But it did help me calm down, think rationally, and I was able to focus more. I think it's great, if I'm tired and can't sleep, it knocks me out. If I don't need sleep and I'm getting anxiety, it calms me down and helps me think clearly-not like I'm high from a benzo. I think this is a good med to try in different situations and see what/how/when it works. Only bad thing: I skipped it one night, thinking because I had to be up earlier, I would be tired the next day. I had like a rebound effect-I was up ALL night."

• Nug...
• July 7, 2019

For Sedation "It does put me to sleep within 30 min, and I'm out for 8 hours. First few nights at 50 mg-weird body sensations, no help with sleep. I pushed through for a few nights, upped the dose to 100 mg and it started working. But, I had to increase dosing for this effect to hold. My last dose was up to 300 mg. Sluggishness too much to bear, so I tapered down, which was quite difficult-crying spells, anxiety, hostility, and rebound insomnia. But nothing else worked for mind-boggling, soul-crushing, why-can't-I-sleep insomnia, which then returned. I'm back on 150 mg, getting sleep thankfully, but do have a hangover in the morning. The hangover is a sluggish feeling. I force myself to work out first thing in the a.m., which helps wean the sluggishness, but it takes a lot of discipline. I've determined I'd rather go through this process for 8 hours of sleep, as opposed to suffering through the mental anguish of not falling asleep, up all night, feeling like a human failure. Trial and error with dosing."

• She...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 5, 2015

For Major Depressive Disorder "I was put on Trazodone to help with PTSD symptoms and depression. This helps really well in assisting me in going to sleep. I used to stay up pacing, cleaning, etc. instead of sleeping. I was on 50 mg and then put on 100 mg, which not only helps with sleeping but also helps with my anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts."

• A9S...
• January 24, 2018

For Depression "I've been struggling with severe anxiety and depression for almost 5 years now, (I'm 21), and the first week (on 50 mg) was AWFUL. Fast forward to the next week, and for the first time in a long time, I started to feel like a human again. Getting out of bed became easier, and my motivation to do my schoolwork came back! I've noticed that sometimes I'll be in a good mood, and I'll feel myself get overly happy? Hard to explain, but it's better than having suicidal thoughts on an almost daily basis, am I right? It helped with my anxiety-related insomnia a bit, and the amount of anxiety attacks I'd have per day has decreased (but my anxiety is still pretty bad). Thinking of asking my doc to up the dosage?"

• Gin...
• February 8, 2016

For Depression "I was given this drug as a prescription for sleep issues that I was having. At the time, I had no known indications of depression or anxiety. It was simply to help with my sleep patterns since I traveled extensively. After taking the drug for a few months, I simply stopped because I was on a more regular sleep cycle. Within a week, I was completely incapacitated, diagnosed with severe depression, anxiety, and exhaustion. I also became terrified of daily activities and was incapable of even showering myself. I have never experienced such a dark space in my life. It wasn't until later that my symptoms were tied to this medicine withdrawal. I am furious about that and am now taking another med to recover from this one, and then weaned off."

• Kan...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 24, 2015

For Sedation "I've been taking trazodone for almost three years at different doses. I started out at 50 mg, then 100, and now take 150 mg. I've taken some kind of sleeping pill on and off for 18 years but recently became dependent on them because of family deaths, relationship issues, and postpartum depression. Trazodone works for me, but it gives me horrible nightmares, so I have to wake up two to three times a night. I feel groggy the next day, and my memory has declined. I also experience extreme anxiety. I don’t know if trazodone is the cause. All in all, I would rather deal with the side effects than live with insomnia."

• Moe...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 25, 2019

For Insomnia "I was so tired almost immediately and very excited. I laid down and noticed my nose got very stuffy and wondered if I was suddenly coming down with a cold, very possible with two toddlers and working in service. Shortly after, I could feel my pounding heart in my inner chest, so anxiety seemed to get worse. I was then having some bad passing thoughts I was trying to quickly remove from my brain. My body felt so tired, but my brain was going nonstop. I finally fell asleep after 3 hours from taking it but woke up only 3 hours after falling asleep. This substance absolutely did not work for me. I checked other reviews, and it seems like those that dislike the drug have very similar negative effects. I only took it for one night, but I am way too scared to take it again. I am very in tune with my body, and this one will not be going back into my system."

• Lon...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 21, 2019

For Anxiety "This trazodone gave me severe anxiety over time, where I’d feel incredibly and intensely socially anxious when this wasn’t a true issue, it was general anxiety. It also had the issue of making me feel sleepy, but I could only sleep an hour, then I couldn’t go back to sleep. The next day I would feel completely zombified and struggle to even move or do anything. It increases my heart rate a lot and doesn’t mix well with my ADHD medication."

• Rec...
• June 11, 2019

For Depression "I started trazodone 150 mg to treat anxiety and depression 9 weeks ago. I’m still feeling awful and have bad anxiety, terrible mood swings, emotional, I get a horrible feeling after I’ve taken it, like I’m on drugs. It definitely helps me sleep, totally knocks me out! So I take it just before bed. Mornings awful, like having a terrible hangover, and I’m in recovery 15 months free from booze and cocaine. My doc advised me to increase to 300 mg. I tried that for 2 days, side effects were awful: hideous diarrhea and panicky. I’m now on week 10, and this isn’t subsiding. I’ve been told to drop back down to 150 mg. Will this improve? Anyone experienced similar, pushed through, and got a different result? I trust my GP, but I’m not sure how long I can continue to feel like this. I'm so panicked and awful. All day I feel confused, dizzy, mix my words up, forget everything. I’m also on a reduction from diazepam, that is nearly gone."

• Lad...
• April 8, 2017

For Insomnia "My doctor prescribed trazodone for sleeplessness and anxiety. I did sleep, however, over time, I had daytime hallucinations, bad dreams, loss of memory, trouble talking, loss of focus, anxiety, swelling on the back of my head, ringing in my ears, and insomnia. After six months, I weaned myself off of the medication and felt horrible. It took me 3 weeks to get back to normal. I slept only 2 to 3 hours per day over a week and then 4 hours, then 7. This medication was bad for me over time. I taught myself to sleep without medication."

• Eze...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 2, 2019

For Insomnia "I’ve taken this for insomnia, caused by anxiety since years ago. Got a bit hooked to benzos in the past, and now I was scared as anything of any pill. I knew the first days were going to be hard, and they were, even starting with 25 mg. I woke up at 4 a.m. every night for the first week, couldn’t go back to sleep. Dry mouth, dizziness, anxiety, headache, etc. On the 7th and 8th day, I took 50 mg, and it was even worse. I felt pretty sick and decided to go back to 25 mg. That same night, I slept pretty well, and it’s been like that for another 3 nights so far. Keep taking it for a couple of weeks, it might be worth it."

• ora...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 2, 2017

For Insomnia "Update on my review from 2 years ago: still on Trazodone and still singing its praises. Since my first review, I have moved across the country and consequently have different insurance and different doctors, and I've had such an oddly difficult time getting it refilled. My last doctor refused to refill it, and I had to go without for 4 months. It severely impacted my health as I was unable to sleep alongside my ever worsening mental state (depression, anxiety, ADHD, etc.). As far as medication goes, Trazodone is the only constant for me."

• Sad...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 22, 2024

For Depression "Hubby left me after 25 years for a younger, putting me through hell years before he left. I developed high blood pressure and atrial fibrillation, as well as anxiety. I found myself depressed. Got trazodone and started off at 50 mg, then increased to 100 mg at night. It helped with my sleep, but I needed help for my depression. I was crying spontaneously and didn’t want to get out of bed. If it weren't for my dogs, I don’t know what I would’ve done. I felt useless at 65 years old. Had to start another career, working two jobs, and it’s tough. Don’t want to take medication at 100 mg, I want to ask my doctor for a higher dose. Crying is coming back a bit and I know my dose is low. The drug has been great, but just worried I will have to keep upping the dose to get the same effect. All the negative thoughts in my head and soul stopped!"