Atypical antidepressant (serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor), commonly used off-label for sleep

Trazodone (trazodone) Withdrawal

Trazodone has a mild discontinuation profile. Most outpatient use is at low doses (50-200 mg) for sleep rather than antidepressant doses (300-600 mg), and low-dose discontinuation is typically uneventful. Higher doses used for depression can produce a more notable withdrawal pattern.

By Dr. Ben Soffer, DO — board-certified physician, at-home ketamine therapy in Florida and New Jersey.

Half-life

~7-10 hours.

Withdrawal timeline

Onset— 1-2 days after stopping

Symptoms emerge within a day or two.

Peak— Days 3-7

Sleep disturbance and any mood symptoms peak in the first week.

Resolution— 1-2 weeks

Most patients return to baseline within 1-2 weeks.

Common symptoms

  • Rebound insomnia
  • Anxiety
  • Vivid dreams
  • Irritability

Less common

  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness

Tapering guidance

  • Low-dose sleep users can often stop trazodone directly without a formal taper, although gradual reduction is gentler.
  • Higher-dose users should taper by 50 mg every 1-2 weeks.
  • Coordinate the taper with the prescribing physician.

Where ketamine therapy fits

Trazodone is compatible with at-home ketamine therapy. The two work through different mechanisms with no required washout. Continue trazodone as prescribed during ketamine treatment unless the prescribing physician advises otherwise.

Check ketamine therapy eligibilityMedication safety with ketamine

Frequently asked questions

How long does trazodone withdrawal last?

Most patients have mild symptoms peaking in the first week and full resolution within 1-2 weeks. Low-dose sleep users often have minimal symptoms.

Can I stop trazodone cold turkey if I use it for sleep?

Many low-dose sleep users can stop directly without a formal taper, but gradual reduction is gentler. Coordinate with the prescribing physician.

Is trazodone compatible with ketamine therapy?

Yes. The two work through different mechanisms with no required washout.

Important: This page is informational and does not constitute medical advice or a recommendation to start, stop, or change any medication. Tapering psychiatric medications should always be coordinated with the prescribing physician. Compounded ketamine for anxiety, depression, PTSD, and chronic pain is not FDA approved.

Browse all medication withdrawal guides.