How Long Does Trazodone Stay in Your System?

How long does Trazodone stay in your system? It usually stays in the system for up to 2.5 days. After 3 days, this drug will most likely be out of your system. The half-life of this medication is 5-9 hours. This means it takes 5- 9 hours for half of the medication to be eliminated from the body. 

 While Trazodone is an excellent medication to treat anxiety and depression, it is not without risks. Misuse can lead to trazodone dependence and addiction. Furthermore, using this medication alone will not help you identify the whys and hows of your mental health condition. So, if you or a loved one is struggling with trazodone misuse, know that help is available and recovery is possible. 

Heal from prescription drug abuse in NJ at ChoicePoint by calling 844.445.2565.

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Understanding Trazodone and Its Uses

Trazodone is an antidepressant classified as a serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor (SARI). It is sold under the brand names Desyrel, Dividose, and Oleptro. Trazodone works by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, which helps regulate mood, sleep, and overall mental well-being. Doctors often prescribe it to treat:

• Depression: Trazodone helps improve mood by balancing brain chemicals.
• Anxiety disorders:  It may reduce excessive worry and nervousness.
• Insomnia: Due to its sedative effects, trazodone is commonly prescribed for sleep disorders.

Although it is not considered a controlled substance like opioids or benzodiazepines, trazodone can still be misused, leading to dependence.

Is Trazodone Addictive?

Although trazodone is not classified as a highly addictive substance, prescription misuse is possible, which can still lead to dependency. Individuals may self-medicate, take larger doses than prescribed, or combine them with other substances like alcohol or opioids to enhance the medicine’s sedative effects. In this case, Trazodone abuse and overdose are possible and can lead to: 

• Increased tolerance, requiring higher doses to get the same effects
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, and mood swings
• Developing psychological dependence, which makes the users feel they can not function properly without this medication. 

Free Addiction Assessment

Please note this assessment is an initial self-screening, and it is not meant to be a medical assessment or clinical diagnosis of addiction. For proper diagnosis and treatment, schedule an appointment with ChoicePoint.

How Long Does Trazodone Stay in Your System For Drug Test?

The type of formulation you are using is a major deciding factor regarding how long the effect of Trazodone lasts in the body. 

• The effect of Immediate-release Trazodone usually wears off after 4-6 hours.
• Extended formulations last from around 8-12 hours. 

In general, the effect of Trazdone is very short-lived. This is why it is taken 2-3 times a day for depression and before bedtime for insomnia. This short-lived effect can also be a reason why a person may want more dosage and may end up developing dependence on this substance.

Trazodone Detection in the Body

• Blood Test: Detectable for up to 24 hours
• Urine Test: Detectable for 1 to 3 days
• Saliva: Detectable for up to 48 hours
• Hair Test: Can remain for up to 90 days

Factors like metabolism, age, health, weight, trazodone dosage, and frequency of use also affect how long does trazodone last in the body. 

How Do I Know That I Have Developed an Addiction To Trazodone?

There are multiple ways to find out if you have developed an addiction to Trazodone. These include:

Looking Out for the Signs of Trazodone Misuse

The following are the signs of Trazodone addiction:

• Taking more than the prescribed amount
• Seeking multiple prescriptions
• Using trazodone recreationally to induce euphoria
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when stopping use

Addiction Self-Evaluation Test

Addiction self-evaluation tests can help you find out if you have an addiction within minutes. However, these tests are not a substitute for a medical diagnosis, but they can give you a pretty good idea of your condition. Taking the test is especially helpful in overcoming denial and seeking timely help.

A Medical Substance Abuse Evaluation Test

Certified doctors carry out a proper medical substance abuse evaluation test. These consist of lab work, questionnaires, and other assessment tools. An addiction evaluation is the way to go if you want a concrete diagnosis of your addiction and other mental health conditions.

Factors Affecting Trazodone Duration in the Body

Trazodone Withdrawal: What Happens To Your Body When You Stop Taking Trazodone?

When you stop taking this medication, you may experience withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms occur because your body needs to adjust without medicines. Some common Trazodone withdrawal symptoms include:

1. Rapid mood swings
2. Anxiety
3. Irritability
4. Mood swings
5. Dizziness
6. Lethargy 
7. Sweating
8. Nausea
9. Seizures
10. Suicidal thoughts

There is also a chance for depression and insomnia to return once you stop taking this medicine.

How Can You Flush Out Trazodone For a Drug Test?

Unfortunately, no. You can not flush out Trazodone faster for a drug test. Drinking more water may result in a false positive test which may mean more trouble for you. This drug will be eliminated from your system after completing the complete metabolic pathway. A medical detox is the safest way to flush out Trazodone to pass a drug test. 

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ChoicePoint Trazodone Withdrawal Management and Addiction Treatment in New Jersey

If you or someone you love is struggling with trazodone misuse, it is important to seek help. At ChoicePoint, we believe in compassionate, judgment-free, and stigma-free care to address your diagnosis. We offer the following treatment:

1. Medical Detox to Flush Trazodone Out of Your System

A medical detox can help you safely get Trazodone out of the system. Detox can be done in both outpatient and inpatient settings. 

a. Outpatient Detox

An outpatient detox usually involves a tapering-off plan to help you quit Trazodone. Your dose will be gradually reduced so that your body has sufficient time to adjust without this medicine.

b. Inpatient Detox

 If you have severe levels of addiction, then you may be admitted to a rehab facility for a few days, where Trazodone detox, along with comprehensive care, will be carried out. A supervised detox helps you safely get Trazodone out of your system while minimizing withdrawal symptoms.

2. Therapy and Counseling

If you were using Trazodone for mental health conditions, then it might be beneficial to look into therapy and counseling. While medications are excellent for treating the symptoms, it does not address the following:

• The reasons for your condition
• How to achieve mental peace
• How to navigate triggers
• Dealing with stressful situations

For these reasons, it might be worth looking into research-based therapies such as: 

• Group therapy
• Cognitive behavioral therapy
• Highly effective CBT group sessions
• Dialectical behavioral therapy
• Online DBT sessions
• Individual counseling
• Family therapy

ChoicePoint therapists accept Aetna, Medicaid, Medicare, BCBS, and other commercial and government insurance. Call 844.445.2565 to schedule an appointment.

3. Co-occurring Disorders Treatment 

If you are dependent on Trazodone because of mental health conditions such as:

• Anxiety 
• Depression
• Generalized anxiety disorders

Then, you may be recommended for a dual diagnosis treatment. This treatment is collaborative care between psychologists and addiction doctors to help you wean off drugs and treat mental health conditions at the same time. 

4. Poly Substance Addiction Treatment: Mixing Trazodone With Alcohol 

Trazodone acts as a sedative and, when Trazodone is mixed with alcohol, a central nervous system depressant. It can lead to 

• Extreme drowsiness
• Respiratory depression
• Blackouts
• An increased risk of overdose. 

Treating polysubstance abuse usually requires a careful medical approach, as quitting alcohol cold turkey can be fatal. To help you sober from alcohol, you may be recommended alcohol detox and safe medication alternatives such as:

• Naltrexone
• Vivitrol
• Acamprosate 
• Disulfiram

Furthermore, you may be recommended therapy, wellness activities, and personalized treatment plans to help you overcome your symptoms. 

ChoicePoint Rehab in NJ Can Help You Quit Trazodone Addiction!

Overcoming trazodone dependency is possible with the right support. If you are experiencing signs of addiction, ChoicePoint is here to help. We offer insurance-covered treatments to help you attain and sustain long-term recovery.

Do not wait any further! Your journey to healing starts today. Contact ChoicePoint and take the first step toward a healthier, drug-free life.

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Answering Your Questions About How Long Trazodone Stays in Your System?

How is Trazodone Excreted From the Body?

Trazodone is processed in the liver and kidney and is mainly excreted out through urine and by the fecal route. 

What is the Biggest Side Effect of Trazodone?

Some serious side effects of Trazodone are:

• Hallucinations
• Seeing things that are not there
• Bruising more easily.

Common side effects include:

• Feeling tired or sleepy
• Headaches
• Nausea
• Dry mouth
• Constipation

Does Trazodone Make You Happier?

Trazodone increases serotonin in the body. Serotonin levels have been linked with better mood, emotions, and happiness. So, yes, Trazodone can make you feel better.

How Long Does Trazodone Stay in the Urine?

Trazodone can be detected in the urine for 2-4 days after the last use. 

How Long Does Trazodone Withdrawal Last?

Trazodone withdrawal symptoms are mild and usually last for 1-2 weeks. However, serious withdrawal, such as a return of depression or psychological withdrawal symptoms, may last for 6 weeks or more.

Can Trazodone Cause a Failed Drug Test?

Patients using Trazodone may cause a false-positive result for the Amphetamines test. However, if you have a prescription and you are using the medication according to your doctor’s guidelines then you have nothing to worry about. 

Sources

1. Shin JJ, Saadabadi A. Trazodone. [Updated 2024 Feb 29]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470560/
2. Side effects of trazodone. (n.d.). NHS. Retrieved February 28, 2025, from https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/trazodone/side-effects-of-trazodone/
3. Fagiolini, A., González-Pinto, A., Miskowiak, K. W., Morgado, P., Young, A. H., & Vieta, E. (2023). Role of trazodone in treatment of major depressive disorder: an update. Annals of General Psychiatry, 22(1), 32. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12991-023-00465-y