A widely used versatile antidepressant, Trazodone is prescribed for a variety of mental health conditions. But how long does it stay in your system? Have you been taking this medication for a while? The time can vary depending on factors like metabolism, age, patient medical history, and dosage frequency. Since the medicine is processed by the liver and mostly eliminated through the kidneys, these factors can also decide the timeline of trazodone in the human body.
The NIH reports that over 57 million Americans live with depression and anxiety, and 39% of them seek treatment. We ran into a conversation with Dr. Ratush, and he discussed the progress in treating anxiety, depression, and insomnia in the U.S. behavioral health field, noting how medications are essential alongside new practices for effective treatment. He then talks about the importance of genuine connections between patients and doctors and how mindfulness techniques and technology can help improve quality of life.
This article explains how long does trazodone stay in your system and how to seek help if trazodone use has become a problem.
What is Trazodone?
Trazodone is an antidepressant medication that belongs to a group called serotonin antagonists and reuptake inhibitors (SARIs). It helps balance chemicals in the brain, especially serotonin, which affects mood.
By doing this, Trazodone can help reduce symptoms of depression and improve mood for some people. Trazodone is a highly effective antidepressant that works by balancing serotonin levels in the brain. It stays in your system and can be found in the liver, blood, and urine. However, how long does trazodone stay in your system can vary based on factors like metabolism, age, and dosage.
Alternatively, Xanax is a frequently prescribed medication for managing behavioral and mental health issues. Understanding their similarities and differences is advisable before selecting a treatment option.
What is the half-life of Trazodone?
Trazodone has a half-life of about 10 hours, which shows that the amount of this drug reduces by half every 10 hours in your system. However, it can still be detected in your body for up to 90 days.
Trazodone is well absorbed when orally consumed, reaching peak levels within one hour if taken on an empty stomach and within two hours if taken with food.
Factors that affect how long trazodone will stay in your system?
Trazodone is mainly cleared from the system for a healthy adult within one to three days after a single dose. The half-life of Trazodone is about 10 hours, indicating that the amount of Trazodone drops by half every 5 to 13 hours in your blood. On an average, it takes 5.5 half-lives for a drug to be entirely eliminated from the body.
According to the National Library of Medicine, factors like metabolism, age, health, weight, dosage, and frequency of use can all influence how quickly Trazodone is cleared from your system.
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Age
Metabolic rates can vary with age. Older adults may process Trazodone more slowly, causing it to stay in the body longer.
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Genetics
Genetic variations can impact how an individual metabolizes Trazodone, leading to differences in how long does trazodone stay in your system.
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Liver and Kidney Function
The liver is crucial for metabolizing Trazodone. Impaired liver function can slow down this process, leading to a more extended presence of the drug in the system. Since Trazodone and its metabolites are eliminated through the kidneys, impaired kidney function can delay excretion.
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Co-existing Medical Conditions
Certain medical conditions, especially those affecting the liver or kidneys, can alter how long does trazodone stay in your system.
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Body Composition and Metabolism
Differences in body fat, metabolic rate, and overall health can affect how quickly Trazodone is processed and eliminated.
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Trazodone Dosage
Higher doses of Trazodone may take longer to be processed and eliminated from the body. Regular use can also cause the drug to build up in the system, extending how long it remains detectable.
How Long Does Trazodone Stay in Your System?
The time Trazodone is detectable in your system depends on the type of test. Blood tests can detect Trazodone for up to 3 days after use, while hair follicle tests may detect it for up to 90 days.
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How Long Does Trazodone Stay in Your Urine?
Trazodone can be detected in urine for 2-4 days after the last dose. This period may vary depending on metabolism and frequency of use.
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How Long Does Trazodone Stay in Your Hair?
Hair tests can detect Trazodone for up to 90 days after use. These tests are not typically used for routine screening but can show a more extended history of drug use.
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How Long Does Trazodone Stay in Your Blood?
Blood tests can detect Trazodone up to 24 hours after administration, making them useful for detecting recent use.
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How Long Does Trazodone Stay in Your Saliva?
Saliva tests can find Trazodone for about 1-2 days after the last dose. Although less common, saliva tests are practical shortly after ingestion.
FAQs: How Long Does Trazodone Stay in Your System?
Q: How long does trazodone stay in your system?
A: Trazodone’s half-life is typically 5 to 9 hours, but it can vary based on age, metabolism, liver function, and other medications.
Q: What is the most significant side effect of trazodone?
A: Serious side effects include yellowing of the eyes or skin (a sign of liver problems), constipation, difficulty urinating, and unusual bruising.
Q: How is trazodone eliminated from the body?
A: Trazodone has a biphasic elimination, with an initial half-life of about one hour and an elimination half-life of 10-12 hours. It’s metabolized in the liver to inactive metabolites.
Q: Can trazodone be stopped immediately?
A: Trazodone is not addictive, but stopping suddenly may cause withdrawal symptoms. It’s best to consult a doctor before discontinuing.
Q: Is trazodone a solid sleeping pill?
A: It is considered safe in small doses for insomnia but may be less effective than medications like Ambien. Higher doses may be needed if insomnia is due to depression.
How can Relevance Recovery help you?
We believe everyone should have access to quality care. Hence, at Relevance, our goal is to provide comprehensive and effective care that addresses the complex and delicate nature of mental health and substance use disorders. How long does trazodone stay in your system varies based on dosage, its half-life, and individual metabolism. But understanding the benefits and risks of this drug and getting personalized attention to this issue will help you make the best choice for your health and well-being.
