Trazodone and Headaches: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Ove...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 21, 2019

For Insomnia "I need help turning off my mind to sleep. I have tried melatonin, Benadryl, and Unisom with little to no relief. When my psych prescribed me this medication that was ‘previously used for depression,’ I was a bit skeptical. Will it work to help me sleep? The answer is YES!! Within 1-1.5 hours after taking 50 mg, I am barely able to keep my eyes open. I am so thankful to have found something to help with my insomnia! My only negative comment would be that I have had some pretty severe headaches the following day (Advil seems to help though)!"

• Alp...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 11, 2021

For Depression "I have to stress don't take everyone's review as a given how trazodone will affect you. Prior to taking the tablet, I read reviews and was initially terrified by the reports of negative side effects and people's bad experiences. Unfortunately, there will always be more negative reports than good as people don't really feel the need to comment on the good. That's where my review comes in, my personal experience is extremely different from what I had read. Other than a constant headache, I have to say this tablet has been a godsend for my depression. It's taken away any and all negative thoughts and replaced them with a positive, happy version of myself. Plus, the extra sleep is an added bonus. I have to stress... Just give this tablet a chance, it might not work, but it is definitely worth the gamble."

• ken...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 11, 2019

For Insomnia "My doctor explained it to me as the drug is primarily meant to treat anxiety, not insomnia, and sleepiness is just a side effect, and it shows - my consistency of sleep is quite low. I've been using the pill for 6 nights now, and the hours of sleep each so far have been approximately 9, 3, 5, 7, 9, 6, so all across the board. Other downsides are dry mouth, grogginess, and a slight headache in the morning. However, I am still overall satisfied with the drug because I am collectively still getting way more sleep than when I wasn't on it (about 2-3 hours of sleep each night). If you're like me and your problem is a high-wired, overthinking, won't turn off brain at night, results are best when you leave a buffer time of about 2 hours to do nothing but just relax and wind down."

• Anonymous
• August 5, 2011

For Depression "I have been taking trazodone for about 8 weeks and the first 3-5 weeks were fairly rough. I felt dizzy standing up, had bad headaches, and nausea, especially just after taking the medicine. However, it is a wonder, helping me fall off to sleep. 9 times out of 10, I'm out in 15 minutes and in a very deep sleep, nothing will wake me for 8-9 hours. As long as you put your head down and close your eyes! If you stay awake, you will feel terrible and very sick! The past week, I have noticed anxiety has reduced and my mood has improved slightly. My motivation is still pretty low. However, I had terrible side effects on several previous medicines and ended up in the hospital with some nasty ones! A few dizzy spells for a few weeks is pretty good really!"

• Isl...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• September 18, 2019

For Insomnia "For folks that start taking trazodone and feel like they have a big, fat hangover the next day (headache, groggy, lethargic, dizziness, nausea, etc.), most of it passes when your body gets used to it. It certainly gets a whole lot better. I hated it at first. For the sinus issues, I told my doctor I felt I was going to drown while I was sleeping, and she put me on nasal fluticasone, which helped immensely with that and allergies. I've been on it for years now, and I sleep all night with very few exceptions (really severe fibro pain). Since I weigh 110 lbs and take 150 mg/night, I'm wondering if some of the not working issues is the dosage people are currently on."

• Pum...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 6, 2016

For Fibromyalgia "I started Trazodone 2 weeks ago and have had major side effects to the point I had to stop it! Severe muscle and joint pain, fibromyalgia (hurting everywhere on the body), severe headaches, serious memory loss, dry eyes and sinus congestion, vivid dreams, dizziness, blurred vision! I stopped it yesterday and now everything has significantly improved, thank God!! I know this drug affects everyone differently, but my husband tried it for his insomnia as well and he had the SAME symptoms. We both feel much better now... hope this was helpful. I was taking 50 mg and tried 100 mg a couple of times... Symptoms were getting worse each day."

• Han...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 14, 2021

For Depression "I managed to go ten years without taking anything, then my restless leg started up terribly in the evening, resulting in a major lack of sleep. My sleep pattern went out the window. I was prescribed a dose of 150 mg, but I only take 100 mg a night and so keep a few spare trazodone for if ever I feel my dose needs upping. I’ve been taking 100 mg trazodone for about 6 months now. My restless leg almost stopped immediately. Once you get over the initial first few weeks and let the trazodone get into your system, it works amazingly well. I take 100 mg about 30 minutes before sleep. I have bipolar too and occasional depression, with anxiety and mood swings. The trazodone has completely calmed all that side of me down and definitely helps with sleep. The first few weeks can be tough with headaches, dry mouth, and brain fog. But once it’s in your system, it worked for me very well."

• mil...
• March 12, 2012

For Insomnia "This medicine worked like no other. I have insomnia, and this helps me sleep through the night without waking up in the middle of the night and not being able to go back to sleep, and it keeps my mood stable throughout the day. I have fewer headaches and migraines because I'm getting sleep, and I don't feel too bad in the morning like other medicines that affect me. This is the only medication I take. I have anxiety, depression, and insomnia, and this pill takes care of all three. Love it."

• Ins...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 10, 2019

For Insomnia "Very pleased with trazodone. About an hour after taking it, I fall asleep and sleep throughout the night. I am less depressed and anxious as well. It initially gave me headaches and made me very groggy the next day, but these both went away after a week or two. Added bonus, it's reversed the loss of libido/sexual dysfunction caused by SSRIs. Side effects: dry nose/mouth and heartburn."

• 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."

• Asr...
• July 20, 2011

For Anxiety "I have been taking trazodone for about 2 weeks for anxiety and sleeping problems. After about 2 nights of taking it, I started getting good results and have been sleeping great, and anxiety improved. The only setback is the next day after a good night's sleep, I am very tired, sleepy, and at times have a weak feeling throughout the day. When evening comes, this problem seems to go away. I also get very mild headaches."

• Bra...
• March 19, 2017

For Insomnia "I took trazodone for a few months without any side effects that were cause for concern. Light grogginess in the morning is natural on any sleep aid. After a few months, I got really dry mouth, headaches, and the hangover was so intense that it would last all day long. After a few days at work with this dangerous hangover, I stopped taking it. I'd rather sleep just a few hours with natural stuff like melatonin than feel completely sick and exhausted at work the following day. I could see this working for someone who doesn't have a schedule. Not fun if you have to be up by a certain time."

• Mrs...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 2, 2017

For Depression "I had been having horrible anxiety and couldn't sleep. I would sleep for an hour, and my brain would race with a to-do list. Since I already was on medication for depression, my Dr. prescribed Trazodone. The first day was hell. Woke up several times during the night, head pounded the next day, and I was in a fog all day. I wanted to stop but tried it again after talking to my Dr. I slept better the second night but still woke up with a headache. I didn't have the fog the next day. By the third day, I was fine, sleeping like a normal person and able to function during the day. Found out I was getting the headache and the foggy feeling because I was not allowing myself enough time to sleep."

• Mez...
• August 17, 2009

Trazodone for Sedation "I actually was taking this through high school because of depression and severe insomnia, and it worked wonders. As I got older, though, I stopped taking it, and recently the sleep problems have started back up again. My doctor gave me 100 mg tabs of trazodone (the generic), and I had really bad headaches when I woke up in the mornings. I think it was because when I was in high school, I was taking between 25-50 mg. Bought a pill splitter, and I split the 100 mg tablets into quarters and take 1-2 of them to equal the approximate dose of 25-50 mg I was taking. So far, so good, and I haven't had the headaches so far... been doing this for a couple of days so far."

• eli...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• November 18, 2019

For Sedation "This drug trazodone has truly injured my life. It was prescribed to me by a mental health professional for sleep after my parents died a few days apart years and years ago. I was told it was tried and true for helping with insomnia. It did for a while. Over the years, I thought it fairly harmless, as did my doctors, evidently, to whom I went with a constellation of distressing symptoms over the years. No one looked at trazodone. I have been weaning myself off trazodone, and the arc of healing is positive, but day to day can be debilitating. The symptoms of withdrawal are distressing to say the least. Global weakness, profuse sweating, anxiety, headaches, rash, pins and needles, numbness, poor concentration, lack of focus, labile BP to stroke levels, rapid heart rate, heavy breathing. Just awful. I have asked our research hospital to do a comprehensive study on this drug. It is not benign."

• pic...
• August 11, 2009

For Insomnia "It's been two weeks since I started taking Trazodone. I started taking 100 mg, slept great but woke up with headaches and pain in my neck that lasted throughout the day. Switched to taking half a pill, seems plenty but dizzy and slowness at times during the day. Waiting for better effects."

• Noe...
• February 11, 2017

For Insomnia "I am 31 yo female, 5'6, 115 lbs. Prozac helps with anxiety but not insomnia. Doctor prescribed Trazodone, start at 50mg for a few weeks, move to 100mg if needed. Last night was the first 50mg dose. In 30 minutes, I was very relaxed and slept really well. Woke up with a bad headache, but it's gone now. I believe this prescription will work and will try 25mg for a few nights as my body adjusts. For Ambien users, beware that your body isn't only adjusting to the new prescription, but also you are having withdrawals which can cause sickness, nightmares, sweating, nausea, etc. Maybe slowly reduce Ambien and then try Trazodone. Just a suggestion, everybody is different and reacts differently. Very good sleep, little side effects that should lessen over the next week of use. I have tried natural remedies over several years with no help."

• Ccc...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 16, 2022

For Headache "I’ve taken Trazodone two days in a row for insomnia. I woke up after the first dose with a headache, lethargy, and an overall feeling of “ick.” As the day went on, my right side jawbone started to ache, as well as my front teeth. I also had congestion and a slight cough. I took a second dose the next night and woke up 1.5 hours later than normal with a headache, jaw pain, congestion, lethargy, and “ick.” I took acetaminophen for the headache and jaw pain and basically laid in bed for the rest of the day. I’m going to discontinue using Trazodone and just live through being unable to sleep. These side effects have reduced my quality of life - I do not want to lay in bed all day with a pounding headache. I’m glad I took it over a weekend, otherwise, I would not have been able to work during a weekday."

• Joh...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 29, 2019

For Insomnia "I mean, it can be handy to have around if you absolutely need to be knocked out, but be ready to feel awful the next morning or possibly the entire next day. It does the job as far as sleep goes, but I feel extremely groggy and overall miserable the next day, on top of having a slight headache that won’t go away. It also has given me nightmares and auditory hallucinations before."

• Dia...
• April 3, 2021

For Headache "Apparently, people who have migraines on a regular basis... Trazodone helps. But for me, it was prescribed to me yesterday for insomnia. I took it for the first time last night and woke up with a headache, which led into a migraine for the entire day. You would laugh if you came across what I look like right now. I have a hot rice pack, full of lavender essential oil, hanging over my head. It's only getting worse. I don't know if I will take another one tonight. I tried coffee, pressure points, twilight..."

• Dan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 27, 2012

For Insomnia "Took this for the first time last night. 100 mg pill. I went to sleep within 30 minutes, but I woke up 2 hours later and took a 50 mg pill to go back to sleep. I woke up 3 hours later because of how dry my mouth was. I had to put a wet towel in my mouth to go back to sleep because of how dry my mouth was. I went back to sleep, thankfully, and woke up 5 hours later. So overall, I got 10 hours of sleep. It puts you to sleep, but I'm having a lot of side effects - stuffy nose and dry mouth while I'm sleeping; I have now been up 4 hours and still have a headache and am somewhat dizzy. I'll give this a week and see if the side effects go away. We'll see what happens."

• Pk7...
• November 12, 2015

For Insomnia "First week on it at 25 mg, half a pill. My doc allows me to get double the size, so I don't have to buy it as often. Success from night one. I get drowsy in 10 minutes and out most every night, for all night. My bedtime varies from 9 pm to midnight depending on what I'm doing. Wake up typically 6 am, ready to face the day. I am told this doesn't interfere with the brain's alpha waves. Side effects: a little dry sinus and head warmth, not quite a headache, very acceptable. Me, 55-year-old male, blood type O, 185#, TBI after 2 years, vertigo, headaches and migraines are typical for me, fibromyalgia, depressed to dysthymia, memory problems. I have found run-walking an hour or two a day very helpful, yin yoga very helpful too."

• Kel...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 9, 2019

For Sedation "The hangovers from trazodone weren't worth me taking them one more night! It caused pounding headaches, irritability, and me being stuck in a fog all day. Besides, I'm on Lamictal (which has saved my life and kept me sober for over a year now). Lamictal is a bipolar medication. My family friend who is a psychiatrist said the number one mistake doctors make is prescribing depression meds with bipolar meds. It is a horrible cocktail. I'm done with trazodone for sleep. Back to dollar store sleep aids it is."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 11, 2019

For Insomnia "I have been taking trazodone 50 mg for a month. It has helped me sleep. I, however, did not know that it has been used for alcoholism. I have lessened my bad drinking habit. I get awfully nauseous and headaches anytime I drink. I do recommend this drug to help stop drinking. Also, I don’t get cravings for beer as much."

• Pat...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 11, 2023

For Headache "Worst medication I’ve ever had. Been on it for 3 years (150-300 mg for sleep) and I can’t feel better not taking it. Terrible headaches, worse withdrawal than on opioids, waking up with a worse hangover than drinking a liter of vodka the night before. Stay away."