Does Trazodone cause night sweats? (9+ factors)

In this article, we will talk about “Does Trazodone cause night sweats?” Further, we will discuss what research suggests, the factors contributing to night sweats while using Trazodone, and what to do if you experience them. 

Does Trazodone cause night sweats?

No, Trazodone does not cause night sweats. While, sweating is not a commonly reported side effect of Trazodone, a few patients may experience it.

Night sweats have various underlying causes aside from medication, so it is important to inform your doctor if you experience night sweats while using Trazodone.

What does research suggest?

There is limited data available regarding sweating associated with Trazodone. Few studies show that the sweating you might experience is due to increased serotonin levels in your brain. 

In a reported case study, a patient was taking Trazodone along with another antidepressant called Fluoxetine to treat depression. This patient started feeling very cold, had night sweats, tingling muscles and even felt confused.

He went to his doctor, who thought these symptoms might be side effects of either Trazodone or Fluoxetine.

To help the patient, the doctor gradually tapered down and eventually discontinued both of these medications. As a result, the symptoms gradually went away(1).

What factors lead to night sweats while taking Trazodone?

Some factors may contribute to night sweats while using Trazodone because it is not directly linked. Trazodone is commonly prescribed with selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors(SSRIs) and Bupropion compared to tricyclic antidepressants(TCAs)(9).

Sweating is a common side effect linked with SSRIs; hence, it might be one of the factors. You may experience night sweats while taking Trazodone along with any other antidepressant that commonly causes this side effect, including:

• Venlafaxine (Effexor) (6)
• Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq)
• Sertraline (Zoloft) (7)
• Bupropion (Wellbutrin) 

Additionally, other underlying health conditions that could contribute to night sweats include:

• Underlying infections
• Hyperthyroidism
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Cancer like leukaemia or lymphoma
• Neurological conditions like stress and panic attacks
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Premenstrual syndrome, pregnancy or menopause in women
• Low levels of testosterone in men (8) 

In some rare cases, taking higher doses of Trazodone or not adjusting doses when used along with antidepressants such as Buspirone and Dextromethorphan, can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome which may cause excessive sweating.

However, this is a rare side effect that may only occur in a few patients. Serotonin syndrome is also accompanied by other side effects such as shivering, muscle twitching, muscle stiffness, restlessness, tremors, seizures, unconsciousness etc.  

What side effects are common with Trazodone?

Although Trazodone does not cause night sweats, it is associated with some other side effects, including:

• Stomach problems such as constipation, diarrhoea, or changes in appetite
• Vomiting
• Fatigue
• Muscular and joint pain
• Vivid dreams(3)
• Light-headedness
• Dryness in mouth
• Sex-related issues in both men and women
• Involuntary movements
• Headaches
• Allergy-like symptoms like rashes, itching, and red eyes

Some serious side effects can also happen when you are taking Trazodone, although they are relatively rare. These include:

• Coma
• Collapsing
• Irregular breathing patterns
• Bleeding from nose
• Concentration disorders
• Increased body temperatures 
• Muscle-related issues like tingling and stiffness (2)

If you experience any of the above-mentioned side effects, it is important to consult your doctor(2). However, Trazodone is generally a well-tolerated antidepressant and side effects may vary from person to person(4,5).  

What to do if you experience night sweats while using Trazodone?

If night sweats are not regular, they may resolve on their own. However, if they occur regularly and are associated with an underlying health condition, consult your doctor.

If you are experiencing night sweats, here are some tips you may use to feel better:

• Avoid spicy foods, and limit or reduce alcohol, caffeine and smoking.
• Use comfortable night wears
• Sleep in a cold environment 
• Try to maintain a normal weight

Do not assume that night sweats are caused by Trazodone and discontinue it, as it may result in withdrawal symptoms. Talk to your doctor as Trazodone needs to be tapered before discontinuation.

They will examine your current condition, the symptoms you are experiencing, and the medicines you are using along with Trazodone. Upon withdrawal, you may experience the following symptoms: 

• Lightheadedness
• Vomiting
• Stress
• Headache
• Lack of concentration
• Nervousness
• Insomnia
• Fatigue
• Ringing sound in the ears
• Hyperexcitement(2)

Conclusion

In this article, we discussed that Trazodone does not usually cause night sweats in patients using it for the treatment of stress, anxiety and depression.

Trazodone has a comparatively low profile of side effects as it is a well-tolerated antidepressant. However, it may be associated with a few side effects, but not everyone using Trazodone will suffer from all of them.

References