Trazodone can be extremely beneficial to people who have certain health concerns. But the medication can also be dangerous, especially for those who misuse it. If you have received a prescription for this med, it’s important to be aware of your risk for side effects or trazodone overdose.
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What is Trazodone?
Trazodone is a prescription medication that is most commonly used to treat the symptoms of depressive disorders.
Trazodone earned initial approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as a depression medication in 1981. Through the years, it had been marketed under several brand names, including Desyrel and Oleptro. However, those brands have been discontinued, and trazodone is now sold as a generic in the U.S.
In addition to trazodone’s FDA-approved use in depression treatment, doctors sometimes also prescribe it on an off-label basis to treat people who have a variety of other conditions, including:
- Anxiety
- Sleep disorders
- Fibromyalgia
- Bulimia nervosa
- Alzheimer’s disease
Trazodone is classified as a serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor (SARI). Other medications in the SARI category are vilazodone and nefazodone.
Can You Overdose on Trazodone?
Yes, you can overdose on trazodone.
Unlike some other prescription medications (such as opioid-based painkillers), trazodone doesn’t cause the disorienting or euphoric effects could prompt people to use it as a recreational substance.
However, while its potential for abuse is low, it can still be harmful to people who don’t adhere to medical guidance regarding dosage level and frequency of use.
Though trazodone is not an enticing recreational drug, some people who take it on a prescription basis exceed the recommended dosage, often due to a misguided belief that this will increase the medication’s effectiveness and further reduce their symptoms.
Regardless of why a person misuses trazodone, the potential ramifications of this behavior include overdose. Overdoses are rare, but a person’s risk of a trazodone OD can increase if they abuse the medication while also using alcohol, opioids, or other substances.
Signs of trazodone overdose can include:
- Decreased or irregular heartbeat
- Pain in the chest
- Breathing difficulties
- Dizziness and lightheadedness
- Intense headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Tremors, shakiness, and other muscle-control problems
- Extreme drowsiness
- Loss of consciousness, and inability to be awakened
- Seizure
If you are with someone who exhibits the signs of a trazodone overdose, here’s how you can help:
- If the person is able, help them into a seated position in a comfortable chair. If they are unconscious, roll them onto their side.
- Contact your local poison control center or call 911.
- If you call 911, stay with the person until help arrives. If you contact a poison control center, be sure to follow whatever directions they give you.
- Be prepared to tell the poison control center or emergency responders when the person took trazodone, how much they took, and if they were also using any other substances.
Do NOT try to revive the person by putting them into a cold shower, forcing them to drink coffee, or trying to make them vomit.
What is the Fatal Dose of Trazodone?
When a person receives timely, appropriate medical attention, their risk of dying from a trazodone OD is relatively low. However, sometimes fatalities do occur.
Overdose occurs when a person takes more of a substance than their body can safely process and eliminate. The amount of trazodone that could cause a fatal overdose can vary from one individual to the next, depending on factors such as:
- Their age, weight, and metabolism
- How long they have been using trazodone
- What other substances they have in their system
The length of time that elapses before a person gets appropriate medical attention can also influence their ability to survive a trazodone OD. This underscores the importance of understanding what an overdose looks like and knowing what actions to take.
If you suspect that someone has taken more trazodone than they can handle, don’t ignore your suspicions. Get help and let the experts determine the most appropriate response.
How to Safely Ensure That You Won’t OD on Trazodone
The following steps can eliminate your risk of trazodone overdose:
- Only take trazodone that was prescribed to you.
- Follow your doctor’s guidance regarding how much to take and when to take it.
- If you have any questions, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
- Don’t alter the amount and frequency of your trazodone use unless your doctor directs you to do so.
- Do not abuse alcohol or other drugs while you have trazodone in your system.
It’s also a good idea to have the phone number for your local poison control center stored in your phone or in another easily accessible location.
Is Trazodone Addictive?
Yes, trazodone can be addictive. However, addiction to this prescription drug can look different than addictions to alcohol, opioids, or benzodiazepines.
The main risk with trazodone is becoming physically dependent on it, which can occur after you’ve been using it for an extended period. Once this happens, you may experience various distressing withdrawal symptoms if you abruptly stop using the med.
If you want to stop taking trazodone, consult with your doctor. They can create a plan so you can gradually reduce your usage over time.
What are the Withdrawal Symptoms of Trazodone?
The sudden cessation of trazodone use can trigger symptoms such as:
- Excessive perspiration
- Problems focusing and concentrating
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or vertigo
- Return of anxiety or depression symptoms
- Mood swings
- Agitation and irritability
- Brain zaps, which are brief sensations that feel like mild electrical charges in your brain
- Headaches
- Difficulty sleeping
- Suicidal thoughts
Safely Detox From Trazodone Dependence at Phoenix Rising
If you have been experiencing painful withdrawal symptoms when trying to stop using trazodone or another prescription medication, Phoenix Rising Recovery is here for you.
Our medical detox program can help you get through withdrawal safely and with minimal discomfort. While you’re in detox, you will be under the care and supervision of a team of experienced professionals. Then, once you’ve successfully completed detox, your team can help you determine which types of follow-on treatment and support services may be best for you.
To learn more about trazodone detox at Phoenix Rising Recovery, or to schedule a free assessment, please visit our Contact page or call us today.
Published: 10/15/2024
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