What Are the Signs of Trazodone Overdose?

Signs of overdose from taking too much Trazodone or mixing it with other substances could include drowsiness, vomiting, pounding heart, convulsions, and painful erection. The presence of these symptoms after taking Trazodone should be considered a life-threatening emergency. Call 911 and the poison control helpline.

Trazodone is not a controlled substance, nor is it considered a narcotic. Instead, Trazodone is a prescription antidepressant medication indicated for major depressive disorder. It may also be used off-label for other health conditions. Though the abuse potential for this drug is low, it can still be dangerous if it’s not taken exactly as prescribed. Alternative treatments for depression exist, including lifestyle changes, relaxation techniques, and certain herbal supplements.

What Is Trazodone?

Trazodone is an FDA-approved drug used to treat major depressive disorder. It belongs to a class of medications known as serotonin receptor antagonists and reuptake inhibitors, or SARIs. [1] Trazodone works by moderating the balance of serotonin in the brain. The generic name for Trazodone is trazodone hydrochloride. Trazodone brand names include Desyrel, Oleptro, and Raldesy.

Off-Label Uses for Trazodone

Healthcare providers sometimes prescribe medications for conditions other than those for which they’re intended. This is an acceptable medical practice known as off-label use. Trazodone is FDA-approved to treat clinical depression, but it may also be used to treat other mental health conditions such as anxiety and schizophrenia. Other off-label uses may include: [2]

• Alzheimer’s disease
• Dementia
• Substance misuse
• Bulimia
• Fibromyalgia
• Nightmares due to PTSD
• Insomnia

What’s the Typical Dose of Trazodone?

There may be no typical dose of Trazodone, since dosage may depend on individual symptoms. Recommended Trazodone doses may vary depending on several factors, including the severity of your symptoms.

Your doctor may start you on a 150 mg dose per day. If depression doesn’t respond to treatment, the dose may be increased every few days in 50 mg increments.[3] The maximum dosage for outpatient use is 400 milligrams per day. Higher doses may be prescribed for hospitalized patients who are under the direct care of a medical professional.

It is important to follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider precisely. Only take the amount of Trazodone prescribed, even if you feel like it’s not working. It can take two weeks or more for antidepressants to begin working. This includes both SSRIs and SARIs. Never stop taking Trazodone without first talking to your prescriber. Doing so could cause severe withdrawal symptoms.

Trazodone Withdrawal Symptoms

Trazodone withdrawal symptoms are not common but may occur, especially after abrupt discontinuation of high doses or long-term use, typically within several days. These symptoms of Trazodone withdrawal might include: [4 ]

• Agitation
• Insomnia
• anxiety

Trazodone Side Effects

Like other antidepressants, Trazodone can cause side effects. It could be important to learn the differences between common side effects and more severe side effects. Tell your doctor about any side effects you experience, especially if they are severe or persist for more than a few days.

Be sure to tell your doctor about any other medications you’re taking before you start a regimen of Trazodone. Certain drugs may negatively interact with this antidepressant. Your doctor can tell you about any of the known drug interactions associated with Trazodone.

Common Side Effects of Trazodone

Some common side effects of Trazodone include: [5]

• Swelling
• Weight loss
• Nasal congestion
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Blurry vision
• Drowsiness
• Fatigue
• Dizziness

Severe Side Effects of Trazodone

People respond differently to prescription medications. Trazodone is no exception. If you experience any of the severe side effects of Trazodone listed below, tell your doctor right away or seek medical attention: [6]

• Slow heart rate
• Rapid or pounding heartbeat
• Problems breathing
• Easy bruising
• Abnormal bleeding
• Slurred speech
• Extreme weakness
• Loss of coordination
• Vomiting
• Painful or prolonged erections

Severe side effects may be a sign that Trazodone isn’t the right medication for you. There are many other prescription medications and alternative treatments used to address the symptoms of major depression. Ask your doctor about other options if you’re having uncomfortable side effects.

Trazodone Overdose

Trazodone overdoses may be accidental or intentional. Either way, an overdose of the prescription drug Trazodone can be a life-threatening emergency. Call 911 or seek emergency medical care if you or a loved one is experiencing the following symptoms of a Trazodone overdose: [7]

• Difficulty breathing
• Chest pain
• Irregular heartbeat
• Low blood pressure (i.e., hypotension)
• Fainting
• Unresponsiveness
• Coma
• Slow heart rate
• Seizures
• Loss of coordination
• Extreme drowsiness
• Tremor
• Abnormal erection or painful erection (i.e., priapism)

You can also call the poison control center. Follow their instructions precisely to prevent a fatal overdose. Don’t force the person to throw up unless it’s specifically recommended by poison control or a medical professional.

Risk Factors for a Trazodone Overdose

An overdose from Trazodone is relatively rare. Still, certain factors may increase the chance of a fatal Trazodone overdose. Some of these overdose risk factors include: [8 ]

• Taking Trazodone with alcohol
• Taking Trazodone alongside sedative medications like diazepam (i.e., Valium)
• Combining Trazodone with barbiturates like phenobarbital

How is a Trazodone Overdose Treated?

There are various methods a medical professional may use to treat an overdose of Trazodone. After taking the patient’s vital signs, the healthcare provider may induce vomiting to empty the stomach of the drug. Other medical diagnostic procedures and treatments for Trazodone overdose might include: [9]

• Activated charcoal
• Laxatives
• Blood tests
• Urine tests
• Chest x-rays
• Brain scans
• Electrocardiogram (ECG)
• Breathing tube
• IV fluids
• Medications to address symptoms

Death from a Trazodone overdose is considered rare, but it does happen. Another potential complication is brain injury from oxygen deprivation.

Treating Depression Without Medication

If you prefer to treat mild depression without medication, there are effective options to consider. Talk to your doctor about non-pharmacological treatments to address low mood or low energy, such as:

• Lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet, regular exercise regimen, and consistent sleep routine
• Stress-management techniques
• Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, and meditation
• Mindfulness practices
• Journaling
• Practicing daily gratitude
• Building a support system and socializing regularly
• Herbal supplements
• Acupuncture or massage therapy
• Yoga
• Reflexology
• Guided imagery

Clinical depression or major depressive disorder sometimes requires prescription medications. Consult your doctor to determine if medication is necessary to address your specific symptoms. Tell your healthcare provider before starting a new diet or taking herbal supplements.

Follow Your Doctor’s Orders & Don’t Wait To Get Professional Help

When prescribed medication for depression or any other physical or mental health condition, it’s important to follow your doctor’s orders very carefully. You can also talk to your pharmacist and read all labels and packaging inserts that come with your medication. Accidental overdose can happen if you misuse this medication or fail to follow instructions from your health care provider.