Can you Overdose on Trazodone?

Overdosing on trazodone can be dangerous and even deadly. In this article, we’ll discuss what Trazadone is, how it can lead to an overdose, and what to do if someone overdoses on Trazadone.

Trazadone is a medication that is used to treat:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Insomnia

It can also be an f-label treatment for migraines and nerve pain. Trazodone works by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood.

The amount of Trazadone that is necessary to overdose depends on a number of factors, including the person’s weight, age, and health. A typical dose of Trazodone ranges from 50 to 100 mg. However, it is possible to overdose on much lower doses.

What Is Trazadone and How Is it Used?

Trazodone is an antidepressant medication that is used to treat major depressive disorders. It can also be used to treat anxiety, insomnia, and pain. Trazodone is a serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor (SARI). This means that it prevents the reabsorption of serotonin, which increases the level of serotonin in the brain.

In 2019, there were a total of 23,934,214 Trazodone prescriptions. There was an estimated 5,066,449 Trazodone patients.

Trazodone is available as a generic drug and as the brand-name drugs Desyrel and Oleptro. Generic drugs usually cost less. In some cases, they may not be available in every strength or form as the brand-name versions.

How Was Trazodone Created?

Trazodone was created in the early 1960s. It was originally designed as an antipsychotic medication. However, it was found to be more effective as an antidepressant.

Trazodone is available in oral tablet form. It’s typically taken one to three times a day. The dose depends on your medical condition and response to treatment. Your doctor may start you on a low dose of trazodone and gradually increase your dose, not more than once every 3 or 4 days.

Clinical studies have shown trazodone to be comparable in efficacy to other drug classes, such as:

• TCAs (tricyclic antidepressants)
• SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors)
• SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine receptor inhibitors) in treating major depressive disorders.

Also, trazodone has better tolerance than second-generation SSRIs, which are highly associated with insomnia, anxiety, and sexual dysfunction

What Are the Signs of Trazodone Addiction?

Trazodone can be habit-forming. You can develop a tolerance to the drug, meaning you need higher and higher doses to get the same effect. Misusing trazodone can lead to addiction, overdose, or death.

Trazodone is a prescription medication. It’s not available over-the-counter (OTC). You should take trazodone only as directed by your doctor. Your doctor will probably start you on a low dose and increase your dose gradually.

Some signs that a person may be addicted to trazodone include:

• Taking the drug more often or in higher doses than prescribed
• Continuing to take the drug even if it’s no longer needed
• Craving the drug or feeling an intense urge to use it
• Neglecting other important activities in favor of using the drug
• Using the drug despite negative consequences, such as relationship problems or job loss

If you think you or someone you know may be addicted to trazodone, talk to a doctor or reach out to our California-based rehab center. They can help identify whether there’s a problem and recommend treatment options.

What Is a Drug Overdose?

A drug overdose occurs when a person takes more of a medication than their body can safely process. Overdoses can be intentional or accidental. They can also be life-threatening and require medical attention immediately. If you or a loved one is overdosing on medication or a drug, dial 9-11 immediately.

Can a Person Overdose on Trazodone?

If you take too much trazodone, you may experience a drop in blood pressure, which can cause dizziness or fainting. An overdose of trazodone can be fatal.

Symptoms of a Trazodone overdose can include:

• Drowsiness
• Confusion
• Seizures
• Slowed or irregular heartbeat

If you think you’ve taken too much of this drug, call your doctor or local poison control center. If your symptoms are severe, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.

Overdosing on trazodone is more likely if you’re taking other medications that can cause drowsiness or affect your heart rhythm. These include:

• Other antidepressants
• Antihistamines
• Sedatives
• Pain relievers, and muscle relaxants
• Taking alcohol with trazodone

How Much Trazodone is Necessary to Overdose?

An overdose of trazodone can be fatal. The amount of trazodone that can lead to an overdose varies from person to person. However, taking more than 500 mg of trazodone at once can cause an overdose in most people. This is why you should always take medication as instructed by a medical professional.

How Is an Overdose Treated?

Overdoses of trazodone are treated with supportive care. This can include:

• Monitoring vital signs
• Providing oxygen
• Giving IV fluids
• Pumping the stomach (if the person has taken the medication within the last hour)

Treatment Options for Trazodone Use

There are many treatment options for drug addiction. Treatment can be done on an inpatient or outpatient basis, depending on the severity of the addiction. Treatment typically includes behavioral therapy, medication, and support groups. In some cases, detoxification may be necessary.

Treatment should be tailored to the individual, as every person’s experience with addiction is unique. If you or someone you know is struggling with drug addiction, there are many resources available to help.

Amount, Symptoms, Risks, Treatment & More

Trazodone overdoses are possible but uncommon. Learn about how these overdoses occur, their symptoms and how to help someone experiencing an overdose.

Trazodone is commonly used as a prescription antidepressant. Its brand names include medications like Oleptro and Desyrel. In addition to treating depression, trazodone can be used to treat anxiety disorders and even insomnia. The drug is sometimes used as an alternative to traditional sedatives, such as benzodiazepines.

When taken in excess and in ways not directed by a licensed physician, trazodone and other antidepressants can lead to negative side effects. In serious instances, an overdose on trazodone may occur.

Can You Overdose on Trazodone?

Trazodone overdoses are uncommon, but they are still possible. However, an overdose of this drug is different from what many would expect. Almost every single overdose that originates from trazodone use has occurred in patients who were prescribed the drug. This is because trazodone has no perceived recreational value for a person looking to achieve a high. Using excess amounts of trazodone simply speeds up and boosts the medication’s drowsiness effect. This separates it from many other drugs, including opioids or hallucinogens, with overdoses frequently or solely caused by recreational use.

The danger of a trazodone overdose lies in taking more than one’s prescribed dose. Like many antidepressants, a patient may take more of the drug than they should to rid themselves of depressive symptoms and thoughts. Many of these types of overdoses are unintentional in nature. However, some may be premeditated attempts by patients who overuse the prescription for self-harm purposes.

How Much Trazodone to Overdose?

Doctors often recommend a daily dose of 150 mg of trazodone for depression treatment. This amount can be increased to upward of 600 mg if necessary. Much lower doses are used to treat insomnia. As such, any amount exceeding 600 mg in 24 hours is considered an overdose.

The actual dosage needed to fatally overdose on trazodone is not readily available. A large proportion of deaths linked to the antidepressant were due to mixing other substances with trazodone. Alcohol seems to be a particularly dangerous combination and should be avoided entirely.

Related Topic: Trazodone for Sleep

Trazodone Overdose Symptoms

An overdose on trazodone is characterized by any number of life-threatening symptoms. Each indicator is linked to a specific region of the body:

• Respiratory system: Respiratory depression is a common side effect exhibited during trazodone overdoses. It occurs when the lungs do not properly expand and contract. Breathing may cease momentarily or stop completely during such an episode.
• Central nervous system: Trazodone acts upon the central nervous system directly for its medical benefits. Therefore, a majority of symptoms tie directly to the brain. These symptoms include drowsiness, headache, uncoordinated behavior, dizziness, seizures and coma.
• Cardiovascular system: Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia), low blood pressure, faint pulse and chest pain are additional side effects caused by antidepressant overdoses.

Trazodone Overdose Treatment

Like overdoses for most drugs, treatment related to trazodone begins at the site of the incident. If you, a loved one or a stranger is showing onset symptoms of an overdose, the best course of action is to contact poison control and 911.

Be prepared to give an accurate account of the scenario. This includes information about the victim’s age, weight and height. Additionally, it is helpful to know how much of the trazodone was ingested and in what specific time period.

At the hospital, victims can expect mostly preventative and symptom-specific care. There is no antidote for a trazodone overdose — time is the only treatment. Physicians may choose to administer intubation to promote proper breathing or a dose of activated charcoal to decontaminate the patient’s stomach contents. Nearly all trazodone overdoses are manageable with immediate treatment efforts.

If you or a loved one is struggling with substance misuse, The Recovery Village is here to help. Contact us today to learn about treatment programs that can work well for your needs.

Editor – Jonathan Strum

Jonathan Strum graduated from the University of Nebraska Omaha with a Bachelor’s in Communication in 2017 and has been writing professionally ever since. Read more

Medically Reviewed By – Dr. Conor Sheehy, PharmD, BCPS, CACP

Dr. Sheehy completed his BS in Molecular Biology at the University of Idaho and went on to complete his Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) at the University of Washington in Seattle. Read more

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Healthline. “Trazodone, Oral Tablet.” November 15, 2018. Accessed June 10, 2020.

MedlinePlus. “Trazodone Overdose.” April 25, 2019. Accessed June 10, 2020.

Medical Disclaimer

The Recovery Village aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.

Trittico instructions for use: indications, contraindications, side effects – description of Trittico tab. prolonged action 150 mg: 20 or 60 pcs.

(45130)

💊 Ingredients of Trittiko ✅ Use of Trittiko Keep for yourself Search for analogues Interaction Description of the active ingredients of the preparation Trittiko (Trittico) The scientific information provided is general and cannot be used to make decisions. decisions about the use of a particular drug. Update date: 2020.05.29 Marketing authorization holder: AZIENDE CHIMICHE RIUNITE ANGELINI FRANCESCO A. C.R.A.F., S.p.A. (Italy) ATX code: N06AX05 (Trazodone) Active substance: trazodone (trazodone) Rec.INN WHO registered Dosage form Trittiko Tab. prolonged action 150 mg: 20 or 60 pcs. reg. No.: P N015703/01 from 15.07.09 – Indefinitely Date of re-registration: 18.04.13 Release form, packaging and composition drug Trittico Long-acting tablets white or white with a yellowish tinge, oval, biconvex, with two parallel notches on both sides. Excipients : sucrose – 84 mg, carnauba wax – 24 mg, povidone – 24 mg, magnesium stearate – 6 mg. 10 pcs. – blisters (2) – packs of cardboard. 10 pcs. – blisters (6) – packs of cardboard. Clinical and pharmacological group: Antidepressant Pharmacotherapeutic group: Psychoanaleptics, antidepressants Pharmacological action Antidepressant, thiazolopyridine derivative. It also has a thymoleptic, anxiolytic, sedative and muscle relaxant effect. It has a high affinity for some subtypes of serotonin receptors, inhibits the reuptake of serotonin; little effect on neuronal uptake of norepinephrine and dopamine. Does not have an anticholinergic effect, does not inhibit MAO, does not change body weight. Eliminates both mental (affective tension, irritability, fear, insomnia) and somatic manifestations of anxiety (palpitations, headache, myalgia, frequent urination, increased sweating). Increases the depth and duration of sleep in depressed patients, restores its physiological structure. Reduces craving for ethanol. It is effective in withdrawal symptoms in patients with drug dependence on anxiolytic benzodiazepine derivatives, eliminates anxiety and depression and sleep disorders (during remission, benzodiazepines can be completely replaced by trazodone). Not addictive. Promotes the restoration of libido and potency. The therapeutic effect in 50% of patients is observed after 3-7 days, in 25% after 2-4 weeks. Pharmacokinetics After oral administration, absorption from the gastrointestinal tract is high. The time to reach C max in plasma is 1-2 hours. Taking trazodone during or immediately after meals increases absorption, reduces C max and increases the time it takes to reach it. Penetrates through histohematic barriers, including the BBB. Penetrates into tissues and fluids (bile, saliva, breast milk). Plasma protein binding – 89-95%. Metabolized in the liver by hydroxylation. The isoenzymes CYP3A4, CYP3A5 and CYP3A7 are involved in the metabolism of the drug. T 1/2 in α-phase 3-6 hours, in β-phase – 5-9 hours Excreted by the kidneys – 75% as inactive metabolites within 98 hours after administration; 20% – with bile. Indications of the active substances of the drug Trittiko Various forms of depression (endogenous, psychotic, neurotic, somatogenic) incl. with severe anxiety, including at least 4 of the following signs: sleep disturbance, appetite disturbance, psychomotor agitation or lethargy, decreased interest in the environment, decreased sexual activity, guilt, increased fatigue, slow thinking, decreased ability to concentrate, suicidal attempts / thoughts ; bulimia, kleptomania, anxiety, phobias. Benzodiazepine drug dependence; acute alcohol withdrawal syndrome. Decreased libido, impotence. Prevention of migraine attacks. Open list of ICD-10 codes F10.3 Withdrawal state F13 Mental and behavioral disorders due to the use of hypnotics or sedatives F31 Bipolar affective disorder F32 Depressive episode F33 Recurrent depressive disorder F40 Phobic anxiety disorders (including agoraphobia, social phobias) F41.1 Generalized anxiety disorder F41.2 Mixed anxiety and depressive disorder F41. 9 Anxiety disorder, unspecified F50.2 Bulimia nervosa F52.0 Lack or loss of sexual desire F52.2 Lack of genital response (psychogenic impotence) F63.2 Pathological desire to steal [kleptomania] G43 Migraine Dosage regimen The method of administration and dosing regimen of a particular drug depends on its form of release and other factors. The optimal dosage regimen is determined by the doctor. Compliance of the dosage form of a particular drug with indications for use and dosing regimen should be strictly observed. The initial daily dose is 150-200 mg (in 3 divided doses). In mild forms of depression, the average maintenance dose is 150 mg / day; in moderate and severe forms – 300 mg / day. If necessary, the dose can be increased to 600 mg / day. The main part of the daily dose is recommended to be taken at bedtime. Side effects From the side of the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system: drowsiness, fatigue, dizziness, insomnia, headache, agitation, myalgia, impaired coordination of movements, paresthesia, disorientation, blackout, tremor. From the side of the cardiovascular system: arrhythmia, conduction disorders, bradycardia, ventricular fibrillation, decreased blood pressure, orthostatic hypotension, syncope. From the digestive system: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dryness and bitterness in the mouth. On the part of the organ of vision: blurred vision, eye irritation. From the side of the hematopoietic system: leukopenia, neutropenia (usually minor). Other: nasal congestion, priapism followed by impotence, allergic reactions. Contraindications Ventricular arrhythmia, tachycardia, myocardial infarction (early recovery period), history of priapism, pregnancy, lactation, hypersensitivity to trazodone. Use during pregnancy and lactation Use during pregnancy and lactation is contraindicated. Use in hepatic dysfunction Use with caution in hepatic impairment. Use in impaired renal function Use with caution in renal insufficiency. Use in children Use with caution in children and adolescents under 18 years of age. Special instructions Use with caution in heart disease, arterial hypotension, arterial hypertension, renal and / or liver failure, in children and adolescents under the age of 18 years. Do not use concomitantly with MAO inhibitors. Drug interactions A case of development of torsades de pointes arrhythmia with simultaneous use of trazodone with amiodarone is described. A case of a moderate decrease in the anticoagulant effect of warfarin has been described when co-administered with trazodone. With simultaneous use, an increase in the concentration of digoxin in the blood plasma and the development of symptoms of intoxication are possible. When used simultaneously with carbamazepine, a case of increased plasma concentrations of carbamazepine has been described. When used simultaneously with lithium salts, tremors, reversible symptoms of neurotoxic action are possible. When taking pseudoephedrine against the background of trazodone therapy, a case of anxiety, panic, blackout, depersonalization was described. With simultaneous use with thioridazine, an increase in the concentration of trazodone in the blood plasma is possible; with tryptophan – a case of development of anorexia, psychosis, hypomania is described; with phenytoin – a case of increased side effects of phenytoin is described; with fluoxetine – possibly increased side effects; with chlorpromazine, trifluoperazine – the development of arterial hypotension is possible. When used simultaneously with ethanol, the inhibitory effect on the central nervous system increases. Keep If you want to place a link to the description of this drug – use this code Trittiko . Description of the drug in the reference book Vidal.

Trazodone (Trazodonum) – PsyAndNeuro.ru

Trade names in Russia

Trittiko, Azona

Presentation

Tablets: 150 mg

Contents

Pharmacologist serotonin receptor antagonist [2]

Indications

◊ Recommendations of the Russian Ministry of Health

F32 Depressive episode

F52 Sexual dysfunction not due to an organic disorder or disease

R52.2 Other persistent pain

Y47.1 Adverse reactions to benzodiazepine therapy

Z50.2 Alcoholism rehabilitation

Z50. 3 Drug Rehabilitation

◊ FDA guidelines

Depression

◊ UK Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency guidelines

• Anxiety
• Depression

Target symptoms

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Insomnia

Mechanism of action and pharmacokinetics

Trazodone, being a derivative of triazolopyridine, has the ability to selectively inhibit the reuptake of serotonin in the brain, the drug acts as an antagonist of 5-HT2A / 2C receptors. It does not have an anticholinergic effect, does not inhibit MAO.

• After oral administration, absorption from the gastrointestinal tract is high.
• Time to reach Cmax _max in blood plasma – 1-2 hours
• Half-life: 1st phase 3-6 hours, 2nd phase 5-9 hours
• The isoenzymes CYP3A4, CYP3A5 and CYP3A7 are involved in metabolism.

Treatment regimen

0351

◊ How fast

• In some patients with insomnia, with the correct dosage, it starts to work immediately.
• Depression begins to act after 2-4 weeks.
• If there is no effect after 6-8 weeks, increase the dose or switch to another drug.
• May be taken for many years to prevent relapse.

◊ Expected result

• In the treatment of depression: complete remission.
• After the disappearance of symptoms of depression, you should continue taking 1 year if it was the treatment of the first episode. If this is a re-episode treatment, treatment can be extended indefinitely.
• Use in the treatment of anxiety may be indefinite.
• For insomnia, use may be indefinite because there is no evidence of tolerance, dependence, or withdrawal [1].

◊ If not working

• Change dose, switch to another drug, or add an ancillary drug;
• Connect psychotherapy;
• Review diagnosis for comorbid conditions;
• Patients with undiagnosed bipolar affective disorder may have poor response, in which case switching to a Mood Stabilizer [1].

◊ How to stop taking

It is possible to reduce the dose gradually, although there is no evidence of a withdrawal syndrome [1].

◊ Therapeutic combinations

• Trazodone is rarely used as monotherapy for insomnia, in severe cases it can be combined with benzodiazepines
• Trazodone is the most common drug in combination with antidepressants, it not only treats insomnia, but also enhances the antidepressant effect

Warnings and contraindications

• Stop taking if erection becomes unusually long – there is a risk of erectile dysfunction;
• If erection lasts more than 1 hour, seek immediate medical attention;
• Use caution if patient has had convulsions;
• Use caution if patient has bipolar disorder;
• Do not use if allergic to trazodone [1].

Special groups of patients

◊ Patients with diseased kidneys

Special dose selection is not required [1].

◊ Patients with diseased liver

With caution [1].

◊ Heart patients

• May cause arrhythmia.
• Monitor patient closely.
• Not recommended after a heart attack.

◊ Elderly patients

Elderly patients are more likely to experience side effects.

◊ Children and teenagers

• The patient’s condition should be checked regularly and personally, especially during the first weeks of treatment.
• Inform adults of the risks.
• Start with low doses.
• Boys are at higher risk of priapism than adult men

◊ Pregnant

• Not recommended for pregnant women, especially during the first trimester
• All risks should be weighed and compared
• Bleeding can be expected at delivery

◊ Breastfeeding

• The drug passes into breast milk.
• If the infant shows signs of irritation or sedation, stop feeding or taking sertraline
• However, postpartum treatment may be necessary and the risks should be weighed.

Interaction with other substances

• Tramadol increases the risk of seizures when taken with antidepressants
• Do not use with MAO inhibitors. After the end of taking MAO inhibitors, 14 days should pass. Start treatment with MAO inhibitors 7 days after the end of taking vortioxetine.
• Trazodone may reduce the effect of antihypertensive drugs [1].

Tests during treatment

Not required.

Side effects and other risks

◊ Mechanism of side effects

• Sedation likely due to antihistamine properties 903 51
• Most side effects occur immediately after starting treatment and go away with time.

◊ Side effects

• Nausea, vomiting, constipation, dry mouth
• Sedation, fatigue, headache
• Reduced pressure
• Dangerous side effects : rarely priapism, rarely convulsions, rarely mania, rarely suicidal ideation
• Weight gain : rare
• Sedation : often
• Sexual dysfunction: no

◊ Dealing with side effects

1. Wait
2. If severe sedation, take at night
3. Change drug [1]

◊ Long term use

Safe

◊ Habituation 9 0316

No.