Can You Overdose On Trazodone? Learn More About Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment

Trazodone, a widely prescribed antidepressant medication belonging to the class of drugs called serotonin antagonists and reuptake inhibitors (SARIs), helps to regulate mood and sleep patterns. Trazodone overdose occurs when someone takes more than the prescribed amount of this medication, which can lead to dangerous and potentially life-threatening complications. Healthcare providers commonly prescribe Trazodone to treat depression, anxiety, and insomnia – but exceeding the recommended dosage can quickly overwhelm the body’s systems.

What is Trazodone?

Trazodone is an antidepressant medication that belongs to the serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor class of drugs.[1] It works by helping to restore the balance of serotonin, a natural chemical in the brain that regulates mood, sleep, and other important functions. While doctors primarily prescribe trazodone to treat major depressive disorder, they also frequently use it off-label to manage conditions like anxiety, insomnia, and certain types of chronic pain.

The medication comes in tablet form and is available in various strengths, typically ranging from 50 to 300 milligrams.[2] Unlike many newer antidepressants, trazodone often causes sedation as a side effect, which has made it a popular choice for treating patients who experience both depression and sleep difficulties. This sedating property leads many healthcare providers to prescribe it specifically for insomnia, even in patients without depression, though this remains an off-label use.

The drug’s relatively low cost and well-established safety profile have contributed to its continued widespread use despite the introduction of newer antidepressant medications.

What Are Some Common Conditions Treated With Trazodone?

Providers prescribe trazodone primarily as an antidepressant, though it treats several other mental health and sleep-related conditions. The medication can help to regulate mood, sleep patterns, and other important functions:[3]

• Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is often treated with trazodone, with doctors prescribing it to help patients manage persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in daily activities. The medication typically takes several weeks to reach its full antidepressant effect.
• Insomnia frequently responds well to trazodone treatment, as the medication’s sedating properties help patients fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night. Many doctors prefer trazodone over traditional sleep medications because it carries a lower risk of dependency.
• Anxiety disorders can also improve with trazodone treatment, particularly when anxiety co-occurs with depression. The medication helps reduce excessive worry, restlessness, and associated physical symptoms like muscle tension.
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) patients sometimes benefit from trazodone, especially when they experience sleep disturbances or nightmares as part of their condition. The medication can help regulate sleep patterns and reduce anxiety symptoms.
• Chronic pain conditions occasionally respond to trazodone as an off-label treatment, particularly when pain interferes with sleep or occurs alongside depression. The medication’s effects on serotonin can help modulate pain perception and improve sleep quality.

What Are the Potential Side Effects of Trazodone Use?

While not everyone experiences side effects from taking Trazodone, patients should nevertheless monitor their reactions and report concerning symptoms to their healthcare provider. The medication can cause various side effects, ranging from mild to severe:[4]

• Drowsiness and fatigue often occur during trazodone use, especially during the first few weeks of treatment. Many patients experience significant daytime sleepiness that can affect their ability to drive or operate machinery safely. This side effect sometimes improves as the body adjusts to the medication.
• Dizziness and lightheadedness frequently affect patients taking trazodone, particularly when standing up quickly from a lying or sitting position. This orthostatic hypotension can increase the risk of falls, especially in older adults or those taking other medications that affect blood pressure.
• Dry mouth, headache, and blurred vision commonly develop during trazodone treatment. These side effects typically remain mild but can persist throughout treatment. Staying well-hydrated and practicing good oral hygiene can help manage dry mouth symptoms.
• Sexual side effects may include priapism (prolonged, painful erections), decreased libido, and difficulty achieving orgasm. Priapism requires immediate medical attention as it can cause permanent damage if left untreated.
• Gastrointestinal issues like nausea, vomiting, and constipation affect some patients. Taking trazodone with food can help reduce stomach-related side effects, though patients should consult their healthcare provider about the best timing for their doses.
• Serious but rare side effects include serotonin syndrome, irregular heartbeat, and suicidal thoughts, particularly in young adults and adolescents. These conditions require immediate medical attention and should prompt patients to contact their healthcare provider immediately.

Can You Overdose on Trazodone?

A trazodone overdose occurs when someone takes more than their prescribed dose or more than the body can safely process. While trazodone generally maintains a better safety profile than many other antidepressants, taking too much can lead to dangerous and potentially life-threatening complications.[5] The severity of an overdose depends on several factors, including the amount ingested and the person’s overall health status.

What Are the Signs of a Trazodone Overdose?

A trazodone overdose can be life-threatening. Anyone experiencing these symptoms after taking trazodone should seek emergency care right away, as early intervention can reduce the potential consequences of trazodone overdose:[6]

• Central nervous system effects: Extreme drowsiness, confusion, difficulty staying awake, slurred speech, and, in severe cases, seizures or coma can develop as trazodone overwhelms the brain’s normal functioning.
• Cardiovascular symptoms: Irregular heartbeat, rapid heart rate, dangerously low blood pressure, and chest pain may occur as the medication impacts the heart’s electrical system and blood vessel function.
• Respiratory problems: Shallow breathing, difficulty breathing, or respiratory depression can emerge, particularly when trazodone combines with other central nervous system depressants.
• Gastrointestinal distress: Severe nausea, persistent vomiting, and abdominal pain commonly occur during overdose situations as the body attempts to eliminate excess medication.
• Physical coordination issues: Severe dizziness, loss of muscle coordination, weakness, and difficulty walking often develop as the medication affects multiple body systems.
• Serotonin syndrome signs: Agitation, fever, sweating, tremors, and muscle rigidity might appear, especially if the person takes other medications that increase serotonin levels.

How Can Individuals Recognize and Respond To Signs Of Trazodone Toxicity?

Trazodone toxicity presents unique challenges for healthcare providers and patients alike because this SARI-based medication affects multiple body systems simultaneously. While trazodone maintains FDA approval for treating major depressive disorder and anxiety disorders, its sedative effects make it popular for off-label uses like insomnia treatment. Patients taking higher doses or combining trazodone with other central nervous system depressants, such as benzodiazepines or opioids, face an increased risk of overdose and potentially life-threatening complications.[7]

Early recognition of trazodone toxicity often involves monitoring vital signs and watching for symptoms like irregular heartbeat, severe drowsiness, and dangerous drops in blood pressure (hypotension). More severe cases may progress to serotonin syndrome, characterized by agitation, elevated heart rate, and muscle rigidity. Medical professionals emphasize that certain combinations of prescription medications, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and trazodone, can significantly increase these risks.[8]

Anyone experiencing signs of trazodone overdose should seek immediate medical attention or contact poison control, as prompt intervention improves outcomes and helps prevent fatal overdose situations.