Published on 22 November 2021

Can You Overdose On Trazodone?

Trazodone (Desyrel) DefaultImage
Table of Contents

A survey report says over 15.5 million US people have been consuming antidepressants in the last five years; the rate has increased since 2010. 

Yes, antidepressants drug help treat depression and other anxiety disorders; such people are using them for a higher range. Every drug has its potential, but it is utilized with the correct medication usage.

If you overdose on your drug, what happens? Do you know? It leads to severe life-threatening conditions and negatively impacts your health. Like a drug, Trazodone has some potential to use; continue Reading for more information, 

What Is Trazodone?

Trazodone is an antidepressant that belongs to the antidepressant class, which can be termed a Serotonin inhibitors antagonists and reuptake (SIAR) that primarily treats major depressive disorder that aids mood swings, energy levels, and appetite, reduce anxiousness, or even may help to deal with insomnia. You can get Trazodone online from a certified online pharmacy. It is advised to get recommended by the doctor first.

How Does Trazodone Work?

One of the actions is to regulate the sleep cycle by neurotransmitters, which help communicate between brain cells with each other types; therefore, it indicates a sleep pattern, mood, thoughts, and tiredness.

Trazodone can work at lower dosages, which makes you feel sleepy. It will block the chemicals in the brain, which interact with other serotonin, such as  5-HT2A, alpha1 adrenergic receptors, and H1 histamine receptors.

How To Take Trazodone?

The medication should only be consumed if prescribed by a medical practitioner and according to the specified amount.

The intake of this medication depends upon several factors, such as age, treatment, other medicines, etc. However, in any situation, consult the doctor if facing discomfort. The drug can be taken in the recommended dosage after a meal or snack.

Initially, the medication dosage is comparatively less, subsequently increasing depending on the factors.

Can You Overdose On Trazodone?

If you overdose on Trazodone, It leads to severe life-threatening conditions and negatively impacts your health. Consuming more than the recommended 600mg is termed overdosing medication. 

Trazodone being an antidepressant from the SIAR class that is serotonin-based, can lead to a surplus level of serotonin in the brain that can cause chemical imbalance resulting in ‘serotonin syndrome’ that can cause life-threatening effects. Other than that, there are other effects that one can experience. 

Overdose Side Effects

The side effects that one may experience is namely based on the factors that are

  • Blood Vessels And Heart-Related Issues

A trazodone overdose can lead to severe chest pain and palpitations due to irregular heartbeat. This medication can also lower blood pressure, resulting in unconsciousness.

  • The Chs (Central Nervous System)

This medication directly impacts the CHS by increasing the happy hormone in the brain. However, the excess can lead to fatal effects such as comma, body tremors, epilepsy, chronic headache, etc.

Treatment If Overdosed

If you undergo any of the mentioned symptoms, inform the doctor immediately.
If your close one is suspected of overdosing, call 911 or poison control as fast as possible.
When confronting the medical practitioner about the overdose, mention the amount and other details. Do not panic; Trazodone overdose is manageable.

Frequently asked questions

The effects of the drug include feeling sleepy, tired, and constipation in a few people. It can go on its own; consult the doctor if you wish to visit it.
Starting the drug makes you feel sleepy. It improves your mood and mind and makes you feel better. You will improve the symptoms day by day.
The drug lowers your blood pressure; it can cause a feeling of light headache and dizziness, particularly sitting or lying.

Trazodone Dosage

The medication should only be consumed if prescribed by a medical practitioner and according to the specified amount.

The intake of this medication depends upon several factors, such as age, treatment, other medicines, etc. However, in any situation, consult the doctor if facing discomfort.

The medication can be taken after a meal or snack. In the beginning, the medication dosage is comparatively less; try increasing the dosage for significant depression as follows:

  • Initial Dose: 150mg, Divided per day.
  • Continuation Dose: The dosage is increased by 50mg per week depending upon the intensity of the treatment.
  • Maximum Dose: 400- 600 mg per day (Divided accordingly)

Possible Side Effects Of Trazodone

The side effects may differ from one person to another, which can either be common or adverse. You should inform the doctor if you suffer from severe side effects. Common Side effects can be healed over time.

Common Side Effects

Severe Side Effects

Doubled Vision

Allergies or rashes

Weight changes

Suicidal Thoughts

Diarrhea

Anxiety, Depression

Drowsiness

Increased anger

Inflammation

Vomiting

Swelling

Low blood pressure


Warnings And Precautions

You need to follow the warnings and precautions given by the doctor. This will help you not get affected by the side effects. 

  • Do not use Trazodone if on any other medication, such as sleeping pills, and if so, confront the doctor beforehand.
  • If you are allergic to Trazodone or undergoing treatment with methylene blue.
  • If taken MOA (Monoamine oxidase inhibitors), do not consume this drug within 14 days as it can lead to a dangerous reaction.
  • The medication can also trigger suicidal thoughts in the initial stages of consuming this medication; thus, keep in touch with the therapist or the doctor regarding the updates after using this medication.
  • Do not take this drug if you are under the age of 18 or below. The medication is suitable only for adults or can lead to harmful effects.
  • Contact the doctor if you think the medication is unsuitable, which can be detected by adverse symptoms such as increased anxiety or panic attacks, significant mood swings, hyperactivity, etc

Do Not Take Trazodone If:

  • Suffering from heart diseases
  • Have a history related to suicidal thoughts
  • I have diabetic issues and can increase my sugar dosage
  • Diagnosed with epilepsy
  • If pregnant as it cannot be suitable for the unborn child
  • Any blood-related disorders

These are a few aspects one must remember before taking this tablet. 

Drug Interactions

Trazodone is an interactive medication; thus, mixing other medicines with this drug can be lethal. Do not consult the doctor beforehand if on any other medication for preventive purposes. The typical drug interaction with Trazodone are:

  • Antidepressants such as fluoxetine
  • Sleeping pills or sedatives
  • Medicines for epilepsy, such as phenytoin
  • Medication for treating HIV, such as ritonavir
  • Heart medication such as digoxin
  • These are a few drug cautions.
  • NSAIDs medications

Also, read

Bottom Line From Practical Anxiety Solutions

Anti Depression is a drug used to treat depression and anxiety disorders,   like the drug Trazodone is very effective; over dosage of medicine more than recommended will impact your health. So use the drug with the correct dosage and frequency. 

Before buying the drug, know about the drug warnings and interactions and ask your medical practitioner in detail; it will help you to overcome the side effects.Â