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.
Drug Detoxification
If you or someone you know is struggling with drug or Trazodone addiction, detox may be necessary. Detox is the first step in treatment and can be done on an inpatient or outpatient basis. During detox, the individual will be closely monitored as they withdraw from the addictive substance. Medications may be used to help manage withdrawal symptoms.
After detox, the individual will typically enter into a treatment program that can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months. 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.
Inpatient Treatment Program
Inpatient treatment is often considered the gold standard of care for people struggling with addiction. In an inpatient setting, the individual will live at the treatment facility and receive around-the-clock care. This can be beneficial as it allows the person to focus solely on their recovery without having to worry about work, family, or other responsibilities.
Outpatient Treatment Program
Outpatient treatment is another option for people struggling with addiction. In outpatient treatment, the individual will typically meet with a therapist or counselor on a weekly basis.
They may also attend group meetings and participate in other activities related to their recovery. Outpatient treatment can be helpful for people who are not able to commit to an inpatient program or who need more flexibility in their treatment.
12-step Programs (AA, NA, etc.)
Twelve-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) can be helpful for people struggling with addiction. These programs provide support and guidance from others who are in recovery. They can be a great resource for accountability and motivation.
Therapy for Substance Use Disorders
Therapy can be an important part of treatment for addiction. It can help people identify the underlying causes of their addiction and develop healthy coping mechanisms. Therapy can be done in individual, group, or family settings.
11% of U.S. adults with mental illness had no insurance coverage in 2020.11.3% of U.S. adults with serious mental illness had no insurance coverage in 2020.21% of U.S. adults experienced mental illness in 2020 (52.9 million people). This represents 1 in 5 adults.
There are many different types of therapy that can be helpful for people struggling with addiction. Some common types of therapy include cognitive behavioral therapy, Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy that can be helpful for people struggling with addiction.
CBT can help people identify the underlying causes of their addiction and develop healthy coping mechanisms. CBT can be done in individual, group, or family settings. Other types of therapy that can be helpful for people struggling with addiction include:
- Dialectical behavior therapy
- Exposure therapy
- Family therapy
How Westwind Recovery® Can Guide You
Addiction rehab can help you get your life back on track by providing you with the tools and resources you need to recover from addiction. Our team can provide you with medical care, mental health support, and substance abuse counseling. Addiction rehab can also help you to build a support system of family and friends who can help you through your recovery.
Westwind Recovery® can help you to overcome your addiction by providing you with the tools and resources you need to recover. Westwind Recovery® can provide you with medical care, mental health support, and substance abuse counseling. WestWind Recovery can also help you to build a support system of family and friends who can help you through your recovery.
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, please reach out to us. We can help.
Dr. Deena is the Chief Clinical Officer of Westwind Recovery®, an award-winning outpatient treatment center in Los Angeles where she oversees the clinical and administrative program and treatment methods. Dr. Deena is a doctor of psychology and licensed clinical social worker since 1993. LCSW #20628. Originally from the East Coast, Dr. Deena has worked running treatment centers, worked as a therapist in psychiatric hospitals as well as school settings and currently has a thriving private practice in the LA area. Dr. Deena has appeared regularly on the Dr. Phil Show as an expert since 2003. She has also been featured on many other TV shows, podcasts and has contributed to written publications as well as podcasts.
