Trazodone is an antidepressant medication, approved to treat major depressive disorder and is often used off-label to treat other mental and physical health conditions such as sleep disorders. Taking more trazodone than prescribed can cause an overdose, which may have severe effects such as severely slowed breathing or extreme changes in heart rate and blood pressure, especially if ingested alongside other medications or substances.
In the event of a trazodone overdose, or an emergency such as seizures, unresponsiveness, or breathing difficulties, call 911 or a medical professional for immediate care.
- A trazodone overdose can cause symptoms such as vomiting, changes in heart rate, trouble breathing, and priapism.
- Various substances interact with trazodone, increasing the risk of adverse effects, including other antidepressants, sedatives, and alcohol.
- Following a trazodone overdose, treatment might include physical health monitoring, inpatient mental health care, and psychotherapy.
Can you overdose on trazodone?
Taking more Trazodone than prescribed, particularly if above the recommended daily maximum of 400 mg, can increase the risk of overdose. Trazodone is an antidepressant classed as a serotonin agonist and reuptake inhibitor (SARI). It is approved to treat major depressive disorder and is also commonly prescribed off-label to treat other conditions. [1][2]
Trazodone overdose can result in adverse effects, which can range from mild to severe. Symptoms of a trazodone overdose can include changes in breathing and heart rate, drowsiness, vomiting, and shaking. [3]
Serotonin syndrome
Trazodone overdose is more likely when it is combined with other substances or medications. Combining trazodone with other medications that affect serotonin, such as other antidepressants, can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition. Symptoms of serotonin syndrome include: [2]
- Fever
- Shaking
- Seizures
- Hallucinations
- Changes in mood and behavior
- Severe change in heart rate and blood pressure
- Vomiting
Can you die from trazodone overdose?
Fatal trazodone overdoses are rare and may be associated with underlying physical health issues that increase risks. Reports of fatalities from trazodone overdose have mostly involved the ingestion of additional substances, particularly alcohol, sedatives, or other antidepressant medications. [4][5]
Studies show that insomnia is a risk factor for suicide attempts. Trazodone is often prescribed to treat insomnia and may be linked to increased risks of attempted suicide by overdose. However, very few trazodone overdose cases have resulted in death. [6]
Very few people who have overdosed on trazodone have died, although there are some cases of this. [7][8]
Maximum recommended dose of trazodone
Trazodone is typically prescribed at a dose of 50-400 mg per day. Often, trazodone is commenced on a low dose and can be gradually increased.
Safe and appropriate dosing will depend on the individual’s age, weight, condition, and physical and mental health history. It may be possible for someone to overdose on trazodone with a low dose, particularly if they have not taken the medication before or have underlying health issues. [2]
Trazodone overdose symptoms
Common trazodone overdose symptoms include: [2][3]
- Changes in breathing rate
- Changes in heart rate and blood pressure
- Drowsiness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dizziness
- Shaking
- Priapism, meaning a persistent and sometimes painful erection lasting more than four hours
Serious trazodone overdose symptoms can include: [2][3]
- Loss of consciousness
- Seizure
- Severely slowed or stopped breathing
- Extreme change in heart rate and blood pressure
- Chest pain
- Hallucinations
- Delirium
- Fainting
- Serotonin syndrome
What to do in case of trazodone overdose
If someone has overdosed on trazodone, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222, or contact a medical professional. In case of an emergency, such as loss of consciousness or slowed or stopped breathing, call 911 immediately.
If possible, gather information about the individual, what they have consumed, how much, and when, as this can help inform treatment.
Trazodone overdose treatment
If treatment is administered soon after ingestion, the stomach can be pumped to remove the remaining substance, or activated charcoal can be administered to neutralize the medication. [2]
There is no antidote for trazodone overdose. The individual will be monitored closely, with professionals checking vital signs and ensuring adequate hydration and breathing. [2]
If an attempted suicide is suspected, medical professionals may refer to mental health services to assess the individual’s mental state and commence appropriate treatment. [9]
Trazodone interactions
Various substances and medications can interact with trazodone, causing an increased risk of adverse effects, overdose, or reduced therapeutic effects. In particular, certain substances can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome, including serotonergic antidepressants such as: [2][3]
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
- Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
Central nervous system (CNS) depressants can increase the sedating effects of trazodone and may increase the risk of overdose. This includes:
- Opioids
- Alcohol
- Sedatives
- Sleeping pills
- Benzodiazepines
- Anxiolytics
- Mood stabilizers
Treatment following trazodone overdose
Trazodone is sometimes misused for its sedating effects as a recreational substance or with suicidal intent. If someone has intentionally ingested an overdose of trazodone, they may require mental health interventions, such as: [9]
- Short-term inpatient treatment to reduce and monitor suicide risk
- Change of medication
- Psychotherapy
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