When taking trazodone, it is recommended to avoid or limit alcohol, as this combination can result in adverse effects. This includes extreme drowsiness and dizziness, which can increase the risk of accidents and harm, and increased risks of health issues.
If you have taken trazodone and consumed alcohol you should avoid driving, using heavy machinery, or activities that require mental alertness.
- People taking trazodone should be aware that it can interact with alcohol to cause adverse effects such as increased sedation and drowsiness.
- It is recommended to wait three days after taking trazodone before drinking alcohol.
- People who want to drink alcohol while taking trazodone should consult with their healthcare provider for advice.
Trazodone and alcohol interactions
Trazodone is an antidepressant medication classed as a serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor (SARI). It is often used to treat conditions such as depression, insomnia, and anxiety. Trazodone can have sedating effects which cause drowsiness, unsteadiness, and dizziness. [1]
Alcohol is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant that impacts various neurotransmitters and bodily functions. Alcohol intoxication can lead to sedating effects, which impact coordination, cognition, vision, and alertness. [2]
When trazodone is combined with alcohol, their effects can increase, causing severe sedation and impaired functioning. This can lead to increased risks of harm from accidental injury, overdose, or mood changes. As such, it is advised not to consume alcohol while prescribed trazodone, to prevent or reduce these risks. [3]
Increased risk of injuries
The sedating effects of trazodone and alcohol combined can cause an increased risk of accidental harm. Alcohol has a depressant effect on the CNS, which is increased by concurrent trazodone use. This causes the individual to have less control over their coordination and psychomotor skills, which can lead to trips or falls. [2][3]
Additionally, this combination of substances can impair vision and cause dizziness and drowsiness, further impairing coordination and increasing the risk of injury.
Decision-making and judgment can also be severely impaired by intoxication from alcohol and trazodone, which may lead to risky decisions and actions that increase the risk of harm. [2]
Worsening depression and heightened suicidal thoughts
People taking trazodone should not drink alcohol as it can prevent or reduce the effects of the medication. Alcohol can cause or worsen depression and anxiety symptoms due to its effects on neurotransmitters and brain function. This can mean that the therapeutic effects of trazodone are ineffective. [4]
Trazodone can contribute to an increased risk of suicidal ideation, particularly at the start of treatment and in people under the age of 24. Alcohol can worsen this effect, increasing the risk of attempted self-harming behaviors, while impairing judgment and decision-making. [5]
Increased risk for cardiovascular diseases
Trazodone can cause side effects on the heart, including hypotension, arrhythmias, and QT prolongation, which can lead to severe issues. Alcohol also impacts the heart and can increase the risk of high blood pressure, stroke, and heart failure. Dehydration also increases the risk of heart issues, which can occur with long-term alcohol use. [5][6]
Combining trazodone and alcohol can, therefore, significantly increase the risk of cardiovascular issues, which, in some cases, could be fatal.
Risk for renal or liver diseases
Because of the way medications are metabolized, people with kidney or liver conditions are advised to use trazodone with caution. Long-term and excessive alcohol use significantly impacts liver and kidney health and can cause damage and disease. Combining trazodone and alcohol long-term can increase these risks. [2][5]
Risk of overdose and death
Combining alcohol and trazodone can worsen the side effects of trazodone and cause severe CNS depressant effects, which can lead to an increased risk of overdose. This can cause symptoms such as: [1][5]
- Trouble breathing
- Extreme tiredness and fatigue
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Loss of consciousness
- Respiratory depression
- Coma
- Death
If these symptoms occur or an overdose is suspected, contact a medical professional immediately or call 911 in case of an emergency.
How long after taking trazodone can you drink alcohol?
It is recommended not to drink alcohol until trazodone has fully left the body. Trazodone can stay in your system for up to three days, meaning that an alcohol interaction can occur during this time. [7]
When stopping trazodone, it is advised to gradually reduce the dosage rather than abruptly stopping, as withdrawal symptoms can occur. Never stop taking trazodone without consulting with the prescribing doctor first. [5]
Alcohol and trazodone interactions with other substances
Trazodone can interact with alcohol to create dangerous effects and may also interact with other substances, leading to increased risks of health issues, overdose, and impaired functioning. Substances and medications that can interact with trazodone include: [3][5]
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), a type of antidepressant medication that is rarely used today, should not be used within 14 days of trazodone.
- Other antidepressants, particularly those that impact serotonin levels such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), as this can lead to an increased risk of serotonin syndrome.
- CNS depressants, such as barbiturates, opioids, and benzodiazepines, can increase the risk of overdose and extreme sedation.
- NSAIDs and blood-thinning medications can increase the risk of bleeding
- Epilepsy and mood stabilizer medications can increase CNS depressant effects
Many other substances can interact with trazodone. Always discuss medications, prescribed or over-the-counter, with your prescribing doctor before starting trazodone treatment.
Alcohol can interact with many substances to create dangerous effects, most of which involve increasing CNS depressant effects such as sedation and decreased motor control. Substances that interact with alcohol include: [8]
- Opioids
- Antihistamines and allergy medications
- Epilepsy and seizure medications
- Benzodiazepines and other sedatives
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medications
- Antidepressants
- Heart medications
FAQs
What happens if you drink alcohol while taking trazodone?
If you drink alcohol while taking trazodone, you are likely to experience an increase in sedating effects, which can increase the risk of accidental harm, overdose, and health complications.
Can you still drink moderately after taking trazodone?
It is advised not to drink at all while taking trazodone. Mild to moderate consumption may be less likely than heavy consumption to cause harm but is not recommended.
How long after taking trazodone can you drink alcohol?
After taking trazodone, it is advised to wait around three days before drinking alcohol.
Can you die from taking trazodone and alcohol together?
In some cases, combining trazodone and alcohol can be fatal, as this can cause severe depressant effects on the central nervous system.
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