Yes, Overdosing on trazodone is possible. Taking more of Trazodone than prescribed or recommended can lead to an overdose, which can have serious and potentially life-threatening consequences.
Can Trazodone kill you? Yes, if one takes too much Trazodone, either by mistake or on purpose, it can lead to death. There is no specific amount of Trazodone that one needs to take to overdose, and no set amount for what would be considered a lethal dose of Trazodone, as this depends on individual factors. Factors include the dosage a person was prescribed, how their body reacts to the drug, and their overall health. Mayo Clinic explains that for adults, the average dosage begins at 150mg per day, given in divided doses. Individual doses may be increased over time depending on need, but the dose usually does not exceed 400 mg per day.
What is Trazodone?
Trazodone is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs known as atypical antidepressants. It works by increasing levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter in the brain associated with mood regulation. It is not a first-line treatment for depression, but is sometimes used when other antidepressants are not well-tolerated or have not been effective. In addition to its antidepressant properties, Trazodone has anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) effects, making it useful in the treatment of anxiety disorders. It also has sedative effects that are particularly useful in managing insomnia.
Trazodone Overdose Symptoms
Trazodone overdose symptoms may include:
- Extreme drowsiness or sedation: Trazodone has a sedative effect, and in an overdose, this effect can be intensified, leading to extreme drowsiness and difficulty staying awake. This can progress to a loss of consciousness or even a coma.
- Nausea and vomiting: Overdosing on Trazodone can irritate the stomach lining, leading to nausea and vomiting. This can also contribute to dehydration, which is a concern in overdose situations.
- Blurred vision: Trazodone can affect the muscles that control the eye, leading to blurred vision. In an overdose, this effect may be more pronounced.
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat: Trazodone can have cardiovascular effects, and in an overdose, it can lead to rapid or irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias). This is a serious condition that can be life-threatening.
- Low blood pressure: Trazodone can cause orthostatic hypotension, meaning it can lead to a sudden drop in blood pressure when a person stands up, causing dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting. In an overdose, this effect can be more severe, leading to dangerously low blood pressure.
- Confusion and Cognitive Impairment: Overdose may result in confusion, impaired concentration, and cognitive dysfunction.
- Seizures: Trazodone lowers the seizure threshold, meaning it may increase the likelihood of seizures. In an overdose, the risk of seizures is significantly heightened.
- Difficulty breathing: Trazodone can depress the respiratory system, and in an overdose, this can lead to difficulty breathing. In severe cases, respiratory failure can occur. If breathing has been depressed for a long period before treatment, brain injury may occur.
It's essential to call 911 and seek immediate medical attention if an overdose is suspected, as prompt medical intervention is crucial in cases of overdose.
Treatment For Trazodone Overdose:
In the case of a Trazodone overdose, the first port of call would be for the individual to seek emergency medical attention immediately. In some cases, healthcare professionals may perform gastric lavage (stomach pumping) to remove any remaining Trazodone from the stomach. Activated charcoal may also be administered to help absorb the medication and prevent further absorption into the bloodstream, and intravenous fluids may be given to maintain hydration and support overall physiological functioning.
Following this emergency stabilization, treatment often involves providing supportive care, monitoring vital signs, and addressing specific symptoms, such as administering medications to control seizures or managing low blood pressure.
Trazodone Addiction Treatment Options
Trazodone is generally not considered to be addictive, but it can lead to physical dependence, primarily when used for an extended period or used improperly. If someone is struggling with Trazodone dependence or has overdosed, appropriate medical intervention is crucial.
For someone experiencing Trazodone addiction, the first step to recovery would be to work with a healthcare professional who can gradually taper the individual off of Trazodone to manage withdrawal symptoms. This involves the regular monitoring of symptoms and vital signs during the tapering process. Therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), in either an inpatient or outpatient setting, may be beneficial to address underlying psychological factors contributing to substance use. If the individual has co-occurring mental health disorders, appropriate treatment for those conditions may be incorporated into the overall treatment plan.
Conclusion:
Both Trazodone addiction and overdose require professional medical attention. If you or someone you know is struggling with Trazodone use, take the first step on your journey to recovery and contact Avenues Recovery, where we can talk you through the various recovery options available to you. Our professional and dedicated staff are waiting to help you change your life around. We have helped thousands of people reach sobriety, and we can help you too. Our staff are experts in the field of addiction, and create personalized treatment plans to give you the best chance at recovery. You don’t have to suffer alone any longer. Reach out to us today, to take your first step towards a happier, healthier and addiction-free future.