Trazodone users often turn to alcohol to increase the sedative and calming effects of Trazodone, not realizing how lethal the combination is. Since Trazodone and alcohol are both central nervous system depressants, their effects are synergistic and can lead to severe sedative symptoms and damage. Both drugs work together to create a joint effect that is much more powerful than the effects of either substance alone.
What is Trazodone?
Trazodone, also known as Desyrel, Oleptro, Deprax, Trialodine or Desyrel Dividose, is a commonly prescribed antidepressant in the treatment of major depressive disorder. Trazodone is also used off-label to treat conditions such as: Schizophrenia, bulimia, fibromyalgia, chronic pain, dementia, benzodiazepine and/or alcohol dependence, and more commonly, for insomnia and anxiety that are associated with depression.
Trazodone is a drug that belongs to a class of drugs called serotonin receptor antagonists and reuptake inhibitors (SARIs). These drugs increase the amount of active serotonin in the central nervous system. Since serotonin is a neurotransmitter that creates feelings of happiness and satisfaction, symptoms of depression and anxiety are relieved as a result of taking the drug.
Can You Take Trazodone with Alcohol?
It can be tempting to drink alcohol while on Trazodone, as the Trazodone-alcohol combination can cause extremely calming effects, which is a great help for those suffering from anxiety and depression. However, this is certainly not recommended as the repercussions are not worth the few minutes of pleasure. The following are additive effects one will suffer from when combining Trazodone with alcohol:
- Sedation
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Impaired judgment/thinking
- Dramatic mood swings
- Fainting
- Increased depression or anxiety
- Suicidal thoughts
- Worsened insomnia
Note that although alcohol and Trazodone are both taken to treat depression and anxiety, ironically, when taken together the combination can cause adverse reactions, mood swings, and increased depression and anxiety. Moreover, Trazodone interactions with alcohol prevent Trazodone from doing its job and worsen the symptoms it’s supposed to treat. For example, if one takes Trazodone to ease insomnia, drinking alcohol while on the drug will exacerbate will only increase wakefulness and anxiety.
Can You Overdose on Trazodone with Alcohol?
When Trazodone interacts with alcohol, the risk for overdose of both are increased. This is because the sedative effects of Trazodone are similar to those of alcohol overdose. This can make it difficult to know if too much alcohol was consumed, ultimately leading to unintentional alcohol intoxication. This severe overdose can be life-threatening.
Other dangerous outcomes of mixing Trazodone and alcohol include:
- Polysubstance abuse
- Damage to the brain, heart and other organs
- Coma or even death
Can you Drink on Trazodone?
A commonly asked question is ‘How long after taking Trazodone can I drink alcohol?’. There is no specific answer, as it very much depends on the individual. Age, weight and health all play a role in determining how long it takes for the body to rid itself of substances, so the length of time one should wait varies. The body metabolizes alcohol at a rate of one drink per hour, and Trazodone has a half-life of 10-12 hours, so ideally one should avoid alcohol entirely while taking Trazodone.
Is Trazodone and Alcohol Death Possible?
Due to the dangerous side effects that occur as a result of mixing the two substances, coma and even death are a possible consequence. There isn’t enough research to show overdose and addiction rates of mixing Trazodone and alcohol, and studies of past deaths that occurred as a result of combining the two are very few. Despite this, when taking Trazodone, one should be well aware of the risks.
Conclusion
If you suspect that you or someone you know has difficulties controlling alcohol intake, or are struggling with Trazodone abuse, know that help is within your reach. Avenues Recovery will support and guide you every step of the way to recovery. Our expert staff will help you release yourself from the tight grip of drug abuse and live a life where you, not your addiction, is in control. Our highly experienced and empathetic addiction counselors are here to help you find the best approach to enrich your life and reach sobriety. We use evidence-based therapies and personalized treatment plans to give you the best chance at recovery. We have helped thousands of people reach sobriety, and we can help you too! Contact us today to take your first step towards a brighter, happier and addiction-free future.