Dangers of Mixing Trazodone and Alcohol, Side Effects, Interactions, Detox

Trazodone Uses

This medication is prescribed for the management of depression. It has the potential to enhance your mood, increase appetite, boost energy levels, and alleviate anxiety and insomnia associated with depression. Trazodone operates by restoring a specific naturally occurring neurotransmitter (serotonin) balance in the brain.

How To Use Trazodone

Administer this medication orally, following a meal or snack, by your doctor’s instructions, typically once or twice daily. Consider taking it at bedtime if you experience drowsiness and are on a single daily dose. Taking one at bedtime may be beneficial for those taking two daily doses. Adhere closely to your doctor’s guidance.

Your medical condition and your response to the treatment determine the dosage. To minimize the likelihood of side effects, your doctor might initiate treatment with a low dose and gradually raise it.

Comply with the prescribed regimen precisely. Do not augment your dose or consume this medication more frequently than prescribed. Increasing the dosage will not expedite your recovery and may heighten the risk of severe side effects.

Continue adhering to your prescribed medication regimen, even if you feel better. To assist with consistency, take it at consistent times every day. Refrain from discontinuing the medication without consulting your physician, as sudden cessation may lead to anxiety, agitation, and sleep disturbances.

Please be aware that it may take 2 to 4 weeks to observe this medication’s complete benefits. Should your condition persist or deteriorate, inform your doctor.

Trazodone Side Effects

You may experience side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, drowsiness, dizziness, fatigue, blurred vision, weight changes, headaches, muscle aches, dry mouth, an unpleasant taste, nasal congestion, constipation, or alterations in sexual interest or performance. Should any of these symptoms persist or worsen, promptly inform your doctor or pharmacist.

For relief from dry mouth, consider sucking on sugarless hard candy or ice chips, chewing sugarless gum, drinking water, or using a saliva substitute.

Make gradual movements when transitioning from a seated or lying position to minimize the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness.

Remember that your doctor prescribed this medication because they have determined its benefits outweigh its potential side effects. Many individuals taking this medication do not experience severe side effects.

Immediately inform your doctor if you experience any severe side effects, including tremors, nightmares, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), urinary difficulties, hematuria (blood in the urine), signs of infection like a persistent sore throat or fever, shortness of breath, or abdominal pain.

Seek immediate medical attention if you encounter severe side effects, such as chest, jaw, or left arm pain, fainting, rapid or irregular heartbeat, seizures, eye pain, swelling, redness, dilated pupils, or alterations in vision, such as perceiving halos around lights in the dark.

It’s worth noting that this medication can elevate serotonin levels and, in rare instances, lead to a severe condition called serotonin syndrome or toxicity. The risk increases when the medication is taken with other drugs that raise serotonin levels. So, ensure you inform your doctor or pharmacist about all the medications you are taking (refer to the Drug Interactions section). Seek immediate medical assistance if you exhibit any symptoms: rapid heartbeat, hallucinations, loss of coordination, severe dizziness, intense nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, muscle twitching, unexplained fever, or unusual restlessness.

In rare instances, males may experience a painful or prolonged erection lasting four hours or more. If this happens, discontinue this medication immediately and seek urgent medical assistance, as permanent issues could arise.

Although highly uncommon, a severe allergic reaction to this medication may occur. If you observe any signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as a rash, itching, swelling (particularly of the face, tongue, or throat), severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing, seek immediate medical attention.

Trazodone Risks

Antidepressant medications address various conditions, encompassing depression and various mental and mood disorders. These medications can be instrumental in averting suicidal thoughts or attempts and offer other valuable advantages. Nevertheless, research indicates that a small subset of individuals, particularly those under 25 years of age, may, in some instances, encounter a deterioration in depression, the emergence of other mental or mood symptoms, or even experience thoughts or attempts at self-harm when taking antidepressants for any medical condition. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to discuss with your physician the potential risks and benefits of antidepressant medication, especially if the treatment is not primarily for a mental or mood-related issue.

Promptly inform your doctor if you discern any exacerbation of depressive symptoms or other psychiatric conditions, any unusual alterations in behavior (including thoughts or attempts at self-harm), or any shifts in mental or mood patterns (such as the onset or exacerbation of anxiety, panic attacks, sleep disturbances, irritability, hostile or angry emotions, impulsive actions, severe restlessness, or rapid speech). Exercise heightened vigilance for these symptoms, particularly when initiating a new antidepressant or adjusting the dosage.

Before initiating trazodone, inform your doctor or pharmacist about any known allergies you may have, specifically allergies to trazodone or nefazodone or any other allergies you are aware of. This product could contain inactive ingredients capable of triggering allergic reactions or other complications. Consult your pharmacist for more comprehensive information.

Before commencing this medication, provide your doctor or pharmacist with a detailed medical history, particularly if you have a personal or family history of bipolar disorder, a personal or family history of suicide attempts, heart conditions such as irregular heartbeat or previous heart attacks, liver or kidney disease, blood pressure issues, or a personal or family history of glaucoma (particularly the angle-closure type).

This medication can induce dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision. The consumption of alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can exacerbate these effects. Refrain from operating vehicles or machinery or engaging in tasks requiring alertness or clear vision until you are confident you can do so safely. It is advisable to limit alcohol intake, and if you are using marijuana (cannabis), consult your doctor.

Trazodone can potentially cause a condition that affects heart rhythm known as QT prolongation. QT prolongation, although rare, can result in serious (though rarely fatal) rapid or irregular heartbeat and other symptoms like severe dizziness or fainting, necessitating immediate medical attention.

The risk of QT prolongation may be elevated in individuals with certain medical conditions or those taking medications known to cause QT prolongation. Before commencing trazodone, notify your doctor or pharmacist of all the medications you are taking and disclose if you have any of the following conditions: specific heart conditions (such as heart failure, slow heartbeat, or QT prolongation on an EKG) or a family history of particular heart conditions (QT prolongation on an EKG or sudden cardiac death).

Inadequate levels of potassium or magnesium in the bloodstream can also heighten the risk of QT prolongation. This risk may be amplified if you use specific medications like diuretics (“water pills”) or experience intense perspiration, diarrhea, or vomiting. Discussing the safe use of trazodone with your doctor in light of these factors is crucial.

Before undergoing any surgical procedure, inform your doctor or dentist about all the products you currently use, including prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and herbal supplements.

It’s worth noting that older adults may exhibit heightened sensitivity to the side effects of this medication, particularly drowsiness, dizziness, and the potential for QT prolongation (as mentioned above).

Throughout pregnancy, this medication should only be used when deemed necessary after thoroughly discussing the potential risks and advantages with your doctor.

As untreated mental or mood disorders, such as depression, can pose significant health concerns, refrain from discontinuing this medication without your doctor’s guidance. If you are contemplating pregnancy, become pregnant, or suspect that you might be pregnant, promptly consult your doctor to evaluate the benefits and risks of using this medication during pregnancy.

It’s important to note that this medication can pass into breast milk. Before breastfeeding, seek guidance from your doctor.

Trazodone Interactions

Drug interactions can alter your medication function and heighten the risk of severe side effects. This document does not encompass all conceivable drug interactions. Maintain a comprehensive list of all products you are using, including prescription and over-the-counter medications and herbal supplements, and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not initiate, discontinue, or modify the dosage of any medicines without obtaining your doctor’s consent.

One product that may interact with this medication is digoxin.

Simultaneously using MAO inhibitors with this medication may result in a severe, potentially life-threatening drug interaction. It is crucial to avoid the intake of MAO inhibitors (such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, metaxalone, methylene blue, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, safinamide, selegiline, tranylcypromine) while undergoing treatment with this medication. In most cases, MAO inhibitors should also be refrained from for two weeks before and following the course of treatment with this medication. Consult your doctor for guidance on when to initiate or cease taking this medication.

Several other medications can influence the elimination of trazodone from your body, potentially impacting its effectiveness. These include azole antifungals (like itraconazole and ketoconazole), HIV protease inhibitors (such as indinavir), macrolide antibiotics (like erythromycin), ritonavir, and drugs used to manage seizures (such as phenytoin), among others.

The risk of serotonin syndrome/toxicity heightens if you use other medications that elevate serotonin levels. Examples encompass recreational drugs like MDMA (“ecstasy”), St. John’s wort, and specific antidepressants (including SSRIs like fluoxetine and paroxetine, SNRIs like duloxetine and venlafaxine), among others. The likelihood of serotonin syndrome/toxicity may be more significant when initiating or escalating the dose of these medications.

Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are currently using other substances or medications known to induce drowsiness, including alcohol, marijuana (cannabis), antihistamines (like cetirizine and diphenhydramine), sleep aids or anxiety medications (such as alprazolam diazepam, and zolpidem), muscle relaxants, and opioid pain relievers (like codeine).

Be sure to scrutinize the labels of all your medications, including those designed for allergies or cough-and-cold relief, as they may contain ingredients with sedative effects. Consult your pharmacist for guidance on the safe use of such products.

Trazodone Overdose

If an overdose is suspected, and the individual exhibits severe symptoms such as loss of consciousness or difficulty breathing, dial 911 immediately. If the symptoms are less severe, contact a poison control center immediately.

Trazodone Imprints

Below is a dosage chart providing information about Trazodone dosage ranges, imprints, color, shape, and tablet versus capsule classification.