Trazodone And Alcohol, Dangers, Abuse, Effects, Overdose & Other Interactions

Are There Dangers of Mixing Trazodone and Alcohol?

Trazodone (Oleptro, Desyrel) is a tetracyclic antidepressant that is FDA-approved to treat depression. Trazodone is rarely used alone to treat depression due to newer-generation medications entering the market. However, it has several potential therapeutic uses for several conditions commonly seen in association with major depression as well as off-label use for managing insomnia.

Mixing trazodone and alcohol can increase levels of intoxication—resulting in extreme drowsiness and increasing the risk of overdose and death when either is consumed in excessive amounts. Long-term use of both substances can also lead to physical dependence and withdrawal.

Trazodone And Alcohol: Specifics of Trazodone

Trazodone is a serotonin receptor antagonist and reuptake inhibitor (SARI). The drug is believed to increase serotonergic activity in the central nervous system. It does this by inhibiting neuronal reuptake of serotonin and acting as an antagonist on the 5HT_2A subset of serotonin receptors. 

By increasing serotonin activity throughout the brain, certain types of antidepressants are believed to reduce the symptoms of major depressive disorder. However, the theory that low serotonin levels cause depression has been called into question in recent years.

Trazodone is also used off-label to treat a broad range of conditions, such as insomnia, anxiety, Alzheimer’s disease, substance abuse, schizophrenia, bulimia, and fibromyalgia.

Trazodone And Alcohol: Side effects of trazodone

Trazodone And Alcohol: Rare and more serious side effects

Anyone experiencing serious side effects should contact their physician.

Trazodone And Alcohol: Alcohol Specifics

Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant. It acts on a large number of neural targets and several neurotransmitter systems. However, it is thought to primarily achieve its intoxicating effects by decreasing the effect of excitatory neurotransmitters in the brain and increasing the effect of inhibitory neurotransmitters. Excitatory neurotransmitters stimulate or excite the brain, and inhibitory neurotransmitters have a calming or sedative effect.

Trazodone And Alcohol: Effects of alcohol on the brain and body 

Alcohol is one of the most widely abused drugs in the United States. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, an estimated 14.5 million people age 12 and older had an alcohol use disorder, or alcoholism, in 2017.

Trazodone And Alcohol: The Potential for Trazodone Abuse

When taken as prescribed, antidepressant medications like trazodone are not associated with a rewarding, euphoric high like many other prescription drugs of abuse such as prescription opioid drugs, benzodiazepines, or stimulants.

Therefore, for the most part, antidepressant medications like trazodone are not significant drugs of abuse. Clinical studies of trazodone found no evidence of drug-seeking behavior in participants. A 2014 literature review of antidepressant abuse found no published cases to provide evidence of any extensive abuse of trazodone.

That said, one case study in 1994 documented Prozac and trazodone abuse in an individual who consumed Prozac as a “substitute” for “speed” and trazodone for an alcohol-like sedative effect.

But most people who take antidepressants such as trazodone do not abuse them. Trazodone overdoses are not very common, but they can occur. In other documented cases of antidepressant abuse, the person abusing the medication often has a history of substance abuse or mood disorders.

Effects & Overdose Potential of Mixing Trazodone And Alcohol

Drinking alcohol while taking trazodone can be very dangerous.

Trazodone may amplify some of the effects of alcohol, which can lead to dangerous levels of intoxication and even overdose and death. The combination can also cause extreme drowsiness, which can lead to accidents and falls. In addition, alcohol can worsen anxiety and depression. Trazodone may amplify some of the effects of alcohol, which can lead to dangerous levels of intoxication, overdose, and death.

Long-term use of trazodone and alcohol can also result in the development of physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms. Trazadone withdrawal symptoms can include anxiety, agitation, and sleep problems. Instead of quitting cold turkey, people on the medication are advised to be tapered or gradually weaned off under the care of a physician.

Acute alcohol withdrawal syndrome can be quite serious and can include symptoms such as insomnia, anxiety, increased body temperature, sweating, rapid pulse, nausea, and vomiting, as well as more severe complications such as agitation, hallucinations, delirium, and seizures. Left unmanaged, alcohol withdrawal can even be fatal due to the potential for grand mal seizures.

People who have become dependent on alcohol may require supervised withdrawal management and medical detox—either as part of a standalone program or at the start of a rehabilitation program. Medical detox programs are staffed with healthcare professionals who can monitor the individual’s recovery during the withdrawal process and provide therapeutic interventions when needed.

Other Interactions

Alcohol is not the only drug that can potentially interact with trazodone. Some other drugs that may have contraindications to being used at the same time trazodone include:

• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (Marplan, Nardil): can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome.
• Central nervous system depressants (alcohol, benzodiazepines, and barbiturates): effects of these drugs, such as respiratory depression and drowsiness, may be heightened.
• CYP3A4 enzyme inhibitors (e.g., clarithromycin, nefazodone, ketoconazole): may lead to the person requiring a lower dose of trazodone; trazodone toxicity may occur at smaller-than-usual doses.
• CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., carbamazepine): may require a higher dose of trazodone; trazodone efficacy will be lowered at regular doses.
• Digoxin or phenytoin: concurrent trazodone use may lead to increased serum levels of these medications; monitoring of serum levels may be necessary to avoid toxicity.
• Warfarin (Coumadin): concurrent trazodone use can result in altered prothrombin times, leading to impaired blood clotting.
• Serotonergic medications: can cause serotonin syndrome.
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), aspirin, or anticoagulants: can increase the risk of bleeding.

Whenever anyone has been prescribed a product containing trazodone, they should provide their physician with a complete list of their prescription medications. The physician can best determine the potential for any adverse interactions with trazodone and adjust the medications accordingly.

Reclaim Your Life From Trazodone and Alcohol

Mixing trazodone and alcohol can increase levels of intoxication, resulting in extreme drowsiness and increasing the risk of overdose and death when either is consumed in excessive amounts. We Level Up California can provide you, or someone you love, the tools to recover from addiction and abuse with professional and safe treatment. Feel free to call us to speak with one of our counselors. We can inform you about this condition by giving you relevant information. Our specialists know what you are going through. Please know that each call is private and confidential.