What Is A Lethal Dose Of Trazodone?

There is no conclusive information on the amount of trazodone it takes to fatally overdose. One fatality did occur after a woman ingested 25.4 micrograms/mL. A normal dose of trazodone is 50 to 100 mg, but the dose can be as high as 600 mg per day for hospitalized people.

For most individuals, it would take upwards of 600 mg in a 24-hour period to overdose on the drug. Overdose can also occur when trazodone is taken in combination with other substances.

Learn more about the lethal dose of commonly abused drugs.

How Trazodone Drug Abuse Can Lead To Overdose

Trazodone is a medication used to treat depression or sleep disorders. The antidepressant is comparable to the drug class selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which ease the symptoms of depression. Trazodone works by inhibiting serotonin transporters and receptors. It blocks the ability of serotonin to be reabsorbed once it’s entered the central nervous system.

This means a higher level of serotonin is left in the system, improving mood, appetite, energy levels, and relieving symptoms of anxiety and insomnia. If people regularly abuse trazodone due to drug addiction, they may have high levels of the drug in their system all the time or all at once. In combination with alcohol other drugs such as fentanyl, this can result in an overdose.

How Common Is Trazodone Overdose?

Trazodone overdose is relatively uncommon. It would take a large amount of trazodone to prove fatal, and there have been few deaths from trazodone overdose. Most cases of trazodone overdose involve instances of self-harm or suicide, rather than an accidental overdose.

Overall, studies have found that when taken alone trazodone is low in toxicity and overdose is unlikely.

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Signs Of Trazodone Overdose

Trazodone overdose can produce a range of symptoms that affect the central nervous system, cardiovascular system, and other vital functions. Knowing how to recognize these signs early is important for getting prompt medical help, as some of these symptoms can be life-threatening.

Common signs of trazodone overdose include:

• extreme drowsiness or sedation
• confusion and disorientation
• dizziness and loss of coordination
• slurred speech
• memory problems
• seizures
• loss of consciousness
• irregular heartbeat
• low blood pressure
• fast heart rate
• difficulty breathing
• blurred vision
• prolonged or painful erection (priapism)
• low body temperature
• nausea and vomiting

Call 911 or poison control immediately if you or someone you know is showing any signs of trazodone overdose, especially if they’re having difficult breathing, loss of consciousness, seizures, or severe hart rhythm problems.

What To Do During Trazodone Overdose

A trazodone overdose is a medical emergency that requires immediate action. If you suspect someone has taken too much trazodone, especially in combination with alcohol or other substances, do not wait for symptoms to worsen before acting.

Here is what to do:

• call 911 immediately and stay on the line with the dispatcher until help arrives
• do not leave the person alone at any point during the emergency
• if the person is unconscious but breathing, place them on their side to prevent choking in case they vomit
• do not attempt to make the person vomit, as this can cause additional harm
• keep the person as calm and still as possible if they are conscious and responsive
• monitor their breathing closely and be prepared to perform CPR if they stop breathing and you are trained to do so
• gather any medication bottles or packaging nearby and have them ready to give to emergency responders
• tell emergency responders exactly what was taken, how much, and when, as well as any other substances or medications that may have been involved
• if other opioids may have been taken alongside trazodone, administer naloxone if it is available while waiting for help

Once the immediate crisis has passed, speak with a healthcare provider or addiction specialist about next steps. A trazodone overdose can be a sign of an underlying mental health condition or substance use disorder that deserves attention.

Written by the Addiction Resource Editorial Staff