Depression is a vicious disorder, but help is always available. Specialists use a variety of medications to help patients manage their symptoms and lead a fulfilling life. One of these is trazodone, a drug widely used to treat depression, anxiety, or a combination of both.
As with any antidepressant, trazodone is a two-edged sword. If taken within the prescription, it can be positively life-changing for a person. However, if misused or abused, this same healing drug can lead to addiction or even trazodone OD.
In this post, we’ll discuss what this drug is, the risk of overdose, and how you can get help if you’re struggling to quit this drug. Read on to see where you can also seek help if you’re struggling with this drug.
What is trazodone?
Trazodone is a prescription drug used for the treatment of depression and anxiety. It comes in capsule, tablet, or liquid form, and you’ll ingest it orally.
When taken, trazodone works by increasing the production of your brain’s serotonin and noradrenaline. These two hormones give a feel-good effect, which uplifts your mood, improves concentration, and aids with insomnia.
Take note that trazodone is only prescribed if other antidepressants have not worked. It’s also an alternative medication if other antidepressants are causing unpleasant side effects.
Depending on the prescription of your doctor, you may take trazodone for long periods. However, your doctor may also take you off trazodone by gradually reducing the dose to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
Regardless of your doctor’s treatment method, it’s important to follow the prescription strictly. It’s because a lethal dose of trazodone can easily put your life at risk.
So, how much trazodone is lethal? Let’s discuss it below.
Can you overdose on trazodone?
Trazodone dosing highly depends on a person’s age, weight, and overall health. In this case, the risk of overdosing on the drug can vary, depending on how much you’re taking.
But what is a lethal dose of trazodone? How much trazodone is an overdose?
On average, doctors would prescribe 50 to 100 mg of trazodone to most patients. Taking anything higher than that, especially about 500 mg at once, will lead to a trazodone overdose.
However, it’s important to note that a trazodone fatal dose can still happen in lower amounts. This is most especially true if the person has a lower-than-usual body weight. Also, a cocktail of drugs involving higher doses of this drug increases the risk of trazodone toxicity.
Some of these drugs include antihistamines, other antidepressants, sedatives, painkillers, and more. Also, taking it with alcohol can lead you to overdose on trazodone.
Here are the common symptoms of trazodone overdose:
- Dry mouth
- Confusion
- Drowsiness
- Shivering
- Fainting
- Irregular/slowed heart rate
- Fever
- Blurred vision
- Vomiting
- Urinary incontinence
- Seizures
- Muscle rigidity
- Painful erection or ejaculation
Take note that a trazodone lethal dose can also lead to a condition called ‘serotonin syndrome’. This happens when too much serotonin accumulates in your body.
But can trazodone kill you? Yes, overdosing on this drug can be life-threatening without medical intervention. The same goes if you’ve taken trazodone milligrams in very large amounts.
How much trazodone can I take?
If you’ve been prescribed this drug, you’re probably wondering, “How many mg of trazodone can I take?”
Overall, the best dosage is the one your doctor prescribed to you. Aside from that, you should also follow the frequency of doses to spread out the entire day’s dose evenly.
For example, a 100 mg dose is often divided and given in multiple doses. Your doctor may also adjust the dose as needed.
But what if I missed one dose? Should I take two next time?
As with any medication, if miss a dose, you should take it as soon as you can. However, if it’s too close to your next dose, you should skip the missed dose and follow your regular schedule. Whatever happens, never double the dose of your trazodone just to compensate for the missed one.
Why? Can you OD on trazadone if you take both doses at a time? There’s a high chance that you might overdose or suffer from severe symptoms. And if you repeatedly take higher doses, you might start to develop dependence, addiction, and tolerance.
Signs of trazodone addiction
Trazodone isn’t a stimulant, so addiction doesn’t happen the same way as with Adderall. Also, it doesn’t give a euphoric feeling like opiates, but it doesn’t mean that addiction won’t happen if you abuse or misuse this drug.
In general, trazodone is a long-term medication. However, this same nature makes it prone to substance abuse and dependence. At some point, those suffering from mental health disorders will take trazodone to feel normal.
This repetitive habit will start to cause dependence, which will lead to severe withdrawal symptoms if they don’t get to consume the drug for certain periods.
Such a cycle is where many people get trapped, whether they consciously or inadvertently misuse trazodone.
Here are signs that you are addicted to trazodone:
- You’re still using trazodone even if your doctor took you off it.
- You are using higher than prescribed doses.
- You have intense cravings or urges when you’re not taking trazodone.
- You keep on using this drug even if you’re aware of the negative consequences.
- You’re starting to neglect your work or school activities just to acquire or take this drug.
- You are acquiring trazodone outside of a prescription to satisfy your craving.
- You’re taking trazodone with other antidepressants or drugs in an effort to achieve a certain feeling.
Where to get help if you’re addicted or dependent on trazodone?
If you or someone you know is struggling with trazodone abuse, LA Wellness Home is here to help. Our addiction treatment center has a 24/7 clinical team to help you manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms safely.
With us, no judgment is made. We know that mental health disorders and addiction often go hand in hand. This is why our team is dedicated to giving you a second chance in life through a comprehensive treatment program.
Our treatment begins with a medical detox followed by a holistic rehabilitation process. Once you finish our 30-day program, we will also give you the option to transition to outpatient care for continuous support. Take note that the entire duration of your drug rehab depends on your needs – our goal is always long-term recovery.
When you get help from us, you’ll stay in a luxurious residential facility. You’ll be comfortable in our home-like setting, far from the hospital setting.
During your stay in our inpatient rehab, you’ll also enjoy Sunday outings and wellness activities. Our goal is to help you achieve recovery from drug addiction without missing out on the good things.
Don’t wait for a trazodone overdose to happen. Contact LA Wellness Home today.
Don’t wait for yourself or a loved one to overdose on trazodone. Our helpline is open 24/7 to help you once you’re ready to seek help. Call us or fill out our website form to take the first step toward your recovery, and our drug rehab specialist will reach out to you as soon as possible.
We know that mental health disorders and addiction can feel like the end of the road. But here at LA Wellness Home, we believe – and proved – that recovery is possible. All you have to do is take the first step by seeking help.
If you have further questions or if you’re ready to start the admissions process, contact LA Wellness Home today.
