Trazodone is an antidepressant known for its positive effects on mood and sleep. Like most antidepressants, you should exercise caution when mixing it with other substances and medications. Taking trazodone and alcohol together should especially be avoided to ensure there is no risk of overdose or adverse effects.

Read on to find out what trazodone is, how it interacts with other substances like alcohol, and what you can do if you want to drink but are on trazodone.

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What Is Trazodone?

Trazodone is a medication that is prescribed to treat depression and major depressive disorder. It is a serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor, also known as an SARI. SARIs work by preventing excess serotonin from being reabsorbed and then accumulating in the brain to help improve mood in individuals who have depression.

Trazodone is also used to help people sleep. In low doses, it can help promote sleep without causing extra lethargy or extra sleepiness the next morning because of its short half-life.

Side effects of trazodone include:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Blurred vision
• Drowsiness
• Fatigue or excessive tiredness
• Dry mouth
• Stomach pain
• Constipation
• Priapism
• Fainting
• Irregular or fast heartbeat

Severe side effects can include allergic reactions or serotonin syndrome, in which too much serotonin is accumulated, resulting in adverse reactions like hallucinations, agitations, nausea, and more. This can be life-threatening if not treated quickly.

Call emergency services immediately if you notice any of the following serious side effects or allergic reactions to trazodone:

• A seizure or fit
• Priapism,  or an erection that lasts more than two hours
• Thoughts of self-harming or suicidal ideation
• A sudden swelling of your lips, mouth, throat, or tongue
• Difficulty swallowing or breathing
• Your skin turns blue, gray, or pale

Trazodone and Alcohol Interaction

The interaction between alcohol and trazodone can intensify the effects of both substances and lead to adverse reactions. Trazodone is a central nervous system depressant that affects certain neurotransmitters in the brain, while alcohol is also a CNS depressant [1] that can further dampen the central nervous system. When combined, these substances can cause excessive sedation, drowsiness, and impaired motor function.

Can You Take Trazodone With Alcohol?

You should not take trazodone with alcohol. On its own, alcohol is known for its sedative effects, including poor cognition and coordination, impaired judgment, loss of motor function, and decreased alertness. When combined with trazodone, it will result in an increase in sedative effects, which are dangerous and could be potentially life-threatening.

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Side Effects of the Trazodone and Alcohol Interaction

Both alcohol and trazodone affect the central nervous system and increase each other’s sedative effects.

Immediate Effects

The following are some negative side effects of trazodone and alcohol interaction:

• Increased intoxication
• Dizziness
• Sedation
• Confusion
• Drowsiness
• Difficulty concentrating
• Impaired judgment
• Loss of consciousness
• Fainting
• Mood swings
• Increased depression or anxiety

Potential Long-Term Effects

Apart from creating dangerous conditions for you, mixing trazodone and alcohol together could result in serious long-term consequences.

Alcohol could prevent trazodone’s efficacy, essentially canceling out the positive effects that trazodone is meant to have on mood. This could result in a worsening chemical imbalance in your brain, which could lead to increased symptoms of depression or even suicidal ideation.

Trazodone & Alcohol Overdose

Combining trazodone and alcohol significantly increases the risk of an overdose, which can have severe consequences for your health.

• Trazodone overdose: Taking an excessive amount of trazodone can lead to an overdose. Symptoms of a trazodone overdose [2] may include extreme drowsiness, confusion, rapid heartbeat, low blood pressure, seizures, and even loss of consciousness. An overdose of trazodone requires immediate medical attention.
• Alcohol overdose (alcohol poisoning)[3]: Consuming excessive amounts of alcohol can trigger alcohol poisoning, a condition that can be life-threatening. Common alcohol poisoning symptoms include confusion, vomiting, seizures, slow or irregular breathing, hypothermia, and unconsciousness. If you suspect someone has alcohol poisoning, seek emergency medical assistance immediately.

When trazodone and alcohol are mixed, the risk of both trazodone and alcohol overdose is heightened. The sedative effects of trazodone can mask the signs of alcohol intoxication, making it difficult to gauge the extent of alcohol consumption. This can increase the likelihood of unintentionally consuming excessive amounts of alcohol, leading to alcohol poisoning.

Prioritize your safety and well-being by avoiding the combination of trazodone and alcohol. If you or someone you know has mixed trazodone and alcohol and is experiencing severe symptoms or an overdose, call emergency services right away.

Remember: seeking medical attention promptly is vital in cases of overdose or suspected alcohol poisoning. If you have any concerns or questions regarding the use of trazodone or alcohol, consult with a healthcare professional who can provide you with the necessary guidance and support to ensure your health and safety.

Can Combining Alcohol and Trazodone Cause Death?

Trazodone in high dosages can lead to depression of the nervous system, which leads to issues with your heart rate, trouble breathing, and cognition problems. Alcohol has similar effects.

Trazodone and alcohol interaction can potentially cause death, especially if there is a high dosage of trazodone and a large amount of alcohol involved. Both substances can be potentially deadly on their own, so a combination of the two can also result in death.  

Trazodone and Alcohol | FAQs

Staying informed on the effects of alcohol and trazodone can keep you safe. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Trazodone and alcohol:

Can you drink on trazodone if it’s just one drink?

It is recommended to avoid drinking at all if you are on trazodone or any other kinds of antidepressants. One drink on trazodone will not have as severe of an effect as several, but it can make you sleepy or drowsy.

How soon after stopping taking trazodone can I drink?

It is best to abstain from drinking alcohol until all trazodone is out of your system. One dose of trazodone typically leaves the body in one to three days. However, this changes depending on an individual’s health, weight, age, and metabolism.

Are there other antidepressants that are okay to mix with alcohol?

Generally, there is no antidepressant on the market that is okay to mix with alcohol. Medical professionals recommend avoiding all drinks while on antidepressants.

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Get the treatment you need at Gratitude Lodge. We offer addiction treatment and rehab services to those in Southern California and beyond. Whether you are addicted to trazodone or other substances, our doors are always open to help you break free from addiction and begin recovery.

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Inpatient treatment at Gratitude Lodge recognizes the need for unique treatments based on individual addictions, which is why we offer personalized treatment plans that involve the following:

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• Holistic treatments
• Aftercare

Call our recovery experts today for immediate assistance at 844-576-0144.

Sources

[1] https://go.drugbank.com/categories/DBCAT000399

[2] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0196064483806003

[3] https://www.gratitudelodge.com/signs-of-drug-use/depressant/alcohol/alcohol-poisoning/