Millions of people in the United States take prescription medications to manage mental health or medical conditions. Some commonly prescribed drugs have the potential for abuse and addiction.
Trazodone is a commonly prescribed medication used to treat major depressive disorder, insomnia, and other conditions. When used as prescribed, trazodone may reduce symptoms of these conditions. This allows people to feel and function better.
Abusing trazodone can lead to serious health complications. Combining this prescription drug with alcohol may increase the risk of danger.
This article will explore the danger of mixing trazodone and alcohol. You will learn:
- The side effects and risks of trazodone
- How to recognize trazodone abuse
- The dangers of combining alcohol and trazodone
- What to expect in treatment for substance use disorder (SUD)
- Where to find comprehensive addiction treatment and recovery support
If you or someone you love abuses trazodone and alcohol, you are not alone. Contact the Archstone Behavioral Health specialists to learn about our comprehensive addiction treatment programs or to schedule an intake appointment.
The Effects and Risks of Trazodone
Trazodone is a prescription sedative medication. Manufacturers sell trazodone under other brand names, including Oleptro and Desyrel.
Doctors may prescribe trazodone to help patients manage symptoms of insomnia, major depression, and other conditions.
Trazodone belongs to a class of drugs called serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitors (SARI). These drugs work by balancing the brain’s serotonin levels. Common intended side effects of trazodone include:
- Reduced depression symptoms
- Improved mood
- Increased energy levels
- Improved appetite
- Less anxiety
- Better sleep
When taken as prescribed, there is a low risk of side effects. Some people may experience:
- Excessive drowsiness
- Headache
- Appetite changes
- Swelling in the face, hands, or legs
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Lightheadedness
- Abnormal heart rhythm
Some people may experience depression with suicidal thoughts when taking trazodone. Abusing trazodone may increase the risk of this and other adverse effects.
Recognizing Trazodone Abuse
People may begin taking trazodone to treat depression or other conditions. Some may like trazodone’s calming and sedative effects. Pleasurable side effects can make people want to abuse trazodone.
Examples of trazodone abuse include:
- Taking larger doses or taking it more often than prescribed
- Taking trazodone for longer than prescribed
- Ingesting it differently than prescribed, such as crushing and snorting the pills
People may also use trazodone without a prescription. Recreational trazodone use might include:
- Snorting trazodone
- Smoking a mixture of marijuana and trazodone
- Combining trazodone and other illicit or prescription drugs
- Drinking alcohol while taking trazodone
People who abuse trazodone may quickly develop symptoms of addiction, including:
- Needing to take more to get the desired effects
- Having cravings for trazodone
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms if they stop taking it
- Doing dangerous, dishonest, or illegal things to get more trazodone
- Neglecting responsibilities, hobbies, relationships, and self-care because of substance use
- Spending a lot of time thinking about, getting, using, or recovering from using trazodone
People may develop physical dependence on trazodone after prolonged abuse. Many people require comprehensive treatment to stop taking it and avoid relapse.
The Dangers of Mixing Trazodone and Alcohol
Most adults in the United States report at least occasional alcohol consumption. Millions struggle with alcohol abuse or addiction. People may combine trazodone and alcohol without understanding the potential for danger.
Alcohol and trazodone are central nervous system depressants. This means they both slow activity in the CNS. The sedative effects of alcohol can intensify trazodone’s similar effects.
It is critical to understand the risks of mixing trazodone and alcohol, which include:
- Increased sedation leading to dizziness and fatigue
- Higher risk of overdose
- Risk of respiratory depression (slow or shallow breathing)
- Excessive drowsiness that increases the risk of accidents, injuries, and other problems
- Dangerous intoxication levels
- Increase in mental health symptoms
- Blackouts or memory issues
- Liver strain and risk of liver damage with long-term use
People who take prescription trazodone must avoid drinking alcohol at the same time. Doing so can impair a person’s ability to drive, work, and perform everyday tasks.
In rare cases, combining alcohol with trazodone can slow your breathing too much, especially at higher doses. This is more likely if you have other medical conditions or are taking additional sedatives.
In addition, alcohol can worsen depression or anxiety over time. Although alcohol might feel relaxing at first, it’s a depressant that can make symptoms of depression or anxiety worse over time. This can counteract the benefits of trazodone, which is often prescribed to treat these same conditions. As a result, drinking alcohol may reduce the effectiveness of your treatment.
People struggling with trazodone or alcohol addiction must seek treatment to stop using these substances safely.
Treatment for Alcohol and Trazodone Addiction
Long-term addiction recovery typically starts with a medical detox program. A detox program might include:
- Round-the-clock supervision and support
- Medications to reduce withdrawal symptoms and complications
- Emotional support
- Holistic therapies to soothe the mind and body
After completing detox, people must engage in comprehensive treatment. Treatment programs may include:
- Medication management
- Behavioral therapies
- Education
- Individual, group, and family counseling
- Relapse prevention planning
- Holistic therapies, such as exercise, yoga, mindfulness, and nutrition support
- Mental health treatment
After completing treatment, people must stay engaged and active in their recovery. Following an aftercare plan can help people stay on track at every stage of their recovery journey.
People may receive inpatient or outpatient care during different stages of treatment.
Addiction treatment is not a one-size-fits-all process. Each person follows a tailored treatment plan to meet their needs.
Find Treatment Now
If you or someone you love struggles with trazodone or alcohol abuse, you are not alone. Find treatment, support, and recovery resources at Archstone Behavioral Health. Learn about our programs, ask questions, or schedule an intake appointment by contacting us today.
References:
- National Institute of Health (NIH): Trazodone
- Annals of General Psychiatry: Role of trazodone in treatment of major depressive disorder: an update
- NH: Trazodone and alcohol relapse: a retrospective study following residential treatment
