Trazodone is mostly used for its sleep-inducing effects (an off-label indication) rather than as an antidepressant. Only generic forms are available which makes it a lot cheaper than some other sleep-inducing alternatives, and it is not classified as a controlled substance. However, it may cause withdrawal symptoms on discontinuation. A treatment center will attempt to verify your health insurance benefits and/or necessary authorizations on your behalf. Please note, this is only a quote of benefits and/or authorization.
Can trazodone be prescribed for anxiety or bipolar disorder?
An interaction with trazodone could cause a serious condition called serotonin syndrome. The FDA label for trazodone also advises that death from overdose has occurred from concurrent use. It wouldn't be common in someone taking the usual prescribed doses and alcohol in moderation.
- The safety and effectiveness of this drug haven’t been established in children.
- When you get trazodone from the pharmacy, the pharmacist will add an expiration date to the label on the bottle.
- However, there are no established treatments for co-occurring AUD and PTSD, and relatively few studies have examined potential pharmacotherapy for treating symptoms of both AUD and PTSD in comorbid populations.
- Off-label drug use is when an FDA-approved drug is prescribed for a purpose other than what it’s approved for.
Antidepressants and alcohol: What's the concern?
You and your doctor will decide what type of treatment is right for you. Trazodone may cause a rare, dangerous heart rhythm problem called QT prolongation and torsade de pointes. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you faint or have changes in your heart rate or rhythm, such as a fast or skipping heartbeat. Check with your doctor right away if you have anxiety, restlessness, a fast heartbeat, fever, sweating, muscle spasms, twitching, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or see or hear things that are not there.
Antidepressants: Selecting one that’s right for you
The bottom-line recommendation is that trazodone may enhance the response to alcohol and other similar drugs. When used together, the sedative effects of trazodone and alcohol can be far greater. These effects can put people in a fog and increase the risk of accidents and poor decision making. The effects of taking both can overly depress the CNS and in turn, cause breathing to slow or completely stop. If you stop taking this drug suddenly or don’t take it, your depression may not get better.
In Lexapro and Desyrel interaction, both of these drugs are antidepressants. The former is a substance that belongs to SSRIs while the latter is a serotonin modulator. With these descriptions, both of these drugs increase the level of serotonin to prevent and manage depression.
If you need to stop taking this drug, your doctor will slowly lower your dose over time. Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Data sources include Micromedex (updated 7 Jul 2024), Cerner Multum™ (updated 14 Jul 2024), ASHP (updated 10 Jul 2024) and others.
If you no longer need to take trazodone and have leftover medication, it’s important to dispose of it safely. This helps prevent others, including children and pets, from taking the drug by accident. It also helps keep the drug from harming the environment. The expiration date helps guarantee that the medication is effective during this time. The current stance of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is to avoid using expired medications. If you have unused medication that’s gone past the expiration date, talk with your pharmacist about whether you might still be able to use it.
It’s generally recommended to wait at least 48 hours after your last dose of trazodone before consuming alcohol to allow ample time for the medication to be cleared from your system. Like most addiction relapse antidepressants, trazodone is meant to be taken daily on a long-term basis. So, you’re likely to find yourself at a social event where alcoholic drinks are being served at some point.
Your doctor will write the number of refills authorized on your prescription. Trazodone may pass into breast milk and may cause side effects in a child who is breastfed. You may need to decide whether to stop breastfeeding or stop taking this medication.
Don’t take this drug again if you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to it. Typically, your doctor will start you on a low dosage and adjust it over time to reach the dosage that’s right for you. They’ll ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect. In serious cases, drinking while taking trazodone can even be deadly.
Experts think the drug works by preventing the breakdown of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain. In addition, experts believe the drug’s sedating properties come from its ability to block alpha-1 and histamine receptors. Log in or create an account for a personalized experience based on your selected interests. By Carrie Madormo, RN, MPHMadormo is a health writer with over a decade of experience as a registered nurse. She has worked in pediatrics, oncology, chronic pain, and public health. Have a list of emergency phone numbers to call for help if you notice yourself thinking of self-harm.
Trazodone oral tablet may cause drowsiness or sleepiness. You shouldn’t drive, use machinery, or do other activities that require alertness until you know how this drug affects you. Boca Recovery Center is here to provide the best quality adult children of alcoholics care in the treatment of drug and alcohol addiction. There is 1 alcohol/food/lifestyle interaction with trazodone. Because of Trazodone’s effect on your mood and heart function, certain side effects must be addressed right away.
Moreover, when these two are combined, there might be a possibility of tachycardia to occur. There are certain mental health complications that may also occur when using this drug or any antidepressant atomoxetine strattera nami while drinking alcoholic beverages. In this medication, drug-drug Trazodone interactions are also possible. As of today, there are around 1,167 approved Trazodone interactions.
Depression or other serious mental health conditions are the most important causes of suicidal thoughts or actions. If you or your child is about to harm themselves, call 911 or call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms. This is another crucial reason why it is not advised to drink when prescribed Desyrel.