Call Now (888) 229-7989
Soba New Jersey Drug & Alcohol Rehab Logo
Client Portal
Verify Insurance

Trazodone and Alcohol: Risks and Interactions

Medically reviewed by Dr. Po-Chang HsuNovember 6, 2024
Written by
On November 6, 2024

Table of Contents

Key Points

  • Trazodone is a serotonin receptor antagonist and reuptake inhibitor (SARI) used to treat depression and other conditions.
  • Trazodone and alcohol cause dizziness, drowsiness, and respiratory depression, which can worsen when combined.
  • Taking trazodone with alcohol can increase the risk of falls and injuries, liver problems, and overdose.

Trazodone is a serotonin receptor antagonist and reuptake inhibitor (SARI) that is FDA-approved to treat depression disorders like major depressive disorder. It’s also used off-label for many other conditions, including insomnia and anxiety.

Mixing trazodone with alcohol can cause dangerous levels of alcohol intoxication that can increase the risk of overdose and death. Learn more about the risks of trazodone and alcohol and the safety precautions to take with this medication.

What Is Trazodone?

Trazodone is a serotonin receptor antagonist and reuptake inhibitor (SARI) that increases serotonergic activity in the central nervous system by inhibiting serotonin reuptake and blocking specific serotonin receptors, thereby reducing symptoms of depression.  

There are several off-label uses for trazodone as a central nervous system depressant, including anxiety, insomnia, substance abuse, schizophrenia, bulimia, fibromyalgia, and Alzheimer’s disease.

The side effects of trazodone may include:[2]

  • Dry mouth
  • Sedation
  • Dizziness
  • Confusion
  • Uncoordinated movements
  • Nausea
  • Headache
  • Constipation
  • Fatigue
  • Blurred vision

 

In some cases, serious side effects may occur like:

  • Cognitive impairment
  • Motor impairment
  • Suicidal thoughts or actions
  • Increased bleeding
  • Low sodium levels (hyponatremia)
  • Irregular heart rhythms (QT interval prolongation)
  • Motor impairment

 

Trazodone carries a risk of serotonin syndrome, a serious reaction that can cause irregular heartbeat, hallucinations, and coma.[4] Serotonin syndrome can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.

Can I Drink Alcohol While Taking Trazodone?

There are risks to mixing alcohol and trazodone and potentially dangerous interactions. Dizziness and drowsiness can occur with trazodone and alcohol, so combining the two can compound the effects. Research indicates that trazodone increases the risk of falls and injuries, which can be worse with alcohol.[5] 

Trazodone is often taken for depression. Alcohol consumption can make depression worse, causing trazodone to be less effective.[6] The same is true of using trazodone off-label for insomnia, which is often worsened by alcohol use.

In rare cases, trazodone can cause liver problems.[7] Chronic alcohol use can have long-term effects on your liver, leading to conditions like cirrhosis or fatty liver disease. Combining trazodone and alcohol can increase the harm to your liver more than either substance on its own.

Slowed breathing and overdoses can happen with trazodone abuse or alcohol abuse. Together, the two can cause severe respiratory depression and fatal overdose.

The symptoms of a trazodone overdose may include:[8]

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Stopped breathing
  • Chest pain
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Low blood pressure
  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness
  • Headache
  • Insomnia
  • Seizures
  • Lack of coordination
  • Coma

Can I Have One Drink with Trazodone?

While it is generally advised to avoid alcohol with trazodone, a doctor should be consulted to assess any potential risks and determine if alcohol consumption is safe. It’s best to err on the side of caution and avoid alcohol altogether if you’re taking trazodone, even at low doses. It’s difficult to predict what effect alcohol will have while taking trazodone.

When Can I Drink Alcohol After Stopping Trazodone?

You should wait until there’s no more trazodone in your system to drink alcohol again. Keep in mind that trazodone can last longer than the effects of the drug. Generally, trazodone stays in the body for at least a day after you take it, but this can vary.[9] It’s best to wait at least 2 days after your last dose to ensure that trazodone has cleared your system and won’t interact with alcohol, but you should always talk to your doctor to find out when it’s safe for you to drink alcohol again.

Other Trazodone Interactions

Alcohol is just one drug that can interact with trazodone. Some other potential interactions and contraindications for trazodone include:[10] 

  • Central nervous system (CNS) depressants like benzodiazepines or barbiturates. Combining these drugs with trazodone can have similar effects to alcohol, such as respiratory depression and extreme drowsiness.
  • Monoamine oxidase inhibitors like Nardil, which can increase the risk of developing serotonin syndrome.
  • CYP3A4 enzyme inhibitors like clarithromycin or ketoconazole, which may lead to trazodone building up in the body at lower doses, causing toxicity.
  • CYP3A4 inducers, such as carbamazepine, which may cause trazodone’s effectiveness to be reduced at regular doses.
  • Phenytoin, which may lead to increased serum levels of the two medications and possible toxicity.
  • Warfarin (Coumadin), which may result in altered prothrombin times and impaired blood clotting.
  • Serotonergic medications, which may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome.
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and anticoagulants, which can increase the risk of bleeding.

 

Always talk to your doctor about the medications you’re taking, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements or vitamins, to ensure they’re safe to use with trazodone.

Is Trazodone Addictive?

When taken as prescribed, antidepressant medications like trazodone are usually not associated with euphoria or a high that can lead to abuse like opioids, stimulants, and benzos. Because of this, trazodone is not considered a significant drug of abuse. 

A clinical study of trazodone found no evidence of drug-seeking behavior in participants, and there are no published cases of trazodone or other antidepressant abuse that cause concern.[11,12]

However, an older case study reviewed an individual who used Prozac as a substitute for stimulants and trazodone for its sedative effects to get a unique experience.[13] This may indicate that trazodone has a risk for misuse or abuse in combination with other drugs instead of on its own.

Addiction Risk with Trazodone and Alcohol

Using trazodone and alcohol for prolonged periods can cause physical dependence to develop, leading to withdrawal symptoms. The withdrawal symptoms of trazodone can include anxiety, sleep problems, and agitation.[14] Because of this, it’s important to taper your trazodone dose to wean yourself off the drug with minimal withdrawal symptoms.

Alcohol dependence can occur as well, which can be more serious than trazodone. Acute alcohol withdrawal syndrome can include symptoms like insomnia, anxiety, hyperthermia, sweating, fast heartbeat, nausea, vomiting, hallucinations, delirium, and seizures.[15] You should never stop using alcohol abruptly if you are dependent, as the withdrawal can be life-threatening.

If you struggle with alcohol misuse or addiction and are prescribed trazodone, it’s important to talk to your doctor about your options. You shouldn’t stop alcohol use suddenly, but mixing trazodone with alcohol can also be dangerous.

In many cases, alcohol withdrawal requires medical supervision and care in a medical detox setting. This allows healthcare professionals to monitor your health and withdrawal symptoms to prevent complications like seizures.

Once detox is complete, it’s important to continue with an addiction treatment program at an alcohol rehab center. This is especially important if you’re misusing trazodone or struggle with mental illness that can complicate your alcohol recovery. While treatment plans are personalized based on your history and goals, your treatment may include a combination of talk therapy, group counseling, support groups, and behavioral therapies that help you address the underlying causes of addiction and develop healthier habits.

Avoid Trazodone-Alcohol Interactions

Trazodone is a generally safe and well-tolerated antidepressant medication, but it can have some severe consequences and serious drug interactions. Drinking alcohol while taking trazodone can have extremely dangerous side effects, including possible overdose or injuries caused by dizziness and drowsiness. If you want to drink alcohol while taking trazodone, talk to your doctor about the risks and safety precautions.

Medical Content Writer

Amanda Stevens is a highly respected figure in the field of medical content writing, with a specific focus on eating disorders and addiction treatment. Amanda earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work from Purdue University, graduating Magna Cum Laude, which serves as a strong educational foundation for her contributions.

Alcohol Addiction Resources

Begin Your Journey

The help you need is just a step away. Contact us today to learn more about our treatment options.

Get In Touch

Frequently Asked Questions About Trazodone and Alcohol

Trazodone and alcohol can have similar side effects that can be exacerbated when they’re combined, including severe respiratory depression and drowsiness. It’s best to avoid drinking alcohol with trazodone.

Most antidepressants interact with alcohol because they cause excessive drowsiness or dizziness, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Zoloft, serotonin and norepinephrine inhibitors (SNRIs) like Effexor, buspirone, and tricyclic antidepressants.[16] Talk to your doctor about what drugs are safe for you while drinking alcohol.

Trazodone has many potential drug interactions, including other antidepressants, opioids, CNS depressants, tryptophan, St. John’s wort, and some pain or migraine medications. Talk to your doctor about all medications you take to ensure trazodone is safe for you.

There Is A Better Way To Live. It's Time To Get The Help You Deserve.

Take the first step in getting your life back. Speak with our admissions team today.
Explore Programs

[1,2,3,4] Trazodone uses, dosage, side effects & warnings. Drugs.com. (n.d.-g). Retrieved from https://www.drugs.com/trazodone.html on 2024, October 7.

[5] Amari, D. T., Juday, T., Frech, F. H., Wang, W., Wu, Z., Atkins, N., & Wickwire, E. M. (2022, June 4). Falls, healthcare resources and costs in older adults with insomnia treated with zolpidem, Trazodone, or benzodiazepines – BMC geriatrics. BioMed Central. Retrieved from https://bmcgeriatr.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12877-022-03165-6 on 2024, October 7.

[6] GoodRx. (n.d.-d). What is the link between alcohol and depression?. GoodRx. Retrieved from https://www.goodrx.com/well-being/substance-use/alcohol-and-depression on 2024, October 7.

[7] U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2020, February 26). Trazodone. LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury [Internet]. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK548557/ on 2024, October 7.

[8] Trazodone overdose: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. (n.d.). https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002559.htm on 2024, October 7.

[9] Medical review(s) – accessdata.fda.gov. (n.d.-c). Retrieved from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/nda/2010/022411s000MedR.pdf on 2024, October 7.

[10] Trazodone interactions checker. Drugs.com. (n.d.-g). Retrieved from https://www.drugs.com/drug-interactions/trazodone.html on 2024, October 7.

[11] Medical review(s) – accessdata.fda.gov. (n.d.-c). Retrieved from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/nda/2010/022411s000MedR.pdf on 2024, October 7.

[12] Evans, E. A., & Sullivan, M. A. (2014, August 14). Abuse and misuse of antidepressants. Substance abuse and rehabilitation. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4140701/ on 2024, October 7.

[13] Fluoxetine abuse – mayo clinic proceedings. (n.d.-c). Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinicproceedings.org/article/S0025-6196(12)61044-1/fulltext on 2024, October 7.

[14]Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (n.d.). Trazodone (oral route). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/trazodone-oral-route/description/drg-20061280

[15] U.S. National Library of Medicine. (n.d.). Alcohol withdrawal: Medlineplus Medical Encyclopedia. MedlinePlus. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000764.htm on 2024, October 7.

[16] Antidepressants and alcohol interactions. Drugs.com. (n.d.-a). Retrieved from https://www.drugs.com/article/antidepressant-medications-alcohol.html on 2024, October 7.

Your Recovery Can Start Now. Contact Soba NJ Today

If you are ready to take the first step toward a new life free from substances, we are here to answer any questions and help you begin your recovery journey.

Reach Out To Get Started
© All Rights Reserved 2024. Soba New Jersey. SEO by DIGITECH .

Call Now

(888) 229-7989