What Is A Lethal Dose Of Trazodone? - Addiction Resource

Home » How Much Trazodone To Od » What Is A Lethal Dose Of Trazodone? - Addiction Resource

Maybe your like

answered by Treatment X Evidence Based What Is A Lethal Dose Of Trazodone? Written by Dr. Anjali Talcherkar, Ph.D. Medically Reviewed by Johnelle Smith, M.D.

Updated on August 22, 2025

Trazodone is an antidepressant used to treat depression and sleep disorders. Cases of fatalities are rare with trazodone abuse, but an overdose is possible when taken in very high doses or when mixed with other substances.

ON THIS PAGE:
  • How Overdose Occurs
  • How Common Is Overdose?
  • Signs Of Overdose
  • Treatment
  • Show More
Addiction Resource Logo Why Trust Recovery Guide

At Recovery Guide, our mission is to connect as many individuals struggling with mental health and substance abuse disorders to reputable treatment facilities.

To achieve this goal, we set strict guidelines for our editorial team to follow when writing about facilities and utilize behavioral healthcare experts to review medical content for accuracy.

While we receive compensation in the form of paid advertisements, these advertisements have absolutely no impact on our content due to our editorial independence policy.

There is no conclusive information on the amount of trazodone it takes to fatally overdose. One fatality did occur after a woman ingested 25.4 micrograms/mL. A normal dose of trazodone is 50 to 100 mg, but the dose can be as high as 600 mg per day for hospitalized people.

For most individuals, it would take upwards of 600 mg in a 24-hour period to overdose on the drug. Overdose can also occur when trazodone is taken in combination with other substances.

Ad Get Support If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, getting help is just a phone call away, or consider trying therapy online with BetterHelp. Exclusive offer: 20% Off BetterHelp* Try Therapy Online With BetterHelp As a BetterHelp affiliate, we receive commissions if you purchase through the BetterHelp links above. *Get 20% off your first month of BetterHelp. This offer is only available to users who have never received therapy with BetterHelp.

Learn more about the lethal dose of commonly abused drugs.

How Trazodone Drug Abuse Can Lead To Overdose

Trazodone is a medication used to treat depression or sleep disorders. The antidepressant is comparable to the drug class selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which ease the symptoms of depression. Trazodone works by inhibiting serotonin transporters and receptors. It blocks the ability of serotonin to be reabsorbed once it’s entered the central nervous system.

This means a higher level of serotonin is left in the system, improving mood, appetite, energy levels, and relieving symptoms of anxiety and insomnia. If people regularly abuse trazodone due to drug addiction, they may have high levels of the drug in their system all the time or all at once. In combination with alcohol other drugs such as fentanyl, this can result in an overdose.

How Common Is Trazodone Overdose?

Trazodone overdose is relatively uncommon. It would take a large amount of trazodone to prove fatal, and there have been few deaths from trazodone overdose. Most cases of trazodone overdose involve instances of self-harm or suicide, rather than an accidental overdose. Overall, studies have found that when taken alone trazodone is low in toxicity and overdose is unlikely.

Signs Of Trazodone Overdose

Trazodone overdose can produce a range of symptoms that affect the central nervous system, cardiovascular system, and other vital functions. Knowing how to recognize these signs early is important for getting prompt medical help, as some of these symptoms can be life-threatening.

Get matched with an affordable mental health counselor Find a Therapist Answer a few questions to get started As a BetterHelp affiliate, we receive commissions if you purchase through the BetterHelp links above. Ad Common signs of trazodone overdose include:

  • extreme drowsiness or sedation
  • confusion and disorientation
  • dizziness and loss of coordination
  • slurred speech
  • memory problems
  • seizures
  • loss of consciousness
  • irregular heartbeat
  • low blood pressure
  • fast heart rate
  • difficulty breathing
  • blurred vision
  • prolonged or painful erection (priapism)
  • low body temperature
  • nausea and vomiting

Call 911 or poison control immediately if you or someone you know is showing any signs of trazodone overdose, especially if they’re having difficult breathing, loss of consciousness, seizures, or severe hart rhythm problems. While waiting for paramedics, take note of all substances ingested by the overdosing person, including alcohol. Try to keep the person alert if possible, and do not make the person throw up unless directed to do so by a medical professional or poison control.

Reach out to your primary care provider for more helpful information about substance use disorder treatment and recovery.

Written by the Addiction Resource Editorial Staff

This page does not provide medical advice. See more Article resources

Addiction Resource aims to provide only the most current, accurate information in regards to addiction and addiction treatment, which means we only reference the most credible sources available.

These include peer-reviewed journals, government entities and academic institutions, and leaders in addiction healthcare and advocacy. Learn more about how we safeguard our content by viewing our editorial policy.

  • National Center for Biotechnology Information — Trazodonehttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470560/#:~:text=Trazodone%20is%20an%20antidepressant%20that,alpha%2D1%2Dadrenergic%20receptors.
  • National Center for Biotechnology Information: PubMed — Fatal overdose with trazodone: case report and literature reviewhttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11603256/
  • Was this Helpful?
  • YesNo
Home > Lethal Doses > Trazodone People also read How Much Does It Take To Cause A Fatal Overdose?

All Addiction Resource content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.

We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies.

If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please contact at [email protected].

About This Ad

Close

This is a paid advertisement. The treatment provider shown has purchased ad placement on AddictionResource.net and is clearly identified, so you know exactly who you are contacting.

We sell advertising space only. We are not a treatment provider and do not offer medical advice, clinical services, or treatment referrals. When you call, you will only reach the advertiser identified in this ad.

We do not endorse any advertiser or guarantee the quality of care, outcomes, or results.

For more details, see our Advertising Policy. Providers interested in advertising can explore marketing options here.

Addiction Resource Logo

Get Help Today

(844) 994-1177 Addiction Resource Logo × Close Panel

Tag » How Much Trazodone To Od