Muse Treatment: What Happens When You Mix Trazodone and Alcohol?

Trazodone is an antidepressant medication used to treat depression, anxiety, or a combination of depression and anxiety according to the Mayo Clinic. It works by affecting serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in mood regulation and has sedative effects that can help alleviate anxiety and insomnia. In the United States, many individuals frequently consume alcohol, often unaware of the potential dangers of mixing it with their medications, as drinking is a common social activity. However, taking trazodone and alcohol together can be risky and is generally not recommended. Both substances act on the central nervous system and combining them can lead to a range of harmful effects.

When trazodone and alcohol are taken together, the effects of intoxication can be amplified, leading to severe drowsiness and increasing the likelihood of overdose or even fatal outcomes if consumed in large quantities. Prolonged use of both can result in physical dependence, withdrawal symptoms, and a heightened risk of substance use disorders. Additionally, for those using trazodone to enhance sleep quality, alcohol can disrupt sleep patterns, negating its benefits. Furthermore, alcohol can exacerbate mental health issues such as depression and anxiety by creating a chemical imbalance in the brain.

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Can I Drink Alcohol If I’m Taking Trazodone?

Both trazodone and alcohol are central nervous system (CNS) depressants which slow down brain activity. When these two substances are mixed, their sedative effects can amplify, leading to potentially serious side effects and health risks. Therefore, it is never advisable to take trazodone with alcohol. Trazodone may be prescribed for various reasons, such as anxiety and insomnia on an as-needed basis, or for long-term treatment of depression, which may take several weeks to show results. While having an occasional drink while on trazodone might not lead to an overdose, it can still result in increased impairment, so caution is essential for those who choose to drink.

Some serious side effects that can result from drinking alcohol while taking trazodone can include:

Increased Sedation: Both trazodone and alcohol can induce drowsiness, and their combined use can result in excessive tiredness and impaired functioning.
Breathing Problems: The depressant effects of both substances can slow down breathing, potentially leading to shallow or labored breathing, which can be life-threatening, especially in higher doses.
Dizziness and lightheadedness: The combination can cause significant dizziness, increasing the risk of falls or fainting.
Impaired Judgment and Coordination: Using both substances together can further impair cognitive abilities, coordination, and judgment increasing the likelihood of accidents, injuries, and poor decision-making.
Adverse Impact on Mental Health: Alcohol can worsen depression and anxiety symptoms, which can reduce trazadone’s effectiveness and negatively affect mental health.
Increased Risk of Serotonin Syndrome: While rare, the combination of alcohol with trazodone can lead to a condition called serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening situation caused by excessive levels of serotonin.
Risk of Overdose: In severe cases, combining large doses of either trazodone or alcohol together can lead to difficulty breathing or loss of consciousness, resulting in an overdose which is a medical emergency as it can be life-threatening.

It is important to avoid drinking alcohol while taking trazodone unless specifically instructed by a healthcare provider. If you have accidentally mixed the two together, it is crucial to be aware of potential overdose symptoms or severe side effects and seek immediate medical attention if necessary.

Does Trazodone Make Hangovers Worse?

Mixing trazodone with alcohol or using trazodone while dealing with a hangover can intensify typical hangover symptoms such as tiredness, dehydration, dizziness, and mental fog. Hangovers primarily arise from the body breaking down alcohol, which creates a harmful byproduct known as acetaldehyde. This process can lead to dehydration, inflammation, and imbalances in brain chemistry, resulting in headaches, nausea, and extreme fatigue. As noted by VeryWellHealth, trazodone can induce morning drowsiness, especially when you first start taking it, which can worsen the fatigue associated with a hangover. Additionally, trazodone may cause side effects like dizziness and dry mouth, which dehydration—common during hangovers—can amplify. Both alcohol and trazodone can impair cognitive abilities, leaving individuals feeling mentally sluggish and disoriented.

Moreover, alcohol and hangovers can heighten feelings of depression or anxiety, prompting some to take trazodone to alleviate these mood issues. However, this approach is risky; depending on the amount of alcohol consumed, individuals may still have alcohol in their system upon waking, and combining it with trazodone can intensify its effects, including sedation and respiratory depression. In summary, consuming alcohol while taking trazodone is unwise. Trazodone can stay in your system for one to three days, meaning that drinking alcohol during this period can lead to adverse side effects.

combining trazodone and alcohol

Can You Get a DUI with Trazodone?

The blood alcohol content (BAC) limit for driving under the influence (DUI) varies by state, the driver’s age, and the type of vehicle being operated. In California, for instance, the legal BAC limit is set at 0.08% for drivers aged 21 and over, 0.01% for those under 21, and 0.04% for commercial drivers. It’s important to note that you can still face DUI charges even if your BAC is below the legal threshold. Law enforcement officers can assess impairment through various signs, such as erratic driving, slurred speech, or poor performance on field sobriety tests. Additionally, combining trazodone with alcohol can exacerbate impairment, leading individuals to feel and act more intoxicated than their BAC suggests. Even taking trazodone on its own can significantly impair your abilities. Therefore, if an officer believes you are impaired, you could be charged with a DUI, regardless of your BAC level when using trazodone.

Does Trazodone Help with Alcohol Dependence?

Alcohol dependence can result in withdrawal symptoms when attempting to stop use. A study from the National Institutes of Health indicates that trazodone can be beneficial for managing persistent withdrawal symptoms, such as sleep issues and cravings. However, it’s crucial to undergo a complete detox from alcohol before starting trazodone, as combining the two can result in serious side effects, including the risk of overdose. A medical detox program offers professional support for alcohol detoxification and may include medication management, potentially incorporating trazodone to ease both immediate and ongoing withdrawal symptoms. It’s essential to understand that while trazodone can assist with issues related to withdrawal, anxiety, and depression, it does not address the root causes of alcohol dependence and addiction. Comprehensive treatment programs are vital for tackling addiction and developing effective coping strategies.

Contact Muse Treatment for Help with Trazodone and Alcohol Misuse and Addiction

Mixing trazodone and alcohol together poses significant short-term dangers and can also result in long-term consequences, including dependence and substance use disorders. If you’re currently on trazodone and find it difficult to quit drinking, Muse Treatment is here to assist you in overcoming alcohol abuse while addressing your mental health challenges. Our all-encompassing treatment programs tackle the root causes of addiction and offer support for co-occurring issues such as anxiety and depression. With our medical detox services, individuals can safely cease alcohol consumption and manage withdrawal symptoms more comfortably, making it easier to transition into our rehabilitation programs. These programs equip you with vital coping strategies and various therapeutic approaches to help you achieve lasting sobriety.

For more details about our rehabilitation services at Muse Treatment, reach out to us today at 800-426-1818.