Trazodone hydrochloride overdose

Definition

Trazodone is an antidepressant medication. Trazodone overdose occurs when someone accidentally or intentionally takes more than the normal or recommended amount of this medication.

Alternative Names

Desyrel overdose; Deprax overdose; Molipaxin overdose; Thrombran overdose; Trialodine overdose; Trittico overdose

Poisonous Ingredient

Trazodone

Where Found

Trazodone is commonly sold under the brand name Desyrel.

Symptoms

• Airways and lungs
  • Difficulty breathing (breathing may stop completely)
• Heart and blood vessels
  • Chest pain
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Low blood pressure
  • Slow heart rate
• Nervous system
  • Coma
  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness
  • Headache
  • Insomnia
  • Seizures
• Other
  • Fainting
  • Priapism (erection that lasts for more than four hours without stimulation)

Home Treatment

Seek immediate medical care. Standard procedure is to make the person throw up. Do NOT make the person throw up if he or she is unconscious or having convulsions. Confirm this procedure with Poison Control.

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

• Patient's age, weight, and condition
• Name of the product (as well as the ingredients and strength, if known)
• Time it was swallowed
• Amount swallowed
• If the medication was prescribed for the patient

Poison Control, or a local emergency number

The National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can be called from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.

This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the United States use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Take the container with you to the hospital, if possible.

See: Poison control center - emergency number

What to expect at the emergency room

The health care provider will measure and monitor the patient's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Symptoms will be treated as appropriate. The patient may receive:

• Breathing support (artificial respiration)
• Activated charcoal
• Fluids by IV
• Laxative
• Tube through the mouth into the stomach to empty the stomach (gastric lavage)

Expectations (prognosis)

Death can result from an overdose, but this is rare. Heart and respiratory problems are also rare.