What is Trazodone Hydrochloride Overdose?

• Trazodone hydrochloride is an antidepressant drug that is used in treating depression, especially major depressive disorder. It is also used to treat dementia and individuals with sleep-related issues, especially insomnia
• Trazodone Hydrochloride Overdose is the accidental or intentional intake of the drug in dosage higher than prescribed values
• The condition is diagnosed based upon the clinical history, combination of signs and symptoms, and additional tests (that may include, in some cases, radiological studies and laboratory tests)

Trazodone Hydrochloride Overdose may be also referred to variously as the following:

• Deprax Overdose
• Desyrel Overdose
• Molipaxin Overdose
• Thrombran Overdose
• Trialodine Overdose
• Trittico Overdose

What are the Causes of Trazodone Hydrochloride Overdose?

• Trazodone Hydrochloride Overdose is caused by the intake of trazodone hydrochloride containing drug in dosage that is higher than prescribed
• This intake could be accidental, or in some cases intentional, to bring self-harm
• It is sold as Desyrel and Oleptro among other names
• Individuals are known to misuse trazodone as a sleep-inducing drug (regular practice leading to habit-formation), even though it is a relatively safe and non-addictive drug. Trazodone does not create a sense of euphoria (high) in the individual

Note: The drug can interact with other prescribed or non-prescribed medications in the body. Such interactions may enhance the therapeutic effects of the drug or other medications being taken, resulting in undesired side effects (such as an overdose).

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Trazodone Hydrochloride Overdose?

The signs and symptoms of Trazodone Hydrochloride Overdose can vary from one individual to another. It may be mild in some and severe in others. Several systems of the body, such as the respiratory system, nervous system, and vascular system may be affected.

The signs and symptoms of Trazodone Hydrochloride Overdose may include

• Breathing difficulties that may be severe; some individuals may be unable to breathe
• Lack of coordination
• Chest pain
• Irregular heart rate and faint pulse
• Low blood pressure (hypotension), which may result in dizziness or fainting
• Headaches and drowsiness
• Sleeplessness
• Disorientation
• Seizures or convulsions
• Tremors
• In men, without stimulation, penile erection lasting for 4 hours or more
• Coma

How is First Aid administered for Trazodone Hydrochloride Overdose?

First Aid tips for Trazodone Hydrochloride Overdose:

• If the individual with Trazodone Hydrochloride Overdose is in a coma, or is experiencing life-threatening symptoms, call 911 (or your local emergency help number) immediately
• Call the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 (or your local poison control center) for further instructions
• Provide them with information such as dosage, type of drug taken, strength and time of ingestion of medication, age, weight and general health status of affected individual
• Confirm that the airways are protected; also, ensure breathing and the presence of pulse
• Unless instructed by a healthcare professional, DO NOT induce vomiting in the affected individual
• Stay with the affected individual until medical help arrives
• Avoid any home remedies, which may only worsen the condition
• Take individual to emergency room (ER) for further treatment
• Always try to take the medication strip/bottle/container to the ER

The emergency medical health professional might perform the following steps towards treating the condition:

• Monitor vital signs
• Conduct blood and urine tests, obtain an electrocardiogram (ECG), and undertake imaging scans (including radiological studies of the brain), as needed
• Gastric lavage for elimination of drug from the stomach (irrigation using special solutions)
• Medically manage symptoms, such as abnormal heart rate and seizures
• Provide breathing support, if necessary
• Administer activated charcoal to avoid absorbance of drug in the body
• Administer laxatives for elimination of drug from the body
• Administer fluids by an intravenous drip line

Who should administer First Aid for Trazodone Hydrochloride Overdose?

First aid for Trazodone Hydrochloride Overdose is administered by healthcare professionals.

• The individual who overdosed, or someone near, should call 911 for emergency assistance (or the local emergency number)
• They should also call the poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 (or the local poison control center) and follow instructions

What is the Prognosis of Trazodone Hydrochloride Overdose?

• The prognosis of Trazodone Hydrochloride Overdose is dependent on the amount of drug consumed, time between overdose and treatment, severity of the symptoms, as well as general health status of the patient
• If the individual can recover from the symptoms early with appropriate medication and support, the outcome is generally good
• In case of severe symptoms including abnormal heart rhythms, seizures, and coma, it may considerably worsen the outcome
• Prolonged respiratory difficulties denying oxygen supply to the brain and without prompt treatment, may cause permanent brain damage
• Severe cases of Trazodone Hydrochloride Overdose are known to be fatal, even though it is rare

In general, overdoses are common situations in the emergency departments. A majority of the cases are often not fatal, when appropriate treatment is given.

How can Trazodone Hydrochloride Overdose be Prevented?

Trazodone Hydrochloride Overdose can be prevented by:

• Always taking the right dose of medication at recommended times
• Avoiding drugs that might interact with trazodone hydrochloride
• Talking to your healthcare provider if recommended dose of trazodone hydrochloride does not provide adequate relief
• DO NOT continue to take medications beyond the prescribed dose duration before checking with and obtaining permission of the consulting physician
• Refraining from self-medication
• Avoiding alcohol while taking any medication
• DO NOT use trazodone hydrochloride for recreational purpose, or as part of a drug cocktail
• DO NOT recommend or share medications you are taking with others who may have similar or near similar health conditions
• Exercising caution while taking multiple drugs with trazodone hydrochloride
• Keeping medications out of reach of children in child-proof containers
• For older individuals and those who tend to be forgetful, medications should be stored in single dose containers with time labels, to avoid multiple dosage
• Monitor intake of this drug especially in patients, who have depression or harbor suicidal thoughts and behavior

It is important to give your healthcare provider a complete list of prescription and non-prescription medications that are being currently taken. This will help them in assessing the possible drug interactions within various medications and help avoid/prevent accidental or unintentional toxic drug effects.

What are certain Crucial Steps to be followed?

• Call 911 (or your local emergency number) for emergency assistance, if symptoms are life-threatening
• Call Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 (or the local poison control center) and follow the recommend steps
• It would be helpful if the following information is readily available:
  • Type, dosage and time of administration of medication
  • Age and weight of the individual
  • And, the overall health status of the individual