From the FDA Drug Label
- Overdosage ... There is no specific antidote for trazodone hydrochloride overdose.
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
To safely discontinue trazodone, a gradual tapering approach is recommended rather than stopping abruptly, as suggested by the study published in 1994 1. This approach is crucial to minimize the risk of withdrawal symptoms, which can include irritability, anxiety, sleep disturbances, headaches, or dizziness. When tapering off trazodone, it's essential to work with a healthcare provider to develop a personalized schedule, typically reducing the dose by 25-50mg every 3-7 days, depending on the current dose and how long the patient has been taking it. For example, if a patient is on 100mg daily, they might decrease to 75mg for several days, then 50mg, then 25mg before stopping completely. The study published in 2012 2 provides additional insight into the pharmacological properties of trazodone, highlighting its efficacy as an antidepressant and its relatively favorable safety profile. However, the primary concern when discontinuing trazodone is to avoid abrupt cessation, which can lead to more severe withdrawal symptoms, as noted in the 1994 study 1. During the tapering process, it's crucial to monitor for withdrawal symptoms and adjust the schedule as needed. Staying hydrated, maintaining regular sleep patterns, and considering stress-reduction techniques like meditation or gentle exercise can also help mitigate potential withdrawal symptoms. The most recent and highest quality study, published in 2012 2, supports the use of a gradual tapering approach, emphasizing the importance of careful dose reduction to minimize the risk of adverse effects. Key points to consider when discontinuing trazodone include:
- Gradual tapering to minimize withdrawal symptoms
- Personalized tapering schedule based on current dose and treatment duration
- Monitoring for withdrawal symptoms and adjusting the schedule as needed
- Maintaining regular sleep patterns and staying hydrated during the tapering process
- Considering stress-reduction techniques to mitigate potential withdrawal symptoms.