Trazodone Detection on Toxicology Screens
Trazodone is not detected on standard urine drug screening panels and will not show up as a positive result for common drugs of abuse. Standard toxicology screens typically test for specific drug classes (cannabinoids, cocaine, amphetamines, opioids, benzodiazepines, etc.), and trazodone does not cross-react with these immunoassays 1.
Key Points About Standard Drug Screening
Standard drug screening panels do not include trazodone as part of routine testing for drugs of abuse 1.
Routine toxicology screens use immunoassays that are designed to detect specific drug classes and their metabolites, and trazodone's chemical structure (a triazolopyridine derivative) does not trigger positive results on these standard panels 2, 3.
Many drugs are not included in standard screening panels, and healthcare providers must specifically request testing for suspected substances that fall outside routine panels 1.
When Trazodone Can Be Detected
Specific testing is required if there is clinical suspicion of trazodone toxicity or overdose - this would involve requesting a specific trazodone level or comprehensive toxicology analysis using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry 1.
Therapeutic blood concentrations of trazodone are approximately 0.5-2 mg/L, and specific quantitative testing can measure these levels when clinically indicated 1, 4.
In overdose situations, trazodone concentrations above 9 mg/L have been associated with fatalities, but detection requires specific testing beyond standard screening 4.
Clinical Implications
False-positive concerns are not applicable - trazodone will not cause a false-positive result for other drugs on standard immunoassay screening panels 1.
If trazodone detection is clinically necessary (such as in cases of suspected overdose with altered mental status), providers must specifically request trazodone levels or comprehensive toxicology testing from the laboratory 1.
Standard "medical clearance" toxicology screens performed in emergency departments or psychiatric evaluations will not identify trazodone use unless specifically requested 1.