Can Trazodone Get You High?

Tyler Collins

Written by

Tyler Collins

Published

August 15, 2022

Clinically Reviewed by

Rob McKinstry, LPHA

Trazodone

Do you want to know if trazodone can get you high? A lot of people ask this question because trazodone is often prescribed as an antidepressant. It can be an effective medication for people who suffer from depression, but it is not without its side effects.

Trazodone is a medication that is primarily used to treat depression. It is an antidepressant that works by affecting the chemicals in the brain that are responsible for regulating mood. It is thought to increase the levels of serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter that helps to regulate mood.

There have been reports, however, of people abusing trazodone for its sedative effects. Because of this, some trazodone users and even their loved ones are concerned whether this drug can produce a high similar to that of marijuana or other drugs. Can trazodone get you high? Is there a risk for abuse addiction?

In this blog post, we’ll explore the answer to these questions and also look at the potential dangers of taking trazodone for non-medical reasons. So keep reading to find out everything you need to know about this medication.

Can You Get High on Trazodone?

TrazodoneYes, it is possible to get high on trazodone. It may not be the same euphoric high like what you would get with weed or illicit drugs, but the extreme sedation caused by high doses may be what some people are looking for.

The high from trazodone is caused by its sedative effects. When taken in large doses, this medication can cause drowsiness and even sleepiness. Some people may find these effects pleasurable and take the drug for non-medical reasons.

Because the effects of this drug vary from person to person, it’s difficult to predict exactly what you may experience.  However, intentionally increasing your dose to achieve this state of high can be dangerous. It can lead to serious consequences.

Another risk is mixing trazodone with other substances. Substances like alcohol, opioids, benzos, and even OTC drugs can cause negative effects when mixed with trazodone. But they can also intensify the drug’s sedative effects. When this happens, it increases the likelihood of an overdose.

The bottom line is that while it’s possible to get high on trazodone, it’s simply not worth the risk. Taking this medication without a prescription or exceeding the prescribed dose can be extremely dangerous.

Can You Get Addicted to Trazodone?

Trazodone AbuseCompared to other prescription drugs, trazodone is considered to have a lower abuse potential. However, for those who may be having a hard time getting their hands on other drugs, trazodone might be a tempting option.

Trazodone addiction is possible, but it’s not as common as other types of drug addiction. That’s because this medication doesn’t produce the same euphoric “high” feeling that other substances do. However, as explained earlier, a different state of “high” can be achieved which is severe sedation. When a user gets used to this feeling, they may start to crave it and become addicted.

This process of getting addicted may not be evident quickly, but can develop over time. It can start as being dependent on the drug and then lead to taking the drug more often to achieve the same sedative effect. Once a person is addicted, they will keep taking the drug without the ability to quit and even when it’s causing them harm.

How to Avoid Trazodone Abuse and Addiction

Misusing trazodone or any drug can be extremely dangerous, and the best way to avoid this is to simply not start taking it in the first place if you don’t need it.

If you’re taking trazodone legitimately for depression, you must follow your doctor’s directions carefully. This means not taking more of the drug than prescribed and not stopping your use suddenly without checking with your doctor first.

If you do this, you may experience withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, and anxiety. Experiencing these effects could push you to start taking the drug again to make them go away, and this can lead to addiction.

If you’re concerned about your use of trazodone or think you may have a problem, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. It’s possible to lead a  drug-free life with the right treatment and support.

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