Trazodone is a medication prescribed for depression and insomnia. Many wonder if trazodone produces a “high” like recreational substances. This article clarifies its effects, mechanism, and side effects, which are sometimes mistaken for euphoria.
How Trazodone Works
Trazodone functions in the brain primarily as a serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor (SARI). It increases serotonin by blocking its reabsorption into nerve cells. Serotonin regulates mood, sleep, and appetite.
Beyond inhibiting serotonin reuptake, trazodone also blocks certain serotonin receptors. This dual action helps balance serotonin activity. Its effects on other receptors contribute to its sedative properties. At lower doses, its primary effect is sedation, while higher doses are associated with its antidepressant actions.
The overall impact of trazodone is to promote relaxation and improve mood, rather than inducing euphoria or stimulation. Its mechanism of action is distinct from drugs that produce a “high” by rapidly flooding the brain with dopamine or other neurotransmitters associated with reward pathways. Because it works gradually to regulate serotonin and has significant sedative effects, it does not typically lead to the intense pleasure of recreational drug use.
Common Side Effects
Common side effects include drowsiness and dizziness. These effects are more pronounced when first starting the medication or with higher doses.
Other common side effects include dry mouth, blurred vision, nausea, constipation, headaches, and fatigue. While these sensations can alter one’s normal state, they are distinct from the euphoria or altered perception associated with recreational drugs. The sedative effects, in particular, might be misinterpreted as a “high” due to the feeling of relaxation or detachment they can produce.
These side effects are typically mild and lessen as the body adjusts to the medication. However, it is important to differentiate these expected physiological responses from the intentional pursuit of a euphoric state. If side effects are bothersome or persistent, individuals should consult their healthcare provider for guidance.
Misuse and Abuse Potential
Trazodone has a low potential for abuse compared to many other prescription medications. Unlike substances such as opioids or stimulants, which directly activate the brain’s reward system to produce intense euphoria, trazodone does not typically generate a pleasurable “high”. Its primary effects are sedation and antidepressant action, which are not typically sought after for recreational purposes.
Some individuals might misuse trazodone by taking higher doses than prescribed or combining it with other substances, to achieve a more intense sedative effect or perceived “high”. However, this typically leads to an intensification of its side effects, such as extreme drowsiness, confusion, impaired coordination, and nausea, rather than euphoria. Combining trazodone with alcohol or other central nervous system depressants is particularly dangerous, as it can significantly increase the risk of severe respiratory depression and overdose.
While some anecdotal reports mention a “euphoric” feeling, these are not consistent with the drug’s known pharmacological profile and are more likely a misinterpretation of its strong sedative or calming effects. Studies evaluating the abuse potential of trazodone have shown it has less abuse potential compared to benzodiazepine hypnotics. Therefore, the risks associated with misusing trazodone far outweigh any perceived recreational benefit, leading to unpleasant and potentially dangerous outcomes instead of a desirable “high.”