Can you skip doses of trazodone? (3 risks)

This article will explore the importance of not skipping doses of trazodone. It will discuss the potential risks associated with skipping doses and provide practical advice on what to do if you happen to miss a dose.

Finally, the article will discuss ways to ensure consistent adherence to your trazodone dosages.

Can you skip doses of trazodone?

No, it is not advisable to skip doses of trazodone or any other antidepressants. It is important to always take the medication as prescribed, without altering the frequency of administration or skipping any doses. 

Trazodone primarily functions by gradually increasing serotonin levels. Skipping a dose can disrupt the balance of serotonin and other neurotransmitters, such as histamine and norepinephrine, in the central nervous system. This may result in undesirable effects that could potentially worsen your treatment. 

Therefore, intentionally omitting a dose of any antidepressant is strongly discouraged. If you find it difficult to remember to take the medication consistently, it is recommended that you use reminders or other methods to help you remember.

Additionally, if you do happen to miss a dose of trazodone and notice any changes in your well-being, it is crucial to promptly inform your doctor, as your body may experience withdrawal symptoms.

What are the risks of skipping trazodone doses?

The risks associated with skipping trazodone doses may vary from person to person, as individuals do not respond to medications in the same way.

Furthermore, the effects one may experience after skipping a dose of trazodone can also depend on the dosage they were previously taking or the condition for which they are taking the drug.

For instance, the higher the dose, the more severe the withdrawal symptoms may be. Additionally, the severity of experienced side effects can also differ depending on the duration of trazodone usage and a person’s adherence to treatment.

Individuals who rarely skip a single dose have a lower risk of withdrawal symptoms or side effects compared to those who commonly skip doses. The risks associated with skipping trazodone doses are mentioned below.

Decreased efficacy

First of all, missing a dose of trazodone can temporarily decrease the effectiveness of the treatment. For individuals using trazodone to manage insomnia, skipping a dose may result in difficulty sleeping that night. 

If trazodone is being taken for anxiety or depression, missing a dose may cause symptoms to return or worsen. In the long term, consistently missing doses can disrupt the effectiveness of trazodone in managing depression or anxiety.

Patients may mistakenly believe that the drug is not working for them when, in reality, the problem lies in not consistently adhering to the prescribed dosage.

Withdrawal symptoms

To maintain consistent and constant levels of trazodone in the body, it should be taken daily. The body gradually adjusts to experiencing the effects of the drug daily. If more than a day passes between doses, the body may experience withdrawal symptoms. These can include [1]:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Headache
• Irritability 
• Tremors
• Mood swings
• Seizures
• Tinnitus
• Sensory disturbances such as tingling, numbness, or electric shock sensations
• Anxiety
• Sweating
• Dysphoric mood
• Dizziness
• Tiredness

Double dosing

Some patients who miss their dose may attempt to take it the following day as soon as they remember, along with the regular dose for that day. This practice is very dangerous, as it can lead to an overdose, particularly if the patient’s prescribed daily dose is already high.

If you end up taking a very high dose of trazodone as a result of double dosing, you may experience intensified side effects. These include drowsiness, difficulty waking up, heart problems, orthostatic hypotension, nightmares, night sweats, hallucinations, suicidal thoughts, and acid reflux [2].

It is important to avoid double dosing and not take a missed dose if the time for the next dose is approaching.

What to do if you skip a trazodone dose?

If you skip one dose of trazodone, take it as soon as you remember. However, if you remember this close to the time of your next scheduled dose, it is best not to take the missed dose to avoid potential side effects or complications.

Moreover, it is important to understand that missing only one dose of trazodone does not usually pose significant risks. It is also important to ensure that you do not skip doses in the future. 

For instance, if you forget to take a dose, it is advisable to set reminders. Additionally, establishing a consistent daily routine by taking it at the same time or tying it to a specific daily task can be helpful. For example, you may choose to take it before or after completing a particular daily activity. 

Moreover, having people around you who can remind you and verify if you have taken the dose can be beneficial. If you frequently forget to take doses, it is recommended that you consult your doctor to explore potential solutions.

From my perspective, it is not advisable to skip doses of trazodone or any other antidepressants. I found that the risks associated with skipping trazodone doses include decreased efficacy, withdrawal symptoms, and the dangerous practice of double dosing.

If you do happen to skip one dose of trazodone, I recommend taking it as soon as you remember, but don’t take a missed dose if the time for the next dose is approaching. Remember, missing only one dose usually does not pose significant risks, but it is important to avoid skipping doses in the future.

I believe that establishing reminders, incorporating trazodone into a consistent daily routine, and seeking support from others can help ensure proper adherence.

References