Does Trazodone expire? (+3 dangers of expired Trazodone)

In this concise article, we will address the question of Trazodone’s expiration, along with additional aspects such as the potential risks associated with using expired Trazodone, recommended actions if one has consumed such medication past its expiry date, potential adverse effects of Trazodone usage, characteristics to identify spoiled Trazodone, and how this medication should be stored.

Similar to other medications, Trazodone has an expiration date, and it is not advisable to use it beyond that date.

The exact health risks linked to the consumption of expired Trazodone cannot be definitively determined. If you unintentionally ingest expired Trazodone, remain observant of symptoms and promptly seek medical assistance if you experience any severe adverse effects.

To store Trazodone, ensure it is kept in its original container within a well-ventilated area.

Spoiled medication might display visual alterations and emit a strong odour. If you observe any noticeable changes in the characteristics of Trazodone, refrain from taking the medication.

Does Trazodone expire?

Yes, Trazodone does have an expiration date like every single medication out there. 

Although certain drugs might maintain their efficacy for a period beyond the expiration date (1), it is not advisable to utilize expired medications.

The stability of the drugs depends on how well you have stored them. Inadequate storage conditions can expedite the degradation of medications. 

Furthermore, all expired drugs are inevitably prone to losing their effectiveness over time, and their safety cannot be assured. 

For this reason, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) strongly discourages the consumption of any expired medication (2).

What are the dangers associated with the use of expired Trazodone? 

The most commonly expected thing to happen after taking recently expired Trazodone is therapeutic insufficiency. However, while recently expired Trazodone may not present an immediate health risk, it is still not recommended to take it.

There is a lack of research data concerning the safety and effectiveness of expired Trazodone. Even the manufacturers cannot provide conclusive information about the potential health risks associated with its use.

In this context, the entire purpose of the expiry date is for the manufacturer to guarantee that the drug will remain effective for a certain period of time. After that, there’s no certainty (1,3).

It is essential to take into account that Trazodone is an antidepressant, and mental health illnesses need proper treatment. 

Like other antidepressants, Trazodone may require time to take effect for depression, and it should be taken properly each day (4). 

Trazodone has also been prescribed for pain management (5), fibromyalgia, or migraine relief but its effectiveness may be compromised if you use an expired formulation. It is important to prioritize your health and avoid taking such risks.

It’s best to ensure that your medication has not expired before you start taking it. 

What to do if you have taken expired Trazodone?

If you accidentally consume expired Trazodone, it is advised to stay vigilant for any symptoms and promptly seek medical attention if you encounter any unusual complications.

As a general guideline, it is not recommended to consume expired medications due to the potential unknown side effects they may induce (2,6). 

It is advisable to replace the expired Trazodone with a new one.
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What adverse effects may Trazodone cause?

The most common side effects of Trazodone include (4):

• Weakness or tiredness
• Dry mouth
• Dizziness or lightheadedness/hangovers
• Headache
• Acid reflux
• Nausea or vomiting
• palpitations
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Night sweats
• Blurred vision
• Nightmares
• Sexual side effects
• Tired, red, or itchy eyes
• Weight gain
• dry eyes
• Increased appetite
• Involuntary movements/hypnic jerks
• changes in blood sugar (other factors involved)
• changes in blood pressure (rare)

Trazodone can also result in uncommon but more serious side effects. These may encompass (4,7):

• Serotonin syndrome: a potentially life-threatening condition that can occur when there is too much serotonin in the brain. Symptoms include confusion, agitation, fever, sweating, tremors, and muscle rigidity.
• Orthostatic hypotension: a sudden drop in blood pressure when you stand up or move your position.
• Priapism: a prolonged and painful erection that can occur in men.
• Allergic reactions/skin rash/breathing difficulties

It is recommended to administer Trazodone before bedtime due to its propensity to induce drowsiness and fatigue in certain individuals. 

You should refrain from driving, operating heavy machinery, or engaging in activities that require full mental alertness after taking Trazodone. 

If you start experiencing any of the serious side effects, talk to your doctor.

It is important to note that Trazodone may cause more side effects when paired with other medications, including anxiolytics (Clonazepam, Diazepam, Lorazepam, Buspirone etc), other antidepressants (Sertraline, Escitalopram, Duloxetine, Bupropion etc), antipsychotics, antiepileptic, opioid painkillers (Tramadol), etc.

How to identify spoiled Trazodone?

Certain indicators may suggest that medication has become spoiled, including (6,8):

• Packaging integrity: If the package is open or tampered with, exposing the medication to the environment, there is a high likelihood of medication degradation.
• Visible signs of deterioration: Discoloration, moisture damage, fungal or bacterial damage, or any other noticeable alteration of the medication.
• Strong and unusual odour.

How should Trazodone be properly stored?

Keep this medication in its original container, tightly closed, and store it at room temperature, away from light, excess heat, and moisture (not in the bathroom).

It is crucial to keep all medications out of sight and reach of children, as certain containers may not be child-resistant (4).

Conclusion

In this concise article, we have answered the question regarding the expiration of Trazodone, as well as addressed additional aspects such as the potential risks associated with the use of expired Trazodone, recommended actions if someone has consumed such medication beyond its expiry date, potential adverse effects of Trazodone usage, characteristics to identify spoiled Trazodone, and how this medication should be stored.

References