Trazodone Interactions

Both trazodone and 5-HTP raise serotonin activity, but through different routes. Trazodone is a serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor that keeps more serotonin in the synapse, while 5-HTP is a direct precursor that increases how much serotonin the body makes. Stacking the two adds up, and major drug-interaction databases flag the pairing as a serious interaction because of the risk of serotonin syndrome.

Trazodone and alcohol both depress the central nervous system, producing additive sedation, dizziness, orthostatic hypotension, and impaired coordination. The FDA label states trazodone may enhance the response to alcohol, and combining the two raises the risk of falls and accidents. Rarely, trazodone is associated with QT prolongation, orthostatic syncope, and priapism.