Trazodone Detection on Toxicology Screens

Key Points About Standard Drug Screening

• The American Academy of Pediatrics notes that standard drug screening panels do not include trazodone as part of routine testing for drugs of abuse 1, 2, 3
• Many drugs, including trazodone, are not included in standard screening panels, and healthcare providers must specifically request testing for suspected substances that fall outside routine panels 4, 5

When Trazodone Can Be Detected

• Specific testing is required if there is clinical suspicion of trazodone toxicity or overdose, involving requesting a specific trazodone level or comprehensive toxicology analysis using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry 1, 2
• Therapeutic blood concentrations of trazodone are approximately 0.5-2 mg/L, and specific quantitative testing can measure these levels when clinically indicated 6

Clinical Implications

• The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that if trazodone detection is clinically necessary, providers must specifically request trazodone levels or comprehensive toxicology testing from the laboratory 3, 7
• Standard "medical clearance" toxicology screens performed in emergency departments or psychiatric evaluations will not identify trazodone use unless specifically requested 7