Posted by DebbieLynn on May 27, 2001, at 19:04:14
In reply to Re: Trazadone and Effexor XR..safe combo?????? » DebbieLynn, posted by Cam W. on May 27, 2001, at 11:32:29
> Debbie - There is usually no problem taking a serotonergic antidepressant like Effexor XR™ (venlafaxine) with a low dose of trazodone (Desyrel™). The problem of serotonin syndrome can occur (and then, not always) when you increase the trazodone to a dose where it's antidepressant activity kicks in (ie. 450mg to 600mg). Trazodone is not used much as an antidepressant anymore because it is far too sedating. The serotonin syndrome is definitely dose related. I have seen a mild case of serotonin syndrome in someone who was taking Paxil™ (paroxetine) at a 10mg daily dose and 100mg of trazodone at bedtime. When we lowered the trazodone to 25mg, the symptoms of serotonin syndrome went away.
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> Trazodone, in doses of 50mg to 100mg at bedtimes, are common used as a hypnotic in people taking SSRIs and other serotonergic antidepressants (except classical MAOIs, where the risk of serotonin syndrome is much greater). Trazodone is one of the safest sleeping pills for seniors, as well. I would try to avoid taking the 300mg dose very often, as it will affect your daytime performance because of the hangover effect your doc mentioned.
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> I hope that this is of some help. - CamThank you so much for the info. I tried to look up information on the web, but you know how that goes. This post is great. It offers a lot of valuable information. When I decide to "wean" from the Effexor, do you have any suggestions??
I feel bad for questioning my pdoc's advise...but you never know because everybody is different.Thanks again!!
Debbie
poster:DebbieLynn
thread:64412
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010522/msgs/64446.html