Trazodone panic attack
Trazodone May Help People with Anxiety When Other Meds Don’t
Trazodone May Help People with Anxiety When Other Meds Don’tMedically reviewed by Alan Carter, Pharm.D. — By Jill Seladi-Schulman, Ph.D. on April 4, 2019
Trazodone is a prescription antidepressant medication. It’s typically prescribed when other antidepressants haven’t been effective or have caused side effects. Trazodone is part of a class of antidepressants known as serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitors.
How trazodone works isn’t completely understood. It’s known that it inhibits two types of serotonin receptors in the brain, which can increase levels of serotonin.
Serotonin is a chemical messenger that influences many things, including mood, emotion, and sleep. Therefore, an increase in serotonin can help to ease symptoms of conditions like depression.
Trazodone is approved by the FDA for the treatment of major depressive disorder. However, it’s sometimes prescribed off-label for the treatment of anxiety.
Medications are considered off-label when they’re prescribed for the treatment of a condition the FDA hasn’t approved them for. One common reason your doctor may prescribe a medication off-label is if you’ve tried other approved treatments without seeing any benefit.
In addition to anxiety, trazodone has been used off-label to treat other conditions, such as insomnia, substance abuse, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Although some antidepressants such as SSRIs and SNRIs can commonly be used as first-line treatments for anxiety, trazodone isn’t used as often. It may be prescribed for anxiety if other medications haven’t been effective.
Is trazodone actually effective in treating anxiety?
Several older studies have assessed the efficacy of trazodone for anxiety:
- One 1993 study indicated that trazodone relieved anxiety at a comparable level to diazepam (Valium) in people with generalized anxiety disorder.
- Another 1987 study found that taking trazodone improved symptoms in a small population of people with panic disorder or agoraphobia with panic attacks.
- A 2001 study found that trazodone may help with insomnia and nightmares associated with post-traumatic stress disorder.
Another possible benefit to taking trazodone for anxiety may be that you’re able to fall asleep easier. One of the common side effects of trazodone is sleepiness or feeling drowsy. Trazodone is also sometimes prescribed off-label to treat insomnia.
Is taking trazodone for anxiety similar to taking a medication like Xanax?
Xanax is actually a different type of drug than trazodone. Xanax is a type of anti-anxiety drug called a benzodiazepine. Examples of other benzodiazepine drugs include Valium and Klonopin.
Benzodiazepine drugs work by increasing activity at receptors in your brain called GABA receptors. This has an effect of slowing down your nervous system, which can make you feel more relaxed and calm.
Xanax is similar to trazodone in that it may cause side effects such as feeling tired and drowsy. When this occurs during the day, it can affect your day-to-day activities.
However, unlike trazodone, Xanax and other benzodiazepine drugs can be addictive, even if you’ve been using them as directed. Because of this, they should only be used for short periods of time.
As with any medication, taking trazodone can have some disadvantages.
side effects of trazodone
- feeling sleepy or tired, which can occur during the day
- dizziness
- headache
- dry mouth
- constipation
- weight gain
In addition to common side effects, there are some potential health risks associated with taking trazodone.
Serious side effects from taking trazodone are rare, but they can include:
potential risks of trazodone
- an increase in suicidal thoughts and behaviors, particularly in children and young adults
- priapism, a painful, long-lasting erection
- cardiac arrhythmias, which are heartbeats that can be faster than normal, slower than normal, or irregular
- anaphylaxis, a very serious allergic reaction
If you experience any serious side effects while taking trazodone for anxiety, contact your doctor promptly.
Overdose
It’s possible to take too much trazodone. If you experience symptoms of a trazodone overdose, seek emergency medical attention. Symptoms to look out for include:
- feeling extremely tired or sleepy
- dizziness or fainting
- vomiting
- confusion
- issues with your heart or breathing
- seizures
Addiction
There’s no evidence that suggests that trazodone is addictive.
However, you may experience symptoms if you stop taking it abruptly. These symptoms include being irritable or agitated and having trouble sleeping. Because of this, it’s important to work with your doctor to come off trazodone gradually.
Trazodone is an antidepressant medication that’s approved by the FDA for treating major depressive disorder. However, your doctor may also prescribe it off-label for the treatment of anxiety. This can happen when other treatments haven’t been effective.
Unlike medications like Xanax, trazodone isn’t habit forming.
However, it can have side effects such as drowsiness, headache, and dry mouth. If your doctor prescribes you trazodone for anxiety, always take it as directed and immediately report any serious side effects.
Last medically reviewed on April 4, 2019
How we reviewed this article:
Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.
- Anxiety disorders. (2018).
nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders/index.shtml - Benzodiazepines (and the alternatives). (2019).
health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/benzodiazepines_and_the_alternatives - Desyrel (trazodone hydrochloride tablets), for oral use. (2017).
accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/018207s032lbl.pdf - Fagiolini A, et al.
(2012). Rediscovering trazodone for the treatment of major depressive disorder. DOI:
10.1007/s40263-012-0010-5 - Gliatto MF. (2000). Generalized anxiety disorder.
aafp.org/afp/2000/1001/p1591.html - Mavissakalian M, et al. (1987). Trazodone in the treatment of panic disorder and agoraphobia with panic attacks.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3296792 - Rickels K, et al. (1993). Antidepressants for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder. A placebo-controlled comparison of imipramine, trazodone, and diazepam. DOI:
10.1001/archpsyc.1993.01820230054005 - Shin JJ, et al. (2019). Trazodone. StatPearls.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470560/ - Trazodone. (2018).
nhs.uk/medicines/trazodone/ - Understanding unapproved use of approved drugs “off-label”. (2018).
fda.gov/forpatients/other/offlabel/default.htm - Warner MD, et al. (2001). Survey on the usefulness of trazodone in patients with PTSD with insomnia or nightmares.
DOI:
10.1055/s-2001-15871
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Share this article
Medically reviewed by Alan Carter, Pharm.D. — By Jill Seladi-Schulman, Ph.D. on April 4, 2019
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Trazodone May Help People with Anxiety When Other Meds Don’t
Trazodone May Help People with Anxiety When Other Meds Don’tMedically reviewed by Alan Carter, Pharm.D. — By Jill Seladi-Schulman, Ph.
D. on April 4, 2019
Trazodone is a prescription antidepressant medication. It’s typically prescribed when other antidepressants haven’t been effective or have caused side effects. Trazodone is part of a class of antidepressants known as serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitors.
How trazodone works isn’t completely understood. It’s known that it inhibits two types of serotonin receptors in the brain, which can increase levels of serotonin.
Serotonin is a chemical messenger that influences many things, including mood, emotion, and sleep. Therefore, an increase in serotonin can help to ease symptoms of conditions like depression.
Trazodone is approved by the FDA for the treatment of major depressive disorder. However, it’s sometimes prescribed off-label for the treatment of anxiety.
Medications are considered off-label when they’re prescribed for the treatment of a condition the FDA hasn’t approved them for. One common reason your doctor may prescribe a medication off-label is if you’ve tried other approved treatments without seeing any benefit.
In addition to anxiety, trazodone has been used off-label to treat other conditions, such as insomnia, substance abuse, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Although some antidepressants such as SSRIs and SNRIs can commonly be used as first-line treatments for anxiety, trazodone isn’t used as often. It may be prescribed for anxiety if other medications haven’t been effective.
Is trazodone actually effective in treating anxiety?
Several older studies have assessed the efficacy of trazodone for anxiety:
- One 1993 study indicated that trazodone relieved anxiety at a comparable level to diazepam (Valium) in people with generalized anxiety disorder.
- Another 1987 study found that taking trazodone improved symptoms in a small population of people with panic disorder or agoraphobia with panic attacks.
- A 2001 study found that trazodone may help with insomnia and nightmares associated with post-traumatic stress disorder.
Another possible benefit to taking trazodone for anxiety may be that you’re able to fall asleep easier.
One of the common side effects of trazodone is sleepiness or feeling drowsy. Trazodone is also sometimes prescribed off-label to treat insomnia.
Is taking trazodone for anxiety similar to taking a medication like Xanax?
Xanax is actually a different type of drug than trazodone. Xanax is a type of anti-anxiety drug called a benzodiazepine. Examples of other benzodiazepine drugs include Valium and Klonopin.
Benzodiazepine drugs work by increasing activity at receptors in your brain called GABA receptors. This has an effect of slowing down your nervous system, which can make you feel more relaxed and calm.
Xanax is similar to trazodone in that it may cause side effects such as feeling tired and drowsy. When this occurs during the day, it can affect your day-to-day activities.
However, unlike trazodone, Xanax and other benzodiazepine drugs can be addictive, even if you’ve been using them as directed. Because of this, they should only be used for short periods of time.
As with any medication, taking trazodone can have some disadvantages.
side effects of trazodone
- feeling sleepy or tired, which can occur during the day
- dizziness
- headache
- dry mouth
- constipation
- weight gain
In addition to common side effects, there are some potential health risks associated with taking trazodone.
Serious side effects from taking trazodone are rare, but they can include:
potential risks of trazodone
- an increase in suicidal thoughts and behaviors, particularly in children and young adults
- priapism, a painful, long-lasting erection
- cardiac arrhythmias, which are heartbeats that can be faster than normal, slower than normal, or irregular
- anaphylaxis, a very serious allergic reaction
If you experience any serious side effects while taking trazodone for anxiety, contact your doctor promptly.
Overdose
It’s possible to take too much trazodone. If you experience symptoms of a trazodone overdose, seek emergency medical attention. Symptoms to look out for include:
- feeling extremely tired or sleepy
- dizziness or fainting
- vomiting
- confusion
- issues with your heart or breathing
- seizures
Addiction
There’s no evidence that suggests that trazodone is addictive.
However, you may experience symptoms if you stop taking it abruptly. These symptoms include being irritable or agitated and having trouble sleeping. Because of this, it’s important to work with your doctor to come off trazodone gradually.
Trazodone is an antidepressant medication that’s approved by the FDA for treating major depressive disorder. However, your doctor may also prescribe it off-label for the treatment of anxiety. This can happen when other treatments haven’t been effective.
Unlike medications like Xanax, trazodone isn’t habit forming.
However, it can have side effects such as drowsiness, headache, and dry mouth. If your doctor prescribes you trazodone for anxiety, always take it as directed and immediately report any serious side effects.
Last medically reviewed on April 4, 2019
How we reviewed this article:
Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.
- Anxiety disorders. (2018).
nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders/index.shtml - Benzodiazepines (and the alternatives). (2019).
health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/benzodiazepines_and_the_alternatives - Desyrel (trazodone hydrochloride tablets), for oral use. (2017).
accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/018207s032lbl.pdf - Fagiolini A, et al.
(2012). Rediscovering trazodone for the treatment of major depressive disorder. DOI:
10.1007/s40263-012-0010-5 - Gliatto MF. (2000). Generalized anxiety disorder.
aafp.org/afp/2000/1001/p1591.html - Mavissakalian M, et al. (1987). Trazodone in the treatment of panic disorder and agoraphobia with panic attacks.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3296792 - Rickels K, et al. (1993). Antidepressants for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder. A placebo-controlled comparison of imipramine, trazodone, and diazepam. DOI:
10.1001/archpsyc.1993.01820230054005 - Shin JJ, et al. (2019). Trazodone. StatPearls.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470560/ - Trazodone. (2018).
nhs.uk/medicines/trazodone/ - Understanding unapproved use of approved drugs “off-label”. (2018).
fda.gov/forpatients/other/offlabel/default.htm - Warner MD, et al. (2001). Survey on the usefulness of trazodone in patients with PTSD with insomnia or nightmares.
DOI:
10.1055/s-2001-15871
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Share this article
Medically reviewed by Alan Carter, Pharm.D. — By Jill Seladi-Schulman, Ph.D. on April 4, 2019
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One of the most commonly prescribed drugs for anxiety — buspirone (BuSpar) — is in short supply. The makers cite increasing demand that has no…
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St. John's wort and anxiety are connected mostly as a possible remedy to help people with anxiousness. In some people, it may have an opposite affect…
READ MORE
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Social anxiety can cause shaking, sweating, a rapid heart rate, and flushing.
But you can treat it, including talk therapy, medications, and…READ MORE
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From worsening anxiety to making depression more likely, sugar is harmful to your mental health. Even trying to cut back on the sweet stuff may…
READ MORE
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Medically reviewed by Jillian Kubala, MS, RD
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Studies show many people don’t get enough magnesium in their diets, and that’s a shame…READ MORE
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What you should know about antidepressants
Ekaterina Kushnir
treats anxiety disorder
I have generalized anxiety disorder.
For a long time I coped without pills and other help, but one day I got tired of constant anxiety and began to interfere with my normal life.
As a result, I turned to a private psychiatrist.
The doctor prescribed an antidepressant from the SSRI group - these are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Such drugs are the first thing prescribed in the treatment of depression and a number of other conditions, including my illness.
The doctor immediately warned me about some peculiarities associated with taking the drug. Some of them I then felt on myself. I think everyone who plans to be treated with antidepressants should know about them.
At the same time, it should be taken into account that most of the negative effects of therapy are temporary and not dangerous, and if they do not go away, one medicine can be replaced with another. Antidepressants help many people with mental disorders and other illnesses get rid of their symptoms and return to a full life, so you definitely should not be afraid of them. The main thing is to take such drugs when they are really needed: as prescribed by a competent doctor and under his control.
See a doctor
Our articles are written with love for evidence-based medicine. We refer to authoritative sources and go to doctors with a good reputation for comments. But remember: the responsibility for your health lies with you and your doctor. We don't write prescriptions, we make recommendations. Relying on our point of view or not is up to you.
Fact No. 1
Antidepressants may make symptoms worse at firstAntidepressants can increase anxiety in anxiety disorders, as well as cause irritability and agitation - this is the name for causeless motor arousal, the inability to sit still. It's not dangerous, but rather unpleasant. This condition is sometimes referred to as initial anxiety, that is, the anxiety of starting therapy. Up to 65% of people face it.
Antidepressant-induced anxiety syndrome - a systematic review in the British Journal of Psychiatry
There is also evidence that some classes of antidepressants, including SSRIs, may increase suicidal ideation in depression in young people aged 18 to 24 years. These data are not very reliable, and in older people, the risk of suicide no longer increases and even decreases.
Without treatment, depression is more likely to lead to suicidal thoughts, and in case of anxiety, you just need to prepare for such an effect, then it will be easier to survive the attacks.
The doctor told me that in the first two or three weeks there may be an increase in anxiety, but I did not take it too seriously.
Everything was fine for the first week. After about seven days, I became nervous and irritable. And then I woke up at night and after a while I felt an incomprehensible fear. My heartbeat increased, my head was spinning, my throat was constricted. Because of this, I felt a real panic - I spent the rest of the night fighting terrible thoughts, in the morning I got up completely broken.
/list/antidepressant-myths/
8 myths about antidepressants
I have never had such panic attacks before medication - my anxiety was background, general. I got scared and wrote to the doctor, who reassured me and said that it was not dangerous and would pass soon.
After that, I already expected these panic attacks, immediately tried to relax, calm down, remember that this was just a temporary effect of the drugs. And they ended faster, and then they completely disappeared.
My letter to a psychiatrist. I was scared: I expected an increase in background anxiety, but not panic attacks. I even thought about giving up the medicineFact No. 2
The effect of antidepressant treatment will not be immediateIncrease the dose of antidepressants gradually to reduce side effects. They usually start with the minimum, and then bring it up to the working one. For example, for SSRIs with the active ingredient "sertraline", the working dose is from 100 mg per day. I started taking such a drug with 25 mg, and then gradually, in several steps, under the supervision of a doctor, raised the dose to 100 mg.
SSRI dosage - NHS
What doses of antidepressants will be optimal - an article in The Lancet
The process of reaching a working dose can take from two weeks to a month or more.
It depends on the drug and its tolerance. I turned out to be sensitive to the medicine, it was hard for me to survive every increase in dosage: anxiety increased again, there were other side effects that then stopped. However, this is not the case for everyone, sometimes the process goes faster.
The full therapeutic effect, that is, the disappearance or a strong improvement in the symptoms of the disease, occurs some time after reaching the working dosage. As a rule, this is a week or two, although some positive changes may be earlier. For some people, this process stretches for a longer period: 6-12 weeks. Minimum initial doses of drugs usually do not work.
It is better to prepare for the fact that the symptoms of the disease will not disappear in the first weeks of treatment. And remember - this does not always mean that the drug needs to be changed, sometimes you just need to wait or further increase the dosage under the supervision of a doctor.
Fact No.
3
Another way to mitigate the side effects of antidepressants is to prescribe an additional drug along with them: for example, from the group of tranquilizers. Such drugs may have their own side effects, they should not be taken for a long time. Unlike antidepressants, some of them can be addictive. They are usually appointed for a month, but this period may be shorter or longer.
Antidepressants together with benzodiazepines work better for depression - BMJ magazine
My doctor prescribed a rather mild drug for me. However, he did not suit me. At first, it caused increased drowsiness: during the period of increased anxiety, it went away for a while, but then returned - even with half a pill I turned off and could sleep all day. And if I drank at night, I woke up with difficulty in the morning. The psychiatrist prescribed another medicine, but I could not buy it: the drug was not available in any pharmacy nearby.
As a result, I simply endured all the side effects of therapy - they were unpleasant, but tolerable. When discussing with the doctor, she called this option acceptable if the side effects of the second medicine only worsen the situation.
My prescriptions for drugs. I never used one, because there was no such medicine in pharmaciesFact No. 4
Side effects are not always, but they areModern antidepressants, including SSRIs, are mild and have almost no side effects. Older drugs - tricyclic antidepressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors - cause more side effects. Doctors usually use them when milder first-line drugs don't work or when they can't be prescribed.
Side effects of antidepressants - the National Health Service of the UK
Side effects of various antidepressants - Uptodate
Side effects of antidepressants and their impact on the treatment of a large depressive disorder - the journal NATURE
STRICTIC STRICTIC OF REDITION
.
effects of antidepressants - advice from the Mayo Clinic staff
Choosing an SSRI drug does not guarantee the absence of side effects - many people tolerate treatment easily, but sometimes a change in drug may be necessary.
The first couple of weeks of taking there is a risk that the state of health will be so-so - it's worth thinking about. It may be worth scheduling the start of therapy on vacation.
I work remotely, and it was easier for me: the first pill was taken on Saturday, I slept through the weekend. Then she continued to work, but refused any additional loads: housework, part-time jobs, training and everything else.
It was hard work: I wanted to sleep, then I began to worry and get distracted. I also had diarrhea, nausea, headaches, tremors, i.e. hand trembling, hot flashes, sweating, palpitations. At night, panic attacks began, in the morning I had difficulty getting up because I was in pain and dizzy.
There are mixed data on how common the side effects of antidepressants are.
If we summarize them, then the numbers look something like this:
- nausea - about 25% feel it;
- diarrhea - it happens in 15% of people, and 5%, on the contrary, will have constipation;
- sweating and a feeling of heat occur in about 20% of people;
- sexual dysfunction, decreased libido may occur in 80% of cases;
- insomnia - in 11% of cases;
- headache and dizziness - in about 10-11% of cases;
- weight gain - not all drugs give this effect. Some, on the contrary, can reduce weight. On my medicine, I lost 2 kilograms in the first month, despite the fact that I quit training due to poor health. True, then they returned back.
It can be seen that most side effects occur in less than half of the cases. In addition, in most cases they pass in the first weeks and are not dangerous.
Side effects not listed above are very rare.
I was "lucky", and I faced one such - a decrease in visual acuity. Once in the morning I noticed that I see worse without glasses. A little later, I realized that something was wrong with the glasses.
I wrote to the doctor, she replied that this happens, as a rule, is not dangerous and passes, but it is better to visit an ophthalmologist. I went to the ophthalmologist, everything was fine with my eyes, there was nothing terrible, but my vision really worsened - it was not a subjective feeling. On the right eye, it was -0.5 diopters, it became -0.75, and on the left eye it was -1.5, and it became -3.5.
I was offered to try changing the drug, but I decided to wait. Vision was then restored. I have not yet gone to the doctor to have it measured, but according to subjective feelings, it is at the same level as before: I am comfortable again in my glasses.
Side effects should not be tolerated - if something greatly worries, scares or interferes with life, it is better to tell the doctor right away.
The psychiatrist will be able to determine whether the side effect of the drug is dangerous and whether it is worth continuing to take it. There are several antidepressants of the SSRI group, in addition, there are groups of drugs with a slightly different mechanism of action. As a rule, doctors manage to find a medicine that gives a good effect without side effects.
If there is no danger, the doctor can adjust the dose or increase it more gradually - this often helps to cope with unpleasant effects.
I wrote to the doctor again when my visual acuity decreasedFact No. 5
Antidepressants need to be taken long termAntidepressants are not drugs that you can stop drinking as soon as you get better. They are taken for a long time: usually from several months, less often several years.
Anxiety Therapy - UpToDate
For example, for generalized anxiety disorder, the duration of treatment is at least a year. Moreover, the date is not counted from the very beginning, but from the moment when a lasting effect appeared from the pills.
In fact, they will have to be drunk for about 1.5 years - it depends on how long it takes to reach the working dosage of the medicine.
The cost of a package of the most famous antidepressant "Zoloft" is about 700 R, enough for about a month. That is, a course of therapy will cost about 10,000 R - maybe more or less, depending on which drug is selected.
Psychotherapy review - UpToDate
Another drug of the same group already costs more than 2000 R per pack. Source: rigla.ruThe cost of an appointment with a good psychiatrist in Moscow is 3000-5000 R. At first, you will need to visit him about once every 1-1.5 months, then less often.
You can apply to the psycho-neurological dispensary at the place of residence under compulsory medical insurance - it's free. At the same time, they will not put you on psychiatric registration: it was canceled in 1993. People with disorders that do not threaten their lives or those around them are on consultative and diagnostic care.
If you stop going to the doctor, he will not find out what happened: a person seeks help at will.
Psychotherapy, usually cognitive-behavioral, is also commonly prescribed to enhance and sustain the effects of antidepressants. In many cases, it improves the effectiveness of drugs, including depression and generalized anxiety disorder. An appointment with a psychotherapist in Moscow costs an average of 5000 R. For treatment, you will need about 10 sessions or more.
/psychotherapy/
How psychotherapy works
Fact No. 6
Antidepressants should not be stopped abruptly Antidepressants do not develop dependence. However, if you abruptly stop drinking them, there will be a withdrawal syndrome. This is felt as electric current discharges while moving or turning the head, headaches, dizziness, insomnia. Many people experience symptoms similar to the flu or an intestinal virus: low fever, diarrhea, general malaise, chills.
Often there is anxiety, there are intrusive images.
Withdrawal symptoms after taking serotonin reuptake inhibitors - Journal of Clinical Psychiatry
How difficult it is to stop taking antidepressants - American Psychological Association
Stopping antidepressants in adults - UpToDate
treatment, they should be canceled only under the supervision of a doctor.
Antidepressant withdrawal occurs as gradually as the start of treatment. The dosage is slowly reduced, usually at this time again a cover-up drug is prescribed to alleviate side effects. As a rule, this is the same medicine that was at the beginning of the intake.
Withdrawal is usually harmless and resolves within the first weeks of stopping the drug. Sometimes even within a few days - it still depends on which medicine was prescribed. If severely disturbing symptoms appear during the withdrawal period, you should consult a doctor.
Fact No. 7
If you need to change the drug, everything will start over It is far from always possible to immediately find the right antidepressant - sometimes the side effects do not go away and you need to take a new one.
Changing antidepressants in adults - UpToDate
Serotonin syndrome - MSD
Most often, it is started again with a small dosage, this delays the process of obtaining the effect of treatment. The new drug may also have side effects - the same or different. We will have to wait again until they pass.
You won't be able to change the drug on your own, since all antidepressants are sold only by prescription - and that's good. Switching from one drug to another can be dangerous if you do not know the characteristics of different groups of drugs.
For example, taking SSRIs is possible only some time after the withdrawal of antidepressants from the group of monoamine oxidase inhibitors - due to the risk of developing serotonin syndrome. This is a potentially fatal condition, accompanied by a change in mental state, high fever, increased muscle tone and other symptoms.
If the drug is changed correctly, there will be no dangerous negative effects, so consultation with a doctor is required.
/psychotherapy-search/
How to choose a psychotherapist
Fact No. 8
Among antidepressants there are original drugs and genericsPreparations may be original or generic. Originals are medicines first released by some pharmaceutical company that have passed all clinical trials and checks. Generics are drugs with the same active ingredient from another pharmaceutical company, that is, copied from the original drug.
Theoretically, the action of generics should not differ from the action of original drugs. However, this is possible, since generics may contain other additional substances or the manufacturer may use other raw materials.
Due to my anxiety, I did not read anything in detail about specific drugs before I bought my first antidepressant in a pharmacy so as not to be scared and not think about taking it. I also didn’t think to ask the doctor about this question.
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As a result, I first bought a generic because it was in stock.
Then it turned out that, after all, according to the experience of my psychiatrist, the original drug often gives fewer side effects and is better tolerated. As a result, I changed the generic to the original drug - and, indeed, the side effects softened.
In my subjective opinion, which is supported by some data, in the case of antidepressants and other psychotropic drugs, you should always choose the original medicine. Moreover, the cost of originals and generics is not always very different.
Originals and generics of some SSRIs
| Active ingredient | Original | Original cost | Generics | Cost of generics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sertraline | Zoloft | About 700 R, 100 mg tablets | Serenata, Sirlift | 500-600 R 100mg tablets |
| Escitalopram | Cipralex | 3000 R, tablets 10 mg | "Selektra", "Elycea" | 500-1300 R 10 mg tablets |
| Fluoxetine | Prozac | About 350 R, 20 mg tablets | Profluzak, Fluoxetine | 100-200 R, tablets 20 mg |
CERTRALIN
Original
"Zoloft"
Original cost of the original
about 700 r, tablets 100 mg
Generies
"Serenata", "Cerelift"
The cost of Jeeneriki
9000 500-600 r.
, tablets 100 mg Escitalopram
Original
Cipralex
Original price
3000 r, tablets 10 mg
generics
“Chektra”, “Elice”
The cost of generics
500-1300 r, tablets 10 mg
Fluoxetine
“Przak”
cost
cost cost
Cost cost cost original
About 350 R, tablets 20 mg
Generics
Profluzak, Fluoxetine
Cost of generics
100—200 R, tablets 20 mg
one remained unclaimedFact No. 9
Do not take alcohol along with antidepressantsDrinking alcohol while taking antidepressants may exacerbate unpleasant side effects. Also, alcohol is a depressant, that is, it has the opposite effect, and its intake can adversely affect the results of treatment.
Why you shouldn't mix antidepressants and alcohol - Mayo Clinic
Alcohol is strictly forbidden to drink with some groups of antidepressants, for example, tricyclic antidepressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors: combination with the latter, for example, can lead to an uncontrolled increase in pressure.
MAO inhibitors in general require a special diet - it is unlikely that a doctor will prescribe such drugs as the first antidepressants, but if necessary, he will issue a list of what is allowed and prohibited.
With other antidepressants, moderate use may not be dangerous and may even pass without consequences, but doctors still recommend abstaining so as not to increase side effects and improve treatment outcome.
The main thing is not to temporarily stop taking the drug in order to drink. This can lead to the development of a withdrawal syndrome.
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Fact No. 10
Antidepressants are incompatible with certain drugs and have contraindications It is important to tell your doctor what medications you are taking and what chronic illnesses you have. For example, SSRIs may not be suitable for epilepsy and bleeding disorders, and tricyclic antidepressants are usually not prescribed for those who have recently had a heart attack, suffer from glaucoma, or porphyria.
Antidepressant Warnings - NHS
Drug Compatibility Test - Drugs.com
It is also important to be careful if you are about to take any over-the-counter medicine. For example, ibuprofen, which people often take on their own to relieve pain and reduce fever. It should not be taken with SSRIs as it increases the risk of gastrointestinal side effects.
If it is not possible to consult a doctor before taking any medication, carefully read the instructions for it and your antidepressant. It is also worth informing all doctors who prescribe something to you during the therapy period about taking antidepressants.
Helpful feedback? Reply
Sasha
June 20, 2022
I was approached
I switched to trittiko to overcome the withdrawal syndrome caused by Phenazepam.
I took pills according to the scheme given by the doctor. The drug smoothed out the effects of long-term use of a tranquilizer, but it itself did not cause addiction. The tablets have a very mild effect. Of the side effects, there was only lethargy and lethargy for the first days, but quickly passed. I switched to trittiko to overcome the withdrawal syndrome caused by Phenazepam. I took pills according to the scheme given by the doctor. The drug smoothed out the effects of long-term use of a tranquilizer, but it itself did not cause addiction. The tablets have a very mild effect. Of the side effects, there was only lethargy and lethargy for the first days, but quickly passed.
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Christina
March 27, 2022
It arose out of the blue, after a while there was a panic attack.
Trittiko helped a lot, the doctor prescribed the pills. They fit me perfectly, there were no problems during the reception. By the way, this is the only blood pressure that does not suppress libido, but increases it, it is ... Read review Panic attacks have been bothering me for a long time, recently a feeling of increased anxiety has been added to them. It arose out of the blue, after a while there was a panic attack. Trittiko helped a lot, the doctor prescribed the pills. They fit me perfectly, there were no problems during the reception. By the way, this is the only blood pressure that does not suppress libido, but increases it, that's right, a nice bonus to treatment.
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Svetlana
February 22, 2022
I was prescribed trittiko for insomnia.
Took 1/3 tablet every day at bedtime.
Fell asleep within an hour. There were no side effects. Most of all, I was afraid that after stopping the intake I would stop sleeping again, but the drug heals, so the body, out of habit, turns off even before midnight already without pills. I took 1/3 tablet every day before bed. Fell asleep within an hour. There were no side effects. Most of all, I was afraid that after stopping the intake I would stop sleeping again, but the drug heals, so the body, out of habit, turns off even before midnight already without pills.
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Ekaterina
January 17, 2022
The result is good
I took just the minimum, it was enough for me to improve my sleep. After the cancellation, insomnia did not return, I still sleep peacefully. After trittiko, for the first time in a long time, I realized how cool it is to sleep and not suffer from nightmares and frequent rises.
I took just the minimum, it was enough for me to improve my sleep. After the cancellation, insomnia did not return, I still sleep peacefully.
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Vera
January 7, 2022
Helped improve sleep
Initially prescribed to drink because of problems with sleep. He did just fine with this. Sleep is perfect now, no problem. And most importantly, there were no problems during treatment, and there were no problems with cancellation either. Trittiko is the first drug after which there was no withdrawal syndrome. Initially prescribed to drink because of problems with sleep. He did just fine with this. Sleep is perfect now, no problem. And most importantly, there were no problems during treatment, and there were no problems with cancellation either.
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Yana
November 11, 2021
With trittiko, I finally remembered what healthy sleep is
Against the background of insomnia, panic attacks were also added. As a result, the doctor prescribed to take a course of Trittiko. The course and dosage were chosen by the doctor, with trittiko I finally remembered what healthy sleep is. Panic attacks, by the way, also passed. Cancellation problems... Read review For a long time I suffered from insomnia, it got to the point that I could not sleep for days. Against the background of insomnia, panic attacks were also added. As a result, the doctor prescribed to take a course of Trittiko. The course and dosage were chosen by the doctor, with trittiko I finally remembered what healthy sleep is. Panic attacks, by the way, also passed.
There are no cancellation issues.
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Gerbiona
January 31, 2020
sleep worsened
This drug did not suit me. I didn't sleep at all during the night, my condition was disgusting. This drug didn't work for me. I didn't sleep at all during the night, my condition was disgusting.
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Guest
December 23, 2019
Miracle, not AD
The history of my illness goes deep into my childhood, but it manifested itself most of all six years ago, since then I have been suffering from depression, GAD with pan.
attacks and phobias, periodic insomnia and nightmares due to PTSD (and a number of its symptoms). But that's not the point. The bottom line is that, after a lot of... Read review My illness goes back deep into my childhood, but it manifested itself most of all six years ago, since then I have been suffering from depression, GAD with pan.attacks and phobias, occasional insomnia and nightmares due to PTSD (and a number of its symptoms).
But that's not the point. The bottom line is that, after a bunch of drugs prescribed to me, this one, so to speak, satisfied all my requirements. Depression is gradually fading away, working capacity has increased, a desire to create and live in general appeared, apathy subsided, I became calm, like a tank, for the first time in a long time I was finally able to sleep well with the lights off (yes, that was my main phobia, how would it didn't sound). Side effects came to light in the form that I took a beta-blocker for the prevention of pan. attacks, and I finally removed it, since Trittiko already has the property of an alpha-adrenergic blocker.
Be careful with this! Low blood pressure, weakness, dizziness, palpitations and general discomfort in the region of the heart are clear reasons for reducing the dosage of an adrenergic blocker of any kind, or even stopping it altogether. Also be careful when using sedative drugs together, especially from a number of benzodiazepines (phenozepam, alprozalam, etc.). In principle, they are relatively easy to get off, thanks again to Trittiko.
Advantages - Fast action;
- Effective in treating both depression and anxiety disorders, or even anxiety-depressive disorder;
- Good as a sleeping pill;
— Due to its adrenoblocking action, it is possible to reduce the severity of pan.disorder symptoms.
Disadvantages I was told that with the long use of such drugs, this is also possible;
- Be careful when taking adrenoblockers at the same time.
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Marina Sivak
September 6, 2019
I drank 1 time as prescribed by the doctor at 12 noon.
I didn't sleep at all, my blood pressure rose, my eyelid began to twitch. Trembling in the knees in the morning. Prickly heart. I didn’t sleep at all, the pressure rose, the eyelid began to twitch. Trembling in the knees in the morning. Prickly heart.
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Guest
April 13, 2018
side effects
Gradually increased the dose despite allergic side effects, tk. the drug itself improved the psychological state. But now I'm thinking of stopping taking it: constant inflammation of the eyes, itching on the face, dry mouth in the morning, but the most unpleasant thing is that an incomprehensible cough has been added.
It's a pity. I started taking 1/3 tablet, now it's full. Gradually increased the dose despite allergic side effects, tk. the drug itself improved the psychological state. But now I'm thinking of stopping taking it: constant inflammation of the eyes, itching on the face, dry mouth in the morning, but the most unpleasant thing is that an incomprehensible cough has been added. It's a pity.
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Vika
October 4, 2016
tritico! this is salvation! very good pills, just soup! tritico! this is salvation! very good pills, just soup!
Useful feedback? 33 Reply
Guest
July 6, 2016
A very good drug, if you don’t have side effects, anxiety, fears are forgotten_ just gradually come to life.
I have a blood pressure of 100/55 (+, - 10) units of the upper one. Well, as always, ah, nothing will happen. But at night I got up, did not have time to reach ... It darkened in my eyes, grabbed a can of coffee. Read review A very good drug, if you don’t have side effects, anxiety is forgotten, fears_ just gradually come to life! Well, as always, oh, nothing will happen. But at night I got up, didn’t have time to reach ... It darkened in my eyes, grabbed a can of coffee. after lying down, everything returned to normal - the pressure drops so quickly! Now I started with amitroptyline, it is still better for others. I'm thinking of switching to tritico - I don't know the doctor's reaction. Taking tritico constant control of blood pressure And do not get out of bed right away - sit for a while Good luck!
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Maxim
October 4, 2015
fear and this hopelessness set in depression, I tried many antidepressants, tranquilizers, but then the doctor prescribed me Trittiko I drink 50 mg for 4 days and the effect is striking, I feel .
.. Read review I am 30 years old, since childhood I have been tormented by a constant feeling of anxiety, yes, sometimes it’s impossible to do anything and the presence of fear and depression came from this hopelessness, I tried a lot of antidepressants, tranquilizers, but then the doctor prescribed me trittiko, I drink 50 mg for 4 days and the effect is amazing, I feel like a man again, I’ll continue drink it as much as you need and it is not addictive, as it is written in the instructions, there was not a single side effect, except for dry mouth, then plan I want to do an MRI of the brain and undergo psychotherapy, to get to the bottom of why I suffer from anxiety since childhood, I put 5+ trittiko!!
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Christina
February 12, 2015
Trittico is a dangerous drug, and even more so if you drink without a doctor's prescription.
