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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How To Wean Off From Trazodone?

I just submitted a question about being on Trazodone and starting to have withdrawal symptoms from it. I was on 200 mg and went down to 100mg. Did I go down too abruptly? I have been at 100 mg for almost 2 weeks now. My name is Mary Saxon Buehler. I also go by Sally in case I typed that in.
Tue, 22 Mar 2016
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello dear,
Understand your concern.
Trazodone is an antidepressant drug that works as a serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor (SARI).

Most people start at a dose of 150 mg, but doctors may have you titrate upwards in dosage if the starting dose is ineffective. The maximum recommended daily dosage is 400 mg, but in the event of very severe depression, some individuals are prescribed up to 600 mg per day in divided doses. In cases of individuals being treated for conditions other than depression, a lower dose such as 50 mg may be prescribed.

In general, the greater the dose and time duration of this drug that you have been taking, the more difficult it will be to withdraw from. When you titrate up to a relatively high dose, your body becomes dependent on that particular dosage for functioning. Discontinuing from a higher dose (e.g. 400 mg) usually results in a longer withdrawal duration and more intense symptoms than someone quitting from a lower dose (e.g. 50 mg).

So you should tapperd first 200 to 150 then 100 and then 50 mg.
But also consult to psychiatric.
Hope this may help you.
Best regards
Dr. Sagar
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How To Wean Off From Trazodone?

Hello dear, Understand your concern. Trazodone is an antidepressant drug that works as a serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor (SARI). Most people start at a dose of 150 mg, but doctors may have you titrate upwards in dosage if the starting dose is ineffective. The maximum recommended daily dosage is 400 mg, but in the event of very severe depression, some individuals are prescribed up to 600 mg per day in divided doses. In cases of individuals being treated for conditions other than depression, a lower dose such as 50 mg may be prescribed. In general, the greater the dose and time duration of this drug that you have been taking, the more difficult it will be to withdraw from. When you titrate up to a relatively high dose, your body becomes dependent on that particular dosage for functioning. Discontinuing from a higher dose (e.g. 400 mg) usually results in a longer withdrawal duration and more intense symptoms than someone quitting from a lower dose (e.g. 50 mg). So you should tapperd first 200 to 150 then 100 and then 50 mg. But also consult to psychiatric. Hope this may help you. Best regards Dr. Sagar