Psychiatric medication A to Z
**Trazodone** is an antidepressant medication classified under the drug class known as serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitors (SARIs). Unlike other antidepressants, it has a dual mode of action: it blocks certain serotonin receptors (antagonist) and inhibits the reuptake of serotonin (reuptake inhibitor), which can help to balance serotonin levels in the brain and improve mood.
### Comparison with Other Psychiatric Medications:
– **Antidepressants:**
– **SSRIs (e.g., fluoxetine, citalopram)** only inhibit the reuptake of serotonin.
– **SNRIs (e.g., venlafaxine, duloxetine)** inhibit the reuptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine.
– **TCAs (e.g., amitriptyline, nortriptyline)** affect multiple neurotransmitters and have a more extensive side-effect profile.
– **MAOIs (e.g., tranylcypromine, phenelzine)** inhibit the monoamine oxidase enzyme, which breaks down neurotransmitters in the brain.
– **Antipsychotics:**
– These medications (e.g., risperidone, quetiapine) are primarily used to treat psychiatric conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. They act on a variety of receptors in the brain, including dopamine receptors.
– Trazodone has a different mechanism and is not typically used as an antipsychotic.
– **Sleeping Pills and Minor Tranquillisers:**
– Common sleeping pills (e.g., zolpidem) and minor tranquilizers (e.g., benzodiazepines like lorazepam) generally work by enhancing the effect of GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter.
– Trazodone is not a minor tranquilizer but is often prescribed off-label for insomnia due to its sedative properties.
– **Lithium and Other Mood Stabilisers:**
– Mood stabilizers like lithium are used to treat bipolar disorder and work by modulating neurotransmitter activity to prevent mood swings.
– Trazodone is not classified as a mood stabilizer but may be used adjunctively to help with depressive symptoms in bipolar disorder when prescribed by a doctor.
Trazodone is primarily used for depression and can be prescribed off-label for insomnia due to its sedative effects. It is not a first-line treatment for conditions typically managed by antipsychotics, minor tranquilizers, or mood stabilizers.
As an experienced pharmacist, I often encounter questions from patients and healthcare providers about the safety and efficacy of combining medications, particularly for the treatment of mental health conditions. One of the most common inquiries I receive is about the concurrent use of Trazodone and Lexapro. This extensive guide is intended to delve into the … Read more about The Comprehensive Guide to Combining Trazodone and Lexapro