I suffer MAJOR depression,and want to know,if these 2 meds are safe to take in combination.
Is it safe to take Zoloft and Trazadone at the same time?
Question posted by sarajean on 12 Sep 2010
Last updated on 8 April 2020 by somnomania
9 Answers
This is an old question but I figured I'd input my experience just in case it helps anyone else. I normally take sertraline (generic Zoloft) and amitriptyline, the latter for my fibromyalgia sleep. I build up a tolerance to it after a few months, and swap to trazodone for about a week to let the amitriptyline clear out a bit. I've been cleared to swap without weaning on/off, because both sleep meds are types of antidepressant, and the steady amount of sertraline keeps me from crashing. I take 200mg of sertraline and 150mg of amitriptyline, and 100mg of trazodone when I switch to that, and I've never had any issues at all, but that's me. Obviously check with your doctor and/or psychiatrist and don't just combine these things.
As always, just Google the two drugs together and you should find any warnings and side effects with the combination. The person above who said you can't do them was referring to a "rare but serious" side effect called serotonin syndrome. All drugs have risks, you just have to weigh the risks vs. the benefits. And trust your experience -- if you take Traz with another anti-depressant or anti-anxiety medicine and feel weird or as though something is not right, call your doctor and report the symptoms, and do your own research: read the drug's label (called the "package insert")
Only under a qualified doctor's supervision:
"Interactions between your drugs
Major
traZODone sertraline
Applies to: trazodone, Zoloft (sertraline)
Using traZODone together with sertraline can increase the risk of a rare but serious condition called the serotonin syndrome, which may include symptoms such as confusion, hallucination, seizure, extreme changes in blood pressure, increased heart rate, fever, excessive sweating, shivering or shaking, blurred vision, muscle spasm or stiffness, tremor, incoordination, stomach cramp, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Severe cases may result in coma and even death. You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience these symptoms while taking the medications. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.
Your doctor may already be aware of the risks, but has determined that this is the best course of treatment for you and has taken appropriate precautions and is monitoring you closely for any potential complications. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor."
This is unwise. I have experienced first hand the serotonin syndrome, and it is very unpleasant. Do not mix the medicitaions unless advised by your doctor and they are very aware of the possible consequences.
I take 200mg of trazodone and 200mg of Zoloft together at bedtime have been doing this for past 6 years. If I even miss one dose I can’t Sleep, I ache All over, I’m irritable. I would Love to not be dependent on medication but I don’t know what to do. It’s safe taking them together as far as I know. I’ve never had any harmful side effects. I just Don’t know who I am Without them anymore.
Sarajean, the only super negative problem with taking two SSRI's is Serotonin toxicity. Serotonin toxicity can be deadly. As far as hyperactivity with Zoloft is that SSRI may not be what your system needs. You may need an antidepressant that's not adding more Serotonin, to much is the most likely cause of why you feel up, as you say. With trazodone and Zoloft you're getting two Serotonin reuptakes. It's rare a Psychiatrist would risk prescribing two Serotonin SSRI's. He/ she may consider a sleep agent such as Ambien or Restoril for sleep as not to risk Serotonin toxicity. I see you asked your question long ago. Possibly someone can benefit from this information.
Yes sarajean. Perfectly safe. A very common side effect of zoloft is insommnia, all be it temporary. Most people to combat this take thier zoloft in the morning. And the trazodone is taken usually at bedtime because of its sedation qualities and so that in turn helps them get a nights sleep.
So far the tings I have read have said no. That it can be dangerous.
"Combining these medications can increase the risk of a rare but serious condition called the serotonin syndrome, which may include symptoms such as confusion, hallucination, seizure, extreme changes in blood pressure, increased heart rate, fever, excessive sweating, shivering or shaking, blurred vision, muscle spasm or stiffness, tremor, incoordination, stomach cramp, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea." In addition I have read that the combination can cause other side effects when taken together.
https://www.drugs.com/drug-interactions/trazodone-with-zoloft-2228-0-2057-1348.html
I actually took the Zoloft 50mg by accident when I thought I was taking the trazadone 50mg
I am afraid of trying to take the Trazadone now. Not sure what could happen.
Your good don't worry
Cecile, White Dove is absolutely correct. Serotonin toxicity can cause all those side effects, and death. The link she added supports it. If still in doubt ask more than one pharmacist/psychiatrist. Hope it works out.
I have taken the same combonation of meds in the past. No problem mixing them but I took the Zoloft in the AM and the tarazdone in the PM as it made me more drowsy. Hope this helps. If you dont seen an improvement in 3-4 weeks, you should talk to your DR. and make sure the doses are what you need. Side efects on both of these eased off real early for me also.
Are you using Trazadone as a sleep aide or are you taking it as maintenance like I presume you are with the Zoloft? Nothing I have ever read or have I ever been told that these can not be taken together and I do A LOT of research. As with most of these types of medications that we take, we must use precaution until we know what the effects are on ourselves. Both of these drugs can cause drowsiness... mostly the Zoloft, so when combining medications one may exacerbate the side effects of the other. Case in point - myself - Zoloft made me almost non-functional... really not able to get off the floor. It did stop my panic attacks though!! I don't remember the strength. I hope this was helpful in some way.
It is funny that you say that the Zoloft knocks you out. With me,I take 200mgsof Zoloft every a.m.,and 100 mgs of Trazadone @ night. I am prescribed 2 pills of Trazadone @ night and 1 pills knocks me out.The Zoloft gives me an (UP) feeling... not tired @ all. Thanks for your response.
This is also working for me my provider is trying the Trazadone as a sleep aid but I may need to to try something else for sleep because lately I had lots of stress,panic attacks and PTSD Military related and in my life as a Civilian.Does anyone else have this problem? I am a retired Health Care worker specializing in Trauma imaging in Surgery and a small amount of time performing Mammograms.
I've been on Zoloft for over 15 years and never felt the way you described ever. You must of taken it wrong. You need to wheen yourself on it because it's time released and small increments of milligrams daily after a week move up 5 or 10 milligrams until you're at your stable daily dose I'm at 150 milligrams. Before that 100 mg. Zoloft does not make you sleepy either
In reply to the earlier comment, Zoloft is not time release as the pills are scored to be broken in half. However, for myself, Zoloft keeps me up and Trazodone puts me to sleep. It doesn't knock me out but it gently helps me fall asleep and when I do I sleep hard. I space the two apart by at least a few hours but I am not sure if I really need to or not.
I take Zoloft 50mg for Panic Disorder/Anxiety and have for over 12 weeks. I notice no improvement so far but at least the side effects have diminished except for insomnia which I didn't have before.
Related topics
zoloft, depression, insomnia, obsessive compulsive disorder, panic disorder, trazodone, anxiety and stress
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