Anxiety Treatment in Patients Taking Trazodone

Introduction to Anxiety Treatment

The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends lorazepam, oxazepam, or temazepam as first-line options for patients taking trazodone who need treatment for anxiety, due to their rapid onset of action for acute anxiety symptoms 1
The American Academy of Family Physicians suggests that short-acting benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam and oxazepam, are the most appropriate options for acute anxiety, with a starting dosage that varies by specific agent, using the lowest effective dose 1
The American Academy of Family Physicians notes that regular use of benzodiazepines can lead to tolerance and dependence, and approximately 10% of patients may experience paradoxical agitation 1

The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends buspirone as a non-benzodiazepine option with less risk of dependence, but it is only useful for mild to moderate anxiety and takes 2-4 weeks to become effective 1
The American Academy of Family Physicians suggests that sertraline has less effect on metabolism of other medications compared to other SSRIs, making it a consideration for patients taking trazodone 1

The Mayo Clinic recommends monitoring blood pressure regularly when using venlafaxine, due to the higher risk of serotonin syndrome when combined with trazodone 2

The American Academy of Family Physicians notes that combining trazodone with other serotonergic medications increases the risk of serotonin syndrome, and recommends avoiding combinations with triptans, tramadol, St. John's Wort, or other serotonergic medications 1
The American Academy of Family Physicians suggests keeping a comprehensive list of all medications and supplements to minimize potential interactions with trazodone 1

The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends taking trazodone shortly after a meal or light snack, and avoiding alcohol and other sedating medications while taking trazodone 1
The American Academy of Family Physicians suggests starting with low doses of any added anxiety medication and titrating slowly to minimize potential side effects 1