switching antidepressant (SSRIs to trazodone) in adults
Last edited 03/2023 and last reviewed 03/2023
SSRIs to trazodone
Cross-taper
- cross-tapering can generaly be undertaken cautiously over 2 to 4 weeks, the speed is determined by individual tolerability
- fluoxetine may still cause medicine interactions 5 or 6 weeks after stopping, as fluoxetine and its active metabolite have a long half-life
- if switching from fluoxetine or paroxetine, caution is required as they are potent inhibitors of the liver enzyme CYP2D6 which is involved in the metabolism of trazodone. There is therefore there is a risk of raised trazodone levels in the body when they are administered together.
Reference:
- NHS Specialist Pharmacy Service (February 2023). SSRIs to other antidepressants: switching in adults