Episode 142 – Using Trazodone with SSRIs and TCAs

Can trazodone be safely used in combination with and SSRI or TCA without causing signs of Serotonin Syndrome? This is one of the most frequently asked questions I hear, especially from GP vets.

Have a listen as I chat through my thoughts on this topic and refer back to one of the original studies on trazodone from 2008 where it was used as an augmenting agent for patients already on an SSRI or TCA to further improve signs of fear or anxiety.

I also talk about medication doses, and I mention 2 further papers where dogs and cats ingested their caregivers' anti-depressant medication and only 25% developed clinical signs consistent with SS.

Here are the papers I mention in the episode:

Gruen, M.E. and Sherman, B.L., 2008. Use of trazodone as an adjunctive agent in the treatment of canine anxiety disorders: 56 cases (1995–2007). Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 233(12), pp.1902-1907.

Pugh, C.M., Sweeney, J.T., Bloch, C.P., Lee, J.A., Johnson, J.A. and Hovda, L.R., 2013. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) toxicosis in cats: 33 cases (2004–2010). Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 23(5), pp.565-570.

Thomas, D.E., Lee, J.A. and Hovda, L.R., 2012. Retrospective evaluation of toxicosis from selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressants: 313 dogs (2005–2010). Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 22(6), pp.674-681.

If you would like to learn more about Veterinary Psychopharmacology, then my PSYCHOACTIVE course is for you: https://katrin-jahn.mykajabi.com/psychoactive

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