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Trazodone in benzodiazepine dependence
1University of Liège, Psychiatric Unit, Belgium.
The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry
|May 1, 1993
Summary
Trazodone effectively helps patients dependent on benzodiazepines transition off the medication. This study shows trazodone is a useful alternative anxiolytic with reduced withdrawal symptoms and improved anxiety and depression.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Benzodiazepine dependence poses significant challenges for patients seeking treatment.
- Alternative anxiolytic medications are needed to manage withdrawal and long-term anxiety.
- Trazodone is explored as a potential substitute for benzodiazepines.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of trazodone as an anxiolytic in patients with benzodiazepine dependence.
- To assess the safety and tolerability of trazodone during benzodiazepine tapering.
- To determine if trazodone can prevent benzodiazepine abuse.
Main Methods:
- Ten patients with DSM-III-R diagnosed benzodiazepine dependence were enrolled.
- A 2-4 week inpatient period involved trazodone treatment (100 mg t.i.d.) with gradual benzodiazepine tapering.
- Outpatient follow-up occurred monthly for one year, with individually adjusted trazodone doses.
Main Results:
- Minimal withdrawal symptoms were observed during benzodiazepine tapering.
- All patients successfully remained off benzodiazepines for one year with no trazodone abuse.
- Significant reductions in anxiety (Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety) and depression (Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression) were noted.
- The average daily trazodone dose decreased significantly to 185 mg.
Conclusions:
- Trazodone demonstrates utility as an alternative anxiolytic for benzodiazepine-dependent individuals.
- The findings support trazodone's role in managing patients at risk for benzodiazepine abuse.
- Trazodone offers a viable treatment option with improved anxiety and depression outcomes.