Related Experiment Videos
A possible clonidine-trazodone-dextroamphetamine interaction in a 12-year-old boy
V S Bhatara1, B R Kallepalli, L K Misra
1Department of Psychiatry, University of South Dakota School of Medicine, Sioux Falls 57117-5039, USA.
Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology
|October 1, 1996
Summary
A child experienced syncope after a trazodone dose increase. This highlights a potential pharmacodynamic interaction between trazodone and clonidine, especially when taken on an empty stomach.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Pediatric Medicine
- Clinical Toxicology
Background:
- Concurrent use of dextroamphetamine, clonidine, and trazodone for insomnia in a pediatric patient.
- Recurrence of insomnia prompted a dose increase of trazodone from 50 mg to 100 mg.
Observation:
- A 12-year-old boy experienced syncope, hypotension, bradycardia, and sedation within 45 minutes of taking an increased trazodone dose on an empty stomach.
- The adverse event occurred while on a treatment regimen including dextroamphetamine, clonidine, and trazodone.
Findings:
- The syncopal episode is likely due to a pharmacodynamic interaction between clonidine and trazodone.
- Rapid absorption of the increased trazodone dose on an empty stomach may have aggravated the interaction.
- The role of dextroamphetamine in this specific event is considered less likely.
Implications:
- Concurrent administration of trazodone and clonidine requires careful dose titration and monitoring of vital signs.
- Administering trazodone on an empty stomach, particularly during dose escalation, should be avoided.
- Clinicians must be aware of the potential for trazodone to cause hypotension and sedation, especially when combined with other agents like clonidine.