escitalopram + trazodone

Escitalopram + trazodone is a combination of two antidepressant medications, each with distinct mechanisms of action. Escitalopram is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that increases serotonin levels in the brain by inhibiting its reuptake, primarily used to treat depression and anxiety disorders. Trazodone is classified as a serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor (SARI); it acts by both inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin and antagonizing certain serotonin receptors, making it effective for major depressive disorder and commonly used off-label for insomnia due to its sedative properties. The concurrent use of these drugs can be considered in patients with comorbid mood disorders and sleep disturbances but carries significant risks, most notably an increased risk of serotonin syndrome—a potentially life-threatening condition caused by excessive serotonergic activity—as well as additive sedative effects leading to central nervous system depression, impaired coordination, orthostatic hypotension, QT prolongation (heart rhythm disturbances), sexual dysfunction, and exacerbation of other side effects such as dizziness or dry mouth[1][2][3][4][5]. This combination should only be prescribed under close medical supervision.

Other names

lexapro + trazodone