Can You Take Effexor And Trazodone Together? (3+ Effects)

By Ivan Kahwa

Page last updated: 06/02/2024 | Next review date: 06/02/2026

Author bio

Mr Ivan Kahwa is a chemist and phytopharmaceutical scientist with expertise in chemistry, pharmacology, phytochemistry, and Nanobiotechnology. He writes and reviews content on these topics.

Mr Ivan Kahwa’s Highlights:

Guest Researcher at the University of Leipzig, Senior Research Fellow/Scientist, and Lecturer at the Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

Professional Experience:

Mr Ivan joined PHARMBIOTRAC as a research fellow/scientist during his master of science tenure. He contributed to the development of most of the phytopharmaceutical products in the project. Furthermore, he participated in carrying out the pharmacological activities of the developed products in laboratory animals such as mice and rats in order to develop proper doses hence leading to pre-clinical studies.

With the above relevant research experience, Ivan started to work with the University of Leipzig on collaborative projects with Mbarara University to develop the chemistry of Ugandan Medicinal plants and their pharmacological activities. This was coupled with several consultative positions by different German NGOs. Mr. Kahwa is also a supporting in the teaching and learning at the Departments of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

With the increase in antimicrobial resistance globally, Ivan retooled his thinking towards developing new naturally derived antibiotic regimens from Ugandan propolis with the assistance of nanotechnology to improve their delivery to microbial cells. Kahwa has also published over 28 articles in peer-reviewed journals and he is currently reviewing for many journals.

Education:

2023-2027: PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences (ongoing) with a focus on Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Nanobiology at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

2022: 2Msc. in Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicine Science at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

2018: Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

Publications:

▪ Iqbal, S., Jabeen, F., Kahwa, I., & Omara, T. 2023. Suberosin Alleviates Thiazolidinedione-Induced Cardiomyopathy in Diabetic Rats by Inhibiting Ferroptosis via Modulation of ACSL4-LPCAT3 and PI3K-AKT Signaling Pathways. Cardiovascular Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12012-023-09804-7

▪ Gupta, A. K., Yadav, R., Sharma, S., Sawale, J., & Kahwa, I. 2023. Anti-ageing Activity and Antioxidant Activity of Methanol Extracts of Leaves and Flowers of Salvia officinalis and Rosmarinus officinalis. Journal of Young Pharmacists, 15(3), 448–455. https://doi.org/10.5530/jyp.2023.15.60

▪ Tolo, C.U., Kahwa, I., Nuwagira, U., Weisheit, A. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Medicinal plants used in treatment of various diseases in the Rwenzori Region, Western Uganda. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 25, pp.1-16.

https://ethnobotanyjournal.org/index.php/era/article/view/4683

▪ Kahwa, I., Ajayi, C.O., Yadav, R., Chauhan, N.S., Shah, K., Abdelgadir, A.A., Shegena, E.A., Daniel, S., Omara, T., Asiimwe, J.B. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies as an invaluable approach for correct identification of medicinal plants: The case of Artemisia vulgaris L. substituted for Artemisia annua L. in Western Uganda. TMR Integr Med, 7, p.e23004.

https://doi.org/10.53388/TMRIM202307004

▪ Nalimu, F., Oloro, J., Kahwa, I. and Ogwang, P.E., 2021. Review on the phytochemistry and toxicological profiles of Aloe vera and Aloe ferox. Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 7, pp.1-21.

https://doi.org/10.1186/s43094-021-00296-2

▪ Elamin, O.H.S., Ali, M.A., Elgezuli, I.A.A., Bashir, M.A. and Kahwa, I., 2021. Diagnosis of pre-and post-treatment of echinococcus granulosus with counter current immune electrophoresis and bacterial co-agglutination. Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 11(02), pp.88-94.

https://doi.org/10.5799/jmid.951600

Published book Chapter

▪ Kahwa, I., Ayesiga, I., Nakalema, S., Alinaiswe, R., Mbabazi, R. and Iqbal, S., 2023. Natural products in the management of onchocerciasis. In Natural Products in Vector-Borne Disease Management (pp. 63-80). Academic Press. Book Chapter.

https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-91942-5.00012-4

Submitted manuscripts Under Review:

▪ Comparison of the Wound Healing Activity of the Leaf and Leaf Ash Extracts of Vernonia amygdalina in Rats. Journal name: Clinical Phytoscience

▪ Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal plants used in the management of cancer in Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Herbal Medicine

▪ Ethnobotanical survey and phytochemical screening of medicinal plants used in treatment of epilepsy by PROMETRA-Uganda Traditional Health Practitioners in Mpigi District, Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Ethnopharmacology

Submitted book chapters under review

1.Book title: Algae as a Natural Solution for Water-Food-Energy Nexus, Section 4: Microalgae and cyanobacteria for food applications, Chapter 4.6: Safety, toxicological and allergenic aspects of using algae for food. Authors: Christine Kyarimpa, Tom Omute, Caroline K. Nakiguli, Alice V. Khanakwa4, Christopher Angiro, Ivan Kahwa, Fortunate Ahumuza, Timothy Omara*. Publisher: Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 152 Beach Road, #21-01/04 Gateway East, Singapore 189721, Singapore.

2.Book title: Nutraceuticals Inspiring the Contemporary Therapy for Lifestyle Diseases. Chapter: Nutraceutical applications of Seaweeds and their Phytocompounds in Nutrition and Treatment of Diseases. Authors: Ivan Kahwa, Timothy Omara , Innocent Ayesiga , Gael Noel Neh Neba Ambe , Zehbanaz Javidbhai Panwala , Rachel Mbabazi , Shabnoor Iqbal , Christine Kyarimpa , Christine Betty Nagawa , Kamal Shah ,Nagendra Singh Chauhan* Publisher: CRC Press

You can view my works on the following professional sites:

Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ivan-Kahwa

Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=tOwrvqoAAAAJ&hl=en

ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6440-3437

Linkedin: https://de.linkedin.com/in/ivan-kahwa-865450159

Ivan Kahwa

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In this article, we will discuss whether Effexor and Trazodone can be taken together in combination for the treatment of the intended condition or not. We will also discuss what research suggests on this, the potential benefits of this combination and the possible side effects of combining Effexor and Trazodone.

Can you take Effexor and Trazodone together?

Yes, in some cases healthcare providers may prescribe Effexor and Trazodone together as a combination therapy, to address complex mental health conditions.

Effexor (venlafaxine) and Trazodone are two types of medicines used for different mental health issues. Effexor helps with depression and anxiety while Trazodone is mainly used for sleeping problems (insomnia) and sometimes for depression. (1)

However, this combination should only be used under the guidance and monitoring of a healthcare provider. They will carefully evaluate your specific condition and will keep a close eye on how you’re doing. (1)

What does research suggest?

According to a case study, researchers experimented on how adding Trazodone to the treatment of 50 depressed patients, who were already taking Effexor (venlafaxine) for 4 weeks would affect their sleep and mood. (3)

They found that some patients had trouble sleeping even with the medicines they were taking. They split the patients into 2 groups, one that did not get Trazodone (G1) and one that did get trazodone (G2).

Both groups were similar in the beginning but the G1 patients had more trouble with sleep and feeling anxious. When they added Trazodone the G2 patient’s sleep got better but they still felt anxious. (3)

So, it seems like Trazodone might help with sleep problems but it doesn’t do much for anxiety in these patients. (2)

What are the potential benefits of combining Effexor and Trazodone?

Combining Effexor and Trazodone can offer potential benefits in specific situations particularly when a person is dealing with both depression or anxiety and sleep problems. (2)

Comprehensive treatment: Effexor is great for helping when you are feeling sad or anxious, while Trazodone can make it easier for you to get a good night’s sleep. Using them together can take care of both these things together.
Sleep improvement: Trazodone can make you fall asleep or stay asleep easier when you are feeling down and anxiety is messing with your sleep.
Enhance mood: Effexor can give your mood a lift and reduce those feelings of sadness and anxiety.

What are the possible side effects of combining Effexor and Trazodone?

Combining Trazodone and Effexor can have some effects on your body. Here’s what you might experience: (4)

Drowsiness
Dizziness
Dry mouth
Nausea
Headaches
Blood pressure changes
Possible interactions (Combining medications can sometimes change how your body processes them. Your doctor will check for this.)
Serotonin syndrome

Remember, always talk to your doctor before changing or mixing the medicines. They can help manage these side effects and find the right treatment for you.

What precautions you should take when combining Effexor and Trazodone?

When you are taking both Effexor and Trazodone together, it’s important to be cautious and follow these steps: (6)

Medical supervision: Consult with your healthcare provider and don’t mix these medicines on your own.
Dosage and timings: Follow your doctor’s advice on how much of each medicine to take and when to take them, such as morning or night.
Monitoring: Stay in regular contact with your healthcare provider. They will monitor your progress, assess if any side effects are present and make necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.
Serotonin Syndrome awareness: Be aware of the signs of serotonin syndrome, which can be serious. If you feel very agitated and confused, your blood pressure is high and you are experiencing a rapid heartbeat, get medical help right away.
Avoid alcohol consumption: Alcohol can interact with both Effexor and Trazodone and can make you feel more drowsy.
Medical history: Inform your healthcare provider of your complete medical history including any allergies.

It’s important to follow the recommendations and guidance of your healthcare provider for the best therapeutic outcome.

Conclusion:

In this article, we have discussed the efficacy and possible side effects when taking Effexor and Trazodone together as a combination therapy for the treatment of both depression or anxiety and insomnia.

In my opinion, combining Effexor and Trazodone can offer benefits for individuals who are dealing with both mood-related issues and sleep disturbances.

However, it’s essential to seek professional guidance and not combine these medications on your own. Monitoring is important to ensure your safety and balanced treatment.