Can you take Lexapro in the morning and Trazodone at night?

In this article, we will discuss the concomitant use of Lexapro (Escitalopram) and Desyrel (Trazodone). We will shed some light on the potential benefits and risks of this combination and will talk about how it’s not the best treatment choice for every other individual. 

Can you take Lexapro in the morning and Trazodone at night?

You can take Lexapro in the morning and Trazodone at night only if prescribed by your healthcare provider. Both Lexapro and Trazodone are antidepressants, which are approved by the FDA for the management and treatment of anxiety and depression (1,2). 

The choice of combining these two together should only be made by a healthcare provider, as these meds may cause side effects or exacerbate an underlying mental disorder when taken together. 

This is why you need to discuss this with your doctor, who has your complete medical history and sound knowledge of your symptoms. Antidepressant combinations should be taken cautiously, as what works for one may not work for another.

Potential benefits of taking Lexapro in the morning and Trazodone at night

Taking Lexapro in the morning and Trazodone at night can offer potential benefits for individuals managing certain mental health conditions. 

Lexapro, an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor), is often prescribed in the morning to help boost mood and manage symptoms of depression and anxiety during the day (1). 

Trazodone is an atypical antidepressant which is approved to treat depression but is used off-label for the management of insomnia because of its sedative nature (2). 

The concomitant use of these two at separate times can help with Lexapro-induced insomnia or sleep disturbances. Lexapro can also cause teeth grinding in some people (bruxism) which can also be mitigated by using Trazodone (3). 

Lexapro, being an SSRI, is known for its sexual side effects. According to some research studies, Trazodone can reverse SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction (4). However, this combination comes with potential risks and should never be taken without a doctor’s approval. 

Potential risks of taking Lexapro in the morning and Trazodone at night

There are some risks associated with the use of Lexapro and Trazodone. One significant concern is the potential for Trazodone to induce manic episodes, particularly when combined with an SSRI like Lexapro (5). 

According to research, the interaction between Trazodone and SSRIs like Lexapro can sometimes lead to increased serum concentrations of the SSRI, potentially contributing to mood disturbances (5). 

Lexapro may cause sedation and exhaustion in some people, affecting their ability to concentrate and perform daily tasks. Trazodone can induce sleep at night – so the combination can cause excess sedation in such cases. 

Both medications can also cause dizziness, especially when changing positions (like getting up from bed). This can increase the risk of falls, so it’s essential to be cautious, especially if you’re older. 

Another major concern with combining these two medications or any two antidepressants, is the risk of serotonin syndrome – which is a rare but life-threatening complication (6). 

The chances of serotonin syndrome increase when the doses of the two antidepressants are not adjusted properly. In usual cases, serotonin syndrome is not common. 

It is crucial to have close monitoring by a healthcare provider to mitigate these risks and this combination should never be taken without having an actual prescription. 

What to do if you think one antidepressant is not enough to manage your symptoms?

If you think antidepressant monotherapy is not working out that well for you and you need an additional antidepressant, reach out to your healthcare provider. Antidepressant combinations can work quite well sometimes, but may not always work well. 

This is why consulting your provider is necessary. Your doctor will help determine the best treatment strategy to help manage your symptoms in a safe and effective manner. Just make sure you don’t start taking two antidepressants together without consulting your doctor first. 

Conclusion

In this article, we have discussed the concomitant use of Lexapro (Escitalopram) and Desyrel (Trazodone). We have also discussed some potential benefits and risks of the combination.

References