Does Trazodone cause panic attacks? (+3 factors)
By
Ivan Kahwa
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
In this article, we will discuss whether Trazodone can cause panic attacks. We will also discuss some factors influencing panic attacks while taking Trazodone and what one should do if this side effect occurs.
Does Trazodone cause panic attacks?
Trazodone does not necessarily cause panic attacks. However, Trazodone is used to treat panic attacks. Trazodone is approved by the FDA to treat depression and related mental health conditions and insomnia (1).
Some patients may experience panic attacks when they begin taking Trazodone. This initial discomfort occurs because Trazodone takes about 1-4 weeks to start working. However, it may subside when your body gets used to the medication.
If you experience panic attacks while taking Trazodone reach out to your healthcare provider for personalized guidance and treatment plans.
How does Trazodone cause panic attacks?
Trazodone may cause panic attacks during the early course of treatment. Trazodone works by altering certain neurotransmitter levels in the brain. When you first start taking the medication, your body takes time to adjust to this change (2).
During this adjustment period, some patients may experience episodes of panic attacks, stress or anxiety. This discomfort fades away on its own as your body adjusts to the medication and you may start to feel better after 1-4 weeks.
Improvements in appetite, sleep, mood and energy levels may indicate that you are responding well to the medication. However, Trazodone may take around 8-12 weeks to show its complete therapeutic effects.
It is important to know that every individual responds differently to medications, especially those meds which affect brain chemistry.
What are the factors that may cause panic attacks with Trazodone?
Certain factors may induce panic attacks while taking Trazodone. These include:
Individual sensitivity
Each person is unique and has a unique genetic makeup due to which they respond differently to medications, especially those meds which affect brain chemistry.
This is why some individuals might be more sensitive to the effects of Trazodone, leading to an increase in anxiety or triggering panic attacks.
Dosage and duration
The dosage of a medication directly influences its effects. Higher doses may increase the intensity and likelihood of side effects such as nausea, joint pain, vomiting, muscle pain, acid reflux, sweating etc produced by Trazodone (3).
People responding well to the lower doses may experience side effects after the dose escalation. With Trazodone, adhering to the prescribed dose is crucial to minimize adverse reactions.
Side effects may evolve over time as the body adjusts to the medication. Initially, some side effects might be more pronounced and diminish as the body becomes used to the drug. Conversely, some side effects might appear after prolonged use.
Age
Age can also affect how a medication behaves in the body. Older adults or young individuals may metabolize medications differently potentially impacting the occurrence and severity of side effects. Elderly individuals may be more prone to experience Trazodone-induced side effects than younger ones.
Drug interactions
The interaction of Trazodone with other medications such as tranquillizers can potentially increase the risk of panic attacks. It is important to inform your doctor about all medications, herbal supplements or substances you are taking to minimize the risk of drug interactions.
Pre-existing conditions
Patients with underlying health conditions such as anxiety disorder or bipolar disorder might be more susceptible to experiencing panic attacks when taking Trazodone.
What to do if Trazodone causes panic attacks?
If you suspect that Trazodone is causing panic attacks, it is important to reach out to your healthcare provider.
Your doctor may initially adjust your dosage to see if it works for you. By lowering the dose the side effects may subside. However, if dose reduction does not work, your doctor may gradually discontinue your medication or may switch to another medication with fewer side effects.
Side effects might be alleviated through lifestyle changes, such as practising good sleep hygiene, eating a balanced diet and avoiding alcohol and caffeine consumption.
If Trazodone-induced panic attacks are becoming bothersome, do not discontinue the medication on your own as it can cause withdrawal symptoms further worsening your condition (4).
Based on research and my knowledge, it is evident that Trazodone usually does not induce panic attacks; in fact, it is used to treat depression and related mental health conditions.
Some patients may experience panic attacks when they first start taking Trazodone, but these symptoms may dissappear as your body adjusts to the medication. However, if panic symptoms persist you should consult your doctor.
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