switching from Ativan to Trazadone

nimmi

New Member

Joined : Mar 2014

Posts : 2

Posted 3/19/2014 5:33 PM (GMT 0)

Hi,

My mom 68yrs was prescribed Zoloft 50mg for am and trazadone 50mg at night by her Dr. Before she started trazadone, she had to be taken to ER due to a panic attack. She was given Ativan 1mg in the ER. She has been on it for a week, taking 1mg at night. Since she was given Ativan, she did not start on Trazadone. But her goal is to wean off of Ativan and move to Trazadone immediately. She has been quite stable and has had no episodes in the past few days.

Will she be able to switch to Tradazone right away or should she slowly wean herself off of Ativan before starting Tradazone. We are going to talk to her doc soon. But, wanted to also know from others experience, the pros and cons

vitaka

Veteran Member

Joined : Jun 2006

Posts : 919

Posted 3/19/2014 5:58 PM (GMT 0)

I do not have extensive experience with Ativan, only taking it for panic attacks, but I would *think* it would be okay to switch after just one week, as that should not be long enough to build up a tolerance.

When I started taking Trazadone, my doctor had me take 25mg (half a pill) for the first week to get used to the pill before going up to 50mg. Especially as your mother is older, this may be a good idea, as Trazadone can make you quite lightheaded and dizzy. You should take it at bedtime ideally right when you are going to sleep. I would check with her doctor about this first.

Scaredy Cat

Elite Member

Joined : Sep 2006

Posts : 28868

Posted 3/19/2014 6:21 PM (GMT 0)

Hi Nimmi,

Yes, this is a question for her doctor. He/she should have given you a clear procedure/schedule for this switch.

These meds are in different classes, so it may not be as simple as switching from one form of med to another within the same 'family'.

Please make a call a.s.a.p. so you can get some guidance.

Wishing you both the best! :)

S.C.

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