Posted by Tony P on September 2, 2001, at 22:02:02
In reply to Re: Trazodone tolerance? » Ignatz, posted by SalArmy4me on September 2, 2001, at 15:14:07
Nefazodone (Serzone) is worth a try, although they're closely related, so there might be some cross-tolerance. I never took trazodone, but I have heard Serzone is milder in its sedative effect. On average doses, I just felt like I was normally sleepy and ready for bed - but then I fell asleep without any trouble and stayed asleep (which had been biggest problem for me).
However, like your experience, Serzone has also stopped working as well as it used to for me. After almost 7 years continuous on it, that may not be too surprising! Other meds I was taking recently may also have been a factor in disrupting my sleep beyond where Serzone could help.
Bottom line is, I think our bodies accustom themselves and compensate for almost anything sooner or later. I am very thankful for the years of good sleep - and happy joyous and free waking hours - that Serzone did give me before it, or I, pooped out.
Don't know if you're looking for alternative suggestions, but I am currently having some success for my mixed-type insomnia with low doses of clonazepam (.5-1 mg) and zopiclone / Imovane (sp?) 7.5. The clonazepam is slow acting and persistent, while the zopiclone acts very fast but the hypnotic effect only lasts about 4 hours. Zopiclone in particular is said to have very little tendency to produce tolerance, at least over medium-term use.
Tony P
> I am the ultimate Trazodone veteran, having taken 600 mg qHS for a couple of months for severe depression and insomnia. I always maintain that trazodone is very difficult to develop a tolerance for, thus perfect for insomnia. But if your problems with drowsiness persist after a 2-week trial of 50 mg, I would suggest you switch to Nefazodone.
poster:Tony P
thread:77399
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010902/msgs/77475.html