trouble weaning off trazodone. advice please.

[homebird]

Long story, but I was admitted to the hospital's Behavioral Health wing for my anxiety and panic attacks. The psychiatrist started me on lexapro again (I've taken it before, love it). He also gave me 100mg of trazodone to help me sleep at night (because I wasn't getting any decent of sleep). He told me to take it as-needed. Basically he said once the lexapro kicked in I wouldn't need it anymore.

Well, it's been about 3 1/2 weeks and I feel pretty good during the day. Anxiety is gone for the most part. But every time I try to taper back on the trazodone I get really severe anxiety and can't sleep at night. The doctor told me I wouldn't have to worry about tapering off, but I'm afraid of what would happen if I quit cold turkey.

Is this a normal response to quitting trazodone? Any advice

[chrisz]

Trazodone is not that great for depression or anxiety because you need large doses to be effective. However; it does make you very sleepy and is often prescribed for only that reason. The Nut Ward I was in gave it to you any night you wanted it to help you sleep. I suggest a slower taper and try not to anticipate problems. IMHO only.