Question Title: Trazodone treating depression w/Sturge Weber

I support a 26 year-old man who has Sturge Weber, a severe seizure disorder requiring drugs such as klonopin and depakote, and he is suffering from severe depression. His physician has prescribed Trazodone, but he seems to be regressing even further - he's been on the drug for a little over 2 weeks. His history is of grand mal seizures when going into or coming out of REM stage sleep. He is having trouble dealing with family, his roommate, myself and any others who are trying to assist him with his daily responsibilities. He has said that he wants to "isolate himself from everyone in the world" and keeps retreating to his bedroom and shutting the door. He sleeps most of the day and does not want to pursue his volunteer activities, which he truly enjoys. Can you provide some insight? I'm truly scared for him and sessions with his psychologist do not seem to be making a difference. I really appreciate any help you can provide. Thanks! A friend...

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Thanks for your question. Trazodone is a commonly used anti-depressant
that belong to a class of medications calles Selective Serotonin Reuptake
Inhibitors (SSRI). For those patients who responded to trazodone HCl,
one-third of the inpatients and one-third of the outpatients had a significant
therapeutic response by the end of the first week of treatment. Three-fourths
of all responders demonstrated a significant therapeutic effect by the end
of the second week. One-fourth of responders required 2-4 weeks for a
significant therapeutic response. So it is possible that your friend belongs
to the latter 1/4 of the patients. However, anger/hostility, and nervousness
has been reported as possible side-effects of this medication. If his
current behavior is of significant concern to his family and friends, I
would recommend a return visit with his psychiatrist to address these
concerns.

I hope this information is helpful. Best of luck.

This information is provided for general medical education purposes only.
Please consult your doctor regarding diagnostic and treatment options.

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