Pharmacokinetics of Trazodone in Hispaniolan Parrots (Amazona ventralis).

The objective of this study was to establish the pharmacokinetics of a single oral dose of trazodone in the Hispaniolan Amazon parrot (Amazona ventralis). Trazodone is a selective serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor used commonly in both human and veterinary medicine as an antidepressant behavioral modification medicine. A single oral dose of compounded trazodone hydrochloride solution (20 mg/mL) at 50 mg/kg was administered to a total of 7 healthy adult Hispaniolan Amazon parrots. The 7 healthy adult parrots ranged in age from 10 to 15 years and weighed 228 to 323g. Blood was collected at baseline (2 weeks before study) and at 1, 2, 4, 6, 10, and 14 hours post-drug administration. Plasma concentrations of both trazodone and its active metabolite m-chlorophenylpiperazine (mCPP) were measured via liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Noncompartmental pharmacokinetic analysis was completed. The half-life (t1/2) ± SD of trazodone for the Hispaniolan parrots was 1.89 ± 0.49 hours, and the t1/2 ± SD of mCPP metabolite was 1.9 ± 0.55 hours. Maximum serum drug concentrations, or Cmax (ng/mL), were 738.3 ± 285.3 for trazodone. Times to achieve Cmax (hours) for trazadone and the mCPP metabolite were 1 hour and 2 hours postdosing, respectively. While this study did not establish the behavioral effects of trazodone, no adverse side effects were observed throughout the 48-hour period following drug administration and blood collection. Our results indicate that the oral administration of a 50-mg/kg single dose of trazodone to Hispaniolan parrots may be considered a safe dose. Plasma concentrations are comparable to previously published values in humans, dogs, horses, and pigeons (Columba livia domestica) for up to 14 hours following dosing. This study indicates that further studies are needed to establish the pharmacodynamics and the efficacy of trazodone in the medical management of behavioral problems in psittacine species.

Development and characterization of a non-enzymatic electrochemical biosensor for rapid determination of sorbent-based extracted trazodone and doxepin in complicated samples.

BACKGROUND: Given the importance of achieving optimal therapeutical concentration in patients treated with antidepressants, this study investigates a novel technique for the simultaneous determination of trazodone (TRZ) and doxepin (DOX) in human plasma and serum samples for the first time. RESULTS: To achieve simultaneous determination of two antidepressants, TRZ and DOX, a novel detection system was designed: a non-enzymatic voltammetric biosensor based on boron-reduced graphene oxide/manganese oxide nanoparticles (GCE/B-rGO/MnO NPs). The detection was accomplished after pre-concentration and extraction trace amounts of the analytes using the thin film-solid phase microextraction (TF-SPME) technique, which employed polyvinyl alcohol/polyvinyl acetate/copper oxide nanoparticles (PVA/PVAc/CuO NPs) electrospun nanofibers. The successful preparation of composite nanofibers and modified electrodes was confirmed using the evaluation of field emission-scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Also, the composite nanofibers were characterized with attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform-infrared (ATR-FT-IR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). In the solution of TRZ and DOX, under optimum experimental conditions, the linear dynamic ranges (LDRs) were 0.1-20.0 µmol L-1 and 0.5-27.0 µmol L-1, respectively. Also, the limit of detection (LOD) values of TRZ and DOX were 0.032 and 0.150 µmol L-1. SIGNIFICANCE: PVAc acts as a cross-linking agent for PVA, and their mixture is effective for sample preparation and pre-concentration of analytes in complex matrices. Also, adding CuO NPs to this polymeric mixture enhanced the adsorption efficiency. Taking advantage of the high surface area of MnO NPs and the high electrical conductivity of B-rGO, and considering the superiority of their simultaneous utilization, the constructed electrochemical biosensor is both cost-effective and rapid. It demonstrates excellent stability, repeatability, and sensitivity for the simultaneous determination of TRZ and DOX under optimal conditions. This biosensor, the first of its kind, is specifically designed for the simultaneous determination of TRZ and DOX in human plasma and serum samples, representing a significant advancement in biosensing technology.

Impact of trazodone once-a-day on quality of life and functional recovery in adults with major depressive disorder: A prospective, observational study.

BACKGROUND: Health-related quality of life (HRQL) is an important goal for patients with major depressive disorder (MDD), but whether antidepressants improve HRQL in these patients is unclear. Here, we describe the real-world effects of trazodone once-a-day (TzOAD) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) treatments on HRQL and functioning in adults with MDD. METHODS: This 8-week prospective, observational, open-label, multicenter study was conducted in adults with moderate or severe MDD for whom TzOAD or SSRI were prescribed as monotherapy. The primary outcome was life enjoyment and satisfaction assessed via the patient-reported Quality-of-Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire Short Form (Q-LES-Q-SF) from baseline to week 8. Secondary outcomes included change in Q-LES-Q-SF from baseline to weeks 1 and 2; severity of depressive symptoms using the Montgomery Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) and sleep disturbance via the PROMIS SF-SD 8b questionnaire at weeks 1, 2, and 8; and overall functioning via the Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS), hedonic capacity using the Snaith-Hamilton Pleasure Scale (SHAPS), and cognitive dysfunction using the Perceived Deficits Questionnaire (PDQ-5) at baseline and week 8. RESULTS: The study included 208 adults with MDD (mean [SD] age = 50.2 [14.3] years; 68.6% female; 98.4% White). Life enjoyment and satisfaction improved from baseline to week 8 for both treatment groups: Q-LES-Q-SF mean (SD) scores were 27.5 (20.4) for the SSRI group and 39.0 (22.1) for the TzOAD group. Depressive symptoms and sleep disturbances also reduced from baseline to week 8: MADRS (SSRI, -15.7 [8.3]; TzOAD, -21.0 [9.8]); PROMIS SF-SD 8b (SSRI, -9.9 [12.6]; TzOAD, -22.0 [12.6]). Mean change scores in Q-LES-Q-SF, MADRS, and PROMIS SF-SD 8b improved as early as week 1 in both groups. Mean scores also improved from baseline to week 8 on SDS (SSRI, -9.2 [7.4]; TzOAD, -14.3 [7.5]), SHAPS (SSRI, -6.6 [4.3]; TzOAD, -8.3 [4.4]), and PDQ-5 (SSRI, -5.8 [4.5]; TzOAD, -7.7 [5.0]). CONCLUSIONS: In adults with MDD who received TzOAD or SSRIs, overall and individual HQRL domains improved rapidly and in parallel with improvements in depressive symptoms, with a slightly greater improvement observed in the TzOAD group.

Trazodone-induced parkinsonism in a middle-aged male: A case report.

Introduction: Trazodone is an antidepressant agent approved for treating major depressive disorders and is also prescribed for insomnia due to its sedative effect. In a few cases, trazodone was associated with parkinsonism. Herein, we describe a case of parkinsonism after a brief exposure to a moderate dose of trazodone. Objective: To describe a case of a patient with trazodone-induced parkinsonism in which the diagnosis was suspected after the exclusion of other common and serious causes. Methods: A case report of trazodone-induced parkinsonism. Clinical Case: A 58-year-old male with sleeping problems was prescribed trazodone 50 mg daily at bedtime. The subject doubled the dosage without medical advice a week later. After 14 days of trazodone treatment, he started to experience difficulty in moving his upper limbs and recurrent falling. Neuroimaging, electrodiagnostic studies, and laboratory exams were unremarkable. Trazodone was discontinued, and the patient fully recovered. Noteworthy, the patient developed a recurrence of the motor symptoms with trazodone-rechallenge. Conclusion: Our case showed reversibly induced parkinsonism after a short intake of a moderate dose of trazodone which was prescribed for insomnia. The patient had a complete recovery after trazodone withdrawal. Noteworthy, the symptoms recurred upon trazodone-rechallenge.

A green micelle-enhanced first derivative synchronous fluorescence approach for determination of donepezil HCl and trazodone HCl in their pure state, pharmaceutical dosage form and spiked human plasma.

The study's objective is to establish an eco-friendly, sensitive and economical quantitative methodology for the concurrent analysis of donepezil HCl (DPZ) and trazodone HCl (TRZ) in raw materials, tablets and human plasma. The first derivative synchronous fluorescence spectroscopic (FDSFS) technique was applied at constant wavelength difference (∆λ = 120) for assessment of DPZ and TRZ at each other's zero-crossing point at 279 nm and 297 nm, respectively. The submitted technique was validated in accordance with ICH Q2 R1 guidelines and the linearity of the standard calibration curve was observed over the concentration range of 10-500 ng/ml for DPZ and 20-1,000 ng/ml for TRZ. The detection limits (LOD) were found to be 2.65 and 5.4 ng/ml, and the limits of quantitation (LOQ) were 8.05 and 16.3 ng/ml for DPZ and TRZ, respectively. This technique was used further to quantify the studied medications in their laboratory-prepared mixtures, commercial tablets and spiked plasma samples. The results obtained were not significantly different from those acquired from the comparison methods, indicating the high accuracy and precision of the proposed method. Furthermore, the ecological friendliness of the suggested method was evaluated and proven to be excellent using Green Analytical Procedure Index (GAPI) and Analytical GREEnness (AGREE) evaluation tools.

Rethinking the role of trazodone in the different depressive dimensions.

INTRODUCTION: The efficacy of trazodone for several psychopathologic dimensions of depression has been shown in the literature. Trazodone has been widely used in some clinical contexts (e.g. for insomnia and depression in the elderly). However, the role of trazodone in several aspects of depression is not well known. AREA COVERED: Eight experts from academic and medical centers across Italy met to identify the difficulties and barriers faced in daily clinical practice in the assessment and management of major depressive disorder and how the use of trazodone could address some unmet needs. The objective of the expert meetings and the present document was to increase knowledge of particular areas of treatment with trazodone. EXPERT OPINION: Evidence of the role of trazodone in patients affected by major depressive disorder with anxiety symptoms, insomnia, agitation, cognitive deficits, alcohol use disorders, physical comorbidities, and suicide risk has been identified, showing the effectiveness of trazodone in different presentations of major depressive disorder. The main characteristics of patients with depression for whom trazodone seems to be most effective have been identified, providing clinicians with information on possible uses of this drug in such population of patients.

Acute exposure and biomarkers assessment in rainbow trout exposed to selected pharmaceuticals.

Pharmaceuticals released from municipal effluents discharges pose a risk to aquatic organisms. The toxicity of 5 pharmaceuticals with distinct therapeutic actions were assessed in rainbow trout: olanzapine (antipsychotic), erythromycin (antibiotic), mycophenoate (immunosuppression), pinaverium (anti-inflammatory) and trazodone (sedative). Juveniles were exposed to these drugs for 96 h at concentrations between 64 µg/L up to 40 mg/L to reach lethality. Survival was determined and a suite of biomarkers was analyzed for drug biotransformation, oxidative stress/damage and metabolic activity at sublethal concentrations. The data revealed the following toxicity: olanzapine >trazodone>mycophenolate>pinaverium∼erythromycin based on mortality. The data also revealed that toxicity was associated to mass, pKa and hydrophobicity and the following sublethal effects: GST, LPO and DNA strand breaks. Pharmaceuticals with lower molecular weight, physiological pKa, moderate hydrophobicity, low biotransformation and DNA strand breaks were generally more toxic to fish. However, this should be considered as a general guide in identifying toxic pharmaceuticals in non-target organisms.

Allosteric Inhibition and Pharmacochaperoning of the Serotonin Transporter by the Antidepressant Drugs Trazodone and Nefazodone.

The antidepressants trazodone and nefazodone were approved some 4 and 3 decades ago, respectively. Their action is thought to be mediated, at least in part, by inhibition of the serotonin transporter [SERT/solute carrier (SLC)-6A4]. Surprisingly, their mode of action on SERT has not been characterized. Here, we show that, similar to the chemically related drug vilazodone, trazodone and nefazodone are allosteric ligands: trazodone and nefazodone inhibit uptake by and transport-associated currents through SERT in a mixed-competitive and noncompetitive manner, respectively. Contrary to noribogaine and its congeners, all three compounds preferentially interact with the Na+-bound outward-facing state of SERT. Nevertheless, they act as pharmacochaperones and rescue the folding-deficient variant SERT-P601A/G602A. The vast majority of disease-associated point mutations of SLC6 family members impair folding of the encoded transporter proteins. Our findings indicate that their folding defect can be remedied by targeting allosteric sites on SLC6 transporters. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The serotonin transporter is a member of the solute carrier-6 family and is the target of numerous antidepressants. Trazodone and nefazodone have long been used as antidepressants. Here, this study shows that their inhibition of the serotonin transporter digressed from the competitive mode seen with other antidepressants. Trazodone and nefazodone rescued a folding-deficient variant of the serotonin transporter. This finding demonstrates that folding defects of mutated solute carrier-6 family members can also be corrected by allosteric ligands.

Effectiveness of Antidepressants in Combination with Psychotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Consensus-guidelines for prescribing antidepressants recommend that clinicians should be vigilant to match antidepressants to patient's medical history but provide no specific advice on which antidepressant is best for a given medical history. AIMS OF THE STUDY: For patients with major depression who are in psychotherapy, this study provides an empirically derived guideline for prescribing antidepressant medications that fit patients' medical history. METHODS: This retrospective, observational, cohort study analyzed a large insurance database of 3,678,082 patients. Data was obtained from healthcare providers in the U.S. between January 1, 2001, and December 31, 2018. These patients had 10,221,145 episodes of antidepressant treatments. This study reports the remission rates for the 14 most commonly prescribed single antidepressants (amitriptyline, bupropion, citalopram, desvenlafaxine, doxepin, duloxetine, escitalopram, fluoxetine, mirtazapine, nortriptyline, paroxetine, sertraline, trazodone, and venlafaxine) and a category named "Other" (other antidepressants/combination of antidepressants). The study used robust LASSO regressions to identify factors that affected remission rate and clinicians' selection of antidepressants. The selection bias in observational data was removed through stratification. We organized the data into 16,770 subgroups, of at least 100 cases, using the combination of the largest factors that affected remission and selection bias. This paper reports on 2,467 subgroups of patients who had received psychotherapy. RESULTS: We found large, and statistically significant, differences in remission rates within subgroups of patients. Remission rates for sertraline ranged from 4.5% to 77.86%, for fluoxetine from 2.86% to 77.78%, for venlafaxine from 5.07% to 76.44%, for bupropion from 0.5% to 64.63%, for desvenlafaxine from 1.59% to 75%, for duloxetine from 3.77% to 75%, for paroxetine from 6.48% to 68.79%, for escitalopram from 1.85% to 65%, and for citalopram from 4.67% to 76.23%. Clearly these medications are ideal for patients in some subgroups but not others. If patients are matched to the subgroups, clinicians can prescribe the medication that works best in the subgroup. Some medications (amitriptyline, doxepin, nortriptyline, and trazodone) always had remission rates below 11% and therefore were not suitable as single antidepressant therapy for any of the subgroups. DISCUSSIONS: This study provides an opportunity for clinicians to identify an optimal antidepressant for their patients, before they engage in repeated trials of antidepressants. IMPLICATIONS FOR HEALTH CARE PROVISION AND USE: To facilitate the matching of patients to the most effective antidepressants, this study provides access to a free, non-commercial, decision aid at http://MeAgainMeds.com. IMPLICATIONS FOR HEALTH POLICIES:  Policymakers should evaluate how study findings can be made available through fragmented electronic health records at point-of-care. Alternatively, policymakers can put in place an AI system that recommends antidepressants to patients online, at home, and encourages them to bring the recommendation to their clinicians at their next visit. IMPLICATIONS FOR FURTHER RESEARCH:  Future research could investigate (i) the effectiveness of our recommendations in changing clinical practice, (ii) increasing remission of depression symptoms, and (iii) reducing cost of care. These studies need to be prospective but pragmatic. It is unlikely random clinical trials can address the large number of factors that affect remission.

Psychiatric comorbidities and prescribing tendencies of sleep medications and related medications in young people with insomnia: a United States commercial claims-based analysis.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: To characterize children and youth newly diagnosed with insomnia and to describe their use of sleep and other related prescription medications. METHODS: Within a commercial claims database (January 1, 2016-December 31, 2021), we identified children and youth (2-24 years) with a newly recorded insomnia diagnosis (G47.0x; F51.0x) and examined psychiatric diagnoses in the prior 6 months. We evaluated sleep and related prescription medications dispensed in the week after new insomnia diagnoses (i.e. trazodone, other antidepressants, hydroxyzine, alpha-agonists, benzodiazepines, non-benzodiazepine hypnotics "z-drugs," antipsychotics, and others). Analyses were stratified by age and psychiatric comorbidities. RESULTS: Among 68 698 children and 108 118 older youth (18-24 years) with a new insomnia diagnosis, three-quarters had a diagnosed comorbid psychiatric condition; anxiety disorders, depression, and ADHD were the most common. Among those without comorbid psychiatric diagnoses, 20.2% of children and 37.4% of older youth had a sleep or related medication dispensed in the following week. In children without a comorbid psychiatric diagnosis, alpha-agonists, hydroxyzine, and trazodone were the most common medications; in older youth, trazodone was the most common medication followed by hydroxyzine, z-drugs, and SSRIs. Sleep and related prescription medications were more commonly dispensed to those with psychiatric comorbidities. From 2017 to 2021, there was an increase in hydroxyzine prescriptions following a new insomnia diagnosis and decline in z-drug and benzodiazepine prescriptions. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings from a nationwide sample of young people with insomnia highlight the high prevalence of psychiatric comorbidities and variety of sleep and related medications they receive. Characterizing prescribing tendencies informs guideline development and future research.

Effect of lipid emulsion on neuropsychiatric drug-induced toxicity: A narrative review.

Lipid emulsion has been shown to effectively relieve refractory cardiovascular collapse resulting from toxic levels of nonlocal anesthetics. The goal of this study was to examine the effect of lipid emulsions on neuropsychiatric drug-induced toxicity using relevant case reports of human patients, with a particular focus on the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score and corrected QT interval, to analyze drugs that frequently require lipid emulsion treatment. The following keywords were used to retrieve relevant case reports from PubMed: "antidepressant or antipsychotic drug or amitriptyline or bupropion or citalopram or desipramine or dosulepin or dothiepin or doxepin or escitalopram or fluoxetine or haloperidol or olanzapine or phenothiazine or quetiapine or risperidone or trazodone" and "lipid emulsion or Intralipid." Lipid emulsion treatment reversed the corrected QT interval prolongation and decreases in Glasgow Coma Scale scores caused by toxic doses of neuropsychiatric drugs, especially lipid-soluble drugs such as amitriptyline, trazodone, quetiapine, lamotrigine, and citalopram. The log P (octanol/water partition coefficient) of the group which required more than 3 lipid emulsion treatments was higher than that that of the group which required less than 3 lipid emulsion treatments. The main rationale to administer lipid emulsion as an adjuvant was as follows: hemodynamic depression intractable to supportive treatment (88.3%) > lipophilic drugs (8.3%) > suspected overdose or no spontaneous breathing (1.6%). Adjuvant lipid emulsion treatment contributed to the recovery of 98.30% of patients with neuropsychiatric drug-induced toxicity. However, further analyses using many case reports are needed to clarify the effects of lipid emulsion resuscitation.

Drug Efficacy in the Treatment of Antipsychotic-Induced Akathisia: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis.

Importance: Antipsychotic-induced akathisia (AIA) occurs in 14% to 35% of patients treated with antipsychotics and is associated with increased suicide and decreased adherence in patients with schizophrenia. However, no comprehensive review and network meta-analysis has been conducted to compare the efficacy of treatments for AIA. Objective: To compare the efficacy associated with AIA treatments. Data Sources: Three databases (MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Google Scholar) were systematically searched by multiple researchers for double-blind randomized clinical trials (RCTs) comparing active drugs for the treatment of AIA with placebo or another treatment between May 30 and June 18, 2023. Study Selection: Selected studies were RCTs that compared adjunctive drugs for AIA vs placebo or adjunctive treatment in patients treated with antipsychotics fulfilling the criteria for akathisia, RCTs with sample size of 10 patients or more, only trials in which no additional drugs were administered during the study, and RCTs that used a validated akathisia score. Trials with missing data for the main outcome (akathisia score at the end points) were excluded. Data Extraction and Synthesis: Data extraction and synthesis were performed, estimating standardized mean differences (SMDs) through pairwise and network meta-analysis with a random-effects model. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline was followed. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was the severity of akathisia measured by a validated scale at the last available end point. Results: Fifteen trials involving 492 participants compared 10 treatments with placebo. Mirtazapine (15 mg/d for ≥5 days; SMD, -1.20; 95% CI, -1.83 to -0.58), biperiden (6 mg/d for ≥14 days; SMD, -1.01; 95% CI, -1.69 to -0.34), vitamin B6 (600-1200 mg/d for ≥5 days; SMD, -0.92; 95% CI, -1.57 to -0.26), trazodone (50 mg/d for ≥5 days; SMD, -0.84; 95% CI, -1.54 to -0.14), mianserin (15 mg/d for ≥5 days; SMD, -0.81; 95% CI, -1.44 to -0.19), and propranolol (20 mg/d for ≥6 days; SMD, -0.78; 95% CI, -1.35 to -0.22) were associated with greater efficacy than placebo, with low to moderate heterogeneity (I2 = 34.6%; 95% CI, 0.0%-71.1%). Cyproheptadine, clonazepam, zolmitriptan, and valproate did not yield significant effects. Eight trials were rated as having low risk of bias; 2, moderate risk; and 5, high risk. Sensitivity analyses generally confirmed the results for all drugs except for cyproheptadine and propranolol. No association between effect sizes and psychotic severity was found. Conclusions and Relevance: In this systematic review and network meta-analysis, mirtazapine, biperiden, and vitamin B6 were associated with the greatest efficacy for AIA, with vitamin B6 having the best efficacy and tolerance profile. Trazodone, mianserin, and propranolol appeared as effective alternatives with slightly less favorable efficacy and tolerance profiles. These findings should assist prescribers in selecting an appropriate medication for treating AIA.

The effects of selected sedatives on basal and stimulated serum cortisol concentrations in healthy dogs.

Background: Hormone assessment is typically recommended for awake, unsedated dogs. However, one of the most commonly asked questions from veterinary practitioners to the endocrinology laboratory is how sedation impacts cortisol concentrations and the adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test. Butorphanol, dexmedetomidine, and trazodone are common sedatives for dogs, but their impact on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) is unknown. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of butorphanol, dexmedetomidine, and trazodone on serum cortisol concentrations. Methods: Twelve healthy beagles were included in a prospective, randomized, four-period crossover design study with a 7-day washout. ACTH stimulation test results were determined after saline (0.5 mL IV), butorphanol (0.3 mg/kg IV), dexmedetomidine (4 µg/kg IV), and trazodone (3-5 mg/kg PO) administration. Results: Compared to saline, butorphanol increased basal (median 11.75 µg/dL (range 2.50-23.00) (324.13 nmol/L; range 68.97-634.48) vs 1.27 µg/dL (0.74-2.10) (35.03 nmol/L; 20.41-57.93); P < 0.0001) and post-ACTH cortisol concentrations (17.05 µg/dL (12.40-26.00) (470.34 nmol/L; 342.07-717.24) vs 13.75 µg/dL (10.00-18.90) (379.31 nmol/L; 275.96-521.38); P ≤ 0.0001). Dexmedetomidine and trazodone did not significantly affect basal (1.55 µg/dL (range 0.75-1.55) (42.76 nmol/L; 20.69-42.76); P = 0.33 and 0.79 µg/dL (range 0.69-1.89) (21.79 nmol/L; 19.03-52.14); P = 0.13, respectively, vs saline 1.27 (0.74-2.10) (35.03 nmol/L; 20.41-57.93)) or post-ACTH cortisol concentrations (14.35 µg/dL (range 10.70-18.00) (395.86 nmol/L; 295.17-496.55); (P = 0.98 and 12.90 µg/dL (range 8.94-17.40) (355.86 nmol/L; 246.62-480); P = 0.65), respectively, vs saline 13.75 µg/dL (10.00-18.60) (379.31 nmol/L; 275.86-513.10). Conclusion: Butorphanol administration should be avoided prior to ACTH stimulation testing in dogs. Further evaluation of dexmedetomidine and trazodone's effects on adrenocortical hormone testing in dogs suspected of HPA derangements is warranted to confirm they do not impact clinical diagnosis.

Effectiveness of Existing Insomnia Therapies for Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis : A Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Chronic insomnia is common in patients undergoing in-center hemodialysis, yet there is limited evidence on effective treatments for this population. OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), trazodone, and placebo for insomnia in patients undergoing long-term hemodialysis. DESIGN: Randomized, multicenter, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial. (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03534284). SETTING: 26 dialysis units in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Seattle, Washington. PARTICIPANTS: Patients with Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) score of 10 or greater, with sleep disturbances on 3 or more nights per week for 3 or more months. INTERVENTION: Participants were randomly assigned to 6 weeks of CBT-I, trazodone, or placebo. MEASUREMENTS: The primary outcome was the ISI score at 7 and 25 weeks from randomization. RESULTS: A total of 923 patients were prescreened, and of the 411 patients with chronic insomnia, 126 were randomly assigned to CBT-I (n = 43), trazodone (n = 42), or placebo (n = 41). The change in ISI scores from baseline to 7 weeks with CBT-I or trazodone was no different from placebo: CBT-I, -3.7 (95% CI, -5.5 to -1.9); trazodone, -4.2 (CI, -5.9 to -2.4); and placebo, -3.1 (CI, -4.9 to -1.3). There was no meaningful change in ISI scores from baseline to 25 weeks: CBT-I, -4.8 (CI, -7.0 to -2.7); trazodone, -4.0 (CI, -6.0 to -1.9); and placebo, -4.3 (CI, -6.4 to -2.2). Serious adverse events (SAEs), particularly serious cardiovascular events, were more frequent with trazodone (annualized cardiovascular SAE incidence rates: CBT-I, 0.05 [CI, 0.00 to 0.29]; trazodone, 0.64 [CI, 0.34 to 1.10]; and placebo, 0.21 [CI, 0.06 to 0.53]). LIMITATION: Modest sample size and most participants had mild or moderate insomnia. CONCLUSION: In patients undergoing hemodialysis with mild or moderate chronic insomnia, there was no difference in the effectiveness of 6 weeks of CBT-I or trazodone compared with placebo. The incidence of SAEs was higher with trazodone. PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE: National Institutes of Health/National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.

Analysis of Factors Affecting Concentrations and Concentration-To-Dose Ratios of Trazodone.

BACKGROUND: Trazodone is prescribed for several clinical conditions. Multiple factors may affect trazodone to reach its therapeutic reference range. The concentration-to-dose (C/D) ratio can be used to facilitate the therapeutic drug monitoring of trazodone. The study aimed to investigate factors on the concentrations and C/D ratio of trazodone. METHODS: This study analyzed the therapeutic drug monitoring electronic case information of inpatients in the First Hospital of Hebei Medical University from October 2021 to July 2023. Factors that could affect the concentrations and C/D ratio of trazodone were analyzed, including body mass index, sex, age, smoking, drinking, drug manufacturers, and concomitant drugs. RESULTS: A total of 255 patients were analyzed. The mean age was 52.44 years, and 142 (55.69%) were women. The mean dose of trazodone was 115.29 mg. The mean concentration of trazodone was 748.28 ng/mL, which was in the therapeutic reference range (700-1000 ng/mL). 50.20% of patients reached the reference range, and some patients (36.86%) had concentrations below the reference range. The mean C/D ratio of trazodone was 6.76 (ng/mL)/(mg/d). A significant positive correlation was found between daily dose and trazodone concentrations (r 2 = 0.2885, P < 0.001). Trazodone concentrations were significantly affected by dosage, sex, smoking, drinking, and concomitant drugs of duloxetine or fluoxetine. After dosage emendation, besides the above factors, it was influenced by age ( P < 0.05, P < 0.01, or P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study identified factors affecting trazodone concentrations and C/D ratio. The results can help clinicians closely monitor patients on trazodone therapy and maintain concentrations within the reference range.

Solriamfetol and m-chlorophenylpiperazine cause false positive amphetamine results on urine drug screening.

Urine drug screening by immunoassay is a common method to quickly identify drug exposures in the emergency setting and to detect unexpected drug exposures in a variety of patient care and occupational health settings. Although they provide rapid results, immunoassays are susceptible to cross-reactivity with other medications and metabolites. Herein we evaluate the performance of the Thermo Scientific DRI Amphetamines immunoassay for reactivity with trazodone, aripiprazole, atomoxetine, solriamfetol and relevant metabolites. Each of these compounds were spiked into drug-free urine across a range of concentrations and assessed for positivity on amphetamine screen. We demonstrate that the Thermo Scientific DRI assay is susceptible to interferences from m-chlorophenylpiperazine (mCPP), the main metabolite of trazodone, and solriamfetol. Characterization of assay-specific interferences in toxicology screening is instrumental for accurate interpretation of toxicology results, evaluation of patients in emergent settings and supporting patient care.

The impact of single-dose trazodone administration on plasma endogenous adrenocorticotropic hormone and serum cortisol concentrations in healthy dogs.

BACKGROUND: Conditions affecting the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis are common in dogs. Testing the function of the HPA axis includes measurement of endogenous adrenocorticotropic hormone (eACTH) and performance of an adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test. Trazodone is commonly administered to dogs to decrease stress. In humans, trazodone significantly decreases plasma cortisol concentration via alpha-1 adrenergic activity. OBJECTIVES: Determine the influence of trazodone on eACTH and serum cortisol concentrations in healthy dogs. ANIMALS: Fourteen healthy, adult, companion dogs. METHODS: Prospective, randomized placebo-controlled study. Trazodone (8-10 mg/kg) or placebo was administered PO 1 hour before eACTH measurement and ACTH stimulation testing. After a ≥7-day wash-out period, dogs received the opposite treatment. Differences in eACTH, pre- and post-ACTH stimulation cortisol concentrations, and delta (difference between pre- and post-ACTH) cortisol concentrations were analyzed using a paired t or signed-rank test with a P < .05 significance level. RESULTS: The eACTH concentrations were not significantly different (P = .23) between treatments. Similarly, no significant differences were found in the pre-ACTH cortisol concentrations between treatments (P = .40). Post-ACTH cortisol concentrations (P = .05) and delta cortisol concentrations (P = .04) were significantly lower when the dogs were treated with trazodone. CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary data suggest trazodone administration dampens the adrenocortical response to stimulation in healthy dogs. If similar effects are found in dogs with adrenal disease, the use of trazodone may affect diagnosis and clinical decision making in these populations.