Trazodone in the treatment of chemical addictions
A. R. Asadullin,
E. A. Akhmetova,
I. S. Efremov,
K. A. Gasenko,
R. R. Borukaev,
I. V. Kolyvanova,
E. M. Krupitsky https://doi.org/10.31363/2313-7053-2025-1-1094
Abstract
Trazodone is an FDA-approved antidepressant used to treat depression. However, mental health professionals also use it to treat various psychiatric and medical conditions, including substance use disorders, which have FDA- not approved indications. The problem of addiction to these substances is an important part of modern psychiatric care. Among all the risk factors for premature death, tobacco use ranks second, while alcohol use ranks seventh. Direct exposure to these substances and their negative health effects contribute significantly to premature mortality. Thus, the issue of proper treatment for disorders associated with their use remains important and relevant. Trazodone has been shown to have antagonistic effects on serotonin receptors (5-HT2) and is also a serotonin reuptake inhibitor. It has been demonstrated to be effective in individuals with alcohol, benzodiazepine, and opiate addictions, as well as other dependencies. Although the exact mechanism of trazodone’s action in the body has not been fully understood, its advantage lies in its relatively low number of side effects compared to other medications. Despite this, trazodone may be a suitable option for improving depressive symptoms and sleep issues in patients, potentially reducing the risk of relapsing into substance abuse.
Supporting agencies: The article is sponsored by Angelini Pharma Rus LLC.
About the Authors
A. R. Asadullin
Russian Medical Academy of Continuous Professional Education;
Bashkir State Medical University;
Saratov State Medical University named after V.I. Razumovsky;
Tashkent Medical Academy
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Azat R. Asadullin
Moscow;
Ufa;
Saratov;
Tashkent, Uzbekistan
E. A. Akhmetova
Bashkir State Medical University;
Bekhterev National Research Medical Center
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Elvina A. Akhmetova
Ufa;
Saint Petersburg
I. S. Efremov
Psychological Center "Psychotherapy Workshop"
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Ilia S. Efremov
Ufa
K. A. Gasenko
Solodnikov BUZOO CPB
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Ksenia A. Gasenko
Omsk
R. R. Borukaev
OOO "Angelini Pharma Rus"
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Rustam R. Borukaev
Moscow
I. V. Kolyvanova
OOO "Angelini Pharma Rus"
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Irina V. Kolyvanova
Moscow
E. M. Krupitsky
Bekhterev National Research Medical Center;
Pavlov State Medical University
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Evgeny M. Krupitsky
Saint Petersburg
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Asadullin A.R., Akhmetova E.A., Efremov I.S., Gasenko K.A., Borukaev R.R., Kolyvanova I.V., Krupitsky E.M. Trazodone in the treatment of chemical addictions. V.M. BEKHTEREV REVIEW OF PSYCHIATRY AND MEDICAL PSYCHOLOGY. 2025;59(1):81-89. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.31363/2313-7053-2025-1-1094
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