I have been on Trintellix for 3 weeks and am not sure if I should continue. This drug makes me feel, nauseas, spaced out, itchy and I have very soft motions bordering on diarrhoea. I haven't had a continuous nights sleep for over two weeks. I am due to see my GP on Wednesday but I am thinking of asking to stop this drug. I have previously taken venlafaxine for over twenty years, it was very difficult to get off it but I am beginning to think I will have to restart it, trouble is it hasnt worked well since being available as a generic
Taking Trintellix for three weeks?
Question posted by Ggpam on 19 Aug 2018
Last updated on 22 August 2018
4 Answers
Jaxgary
20 Aug 2018
Same thing happened to me. I stopped taking it. In on Effexor Dr 150 mg now. Feel great
CharlesEugene
20 Aug 2018
Ggpam. I started taking 20 mg Trintellix 3-4 months ago for MDD. Nausea lasted @ 2 weeks, then the depression episodes stopped. I thought I had found my miracle drug. But about 3 weeks ago I developed serious balance and coordination issues, then dizziness, itching, headaches and fatigue. Psych started me on trazodone and reduced Trintellix to 10 mg . I believe I have to get off the Trintellix, asap and today is first day I have felt a little better , but having an impossible time waking up in am. I think that is the effects from the trazodone. Anyone know anything about combining these two meds? I really don’t know what to do any more but really don’t think I can handle the return of any depression. Rose2
Ggpam
22 Aug 2018
I have come off Trintellix and gone back to venlafaxine which wasn't working very well before but was better than Trintellix. I just wish there was something out there that lifted by mood.
WildcatVet
19 Aug 2018
Hi, Ggpam! Side effects from this type of medications generally resolve over a few weeks, but sometimes persist longer. Have you been seeing any signs of improvement despite the side effects?
"Sleep, energy, or appetite may show some improvement within the first 1-2 weeks. Improvement in these physical symptoms can be an important early signal that the medication is working. Depressed mood, anxiety, and lack of interest in activities may need up to 6-8 weeks to fully improve."
Long term use of an antidepressant can often result in "poop out" where the drug just gradually stops working which may have been the cause of your venlafaxine failure.
It's good that you're seeing your doctor... describe your situation completely and then discuss whether or not to continue the Trintellix.
Best regards and best of luck to you!
Ggpam
20 Aug 2018
no improvement of mood, in fact it is much worse. I haven't had a good nights sleep since taking it. In the past if an ad was going to work it did so after a couple of weeks.
Ggpam
22 Aug 2018
Hi WildcatVet
My GP advised me to discontinue the Trintellix and revert to Venlafaxine. I have taken venlafaxine since it first came on to the market as Effexor, however it hasn't worked as well since the licence ran out and there are generic alternatives to the Effexor. I as previously taking 375 per day but she has suggested starting at 75 and increasing by 75 every four days. You seem very knowledgeable about these meds, do you have any advice.
WildcatVet
22 Aug 2018
Effexor XR is still available... IF you can afford it because most insurance companies will no longer pay for it as the generics are available at a much lower cost.
Starting at the lower dose will help avoid or eliminate the start up effects of initial dosing, but 375mg is a very high maximum dose for the most severely depressed patients. Has your doctor ever discussed an add-on like Abilify or Rexulti to booster the effects of the Effexor at this or a lower dose?
Ggpam
22 Aug 2018
Hi WildcatVet
Effexor slow release didn't work well for me so I am on instant release generic. My depression started in 1972 so it is long standing and severe. I live in UK and the doc won't consider Abilify. If I get referred to a physciatrist they only seem to suggest ECT which I have always refused. I don't think UK medics are as open minded is those in some other countries. I have been in a trial for Ketamine which didn't help and also magnetic stimulation which seemed to help for a short while. There doesn't seem to be a solution for me. I am getting to the point where I can't see the point in going on like this.
WildcatVet
22 Aug 2018
That %$#@%!!! When I was taking antidepressants (for most of my life!) I was considered "treatment resistant" but adding Abilify did the trick for me. Then I began having manic/hypermanic episodes provoked by the antidepressants so my diagnosis changed to Bipolar ll with severe depressive episodes. Am currently taking Latuda along with Depakote, a mood stabilizer, and I'm doing pretty well on that but ECT is still being offered as the next option. I won't consider that either so I'm kind of stuck in this limbo.
Don't feel alone and please do not give up hope! There has to be an answer out there for you!
With my best wishes,
Inactive
19 Aug 2018
Nausea is a common side effect listed in the manufacturer website of Trintellix. They have a warning of getting "Serotonin syndrome" as well, and thus they strongly advise the patient has to be observed closely for clinical worsening for taking this Rx. Consult with your doctor since it's not working for you and cause you side effects.
Related topics
diarrhea, nausea/vomiting, major depressive disorder, drug, trintellix
Further information
- Trintellix uses and safety info
- Trintellix prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Trintellix (detailed)
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