Trintellix and Insomnia: What Users Say

• NoS...
• August 8, 2019

For Major Depressive Disorder "I switched from taking Trintellix at night to in the morning and it made a HUGE difference. I started taking this medication 3 months ago. During the first month, I didn't notice any major changes in my mood and was experiencing horrible insomnia (which wasn't out of the norm). I was ready to give up on the medication because there was no real change. So I figured what's the point? Then I read somewhere that someone suggested switching to taking the Trintellix in the morning, so I tried that. I have noticed a MAJOR difference. This medicine really works. My mood is better, I can get through an 8-hour workday without any mood disruptions, and perform regular chores when I get home. It has been years since I was able to perform a 'regular' day with chores. Before, I couldn't get through an 8-hour workday. Now I feel great. Yes, I do still have bad moments, but they are nowhere near what they used to be. I feel good, I am sleeping well, and I have lost some weight."

• Cwa...
• April 16, 2016

For Depression "Took 10 mg samples in the AM, nausea and dizziness were a big problem on the 3rd and 4th day. I stopped for 2 days. Then took half a pill in the evening around 8 PM. Had a little nausea, my sleep was affected but I'm adjusting. However, I believe it is what I need. I left the house 3 times on the weekend, answered my phone, went into 6 stores, and most importantly, while at home, didn't lay in bed."

• Rug...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 21, 2019

For Depression "I was prescribed Trintellix for anxiety disorder and depression. First two weeks I was on 5mg/day, and to be honest, I started to feel a lot worse - constant worry, could not sleep, awful nausea in the mornings. I was considering to stop taking it, and I was so negative about the whole thing. I got back to my doctor who told me, 'You will continue to take it, I want you to be patient.' Doctor prescribed me 10mg/day, and after another week, I saw the first signs of improvement. It took me almost a month to see the first signs of improvement. The first thing which this medicine solved was depression, it has just gone away. I’m currently working on my anxiety symptoms. I’ve been taking it for about 7 weeks now. The most important thing to remember here is: be strong, take the pill, and be patient. It works, and it needs time. Doctor told me she had patients who showed first signs of improvement after 2 months."

• Tru...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 24, 2019

For Major Depressive Disorder "I have taken almost all of the antidepressants with varying results but mainly side effects I couldn't tolerate for the past 25 years. I began taking Trintellix 3 months ago. Starting with 5 mg. It took away my appetite and I lost 10 lbs. Now, I am up to 20 mg. a day and am feeling better. My mood is up and I have more energy. The only side effect is a slight problem falling asleep and my appetite has returned. However, the good outweighs the bad and I am hopeful for the first time in many years."

• Ave...
• April 4, 2019

For Depression "Positives: Trintellix helped me manage my anxiety and depression for a time. I had a few good days where I felt almost normal. I was able to continue working full time and focus enough to 'appear' normal. Negatives: After 5 weeks on 10 mg, I increased to 20 mg for a week and that was too much. I ended up in the ER, and they recommended to stop the medication (after 6 weeks total). I’ve been off this med for 4 weeks and waiting for an appointment in a few days to discuss another med. I’m sleeping a lot better now than before starting Trintellix, but I still have issues with depression and anxiety that affect my daily life. I used Zoloft 50 mg in the past for PPA, but it wasn’t effective the 2nd time I tried it. Going to try another med, not ever going to give up. If you have read this far and are looking for encouragement, know that there is a med that will work for you and you will get better. There is hope, even if it doesn’t 'feel' like it today."

• asa...
• May 27, 2020

For Depression "I'm in my early 30s, been dealing with depression for almost 15 years. My former doc prescribed me Trintellix. He swore it was a super 'clean' med without side effects. It's been 2+ years taking it (max 20mg) and I had no positive effects. Don't let your doc tell you it won't/rarely cause weight gain. It does, especially if you're a female. It will continue the longer on it/dose increased. Also, awful GI problems - bad nausea or bad constipation. Also, it only makes anxiety worse, especially if you take it in the AM - take it in PM, you can't sleep ^_^ I would stay away from this drug, definitely if you have anxiety, a sensitive stomach, or are prone to weight gain from meds. I'm done off this in 4 days! Can't wait."

• Hop...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 1, 2020

For Depression "I went into a mild depression but a major anxiety situation. I started Trintellix 6 days ago. Today I feel the best. I found myself happy and chatting with everyone I saw. I had slight nausea the first 4 days. I took it in the morning with a banana, and it was fine. I kept a little something in my stomach the first 3 days. I did have trouble sleeping but took half a Benadryl, and it helped. I’m feeling good today. I’m hopeful it will work for me. My doctor said I can come off of it in 90 days. It’s just to build up my serotonin levels. He only suggested 5 mg. Try to stay with it if you have no major side effects."

• sto...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 29, 2014

For Depression "Day 4. I have already noticed changes. Pros: - no desire to cry - clear-headed thought process - no mood swings/feel balanced (have not had any mood swings since day 2. I usually had them like 4x within an hour) - no angry outbursts or negative/hurtful comments towards people - decrease in paranoia - no longer feeling personally attacked by others Cons: - trouble sleeping - teensy bit jittery - itchy (not much) - definitely nauseous - trouble passing stool but not constipated - slight lightheadedness/dizziness. This is only day 4 going on 5 so I am thinking my brain & body need time to adjust & balance out. So far I feel mentally so much better. In control, I would say. Only odd thing I noticed was random laughing. But hey, I'm not complaining!"

• jam...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 8, 2015

For Depression "I have been on Trintellix for about 3 weeks now. So far I've noticed increased energy, weight loss, nausea, headaches, loss of sleep, nightmares, and some aggression. I have finally found one that works and I'm having all these side effects. I started out on the 10mg and still currently taking the 10mg. Maybe I need to be on a lower dose. I also take Ambien 10mg for sleep."

• Bud...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 28, 2020

For Depression "Have been taking Trintellix for 18 days for anxiety accompanied with depression. Side effects started in the first week. Everything from lowering sexual performance to constant itching with a slight headache among others, including insomnia. Feel worse than before taking it. Cannot recommend for anyone. Seems to bring on anxiety. Anyone suffering for so long with anxiety and depression certainly doesn't need this added pain. We suffer so much we'll basically try any new med for relief. DON'T TRY THIS ONE!!"

• Jam...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 13, 2018

For Depression "I have had mild depression and anxiety for quite some time and have always been highly opposed to medication. I was in serious need of something to manage my thoughts and my irritation and reactions. I have been on this for 3 weeks now and can 100% say that I am so thankful for it. I am taking 5mg a day, and the only side effects I had were a stomach ache the first 4 days with some sweatiness, but that went away by day 5. I also wake up in the middle of the night and have a harder time going back to sleep. Otherwise, I am sweeter, my reactions are less emotional, all of my relationships have improved, and every day I am happier. I highly recommend."

• Sie...
• June 12, 2019

For Major Depressive Disorder "I have tried a few anti-depressants over the years since my 20s, like Celexa, Cymbalta, Lexapro (not good for me), Wellbutrin (not good for me in combination with Cymbalta), and now, Trintellix. I did the genetic testing after my experience on Trintellix and found that I have a genetic expression where my brain does not utilize serotonin very well due to fewer receptor sites (SSRIs are not good for me-it's the SLC6A4 gene if you are curious). Trintellix has a very high effect on serotonin receptor sites, so I did not do well on it at all. I had racing/hypo-manic thoughts, itching, higher appetite with food and sex, tinnitus, loose stools, insomnia, nausea, and very high energy. I would highly recommend doing the genetic test through your PCP or psychiatrist/nurse practitioner to determine your specific needs due to your specific genetics. Not every medication will work for everyone, and reviews can only tell us so much."

• Sha...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 4, 2015

For Depression "I have been taking this med for about a month, and absolutely love it! It has been the best thing that has happened to me in a long time. Before Trintellix, I was extremely moody, angry, and impatient. Since Trintellix, I feel like my whole life has changed. I have been better dealing with my husband and children. My husband and I had a horrible relationship before... Arguing all the time. Honestly, we haven't had one argument since I've been taking this med. For me, it makes me less irritable. The only not so great thing about this med is that it keeps me up at night. I have a hard time sleeping all night. Besides that, it's absolutely great!"

• Dig...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 12, 2015

For Major Depressive Disorder "I had given up that there was any drug that could lift me out of the recurring cycles of clinical depression. I had tried dozens of medications over the years, some worked for a time but I came to the point that my depression was at least I thought untreatable. This last bout had me down in bed for nearly 2 months. I was 'blessed' to stumble upon Trintellix after my wife had recommended it after seeing it transform one of her patients. The key is it takes a very long time to work and you must be patient. I am now almost 6 weeks in and the depression has completely lifted and feeling better every day. Yes, there are side effects.. headaches, insomnia and confusion but they go away. This drug saved my life! Give it 6-8 weeks at minimum!"

• fra...
• November 15, 2014

For Depression "My doctor gave me 5mg samples to take for 1 week, then 10mg. The first two nights I had trouble sleeping, also taking trazodone 100mg for sleep. Today I took my Vyvanse 40 mg, and the Trintellix, I already feel somewhat better. No side effects, but sleep. I really think this medicine can help me for the depression I've had."

• Sus...
• September 2, 2015

For Depression "This medicine has made me feel like a different person! I didn't realize I was depressed, just felt so bad physically and just so blah mentally, and felt upset that I was only 48 but felt 98. I had always gotten from doctors 'you need to lose some weight and exercise and you will feel better!' But the way I felt, I know wasn't from that. Thankfully, a new doctor I saw wanted me to try this and it has made me feel alive again. I actually have so much more energy than I had! Had a few side effects and headache the first couple of evenings, but that went away quickly. I also sleep all night, which was something else I wasn't doing. It has been a wonder drug for me."

• Pay...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 12, 2018

For Major Depressive Disorder "I have been on Zoloft for about 5 years with no problems. But recently, I started having panic attacks again, was always tired no matter how much I slept, couldn't enjoy life, and was having suicidal thoughts again, so my GP switched me to Trintellix. I'm about 2 weeks in, and so far, so good! Almost immediately, the suicidal thoughts stopped, and I actually have energy again. I am still struggling with not wanting to go out and do things, but am pushing through. I am very happy with the results so far. Side effects are mild nausea for a couple of hours after dosing and trouble sleeping. My head is feeling a little 'swimmy' at times too, but I think that may be from stopping Zoloft."

• Bri...
• September 9, 2014

For Depression "I have been taking Trintellix 10 mg for 10 days. I am itching like crazy, legs are very swollen, actually I think my whole body is swollen. Not sure if I should decrease to 5 mg. Trouble staying asleep, waking up at 4 am with bad headaches. Being treated for anxiety/panic attacks and depression, I have had for 35 years... Was on Lexapro and Bupropion for many years now... but I've always felt flat... no panic attacks... but also no other emotions. I hope I can continue to take this and these side effects go away! Good luck to all who read!"

• Gio...
• December 16, 2014

For Major Depressive Disorder "I was admitted into a clinic and was monitored for 3 weeks. After the 2nd day, I started feeling a change and after 4 weeks, it's still good. Energy levels are up, thinking positively and coping with society and life again. Only downfall for me is trouble sleeping. Two thumbs up!"

• Bob...
• February 1, 2015

For Major Depressive Disorder "This medicine is amazing! I was on Viibryd for 2 years and still suffered, but now I feel 'normal' and am interested in life once again. I do have nausea and have trouble falling asleep, but those are tolerable; depression is difficult to tolerate."

• apa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 25, 2015

For Depression "Update: Now 2 months in, and feeling better than I have in 10 years. I am now on 20 mg. I feel really calm, like I can breathe again. On 10 mg, it took less effort to hold off the anxiety/panic attacks. At 20 mg, I don't have the background anxiety at all, and no panic attacks (vs. one every 2-3 days). I no longer have insomnia. I'm optimistic and becoming more actively interested in life. I smile a lot more and socialize. No jitters or side effects. No mania or agitation. Thinking clearer, feeling great, thinking about working in the future, and reconsidering my decision to not have children due to mental health issues."

• Gai...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 30, 2018

For Depression "I’d been on Cymbalta for 3 years after taking every antidepressant up till now. I thought my depression was situational (marriage and financial issues), but as those things resolved, my depression was still intense. My psychiatrist told me how great Trintellix is, but to avoid side effects, he had me titrate starting with 5 mg Trintellix and decreasing Cymbalta 10 mg every week. Last week I finished my Cymbalta and now taking 10 mg of Trintellix. I haven’t had any stomach/nauseous side effects, but I do have difficulty falling asleep and have the most intense dreams ever, and although I sweat a lot with Cymbalta, I sweat all the time now. I’m not sure if Trintellix is working, although it’s only been a week. But I cry at the drop of a hat; I mean sobbing. Anyone feel or felt like that early on?"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 8, 2023

For Depression "This is absolutely the worst antidepressant I’ve ever taken. I can’t emphasize that enough. I started at 10 mgs. Anxiety through the roof-like I’ve never experienced, insomnia, agitation… the list goes on! My advice is if you are noticing these symptoms as soon as you start taking the medication, they will not subside, but increase every day! It made me feel crazy! Again, I’ve tried many antidepressants, this one is actually pure poison. And based on the majority of reviews, it seems to be the case for many! The day I stopped taking it, I already felt much better."

• hbe...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 14, 2015

For Major Depressive Disorder "I only stopped taking this medication because I switched insurances, and the new company will not cover it at all! Being off of it, I realize what a huge difference this medication made. I took Trintellix for 4 months. I had some difficulty the first couple of weeks, to be honest, with sleep. Taking the medication in the evening made sense for me, I slept better versus taking it during the daytime, I slept worse. I ended up not needing to take any of my anti-anxiety pills after a month! My arousal was not hindered at all. Brilliant medication, thank you to whoever discovered this one."

• Lem...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 9, 2019

For Depression "I had to discontinue Trintellix after one week. Was starting on 5 mg every other day and advised to increase weekly until I reached a maintenance dose of 10 mg daily. This isn’t my first antidepressant, so I was prepared for side effects and an adjustment period. Each time I ingested a tablet of this, though, I felt as if I was poisoning myself. I did not experience the nausea that so many do, but rather diarrhea, insomnia, loss of appetite, itching, and a marked increase of tinnitus that had been in remission. I decided that my body couldn’t handle this particular pharmaceutical and will be addressing my depression, for now, with a combination of lifestyle changes and more frequent counseling appointments. I hope everyone finds an approach that works, whether it’s Trintellix or an alternative."