Trintellix and Itching: What Users Say

• Anonymous
• August 15, 2014

For Depression "This medication is good. I feel so good that I do not feel the need to eat emotionally. I care about myself again and I feel no need to eat poorly. The only problem I am having is the side effects of being super itchy, and I do get constipated."

• Cat...
• May 16, 2015

For Depression "I've been severely depressed for 10 years including 2 hospital stays. My psychiatrist is excellent and suggested Trintellix after I've been on Cymbalta for 2 years. Already feeling much less sleepy, more able to complete tasks, not moping around all day, and I have hope. The only side effect is skin itching that I can't seem to stop, but other than that, I'm very happy. If you've given up on life, the future, and any chance of recovery, give it a try."

• So...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 21, 2014

For Depression "I am a 46-year-old female with generalized anxiety disorder and depression. I tried Zoloft because it helped three of my family members. Zoloft made me miserable! I ended up in the psych ward with severe anxiety, depression, and nausea. My doctor took me off of Zoloft and put me on 10 mg of Trintellix, and I noticed a change pretty quickly. He also had me on 0.5 mg of Klonopin twice a day. My nausea virtually disappeared, and my anxiety/depression improved significantly. I had some lightheadedness and itchiness on and off, but eventually, that subsided. I've reduced my Klonopin to one pill a day. I'm still going to therapy and trying to exercise and read my Bible, which helps, but the medication has been a godsend so far. I highly recommend it. The only thing is it is expensive."

• Bel...
• May 11, 2019

For Major Depressive Disorder "Prescribed 10 mg a day of Trintellix for depression, and the first 10 days I was sick to my stomach and itching, so I take an antihistamine at the same time at bedtime. Day 11 started feeling markedly better, nausea was gone, still itching, but less. Day 14 my overall feeling was 50 percent better than when I started the drug. Today, day 16 saw my doctor again. I had lost weight, my overall anxiety is much better, the depression 70 percent better. All my aches and pains have disappeared. The doctor gave me 2 months of samples and told me to come back in a month if I thought I needed to, otherwise continue as directed. I've been on multiple antidepressants over the years, none worked even half as well as the Trintellix"

• 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!"

• 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!!"

• Kaf...
• June 7, 2015

For Depression "I am an R.N. and diagnosed 20 plus years ago with clinical depression. I have also been on just about every antidepressant. A week ago, I requested help from my physician due to the increasing depression and lack of help from Cymbalta. He prescribed Trintellix. I switched immediately, and some of the symptoms are withdrawal from the Cymbalta. The 'reverberations' in my head are distinctly withdrawal symptoms. My headaches appear to be from decreased sodium, which is a Trintellix side effect, and for me, are eliminated by drinking Gatorade, which is high in sodium. The nausea is a toss-up and eased with ginger ale and carbs. The itching responds to one Benadryl. Four weeks is the norm for side effects to subside. Identical to the original Prozac."

• 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."

• Mea...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 29, 2019

For Major Depressive Disorder "I tried getting off of Effexor for a while, but withdrawals were bad. Lowering the dosage while increasing with Trintellix helped. 5 mg was fine. 10 mg was hard to get used to: nausea, diarrhea, really tired. I was also very itchy, but all of these symptoms went away after a week or two. One thing to note, I was a smoker and after a week of being on 10 mg, I can't stand smoking and quit. I also can't stand soda anymore. So, I am in love with this drug."

• 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!"

• Jon...
• May 1, 2016

For Depression "When I started having Trintellix 10mg, nausea and itching nearly made me discontinue, but as my doc added Atarax 25mg (hydroxyzine) those nasty side effects disappeared completely. I think I am pretty satisfied with the drug, since I can tolerate it better than SSRIs or SNRIs, only minus is the higher cost compared to the older drugs."

• Mar...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 28, 2018

For Depression "Best antidepressant I’ve taken in years. Feeling normal again, regaining my creativity and ‘normal’ daily life. Like the feeling of having more energy. Have some itching and vertigo-like reactions, but not enough to quit this medicine."

• Xan...
• October 16, 2016

For Major Depressive Disorder "My doctor gave me Trintellix recently for MDD and anxiety disorder. I was on Viibryd on and off for 3 years, and it was not working for me anymore. I started Trintellix at 5 mg for 7 days and now I'm on 10 mg, day 5. I'm not crying anymore, my anxiety level is almost nothing, and I feel happier. The only side effects I got were nausea after taking the medicine for about an hour and itchiness. I had to take Benadryl. These passed after about two weeks. I do not feel clouded like most other SSRIs make you feel or tired. I just feel normal! I think this is a great medication."

• bro...
• July 24, 2015

For Depression "I have chronic headaches from a head injury and I am bipolar. I have a wonderful psych doc and a brilliant neurologist. They have always worked in conjunction with one another. I let them know that this was the last drug I would be trying as I feel I have done every drug and combination possible. As most of the reviews have stated, the nausea is significant and the itching intermittently. I find it similar to Cymbalta without the profuse sweating. It really helps with anxiety and doesn't seem to have sexual side effects (happy hubby). Because of the nausea and tummy trouble, I don't eat much and when I do it is because I am craving something. For me, the stomach ache is worth it as it is keeping me stable and productive."

• Gib...
• April 1, 2015

For Depression "At 52 years old, I have always experienced depression. I am now weaning off of Effexor along with 10 mg of Trintellix. I had a bit of itching and gas but no other side effects. I am really excited to see where this medicine takes me but have only been on it for 10 days. So far, loving it and finally feel like me."

• Oli...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 1, 2020

For Depression "I was really hopeful for Trintellix because within the first few days the brain fog cleared up, which is what motivated my prescriber to get me started on it and switch from Prozac. I was actually doing well on Prozac, except the brain fog. I'm also postpartum, which is known for the brain fog/lack of memory. I've noticed from the reviews this medication either works really well or sends you down a depression spiral. You either lose weight and appetite, or you gain it. Unfortunately, I've experienced the latter. I am calling tomorrow to get off it. I am angry, sad, hopeless, really hungry, bloated/gassy, lethargic, snappy, poor concentration, itchy."

• 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."

• Nik...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 5, 2014

For Depression "In the beginning, I only had a problem with itching. I kept thinking my body would get used to it and it would stop. It didn't, it only got worse. I wasn't experiencing any other severe issues, so I had planned to stay on it, but on Day 7, I noticed that I was having trouble finding my words, my vocabulary was impaired, and there was almost a stutter present. On Day 8, I became very nauseous and decided that would be my last day. The side effects were just too much to wait it out. Day 9, no medication, my husband told me that I seemed much more relaxed and 'involved.' I cannot wait for this itching to go completely away! I did seem to have a little more positive attitude and motivation, but the side effects were too much!"

• D91...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 31, 2023

For Depression "Four weeks in and starting to feel like my old self. I was prescribed Trintellix after being diagnosed with General Anxiety Disorder, which was feeding into some new depression-like feelings I have never experienced before. I had trouble sleeping the first two weeks, but I contribute that mainly to my already existing anxiety and stress. Besides that, I have not experienced any side effects as of yet, knock on wood. No nausea, no itching, no dizziness. My energy levels are definitely increased, and I can now focus more clearly on my current tasks. I am no longer completely fixated on ruminating negative thoughts. I am feeling optimistic, and I hope this is a sign of good things to come. I am currently on 10 mg after being on 5 mg for the first 7 days. I wanted to leave a review after I spent a lot of time reading some myself before starting the medication, and it was a lot to take in. I know it is different for everyone, so keep that in mind. Stay strong, everyone."

• mus...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 15, 2015

For Depression "Cymbalta worked for me for years, and then, all of a sudden, just stopped working. This is day 8 of Brintellix. Suicidal ideation went down significantly, but side effects are awful. I'm hungry all the time and thinking about food the minute I finish eating. Also, I haven't read this as a side effect before, but I believe I'm having some sort of allergic reaction as my limbs won't stop itching. I even took Benadryl for a couple of nights, but without much relief. Is anyone else experiencing a similar side effect."

• Sha...
• April 30, 2015

For Depression "I was on Paxil when my doctor switched me to Brintellix 10 mg. The Paxil had stopped helping with my anxiety and depression. I experienced itchy skin for the first week, but that subsided. I did experience some nausea, but it went away also. I was on this medication for 4 months, and at first it was GREAT! I felt so much better, however, I started noticing my energy level was decreasing and weight gain. At my last doctor's appointment, I had gained 8 lbs in 2 weeks, which was a total of almost 25 pounds in 4 months!! Needless to say, the doctor stopped the medicine immediately and switched me again. So, if you have a tendency to gain weight, this medication may cause you to pick up pounds in a short amount of time!! Even though weight gain is not listed as a main side effect."

• Ano...
• October 16, 2016

For Depression "This is an evil little pill! The first time I took it, I became very irritable. The second day, I was so angry that I screamed at my children for the smallest things. The third day, I started to itch all over and got a headache. The fourth day, I was so volatile that I screamed at anyone who dared look at me. I called my doctor, who told me to push through. The anger became so bad that I thought I was going to hurt someone. I've never reacted like that to any medication, and quite frankly, it scared me and my family. As soon as I went off of it, didn't even wean myself off, my mood started to even out some."

• Noa...
• August 5, 2019

For Major Depressive Disorder "I’ve been using Trintellix for almost three months. I started 10 mg for like 10 days, then increased to 20 mg. I’d like to share my experience with you guys. During those 3 months, I had these side effects: 1. Nausea: at the beginning for 12 days, then it’s gone. 2. Insomnia: at the beginning and continued for two weeks, then it’s gone. 3. Itching: started in the second month of using, but it lasted only for one week, and it’s gone. I don’t experience any changes in my weight. Right now I’ve completed 3 months of using, and I don’t have any side effects. My problem is that I don’t feel any improvement in my major depression."

• nur...
• July 16, 2014

For Depression "I have only been on this medicine for 1 week. Still on 10 mg. Went cold turkey off 30 mg of Lexapro. Not seeing a big difference yet in the depression, but after going off the high dose of Lexapro, I expect to not see a difference in my depression yet. What I wanted to share was that I have itching skin. I just want to scratch and scratch. I'm sure it will go away. I'm hoping to have wonderful news on my next post regarding the depression and hopefully some weight loss too."

• Jun...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 24, 2019

For Depression "Was on Wellbutrin for about 8 weeks. First couple of days, no fogginess, extra energy. But that was short-lived. Felt terrible, angry, and more anxiety. My doctor prescribed Trintellix 10 mg. I have been on it for almost three weeks. I'm not sure how I feel about it yet. I don't have the nausea like most people have had, however, I feel bloated and have gained weight. Some headaches, not too intolerable. The worst is in the evening. My skin feels dry, itchy, and blotchy. Feelings of insecurity and need to take more of my anxiety medication. I don't know if I am going to continue taking. Wondering how long it should be taken before deciding it is not right for me."