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How long does Trintellix withdrawal last?

Medically reviewed by Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD. Last updated on May 31, 2024.

Official answer

by Drugs.com

Trintellix (vortioxetine) withdrawal symptoms can last for 2 weeks or longer. While not everyone experiences withdrawal symptoms from stopping Trintellix, they can appear within a few days after discontinuing the medication. How long withdrawal symptoms from Trintellix last can depend on your dose and how long you have been taking the medication. Do not suddenly stop taking Trintellix without consulting your healthcare provider.

According to the manufacturer, Trintellix can be stopped abruptly. However, it is recommended to slowly lower the dose before stopping the medication completely to lower the risk of withdrawal symptoms.

What withdrawal symptoms are possible from Trintellix?

Withdrawal symptoms from stopping Trintellix can be different for everyone. Not everyone who stops taking Trintellix experiences withdrawal symptoms. The following symptoms are possible after stopping Trintellix:

  • Headache
  • Muscle tension
  • Nausea
  • Irritability
  • Sweating
  • Dizziness
  • Tremor
  • Tiredness
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Seizures
  • Nervousness

These are not all possible withdrawal symptoms from stopping Trintellix. If you think you are having withdrawal symptoms, contact your doctor.

How common are withdrawal symptoms from Trintellix?

In three 8-week clinical trials, researchers found that patients taking Trintellix had more withdrawal symptoms compared to those who took a placebo for 2 weeks after stopping treatment. However, the difference was very small. This could be due to Trintellix having a long half-life (66 hours).

Another study reviewed five studies that evaluated withdrawal symptoms from Trintellix and found that the Discontinuation-Emergent Signs and Symptoms (DESS) scores during 2 weeks after stopping treatment were similar between patients taking Trintellix and those taking a placebo. Still, some experts classify Trintellix as being at “moderate risk” for withdrawal.

Related questions

How to avoid Trintellix withdrawal symptoms

Before stopping Trintellix, your doctor may gradually lower your dose over a period of time that works for you to prevent withdrawal symptoms. This is known as tapering down your dose.

If you are taking 15 mg or 20 mg of Trintellix per day, it is recommended to lower the dose to 10 mg per day for one week before completely stopping the medication.

If you start to have withdrawal symptoms, let your doctor know. They might need to restart Trintellix or taper your dose down more slowly before you can completely stop taking it. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.

References

Baldwin, D. S., et. al. (2016). The safety and tolerability of vortioxetine: Analysis of data from randomized placebo-controlled trials and open-label extension studies. In: Journal of Psychopharmacology. Accessed 05/31/2024 at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4794082/

Horowitz, M. A., et. al. (2023). Estimating Risk of Antidepressant Withdrawal from a Review of Published Data. In: CNS Drugs. Accessed 05/31/2024 at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9911477/

National Library of Medicine. (2020). Clinical Review Report: Vortioxetine Hydrobromide (Trintellix): (Lundbeck Canada Inc.): Indication: The treatment of major depressive disorder in adults [Internet]. Accessed 05/31/2024 at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK564565/

Siwek, M., et. al. (2021). Withdrawal Symptoms Following Discontinuation of Vortioxetine—Retrospective Chart Review. In: Pharmaceuticals (Basel). Accessed 05/31/2024 at:  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8151377/

Trintellix [package insert]. Revised Aug 2023. Takeda Pharmaceuticals America, Inc. Accessed 05/31/2024 at https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=1a5b68e2-14d0-419d-9ec6-1ca97145e838

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