Since taking Trintellix I've had memory loss. I've never had this kind of problem. I can remember a lot of things from years ago and sometimes I have a hard time remembering 5 mins ago. It's getting very frustrating.
Has anyone had memory loss since taking Trintellix?
Question posted by Rebeccap43 on 19 June 2019
Last updated on 31 August 2024
19 Answers
I have been taking Trintellix for years now. I have had memory loss, loss of thought train, loss of common words, names, etc. for years. I never had this before I was on Trintellix. It made my depression go away and I was so happy that I had finally found the answer to my depression. At first I didn’t notice the memory side effect, but it kept getting worse as the years went by. I actually quit my job because I did not have the memory to keep going. This is terrible and I would not wish this on my worst enemy. They need to do much more research on this drug. I wouldn’t be surprised if there is a lawsuit on this drug in the future.
You can report this at access.fda.gov and let them know what problems you are experiencing. Please do this.
I’ve done all the same. I sometimes feel like I’ve got dementia or something! It’s an awful feeling. Not being able to say what you are trying to say beside the words just won’t come. It’s been 5 years and it’s not any better! Some days feels worse.
Yes, I am experiencing memory loss, trouble finding words. Only been taking 4 months.
It's an idiosyncratic reaction to a medication that improves cognitive function.
Report it to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
I was on Trin for 6 days. I had alcohol for 1 night and a couple drinks during the day (vacation) and felt weird on the 6th day. I stopped and literally blacked out for 6 days in a row. This drug blocks the CP450 liver enzyme that eliminates alcohol. It was THE worst experience ever. Doctor was inept and shouldn't have prescribed an SNRI to someone with mild depression. It ruined me being open to a low dose SSRI. Also, my ex GF is on Effexor (SNRI) and has the worst memory. Short and long term. I'm sticking with talk therapy.
I'm sorry you experienced this i truly believe there needs to be more research done on this medicine. And anymore drs don't care. They just throw something at you and collect money. It's truly a sad world we live in now!
I'm here because of the memory loss after Trintillex. Was trying to see if others had the same problem. Sick of the memory problems, I quit taking it. But the memory loss is still a problem. It's embarrassing and people feel like you're not listening to them and/or you're an idiot.
I have to say over and over "I have memory problems". Most people say "oh yeah, me too." but this isn't an every day memory problem. Long term memories don't seem to be affected. Not sure if that will be the same when these memories I'm making now are long term. Was thinking of finding a lawsuit. It's so debilitating. But instead, I would LOVE a solution!!
This is a very unusual response to Trintellix which generally improves cognitive function.
You and/or your doctor should report it to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Also, you should never stop this type of medication abruptly as many people may experience mild to severe discontinuation symptoms. It should be done with a tapering dose schedule provided by your doctor.
Has anyone found an alternative medication that works? I'm worried about the memory issues but I've tried so many antidepressants that i feel like I'm very limited for other options at this point.
I was taking trintillex for anxiety more than depression. An over-the-counter med called "Calm Now" really helped the anxiety. It's possible it could help depression or that company (Zhou) might have an antidepressant version. I don't like exercise so I adopted a dog and she wants to be walked every day. I did it for her and it changed me over time. It does help your mood, for sure. Plus the dog does, too. She's so happy and loves us so much.
I started taking 25mg pristiq and I've been in it 3 months and i love it! Weight loss helps with my arthritis also keeps my menopause symptoms under control better. All around i feel better!
Noticed this side affect first day on Trintellix, ignored it, thought it would go, nope same on the following 4 days. Short memory loss was within seconds.
Didn't take it yesterday and my typing and remembering is much better.
The drug needs more work in my opinion. It did the job of stopping the cycle of negative chatter right away for me, but the short term memory loss is worrying.
Reading some groups some say it's not coming back after going off Trintellix.
So basically it's 'gives' dementia to some?
Just want to mention I am a long time user of anti-depressants, the old tricyclics work best for me but they keep shoving the new ones at me.
Never, ever have I had 'short term memory loss' with the many I tried over 40 years. Hair loss too, stiff and painful neck, peeing a lot, nauseous, body pain.
It could be a great drug as it knocks the negative chatter and worry out -that was all I liked and thought I could carry on and overcome the side affects but losing short term memory is not good and some are saying it doesn't come back-so far
It’s been a few years since I’ve taken it and i still have trouble with my memory. I wish they would do a study on it. Because there seems to be so many with this same issue.
Have you reported the problem to the FDA as a side effect?
At the bottom of this page is a link to the FDA where you can report side effects that occur post-marking that aren't currently listed:
https://www.drugs.com/sfx/trintellix-side-effects.html
You can (and should) report uncommon or post-marketing side effects to the FDA @ 1-800-FDA-1088.
No i haven’ti wasn’t sure how or what to do but thank you so much i will do that right away. I hope everyone on here does this as well!
Good luck and please let us know what they say.
I will do. Hope they take time to check into it.
I want off it. Had neck pain and stiffness. The short term memory scared me. It happened within seconds. Grab my pen to make note of what I need to get at the grocery store. Couldn't remember why I picked up pen. Scary
Third day on Trinwellix 5 mg, went to use my debit card (had since 1990) stood there like a dummy, couldn't recall what to do. The clerk helped me and I was very rattled. Made my mind up at that moment and actually 'remembered' not to take another pill the next day
Can't recall if I notified FDA (I am in Canada) but will do so now that I can remember why I don't like it-except for it blanking out the constant bullying chatter.
I have always told my Doctor I will not take an SSRI, claimed it wasn't an SSRI, but I have my doubts.
Old tricyclic or or nonthing. and only pills that have been on the market over 10 years. Wish you all the best and hope your short term memory returns Rebeccap43
"Trintellix is classified as a miscellaneous or atypical antidepressant, although some classify it as an SSRI."
Doesn't really clear things up, does it?
Yes, I have. It's a real concern. The drug has alleviated decades-long depression, but I'm fearful of the brain fog. Also, I don't know whether the damage is permanent.
Does anyone know if the problem goes away after stopping the drug?
For me the memory loss is still a problem. And it’s been 2 years. I get so frustrated at times i can’t remember what i done 5mins ago and I’m only 47 I’ve had this problem since i took trintellix. Like you it was amazing at relieving the depression and anxiety but i couldn’t handle the memory loss. I hope it all gets better for you!
For me the memory loss is still a problem. And it’s been 2 years. I get so frustrated at times i can’t remember what i done 5mins ago and I’m only 47 I’ve had this problem since i took trintellix. Like you it was amazing at relieving the depression and anxiety but i couldn’t handle the memory loss. I hope it all gets better for you!
Hi Rebecca,
I'm also struggling with memory and concentration issues since i started taking Trintellix. I have never had such terrible memory. I stopped taking it few days ago, even though my doctor said that it is not because of Trintellix, but I don't trust her, as i checked other possible causes of this memory loss and didn't find any. I was taking it for around 3 months but I'm scared that is irreversible as you said that you're not taking it for few years and you still have this problem. How long did you use it? Do you see any improvement in memory?
I took it for a few months. Until it made me so sleepy i was falling asleep at work. And i still have problems with memory and speech sometimes. I truly wish they would do a further study on it because there have been alot of people suffering with this. My Dr said same that it was stress not the meds but i beg to differ. I’ve always been under alot if stress and never had this problem till trintellix. I truly pray it gets better for you.
I'll try running as it increases neuroplasticity of the brain and helps with depression, so maybe it will help us and I'll pray for all of us that has been affected by this. Btw I'm now scared of any other antidepressant that will do the same to my brain and currently i'm not taking anything. Are you on any drug atm?
No i haven’t taken anything like you I’m afraid to. Thank you for the prayers i to pray everyone gets answers and healing! God bless you all!
My memory continues to be bad. I'm back here hoping someone has a solution. I could have had some temporary memory issues with other meds, but never like this. It's so frustrating that everyone thinks you're not listening or you're stupid. I hate having to explain myself over and over and over. "Nice to meet you, John. I apologize in advance that I will probably NOT remember your name later.. it's my brain.. it's not YOU."
I do remember a lot of things, but the percentage of things I can't remember but should remember is big.
"Please remind me of that because I don't have a way to get it on my calendar right now and I will forget."
And trying to make it look like you haven't forgotten someone's name who you've known for a year! Just avoiding things I know I should remember but can't. I hope more people come out with this problem so we can find solutions.
--HeatherHello
I have been on Trintellix for 4 years and two weeks ago they increased the dose to 30mg daily. 2 1/2 years ago my memory became horrible, short term, driving skills, names places, words. They sent me to a memory psychologist to make sure I didn't have a problem. I did average for my age on all but one test which I bombed. I have always had superior memory skills. I was told that I just wasn't paying attention. The neurologist threw that report out. He attributes my memory problems to Parkinson's. I seriously think it is the Trintellix. Now to convince the psychiatrist. I can't just stop the medication without something else.
Bless your heart. Just tell them you don’t think it’s working anymore and you would like to try something else. I still have memory issues. I can remember faces but not names and it drives me crazy. I forget where I’m going or how to get there. I feel like I’m losing my mind sometimes. It’s gotten some better but not completely. I pray you can get changed to something else and that your memory will improve.
Yes I am experiencing it, I have been taking Trintellix for more than 3 years now with a few months of in this whole period. Where I live it is sold by the name of Brintellix. I was experiencing for almost 6 months that when I talk at a fast pace I struggle for words , my loss of recent memory like forgetting where did I park the car has been there for about 3 months. Another thing I have recently experienced is that when I am searching for old movie stars I clearly have a vision of their faces in mind but don’t remember the name. I stopped taking this medicine about 10 days back. I hope this loss of memory is reversible.
Hi, my daughter has been taking Trintellix for only 10 days and her memory loss seems terrible. Even, she doesn't understand where to go and how to go on her way to school.
I said this to the doctor but he said it's a symptom of dissociative disorder.
She has epilepsy but never had serious depression so I think it's caused by Trintellix.
My dr brushed it off as if it was nothing said maybe i was just stressed out. But i truly think they need to do more research on this drug! I still forget where I’m going or what I’m doing sometimes it’s very frustrating I’ve lost precious memories. That’s really frustrating. I hope the best for your daughter. I would keep on at the dr tell them allot this post and how many have said they have also experienced memory loss. Maybe someone will start to listen. God Bless i will keep you all in prayer
" Vortioxetine targets the neurotransmitter serotonin, which can affect mood, memory, and other cognitive functions [1]. It appears to improve multiple aspects of cognitive function in people with depression"
"Several clinical trials have examined the effects of vortioxetine on cognitive function; however, all studies have been in people with major depressive disorder [2-4]. Meta-analyses of numerous randomized controlled trials reported that vortioxetine significantly improved attention and psychomotor speed compared to placebo or other commonly prescribed antidepressant drugs [3][4]. A double-blind randomized controlled trial in patients with major depressive disorder also reported that vortioxetine treatment improved measures of executive function, attention/speed of processing, and memory [5]. Because test performance in people with major depressive disorder tends to indirectly improve with treatment, findings from these studies should not be used to infer potential cognitive benefits in those who do not have this condition.
A human brain imaging study suggested that vortioxetine modulates neural circuitry involved in working memory [6]. These effects were seen across both depressed and healthy subjects, suggesting that vortioxetine may support cognitive function independent of its effects on mood or depression. It is currently unknown whether vortioxetine can improve cognitive function or slow decline in people without anxiety disorders.
Vortioxetine has multiple mechanisms of action, not all of which are fully understood. Preclinical studies suggest it may enhance the release of four pro-cognitive neurotransmitters [7][8] and may also affect gene expression, neurodevelopment, and neuroplasticity [9]."
At the bottom of this page is a link to the FDA where you can report side effects that occur post-marking that aren't currently listed:
https://www.drugs.com/sfx/trintellix-side-effects.html
"post-marketing"
You can (and should) report uncommon or post-marketing side effects to the FDA @ 1-800-FDA-1088.
Good luck and please let us know what they say!
Good luck and please let us know what they say!
My boyfriend had severe short term memory loss for a whole week. I thought he was getting dementia at the age of 55 he was on trintellix. I talked to his dr we decided to stop it, it did help but it took about three months to get him thinking straight.
I still have problem with some memories and foggy thinking and it’s been over 2 yrs since I was on it.
I still have problems with my memory and my speech. And it’s been a few years since I’ve taken it. And my dr also just dismissed it as maybe stress. But i honestly think it needs to be looked into. God bless you ladies i hope everyone gets better!
Yes "stress" the great fall back for , I don't know so it must be you.
I'm not 1000% sure, but I've had some pretty rough memory issues. I used to have the memory of an elephant and now I barely remember things that happened 5 minutes ago. I skipped a dose, and my memory got way better. Started it back up and it got worse. What amazes me is that I was fine on this for the longest time.
Related topics
Further information
- Trintellix uses and safety info
- Trintellix prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Trintellix (detailed)
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