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 29 January 2023 (3 days ago) by JJilianJJones
15 Answers
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.
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.
WC
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?
WC
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!
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
WC
"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!
WC
Good luck and please let us know what they say!
WC
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.
Hi
I've been taking trintellex for the last few months & my short term memory is definitely effected, I've found this medication very good - the side effects are a bit much for me and I'm looking into an alternative
My mom has been taking Trintrllix for almost 3 years now and has had a severe decline in memory. I have consistently mentioned the abrupt changes, yet and still they keep her on it. We initially went to a specialist for mood swings, fast forward to today she has been diagnosed with alzheimers, which has more recently been changed to FTD after I brought up the same concerns again about how her decline doesn't make sense. She did not go to the doctor initially for memory issues. This has been very hard on the family, but seeing this as a valid concern of other people helps reassure me that I am not losing my mind and see that it can be possible. Seeing as how this question was originally posed months ago, has anyone regained memory?
Hello. I am experiencing the exact same thing. I have been on Trintellix for almost 2 months now. When I advised my doctor about my memory lose, I almost feel as though she is not taking my concerns seriously. This might be due to the fact that this is not listed as one of the side effects. I am relieved that someone is experiencing the same situation. I don't feel so crazy now.
Hi Rebecca:
I really liked Trintellix, but I had to stop taking it because of various side effects. I also had a problem with memory loss. I quit taking it 3 months ago and still have a problem with short term memory loss and calling to mind certain words when I am conversing. I usually have had a more than adequate vocabulary, but I am still struggling with certain words now, which is both frustrating and embarrassing!
Same here. My family looks at me like I'm crazy when I struggle for words. I wish there was a way to find out if more people have had the same issue. I just thought I was losing my mind.
Related topics
Further information
- Trintellix uses and safety info
- Trintellix information for Healthcare Professionals (includes dosage details)
- Side effects of Trintellix (detailed)
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