I was started on Trintellix 10mg once a day over 2 months ago. If I don't take it with Zofran, I get nauseous to the point of vomiting within an hour of taking it. I thought such a side effect would subside after the first month, but it definitely hasn't. Is it normal to still be sick? I feel absolutely fine if I take the Zofran, but can I really take that long term, like every day for as long as I am on Trintellix? I'm worried I'm not going to be able to tolerate it, which stinks because it has been helping my depression. I also had an initial side effect of itching all over my body, which went away, and is now back again. :( I'm dreading going back to the doctor because I do not want to start all over again on new medicines. I've tried so many (Paxil, Prozac, Lexapro, Effexor, Abilify) that haven't worked, I'm afraid I'm running out of options. I just want to feel better.
Is it normal to still have nausea with Trintellix after over 2 months of taking it?
Question posted by Courtneyl0816 on 29 March 2017
Last updated on 10 January 2024
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29 Answers
Both nausea and vomiting are common to very common side effects:
"Very common (10% or more of users): Nausea (up to 42%)
Common (1% to 10% of users): Abdominal discomfort, dry mouth, dyspepsia, flatulence, vomiting"
BUT, these side effects generally resolve with the first couple of weeks. If they persist longer than three weeks it should be brought to the attention of your doctor for a possible dosage reduction or switch to a different medication.
If your doctor allows you to continue on the drug despite the severity I'd get a 2nd opinion. Suffering for months or years is simply not necessary. There are other options.
Ok This is my experience. I have been 5mg of Trintellex. Still suffering from nausea without Zofran. I have been on it for over a year now. I get how you feel and dread every morning taken it. But do it anyway. Take care.
I have been taking Trintellex for a few months. I started at 10mg and due to nausea my doctor has dropped my subscription to 5mg. I don't think the dosage has anything to do with my nausea, though. I have two theories. The first is that the matrix that holds the compound may be my actual nemesis, not the drug itself. My other theory is that quick dispersion of the matrix or compound in my stomach is the overarching problem. These pills are more friable than any other pill I have encountered. On an average day, my nausea is most annoying within 1.5 hrs of taking the pill. However, when I break the pill, to reduce from 10 to 5 mg, I have increased nausea. On two occasions, I have involuntarily and forcefully vomited after taking a broken pill. I have not vomited after taking an unbroken pill, but I have been nauseous. The first vomiting instance (two months ago), I took a broken-off 1/3rd of a 10-mg Trintellex pill with two mugs of warm (half-decaf) coffee.
I thought the volume of "water" would dilute the offending element. But instead, projectile vomiting occurred within, say, 10-15 minutes. With nominally 3.33-mg of Trintellex in this case, the culprit appeared to be the rapid dissolution and dispersion of the pill across my stomach by the warm fluid. My body said "what the heck is this stuff that is all over the place?", and tossed it. The second time (three days ago) was when I took a crumbly broken pill (broke 10mg pill to get 5mg) with half a banana. A full banana had been working for me, previously. This half pill, I noticed at the time I swallowed it, was broken up more than usual. This crumbly half-pill caused me to nearly vomit on the floor in Home Depot, on my race to the restroom, where I did vomit. Currently, I am submerging the broken Trintellex in a spoon full of maple syrup. So far (two days) this is working. But - I wonder - does trapping the compound in a syrup cause the Trintellux to be less taken-up by my body? The cynical, or perhaps the optimistic side of me, thinks the drug company will come out with an enteric coating, eventually. Does anyone know if Trintellux can be taken up in the intestinal tract, or must it be taken up in the stomach? I do have 5mg pills coming, but I don't expect that to completely fix my nausea. I may try submerging the 5mg pill in other substances, like olive oil or peanut butter. Does anyone have a similar theory?
I have been on 20mg Trintellix for 8 or 9 years. I HAVE to take Zofran with it every day. Sometimes I still throw up but it is worth it. I was on Zoloft for many years and a few others. Nothing works for me like this drug. Unfortunately, I got a virus lately, and two weeks later, I'm still vomiting. I think my stomach might be kind of screwed up from taking Trintellix all the time. Trying to heal it with chicken soup Pepto, applesauce, yogurt, crackers, and ginger. Hoping it heals soon. Probably not giving up Trintellix but may need to for a few weeks
I’ve been on Trintellex 10mg with 150mg of Wellbutrin combo for three months. It’s worth notating that before that I was just using the Wellbutrin with 5HTP, trying to go more natural, which was not helping my depression and anxiety. Therefore I started the trintellex and kept the Wellbutrin on board as it is often used as an add-on drug with other antidepressants. I did experience nausea the first several weeks, but for me, it was tolerable and did eventually go away. As of yesterday, I dropped the Wellbutrin and upped my trintellex dose to 15 mg to see if it could push me past this non-motivated stage that I am in. The trintellex has helped tremendously with irritability and anger issues that I was having, however I still have no motivation to really do much of anything. The main reason I’m answering your question, however, is because I did not see Cymbalta as something you have tried on your list.
Please, and I cannot stress enough, please do not start taking Cymbalta. At first it was a miracle drug but after a few months the extra energy went away and after a year on the Cymbalta/Wellbutrin combination I gained over 30 pounds, would randomly sweat profusely and even started having urinary retention. Cymbalta has such awful withdrawal symptoms that it actually has its own clinical term, which is Cymbalta withdrawal syndrome. It took me six months to wean off of it. I hope that you find something that works for you. If it were me, I would continue the trintellex and just take Zofran with it because I feel like bouncing around on these medication’s is probably the worst thing those of us with depression and anxiety can do. But mainly I just wanted to warn you about the Cymbalta because no one warned me and I was so desperate to feel better at the time I didn’t stop to research the medication like I normally do or I would’ve never started taking it myself. Again, if the trintellex is helping with your depression and the only issue is the nausea, if it were me I would keep doing what you’re doing and just take Zofran with it. Taking Zofran every day can’t be any worse (and is probably a lot healthier) than jumping around from antidepressant to antidepressant trying to find one that works. That’s just one person‘s opinion hope it helps and I pray you find relief.
I couldn’t make it 2 months... I tried years ago and it worked so well but had to stop and after 20 plus years on most meds available I thought I’d give it another try being how well it did work but, it made me more sick this last time. I also have nausea meds phenergan and zofran and still couldn’t handle the nausea and vomiting. It worked great otherwise which is what stinks.
Yup, I never got past that s/e and it is the only one that ever caused that... for some reason this med is awful for the tummy for many people. Actually didn't help me otherwise either. not a fan.
Finally WCVet is right, docs (most) get no kickbacks of any kind, honestly, I think they are just happy to have any new med to try that might work and they never really even think about the cost of meds unless you bring it up. That's my experience anyway.
I have been on Trintellix for 4 yrs now, I was prescribed 10 mg but When starting any and I mean any new med I only take half,so I started with 5mg and it took about a 6-7 weeks before I stopped vomiting. The reason I kept on it was because it immediately gave me more energy and I was better able to function and once I threw up I was ok for the rest of the day. I bit the 5 mg in half because of the anxiety it causes, I slowly worked my way up 10mg last year because depression got worse but so did my home life. I am still very depressed but I live in a very abusive situation so I will try therapy again.My recommend cutting back on it for a while and see if that helps,also I recommend to listen to your own body instead of what doctor tells you because they will lie about the side effects because they are getting kickbacks from the drug companies.
Your generalization about doctors is just that. There may be a few bad doctors but 99% don't lie and they don't get "kickbacks" from pharmaceutical houses.
I speak from 33 years on almost any antidepressant there is and also any drug ever connected with bi-polar after be being mis-diagnosed as bi-polar. If you think the majority of doctors do not lie and don’t get kickbacks from the drug companies... you need to take a look at my records. Read and weep.
You might also take a look at mine...
Even the nurses are getting kickbacks from the pharmaceutical companies for pushing complicated medications. According to JAMAICA they just settled $23 million dollar lawsuit in California,that article is online,JAMAICA Network 1/13/2021.My do or admitted to me they get kickbacks. If you like I can send you more proof.Again ,please do not blindly take a medication without doing research on it first!
I’m taking Trintellix; I was having nausea when I started taking it. I’v been on it for two years now and I very rarely have nausea now.
I always would have some saltines handy to nibble on for it. I never had any itching though.
Stay blessed.
So interesting that you say this. I’ve been on it for about 2 weeks give or take. At first I wasn't feeling nauseous. Maybe a little queasy but chalked it up to maybe a nervous feeling. But past few days super nauseous and have had to take zofran as well. I also have been extremely dizzy. When I stand up or sit down I get really light headed to the point I have to stop for a few a seconds until it passes . I was reading the label on the bottle this morning and it said may cause dizziness. I also looked it up and it said most common side effect was nausea. I can’t do this everyday so I’m calling my doctor today to have it switched ..
I have been taking Trintellix for 2 years now and after trying everything out there this one works best for me. I get nauseous every night when I take my 15mg but I know that if I stop taking it my life will be awful and the deep depression will set on quickly. I recently tried to take Prilosec OTC every morning and have noticed it has helped but might not be the answer for everyone. It’s so hard because this is the miracle drug for me and the nausea is a horrid side effect. I have tried anti nausea medicine which has helped but taste terrible. See if Prilosec or pepto helps.
Which anti nausea med are you taking? I hate the thought of taking yet another medication just to make another one tolerable but if if I have to, I will. I have zofran but wondering if something else might be better? The combo of Trintellix, Wellbutrin, and Topiramate works so well I have to make this work somehow.
Sarah,
I was trying zofran also but like you I didn’t want to add more medication to my regimen. The Prilosec over the counter is once a day and helps with the acid build up that makes me nauseous. You can get it at any store really. It’s worth a try and couldn’t hurt I don’t think.
I have been on Trintellix for about 3 years now. I have tried over 30 medications and it is the only antidepressant that has helped me. I, too have had to take zofran with it at the same time since day 1. It has been a great medication for me so the zofran is worth taking, plus it WORKS! I say, stick with it! I also take a good probiotic daily for my gut. - Hope this helps!
I too have severe nausea while taking Trintellix (20 mg). I have found that something as simple as sipping a couple of cups of hot herbal mint tea in the am after taking my medication makes me feel SO much better. My preference is a spearmint/peppermint blend.
Hi Courtney, I just started taking 5 mg of trintellix today and not even an hour goes by and I have been in the bathroom violently throwing up.. immediately I get online to find out the side effects and stumbled across your comment.. Now I don't know what to do I already take Wellbutrin and she was adding trintellix but if this is how I'm going to feel everyday then I just can't do this. When you made your comment it was back in 2017 I'm curious to know what has happened with you since then and if you have found an alternate method that worked for you. All the things I'm reading about it sounds very promising for my depression but I just don't know if I can deal with throwing up like I've been doing the last hour and a half.
Hello all, I too hurl up my toenails on Trintellix! I’ve titrated up to 20 mg & am trying to avoid decreasing dosage because it’s the best I’ve ever felt. I’ve had major depressive disorder for 33 years. Phenergan sometimes helps, zofran sometimes as well. Of course not taking both anti-nausea meds together. At this point I’m just going to have to deal with it because it works SO well. After Prozac burnout over 30 years ago I’ve tried many meds with some success. Trintellix is wonderful but the vomiting is horrendous. Taking at bedtime is somewhat better but occasionally have to make a middle of the night run to the bathroom. If anyone has success with this issue please let us know. Good luck everyone!
Hi Robin, Courtney,
I am writing this in complete desperation. Trintellix is the only drug that has worked for my depression, I mean I actually felt happy. That's a big statement. That being said I started with 5mg for two weeks I had some mood swings and my stomach felt totally empty in the morning ( I take it at night) but not too nauseous yet. When I went up to 10mg, it took about a month but then the nausea and extreme vomiting in the morning started. I'm now back down to 5mg and I'm taking Zofran with it, but I just read the Zofran cancels Trintellix out, so it may not even be working. Have you found any other drug that works for you?? Have you figured out a way to take trintellix without getting sick? I am in tears, I just can't give trintellix up but I can't live like this either.
I have been on Trintellix for a little over a month. I’m only taking 5mg. In just the past week I’ve had horrible nausea. Right now I’m holding back throwing up. It’s horrible. I’m calling my doctor tomorrow to see what I can do. I can’t take this anymore.
I had been talking Zofran along with 20 mg of Trintellix and learned that Zofran cancels in out, so it wasn't working as well. Now I am prescribed 25 mg of Phenergan 30 mins before I take the Trintellix at BEDTIME! It has been working wonderfully!
Hi brewer:
I responded to your comment with a non-offensive comment, but it got blocked "pending approval". That's why I don't interact on this site much anymore. My comment was so vanilla. oh well...
Hi..how has this been working for you up to now? I took trintillix and was sick and I couldn't do it anymore but I am going to see the doctor this week and when I came across your comment about the med 30 min before..I'm going to mention that to my doctor and see what she thinks
Since my comment I had to switch to Vraylar 1.5 mg 1 daily. IT'S WORKING PHENOMENALLY! No more nausea, vomiting or Phenergan!!! I really loved Trintellix but a year of nausea and vomiting IS NOT NORMAL!
Since my comment I had to switch to Vraylar 1.5 mg once per day. It is working PHENOMENALLY! No more nausea, vomiting, Zofran or Phenergan. I am amazed!
@GMc.
Haven't seen you around much lately! The reason they pull comments randomly is to help prevent spam, advertising, and inappropriate content. Sometimes annoying, but it happens to us all and it's not a bad thing.
@WildCat: Thanks for the encouragement. I did lose interest after what seemed like a lot of "pending approvals" lately which seemed to be more than random.
But I still come around occasionally. Thanks again for checking on me! GMc
I have been on this medication for 8 weeks, gradually increasing & last week my dr increased it to 20mg. I’ve had nausea all along with this, but it goes. However, I feel so sick on 20mg, I also take mirtazapine at night. I have felt like throwing up a couple of times. I have tried so many different anti depressants & I this is finally helping. I am hoping the sickness dies down soon. My Dr had switched me to venlafaxine in Jan & that was horrendous. So not sure where to go from here if I can’t cope with the sickness.
Hi Becca - did you ever figure out a solution? I took trintellix and added zofran for nausea but it got to the point where I would still throw up or have an upset stomach with the zofran. My doctor switched me to venlafaxine a few months ago and I hate it... I want to go back to trintellix because it was so effective mentally but don't want to go through the physical side effects again.
Related topics
zofran, depression, nausea/vomiting, major depressive disorder, side effect, trintellix
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