I took Trintellix successfully for about a month and a half at a 10mgs daily dose. Everything was going fine - a little constipation in the beginning, but not a problem to speak of. My doctor then raised my dose to 20mg a day. Wow, did I develop some serious problems with constipation! I took several different remedies to straighten myself out in the meantime, along with using a heating pad on my tummy. But this time it was almost unbearable! I backed down on the dose three times and tried again, just to see if it would settle down. I am convinced that it is caused by the Trintellix. So disappointed, since this AD has worked wonderfully well for my anxiety/depression! I am trying to stabilize at the 10mgs daily dose again for now. Anyone else had this problem with Trintellix? Any advice? I plan to give it a good try at the lower dose again...
Trintellix - who has had a problem with constipation with Trintellix?
Question posted by Anonymous on 6 Sep 2018
Last updated on 13 October 2018
3 Answers
I have been taking Trintellix for about 3 years now. It was a replacement for sertraline (Zoloft) which I had been on for 20 + years and had lost some effectiveness after that period of time. I started on a low dose of Trintellix, and did experience nausea from it. I began taking it with my largest meal of the day, and that seemed to alleviate the nausea. I didn't feel the low dose was very helpful, so my doctor gradually moved me up to the highest dose, 20 mg daily. Over time, I began to become constipated. It wasn't bad at first, I didn't need to take anything at all for it. The stools were just firmer. As time went on, it began to get worse. Now, at this point, it is bad enough that I have to take huge amounts of daily fiber to go at all, and even that is very difficult. I notice I am beginning to develop hemorrhoids from the hardness of the stool. I feel that Trintellix is a good antidepressant, it has worked well for me at the 20 mg dose.
But I have to draw the line at not being able to have bowel movements. The constipation may not be 100% the fault of the Trintellix, I also take the BP medicine amlodipine besylate which is a calcium channel blocker and those can cause constipation also. But I have been on that longer than Trintellix and didn't notice a problem before the Trintellix. So I am going to reduce my dosage of Trintellix, and ask my doctor to work with me on finding a different antidepressant. I'm also going to ask for a different BP med just to cover all the bases. Yesterday I took something called docusate sodium which is an over the counter stool softener. Supposedly it is not addictive like some laxatives. It seems to help. I have read it is safe for long term use, but I am only going to take it while I try to figure out the adjustments to my medications.
Hi rrsals: I was hoping for an update? Have things leveled out for you? Were you able to continue taking Trintellix successfully while overcoming the constipation problems?
I was hoping for an update? Have things leveled out for you? Were you able to continue taking Trintellix successfully while overcoming the constipation problems?
UPDATE: I have adjusted the Trintellix dose so that I am taking it 2 days on, then one day off. My doctor told me that it has a very long half life, and that you can skip a dose this way and it shouldn't hurt the effectiveness of the medication overall as long as you don't skip 2 doses in a row. I have added ground flax seed to my daily diet, as well as Metamucil, an apple, and prunes each day. Once or twice a week I take a dose of that Docusate Sodium I mentioned in my previous post. I also started exercising on an eliptical machine for 30 minutes 3 times a week. So all of this has helped the constipation issue to the point that it is not the terrible problem it had become. However, it is still there, it is just more manageable. The stools are easier to pass, although they are still segmented (rocks).
I see my doctor again for my semi annual visit in February and at that time I will ask for a different blood pressure medication since the calcium channel blocker I am currently taking may be contributing to the problem. I will see if the problem improves after she makes that change to my meds, and if not, I will ask for a different anti-depressant. I would like to continue with the Trintellix if at all possible, since I do feel it works well. I will update after the next change I make to my blood pressure medication, and let you know if it makes a difference. I hope this information has helped you.
Your comments and opinions are very much appreciated - sounds good!
Thanks! I am taking Miralax and Dulcolax (OTC). Today I started taking my Bentyl again (gastro doc prescribed it when I had diverticulitis before). I also take slippery elm capsules and probiotic capsules. I was just put back on Nature-Throid again for my hypothyroidism. I was off of it for almost a year because it was on back order and problems from the manufacturer. I also take buspar for anxiety. Just started back on it also. I was off prescription meds until I found a new doctor recently. I guess it will take time to feel good again.
Maybe it will all start working soon. Just cutting out my Trintellix for the past week has not fixed my problem yet. Thanks for the update, and I will also update again soon.
Mindz
This stuff has definitely caused constipation and nausea for me. I'm trying to eat more fruits and veggies, but it's still pretty rough. I've been on 20mg for about a month now, so I'm hoping it starts to get a little better shortly. And the nausea as well, I'm hope clears up.
Please keep us updated and good luck to you! I'm hoping the good outweighs the bad with this med, since I've tried nearly everything else.
Hi, Mindz!
"Gastrointestinal
Very common (10% or more of users): Nausea (up to 42%), constipation (up to 15%)"
https://www.drugs.com/article/drug-side-effects.html#sfx-list
Have you told your doctor about this side effect? Side effects generally resolve within a couple weeks on their own, but your doctor might be able to prescribe a remedy.
Glad to hear the Trintellix is working well otherwise. Remember it can take 6-8 weeks to feel the full benefits.
Best regards and I hope it "all works out"!
Related topics
constipation, anxiety, dosage, trintellix
Further information
- Trintellix uses and safety info
- Trintellix prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Trintellix (detailed)
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