Vortioxetine and Anxiety: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Aut...
• July 12, 2015

Vortioxetine for Major Depressive Disorder "Been on Brintellix 10 mg for 1 month, at the same time decreasing Lexapro and Wellbutrin. Noticed immediate decline. Felt like I was not on meds at all. Increased to 20 mg. Felt angry, had uncontrollable emotional outbursts. Now on Xanax. When I feel loopy, angry, anxious, I take it, but am so out of it. I feel horrible and out of my mind. The genetic test said that Brintellix would be good for me, but I can't function properly."

• kay...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 27, 2014

Vortioxetine for Major Depressive Disorder "Been taking Brintellix a little over a month, 5 mg in the morning. No side effects. Tried to increase to 10 mg, experienced nausea, tiredness, and jittery feeling. I suffer from insomnia and take 300 mg Seroquel at bedtime. I wish I could tolerate the side effects at 10 mg so I could get the full benefit of the medicine."

• MrA...
• November 19, 2014

Vortioxetine for Major Depressive Disorder "Was prescribed Brintellix after being on Effexor for years and years, and it stopped doing its job. Started at the 5mg dose for 2 weeks, then to 10, and then to 20. The first week I had more energy and a very euphoric mood. I also became kind of impulsive and jittery (is installing broomstick holders in the utility room at 2:00 am normal?). At 10mg my anxiety started increasing, and at 20mg my anxiety was almost debilitating. Talked to my doctor and she is switching me to something else. I'm sure it's a great med, but just not for me, unfortunately."

• MrA...
• November 19, 2014

Vortioxetine for Major Depressive Disorder "Was prescribed Brintellix after being on Effexor for years and years, and it stopped doing its job. Started at the 5mg dose for 2 weeks, then to 10, and then to 20. The first week I had more energy and a very euphoric mood. I also became kind of impulsive and jittery (is installing broomstick holders in the utility room at 2:00 am normal?). At 10mg my anxiety started increasing, and at 20mg my anxiety was almost debilitating. Talked to my doctor and she is switching me to something else. I'm sure it's a great med, but just not for me, unfortunately."

• SJL...
• August 28, 2015

Vortioxetine for Depression "The psychiatrist put me on Brintellix about 7 weeks ago. 10 mg for the first 3 weeks - which had no effect on my depression, but I didn't notice any side effects like I had with Pristiq, Lexapro, Lovan, and Alprazolam. The dosage was upped to 20 mg for the next 4 weeks. Still feel terrible, haven't noticed any shift in the depression, but I've noticed I feel a bit more edgy and anxious. Not sure how long I'm meant to wait to notice a change, but I'm not convinced that this drug is working for me. It's also not covered by Medicare in Australia, so quite expensive!"

• ale...
• April 23, 2019

For Depression "If you have trouble tolerating meds, you should try vortioxetine! It is the best antidepressant I have ever tried, and I have been on 12 previous combinations of antidepressants and sleeping pills. I started on 5 mg once a day and am now taking 10 mg a day. I have been on it for 4 weeks. I am hypersensitive to meds, but this works and is the most tolerable medication. It was so easy to step onto. The first week after a dose initiation/increase, I had a little bit of anxiety, my IBS was bad, but there was no nausea, I napped every day. But after a week of adjustment, I can function like a normal human being, though waking up a bit. I have a few nightmares and jaw grinding, but I am so happy that I can function and carry out a normal working week 9-5 without having to call in sick. Colors are brighter on it, and I was hypersensitive to sounds when I started. I can't rate this drug highly enough. I am so glad it was brought to market and has given me hope for the future!"

• non...
• July 11, 2017

Vortioxetine for Major Depressive Disorder "My doctor started me on samples of 10 mg, and it seemed to help my depression, and especially my constant crying. I am now on 20 mg a day, which is taken in the AM. I also take 18 mg of methylphenidate ER in the AM. My crying spells have decreased tremendously, and I seem to want to do more around the house. I still have a lot of anxiety and take clonazepam 1 mg, recommended by my doctor, three times a day, but I usually take just 2 tablets at night, sometimes 1 during the day when I have an anxiety attack. I think I have been on every type of antidepressant for more than 25 years. I wish my insurance would not charge so much for the prescription."

• Vie...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 12, 2019

Vortioxetine for Depression "Terrible side effects from Trintellix. My dose was 5 mg for 2 weeks, no nausea, but anxiety was overload! Then, at one and a half weeks, I went to a 10 mg dose, and my left shoulder blade locked up just because, did not injure it, and I had severe pain. Went to the chiropractor for treatment, and no relief. Actually felt more depressed."

• ADP...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 1, 2019

Vortioxetine for Major Depressive Disorder "I took this medication (5 mg) for two weeks. The first week was fine, no side effects, no difference in mood, nothing. Prescriber increased to 10 mg. Within one day, I was nauseous, and the room was spinning. I was also horribly anxious. It was horrible. She decreased it back to 5 mg, but the dizziness and nausea did not go away. In fact, it got worse. It is like being in a state of constant motion sickness. I have been off it for three days now, and I'm still feeling the dizziness. It is a horrible drug, which I recommend staying away from."

• HJa...
• August 27, 2019

Vortioxetine for Major Depressive Disorder "I’ve been fighting the diagnosis for years. I admitted myself for suicidal ideations in November 2018, again in June 2019. At that time, the doctor gave me Trintellix 10 mg. It’s been amazing until lately. I am about to call my doctor to increase to 20 mg. My anxiety has recently gotten worse also. I think I just need a higher dose. Aly mentioned feeling restless legs but in her whole body. Aly, I have that feeling, I call it Restless Body Syndrome. A sleep study showed my alpha intrusion waves were textbook for fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia can cause depression. No cure, just treating symptoms. I take Klonopin at bedtime to allow my body to relax, stop the mind racing, and it seems to do well. Talk to your physician about a sleep study. It does help. However, don’t have fibromyalgia put in your chart. Make a list and don’t let your doctor rush you. You are important, and your mental health is more important than anything."

• Gra...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 6, 2017

Vortioxetine for Depression "I have been on several antidepressants before and needed to make a change. This medication was the worst experience ever. Major stomach issues and headache, but mostly the emotional side. Couldn't quit crying. I also didn't sleep for the week I tried to take it. Not for me. Do yourself a favor and don't start it."

• joa...
• June 7, 2018

Vortioxetine for Major Depressive Disorder "My doctor put me on Trintellix, and it was the worst experience of my life. He kept telling me it needed to get into my system. I took it for about 6 months, and it made my depression/anxiety worse than ever. I could not function. I completely lost my appetite. I could not get out of bed. I could not go to work. I was a mess. He finally took me off and put me on something else, and within 2 days, I was feeling better-within 2 weeks, I was functioning again, and within 4 weeks, I feel great."

• Kik...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 17, 2018

Vortioxetine for Major Depressive Disorder "I realize that we all respond differently to medications. This drug may work well for others, but it was not the drug for me. Caused aggression and severe anxiety. Reported symptoms to my doctor, and he doubled the dose and told me to wait 6 weeks. After 2 weeks, I called again and stated that I was worse. He started weaning me from Trintellix and weaning me onto Lexapro. After the third dose of Lexapro, I went into severe serotonin syndrome, including coma and seizures. Near-fatal drug interaction with Trintellix. Please educate yourself on the symptoms of serotonin syndrome!!!!! Looking back, I was in low-grade serotonin syndrome for about 8 months since starting Trintellix. The addition of another SSRI sent me over the edge. I have taken another drug for 23 years and have never experienced anything as horrific as this drug!!!"

• Pix...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 25, 2018

Vortioxetine for Depression "Worst experience on an antidepressant that I have ever had! First day, I took the med, and 1 1/2 hours later I was shaking violently, vomiting, and had diarrhea all at once. My anxiety went through the roof and I had 4 panic attacks the first day! It took a week and my symptoms just escalated each day! I have been on everything and I’ve experienced the worst side effects on Trintellix than on Wellbutrin, Zoloft, Prozac, Effexor, Celexa, Lexapro, Prestiqe, and more."

• Khk...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 23, 2019

Vortioxetine for Depression "First few days, I felt great, probably a placebo effect. As time has passed, I'm feeling much worse. I'm staying up too late and sleeping for too long. I have had a stutter since childhood, this medication has made my stutter and anxiety much worse. I have been taking 10 mg for over 2 weeks now, I'm about to stop this medication now. I can't cope with this rubbish. I have never felt nausea, as others mention. I don't have any side effects except for the obvious increased anxiety, though."

• Hol...
• November 1, 2016

For Major Depressive Disorder "After three weeks on Trintellix, I became a fully functioning person again. I can do a full week of work, and cook myself dinner, walk my dogs, enjoy hobbies. This is the third antidepressant I've been on since summer 2015, it's hands down the best. I know everyone who struggles with mental health will know what a huge deal it is to just be able to do a day without having to fight every step of the way. I'm very grateful for this pill. I experienced some mild nausea the first week or so, that was my only side effect. Mild anxiety is still present, but no more panic attacks! If SSRIs/SNRIs haven't helped, I'd definitely recommend giving this one a try. Best of luck, everyone."

• Bee...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 24, 2019

Vortioxetine for Depression "Been taking 10 mg for about 4 months now. I have uncontrollable eating and have gained 20 lbs. Now I’m starting to experience rapid heartbeats, anxiety, and feet swelling. The only upside to taking this medicine has been I’ve stopped smoking, and I can’t stand coffee anymore, which I used to drink 3 cups a day. I am stopping this medicine today!"

• Wil...
• January 17, 2017

Vortioxetine for Major Depressive Disorder "Everybody reacts differently to medications, especially those used to treat psychiatric disorders. Unfortunately for me, Trintellix caused major side effects, including a ridiculous amount of unfocusable energy that channeled itself into restless leg syndrome and extremely bad anxiety. Due to the energy and RLS, sleeping was very hard to do, and when I was able to get to sleep, I had the most unsettlingly terrifying dreams. For me, Trintellix was not a fun stop on my journey to find the correct medication(s) for me."

• Dre...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 26, 2017

Vortioxetine for Major Depressive Disorder "I have severe depression and have been on Trintellix for a month. At first, the nausea and vomiting were awful. My doctor gave me promethazine, but that didn't help. A medication that did work is Zofran, and it works like a charm for the nausea. It completely stops it. I take Trintellix in the afternoon and about an hour later, Zofran. No more nausea; I am so relieved. However, I thought Trintellix would help my depression more. I seem to be more anxious. I am prescribed Valium 5 mg, up to once a day, but I rarely used to take it. Now I am so anxious that I have to take it. I was so hopeful, and now I'm so disappointed that Trintellix is not working as expected. Does anyone have any suggestions for another antidepressant?"

• Rub...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 24, 2015

Vortioxetine for Major Depressive Disorder "Subtle, but highly effective. Combine 5 mg with 30 mg Cymbalta. I was on 60 mg Cymbalta, titrated Brintellix to 10 mg, but experienced discomfort (heightened anxiety and a weird burning feeling). I lowered the Cymbalta dose to 30 mg a day, an immediate relief from the anxiety. However, it crept back, and I concluded it was an interaction leading to the accumulation of Brintellix and went back to 5 mg of it. Now, after three months, I start to get used to that it actually works. Only discomfort is occasionally feeling nauseous (after eating sweets or pastry on an empty stomach). 60 mg Cymbalta helped me for years with depression and anxiety, however, leaving me foggy. The new combination is totally unnoticeable except for making me calm and happy."

• med...
• September 23, 2015

Vortioxetine for Depression "Was put on this because my Lexapro stopped working, and I was experiencing panic attacks. Dr. said off-label use for Brintellix is used for depression and anxiety. Started on the 5 mg dose, didn't do much, was on that dosage for two to three months, went up to the 10 mg, started having constipation (which is very unusual for me), my night vision got worse, and something about the medication seemed to be activating for me, and that made my anxiety and panic attacks worse. About a month ago, started tapering off it, but was still dealing with anxiety and anxiety attacks. Decided to try the Lexapro again. Luckily, it has started working again, and my anxiety has been greatly reduced, and panic attacks have gone away on 10 mg generic Lexapro."

• ame...
• February 5, 2020

Vortioxetine for Depression "Was prescribed this after Cipralex taking away my emotions. I've only been on it for two days, only 2.5 mg, but it's awful. My anxiety is the highest it's ever been, I'm always crying, and I can't even do anything. Not going to torture myself with this any longer. Discontinuing tomorrow. Not worth it."

• met...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 18, 2020

Vortioxetine "I was prescribed this medication to help with my anxiety. I had previously tried Zoloft but stopped taking it after 4 months as I had sexual side effects and very minor improvement to my anxiety. I began with 5mg for one week, then went up to 10mg, as per my doctor's recommendation. After about 4 days on Trintellix, I had the worst anxiety of my life. Constant panic attacks, sensitivity to even the slightest sounds, lightheadedness/dizziness, nausea, no appetite, suicidal ideations, difficulty breathing, sweaty palms. On the plus side, no sexual side effects! Haha. After just over 3 weeks, I couldn’t take it anymore and stopped using the medication. 5 days later, I am feeling like myself again. My doctor has now prescribed Cipralex, so hopefully that one helps and has fewer side effects! I realize everyone has different reactions to different medications, but this was the worst medication I have ever used. Would not recommend for the treatment of anxiety. Good luck finding the right fit!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 26, 2025

Vortioxetine "I’ve been on Trintellix for 4 months now. I still feel really bad. I still have anxiety, panic attacks, agoraphobia, I don’t sleep, bad headaches, and constipation. I really tried to stay with it to see changes, but one day I feel good and the other day I'm suicidal because I can’t take these anymore. Still, it’s not the same for everyone. If you read this, I know it’s not easy. Be strong, and take care of you. Ask for help."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 26, 2025

Vortioxetine "I’ve been on Trintellix for 4 months now. I still feel really bad. I still have anxiety, panic attacks, agoraphobia, I don’t sleep, bad headaches, and constipation. I really tried to stay with it to see changes, but one day I feel good and the other day I'm suicidal because I can’t take these anymore. Still, it’s not the same for everyone. If you read this, I know it’s not easy. Be strong, and take care of you. Ask for help."