Vortioxetine and Headaches: What Users Say (Page 5)

• aun...
• February 25, 2015

Vortioxetine for Depression "Pros: Great for depression -- best medicine I've ever taken (I've taken everything). Cons: Nausea (okay if taken with food), horrible headaches (they went away after a week or so), and a severe rash. Rash did not appear until 3 weeks after beginning the medication and got much worse when the dose increased from 5 to 10 mg. I see my doc next week. Sadly, I suspect that we will have to discontinue using the medicine because of the rash."

• Sha...
• October 11, 2015

For Depression "When I started vortioxetine, I had severe esophagus pain and severe ear pain. I thought I was having a heart attack. I nearly went to emerg. I had attacks like this for about 2 months. I also had indigestion, and I never get that, and I threw up a few times. I had headaches for a few months, which I normally don't get. However, though I had all this physical discomfort, my mood improved, and I started socializing again. Along with an improvement in mood, my cognition improved, and my concentration as well. I don't believe any drug is going to solve life's difficulties, but vortioxetine is definitely helping out."

• kth...
• February 16, 2015

Vortioxetine for Depression "So I love how I feel I am on this stuff. Little background info: I am bipolar and suffering postpartum from having my first daughter three months ago. Two things I've noticed: I don't cry as much, however, I itch constantly. I mean, like a crackhead itching. Also, having headaches and crazy dreams (snakes, spiders), but the postpartum is mostly gone. I still feel however, no weight loss, and that is still a major depression symptom for me, and probably my biggest. I make myself sick in the mirror when I'm naked, and I like the way it's taken away the postpartum, but still no self-esteem. What do I do? Also, I would love to chat, or if there is a group I can look into about this, please let me know. I am on my second week of 10 MG. Thank you!"

• nas...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 5, 2016

For Major Depressive Disorder "I've only been taking Trintellix (10 mg) for 6 days, but wanted to share my experience. First, though it may be due to the placebo effect or a culmination of events, I feel much happier. As in - I've been laughing - a lot! And I feel much less anxious. But I doubt seriously the drug is working yet. So, here are my side effects so far: Day 1 - Took the pill on an empty stomach at 1:00 p.m. Extreme nausea that lasted for about an hour. Bad headache. Some mild gas. Had mildly weird dreams - color/vivid. Day 2 - Took the pill on a full stomach at 9:00 a.m. Mild headache. Stomach was a bit upset off and on. Slept fine. Day 3 - Same as Day 2. Day 4 - No side effects. Day 5 - No side effects. Day 6 - Mild headache. Looking forward to the next few weeks!"

• nas...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 5, 2016

For Major Depressive Disorder "I've only been taking Trintellix (10 mg) for 6 days, but wanted to share my experience. First, though it may be due to the placebo effect or a culmination of events, I feel much happier. As in - I've been laughing - a lot! And I feel much less anxious. But I doubt seriously the drug is working yet. So, here are my side effects so far: Day 1 - Took the pill on an empty stomach at 1:00 p.m. Extreme nausea that lasted for about an hour. Bad headache. Some mild gas. Had mildly weird dreams - color/vivid. Day 2 - Took the pill on a full stomach at 9:00 a.m. Mild headache. Stomach was a bit upset off and on. Slept fine. Day 3 - Same as Day 2. Day 4 - No side effects. Day 5 - No side effects. Day 6 - Mild headache. Looking forward to the next few weeks!"

• Nat...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 23, 2021

For Depression "I've tried about 8 different antidepressant medications for the last 6 years, and once I tried one that was really helping me (Aurorix), I had to quit because I was about to start using ADHD medication. After 6 months or so on ADHD medication, my depression got bad, my doctor put me on Brintellix. I've used it for about 9 months now, and I can't stand it anymore. The nausea never stops, the headache comes and goes, the feeling of being high in the evening, and the huge sleep problems, not worth it. And even if the medication has improved my depression, it has also made my mood totally flat. I cannot feel anything, I'm flat. I do not even feel anything for my boyfriend, which is a bit scary and makes me wonder if I really do care about him or not. Tomorrow I stop using this medication, I'd rather deal with the depression instead of this careless zombie existence."

• Bil...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 29, 2016

For Depression "Started taking Trintellix about a month ago, used to take 10 mg in the morning but found it made me sleepy and dozy (especially when driving), so switched to taking it before I went to bed. At first, found it helped me sleep better, but now wake up sweating and get bad headaches a few times a night. I also found suicidal thoughts increased, and I actually started to feel more depressed than before I started taking it. It did make me initially feel better and more able to cope, but as time goes on, I'm actually degrading back to my pre-med self. Doctor is no real help, I can't get to see him for another 7 weeks as he has a big patient load. Thinking about reducing the dose to 5 mg a 24-hour period to see if I improve. I hope I do - I can't go on like this."

• Kan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 21, 2018

For Depression "I was hesitant to take the medicine when I was prescribed by a psychiatrist for anxiety issues. In the end, I started it. The many side effects outweigh the benefits. Taken for a week at 10 mg every night. The first few days, I had a headache every day and extreme fatigue. I also felt detached from my emotions, and the world seemed unreal. My vision made it seem like I was not in reality. The worst side effect is sexual dysfunction. While it did help in relieving my anxiety in social interactions, the side effects are not worth it. I'm going to stop the medication and hope I regain my normal sexual function soon. I say go with normal psychotherapy and try to avoid medication unless it's critical."

• jon...
• February 5, 2018

For Depression "So last year, my psychiatrist talked me into trying Brintellix. I eventually used it for 5 weeks. On the first week, the side effects were moderate: light nausea and sometimes headaches. The nausea disappeared during the second week, whilst the depression seemed to be relieved. Brintellix improved my focus and also lifted my mood. For the first time in a long time, I felt like I was probably going to be okay. I even had a moment of happiness in my third week, which lasted for a whole minute. This hadn't happened in years. Unfortunately, Brintellix eventually gave me shortness of breath, a bloated feeling in my stomach, and discomfort, so I had to quit taking it. It might have something to do with my asthma, but I'm not sure. Anyway, it's fair to say that it worked, and without the side effects, I would have continued taking it. It is the only thing that has worked for me so far."

• Mod...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 1, 2021

Vortioxetine for Depression "64 yo F with Multiple Sclerosis, depression/anxiety. 18 yrs on Effexor/Wellbutrin. Never great, but OK. January 2021, dep/anx worsened. Tried Remeron, Lexapro, Wellbutrin XR, Buspirone, and Vybriid. Epic fails! Trintellix 2.5 mg September 2021. Raised dose slowly to avoid side effects. Lorazepam 0.25 mg 3-4 times/day for anxiety, Trintellix made worse. Ate oatmeal, cottage cheese, protein shake, toast & jam - before Trintellix each morning. No nausea. Just bad headache! Increased Trintellix to 5 mg/day. Then to 7.5 mg. Headache increased and developed increasingly blurry vision and worsening constipation. After 11 days of 7.5 mg, BP 170/110, pulse 90s, agitated and suicidal. Stopped Trintellix."

• Tas...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 12, 2015

For Depression "This is my fourth day of taking Brintellix, and I am so itchy and crying all the time. My doc told me to go onto this by cutting down my Luvox from 150 mg to 100 mg for two nights and then start taking this medicine. I feel manic and really up and down, also having crazy dreams, nausea, and headaches. Going to go back to the Luvox tonight. I hate this drug!"

• Von...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 15, 2017

For Major Depressive Disorder "Started this medication 5 days ago after 3 years on Sertraline. Severe stomach cramps to the point I can't stand up, which lasts all day. I have severe bowel movements, skin itchy, headaches, feel sick all the time. It's too early to say if it has helped my mood as I am only on 5 mg at the minute and will move up to 10 mg in 3 days. I am hoping these side effects will pass soon, as it’s very hard to cope with. If you have a low pain threshold, I would not take this medication, but if you are determined to feel better in the long run, I would give it a try. Will update in the next few days."

• EMB...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 30, 2021

For Depression "My doctor prescribed me to start with a gradual increase of 10 mg of Brintellix (vortioxetine), so in 3 days, I was on a full tablet. On the third day, I had a panic attack due to uncomfortable side effects - increased heartbeat, chest burn, severe nausea, and headache. Had to take a beta blocker to calm down. Followed doc's advice to restart with a smaller dose and a longer period to reach a full tablet in 10 days. Week 1 and 2: sense of reduced generalized anxiety. I felt slight improvement. However... mood swings. Constant condition of feeling hot and minor nausea during the day. Exhausting. Week 3 and 4: increased anxiety and shortness of breath. Worst symptoms: two episodes of unexplained extreme aggression while talking on the phone - I quickly lost my temper and was yelling and swearing for almost no reason. Smashed my phone against the wall and floor three times. Was difficult to stop - took time to wind down. My doctor recommended stopping and switching to another drug."

• BGa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 5, 2019

Vortioxetine "Word of caution to anyone who plans on using Trintellix to treat generalized or social anxiety - not only did this medication not improve my symptoms, I believe it has made them worse. I was formerly on 50 mg of Zoloft for a number of years and was doing well on it minus the brain fog and detachment issues that many experience. My doctor suggested I try this drug to get rid of some of those symptoms... In reality, I wake up with a slight headache every day (magnified 10x after drinking), am more anxious, and have had tightening in the chest. Long story short, this is not an SSRI and does not treat the same symptoms. I'm now going to try Lexapro to see if that's a better drug for me."

• Gaa...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 14, 2019

For Major Depressive Disorder "Worst medication ever! Every time I was taking vortioxetine, I wanted to vomit! Severe headaches, constipation, and no appetite at all! It didn't help with my anxiety nor with my depression. I was taking it for 7 months with no positive results! Try older ones like Remeron, which is way better!"

• Deb...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 25, 2022

For Major Depressive Disorder "Started 2 weeks ago on Trintellix, and the side effects have been nausea and headaches. My libido is back and high, which is fantastic as I have tried lots of different anti-depressants over the years, which affected sexual function and libido, this one doesn’t! Orgasm is amazing too! I am no longer bothered by troublesome suicidal thoughts and paranoia. My anxiety has lessened too. I am only on 5 mg at the moment, seeing the doctor next week to put this medication on repeat prescription as it is working well for me and worth the initial side effects! Happy days!"

• Lee...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 8, 2022

"Took vortioxetine for anxiety. Started on 5 mg, was fine for four weeks. Had my dose upped to 10 mg, and my head went berserk: headaches, bloated stomach, wind, constipation, etc. Ended up trying to take my life. Got told being a newer antidepressant it would be a lot milder - yeah right."

• MV0...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 2, 2016

For Major Depressive Disorder "I have been on this for a week, and I don't know what to think. I started it due to my anxiety and self-harm. I am finally breathing normally, and I feel no urge to hurt myself. The nausea was really bad the first few days, I had terrible headaches and felt really drowsy. Those symptoms have subsided for the most part. I have very vivid dreams. My problem is that I have very extreme mood swings. I normally don't get very angry, but now I feel like I have an anger/aggression problem! I am typically very, very passive! I don't know if I can be on this much longer."

• Anx...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 30, 2016

For Major Depressive Disorder "I suffer from anxiety and depression. Doc suggested this drug, crying daily, filled with terror. The only thing it did was stop the daily crying and provide an odd clarity. Severe depression at week 5, after having gone up to 10 mgs after 2 weeks of 5 mgs. So many side effects: nausea, headache, and terrible depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts, diarrhea, constipation, ear ringing, withdrawn. I will note that I am very sensitive to antidepressants, have tried mirtazapine, Seroquel, one day of Pristiq and one day of Cymbalta-all of which made me incredibly anxious, panic-stricken, irrational. Amitriptyline is the only one that I have tried at a low dose for IBS that agreed with me, up until migraine auras in week."

• Rev...
• August 13, 2016

For Depression "If you really hate yourself and want to go through hell, this is the drug for you. I took one 5 mg dose, and that was all it took to have a miserable two days. Nausea, diarrhea, and gas, headaches, and an overall achy/sore feeling were present throughout. The worst thing, though, was the fatigue. I've never slept that much in my life. I was awake for about 4 hours total the first day, and even then I didn't have the strength to stand up. I know that my experience may not happen to everyone, but is it really worth the chance? There's bound to be other drugs out there that can help you without all these side effects. This drug never should have been approved for use."

• bra...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 28, 2014

Vortioxetine for Depression "Been taking this medicine for two weeks. I noticed I'm really itchy, my stomach is so sick, headaches, and I'm very tired. I hope it gets better."

• Roz...
• December 12, 2014

Vortioxetine for Depression "Had headaches, constipation, high blood pressure, and night terrors, dizziness."

• She...
• May 2, 2021

Vortioxetine for Depression "This medicine makes me super nauseous, more depressed, very agitated, cry non-stop, and my head hurts. I feel like a crazy person. And this is on just 1/3 of a 5 ml tablet. Not taking it anymore."

• Ang...
• March 13, 2016

Vortioxetine for Major Depressive Disorder "Just started medication. Continuous nausea 24 hours a day. Headache and now diarrhea. Still sleeping during the day and night. Just adding to existing symptoms I already was experiencing."

• Chi...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 1, 2016

Vortioxetine for Depression "I'd get a mild headache within fifteen minutes of taking this, and the intensity of the pain depended on the dosage."