Vortioxetine and Sexual Dysfunction: What Users Say (Page 2)

• And...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 18, 2022

Vortioxetine for Depression "I have been on many SSRIs and SNRIs. All had little to no positive effects and had awful sexual side effects. My GP recommended Trintellix as it is known for having less sexual side effects. I have been using it (10 mg dose) for about 2 years on and off, and it is incredible. I feel like a normal person again. My normal irritability, paranoia, depression, and apathy are completely gone. It is like night and day how I feel on and off this medication. And best of all, no sexual dysfunction! The side effects I had were: intense itching (lasted a week), nausea (ongoing, but hardly noticeable if I take the meds in the morning with food). The side effects are totally outweighed by how much better I feel taking Trintellix."

• Kim...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 28, 2018

Vortioxetine for Depression "I was started on Trintellix 5 mg 2x a day, I was hopeful. It didn’t run me crazy. Then suddenly it wasn’t effective. My dose was increased to 10 mg 2x a day, emotions all over the place. Dose now at 20 mg with clonazepam. I cry all the time, I have no interest in anything. I go nowhere, I talk to no one, I can’t remember things, I don’t sleep more than a couple of hours at a time. I’ve lost my appetite, my sex drive, coping skills, and now it’s destroying my marriage. I question my own existence. I’ve lost my job, my friends, my life. I don’t get dressed or leave my house except for doctor appointments. This is an expensive medication and I’ve told my doctors it’s not helping and all I get is this is the strongest dose we can give you!"

• Bec...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 11, 2016

Vortioxetine for Depression "I moved to another state 4 months prior to taking this med. I was experiencing a lot of highs and lows... sadness, irritability, increased anxiety due to moving 2 states away from family/friends. I already take Wellbutrin, which I've been on for a decade to control anxiety and SAD. By the end of week 1, I noticed a feeling of 'levelness' of my general mood. By the end of week 2, my boyfriend noticed the positive change. By the end of week 3, I still feel pretty good as far as the highs and lows being gone, but now I'm starting to notice a lowered libido and decreased reaction to sexual stimuli - it's extremely difficult to reach orgasm. I will continue the med for awhile, as I do believe it's working for the mood but am unsure about staying on it long term."

• NYN...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 15, 2019

Vortioxetine "Trintellix helped with my panic disorder, but now I’m trying to get off of it because of side effects. First of all, this stuff will kill your libido, you will have no sex drive, no feeling in your sex organs, and you might as well join a convent. Second is alcohol. If you’re young and single and like an occasional drink, do not go on this drug. I had a half a glass of beer, and it made me so dizzy I had to go home, and I felt like I was going to have a heart attack. So no sex, no alcohol. Now I’m trying to get off this drug (so that maybe I can have a social life again), and the withdrawal symptoms are horrendous. I wish my doctor never gave me this stuff in the first place."

• m20...
• May 22, 2021

Vortioxetine for Depression "I had been on escitalopram and suffered from sexual side effects. I looked at that as more of an issue than helping me when there were so many others I could try! I was given Trintellix (my doctor told me this is a newer drug known to have low reports of people suffering from sexual side effects). I tried to take it in the morning, this made me so nauseous. I then tried taking it at lunchtime after I had eaten my lunch, thinking taking it with food would help for sure. Unfortunately, it didn’t, and taking it at night didn’t either. I woke up nauseous every morning. I let this be my “normal” for as long as I could (six and a half months), but I felt awful. I had no appetite. I lost nearly 30 lbs, which, yeah, sounds awesome, right? It’s not!! This was such an unhealthy way to do so, and I felt awful. Mentally, I could notice a difference, but I could not shake the side effects. If you are trying to stick it out in hopes the side effects get better, they should be better within 10 weeks max."

• Chi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 15, 2019

Vortioxetine for Major Depressive Disorder "Had depression and PMDD for years. Was on Lexapro and Wellbutrin but cut the Lexapro out because of anorgasmia. So I started 10 mg Trintellix. First week: heightened mood, a little less patient with family and friends, severe nausea after taking meds, but got Zofran to take with it. Second week: the fun first week ended, and I feel semi-low again (like a good day, but you see you're still depressed, still feel like a shell). Third/fourth week of taking Trintellix: zero bowel movements without fiber, Miralax, Senna. Feel sick when I eat anything. Anger/irritability continues to increase. Maybe starting to get migraine headaches? New head pain with nausea that I've never had before."

• Mar...
• May 21, 2019

Vortioxetine for Major Depressive Disorder "I tried Trintellix two years ago. Loved it. I was happier and had less physical pain. Great! The problem was I couldn't orgasm, so I stopped. I wasn't able to have an orgasm for six months after that. It came back slowly. The other effects were so good, though, that I tried it again. I had to go off because of the sexual side effects again. This time, I'm only just getting much smaller orgasms back after a year. It has me freaked out."

• Mar...
• May 21, 2019

Vortioxetine for Major Depressive Disorder "I tried Trintellix two years ago. Loved it. I was happier and had less physical pain. Great! The problem was I couldn't orgasm, so I stopped. I wasn't able to have an orgasm for six months after that. It came back slowly. The other effects were so good, though, that I tried it again. I had to go off because of the sexual side effects again. This time, I'm only just getting much smaller orgasms back after a year. It has me freaked out."

• Chr...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 5, 2021

Vortioxetine for Depression "Unfortunately, Trintellix gave me sexual side effects, so I took myself off it. I was hopeful because I was told it did not have the same sexual side effects as the SSRIs. Unfortunately for me, it did."

• Jos...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 25, 2020

Vortioxetine for Depression "I started Trintellix 3 years ago. I stopped it twice. I got back on them because I didn't have any other choice. My family doctor just retired, and I cannot live without medication, and it kind of helps with anxiety, but not so much with depression. I'm ALWAYS confused, no sex drive, constant nausea, some food that I loved now tastes disgusting. I have abnormal intolerance to almost everything that has a strong smell. I cannot use mint toothpaste because of the odor and taste... I cannot concentrate. It's just an awful medication for me. I can't wait to have an appointment with my new doctor to finally say goodbye to this. I took Cipralex and Zoloft in the past, and it was better."

• Dep...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 11, 2019

Vortioxetine for Major Depressive Disorder "I have been taking Trintellix 10 mg for about 6 months now, no side effects other than low sex drive. Also, before I was laid back and sweet, and now I am so mean and so lazy. That’s why I decided to look at the reviews because I just can’t clean my house anymore, do dishes anymore, so depressed all of the time. I just want to cry when I’m not being hateful, no motivation at all, and now I see what the problem is. Thanks, guys. I wasn’t going to quit because of the mean part because people, like my nosy neighbor, were about to really get it, lol, but I am going to discuss this with my doctor because I need to start living life again. Thanks, guys."

• Pie...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 28, 2019

Vortioxetine for Major Depressive Disorder "I tried Trintellix after failing with every antidepressant on the market for over 30 yrs. I have MDD and PTSD. I've also tried TMS and Ketamine treatment to no avail. I was on 5 mg, and it worked for a while. The sexual dysfunction reminded me of the same problem I've had with all the SSRIs. After the 4th week, I became aggressive and very angry, plus weight gain. I then stopped. May work for some but not for me (and it's very expensive...not worth the $$). Make sure you wean yourself slowly off this drug."

• Joh...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 31, 2022

Vortioxetine for Major Depressive Disorder "Took a lot of different medications for depression ever since I was 18. I'm now 30. The problem that always affected me with venlafaxine, which maintained me good and 'alive,' is the sexual side effects. So, all my life I got to find strategies, like stopping taking it, even though I know it is wrong. Had hope in Trintellix, but my experience with it is terrible: Gave me extreme sadness, hopelessness, apathy, like going into a 'hole of darkness' for no reason. From what I see here, everybody has an awesome experience with it, besides vomiting, which is completely bearable, compared to what I am describing. If you feel what I feel with this 'magic pill,' you are not alone. Talk to your doctor and switch it."

• dee...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 12, 2016

Vortioxetine for Depression "My Dr. started me on 10 mg for a month, and then raised it to 20 mg. I was having general anxiety and some depression. It does seem to have helped, though no cure. The psychological side effects are much better for me than with other antidepressants, which sometimes caused odd feelings of separation from the world around me and a 'foggy' state. I also have lost weight since beginning Brintellix. There is a huge reduction in sex drive and response. Other than that, it's a positive experience. Cialis would help with the sexual performance issues, but I'm unable to take it since it causes severe back pain for me. After about 5 months, I'm not sure I'm willing to stay on it. Also, it's expensive, even with the $150 per month discount coupon."

• Mis...
• February 7, 2015

Vortioxetine for Depression "I've only been on Brintellix for 3 weeks, and I am about to reach my 'therapeutic dose' of 20 mg as prescribed by my psychiatrist (started at 5 mg and have been going up 5 mg each week). I've experienced zero nausea, which seems to be the biggest complaint people have. I was warned to take the pill with a full breakfast, though, so maybe that has helped? I've also not had a decrease in sexual desire nor the ability to perform, which is awesome. By the second day, I felt almost intensely cheery and had great urges to do artistic activities. The only side effect I seem to have had is very vivid dreams. No nightmares, though. Just high-def dreams about walking my dog or shopping."

• suz...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 9, 2023

Vortioxetine for Depression "Very happy with it. Have been taking it for 4-5 years. Not many side effects. Maybe a loss of interest in sex. I have no weight gain and no nausea. In the beginning, when we adjusted the dosage, I had heart palpitations. When drinking wine, I sometimes feel tremors. Does not totally take away depression, but helps. I take it with amitriptyline. Works well together."

• Tee...
• December 16, 2015

Vortioxetine for Depression "I've been taking this for about two months. I had previously taken Cymbalta for the past three to five years, but felt it had lost its effectiveness and was causing severe decreased libido. I have gained two to four pounds, constantly itch, am very moody, easily agitated, feel more depressed than before, and still no sexual desire. 40-year-old female."

• gat...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 23, 2018

Vortioxetine for Depression "After trying many other medications, I am happy with my experience with Trintellix. I take 10 mg once daily for depression and anxiety. I don’t feel like a zombie, have not had any sexual side effects or weight gain. The only adverse reaction I experience is very mild nausea after taking, so I take it in the evenings before bed."

• Ska...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 15, 2018

Vortioxetine for Depression "If I have to be on an antidepressant, and I do, then Trintellix is the one I've had the best experience with. I'm still on a 20 mg dose and I feel leveled, a little bit anxious, but otherwise very little spiraling or anything like that which I had in the past. I've had issues with many other SSRI/SNRI class antidepressants in the past (primarily anxiety and sexual side effects). But Trintellix seems to be very, very manageable side effect-wise. Would be $50 with my insurance copay, but I signed up for a card on a website and I pay $10 a month now, so not bad."

• KC6...
• February 10, 2017

For Depression "I had been on generic Lexapro 10 mg for about 18 months, and it treated my depression well, but I gained almost 40 pounds, was a bit sleepy, and was experiencing sexual side effects. I was scared to try something else, but the weight gain was just too much, especially since it seemed to continue. My doctor gave me Trintellix 10 mg samples, which I've taken for a month, and what a difference! I no longer feel sleepy all of the time, and the difficulty in achieving orgasm is gone. As for the weight issue, I'll have to see if it helps. I feel much more 'normal' than on Lexapro as far as energy and mental focus. The only downside is I do feel more anxious and have more nervous energy, so I don't know how well this drug would treat anxiety."

• Abd...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 30, 2017

Vortioxetine for Depression "The medication worked well for 6 months with no sexual side effects. However, after that, I have noticed that Trintellix is not effective as it used to be, and I dealt with low libido. Once I stopped the medication, my sexual desire was back. Overall, the medication deserves a trial, especially if your insurance covers it. Good luck, everyone."

• Abd...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 30, 2017

Vortioxetine for Depression "The medication worked well for 6 months with no sexual side effects. However, after that, I have noticed that Trintellix is not effective as it used to be, and I dealt with low libido. Once I stopped the medication, my sexual desire was back. Overall, the medication deserves a trial, especially if your insurance covers it. Good luck, everyone."

• Mis...
• November 20, 2017

Vortioxetine for Major Depressive Disorder "Life-changing experience. I have been on many different medications on and off over the years, and Trintellix is honestly the only thing that worked for me. Pros: I was able to eat again! My depression and anxiety had caused me to lose over 30 pounds in just a few months, and I looked sickly. After 2 weeks on Trintellix, I got my appetite back. My anxiety reduced, but didn't fully subside. I had Xanax for emergencies when Trintellix couldn't control my anxiety. I was still able to feel emotions and never had sexual dysfunction. It helped me get my sleeping back on track, and I was able to establish a normal sleep schedule. Cons: Cost, thank goodness my doctor had a lot of samples because I could not afford the monthly cost every month."

• Hei...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 8, 2016

Vortioxetine for Depression "I've tried three different SSRIs and one SNRI and have the same side effect with them all. I can't achieve an orgasm. My psychiatrist put me on Trintellix because it's not supposed to cause this problem, and it doesn't. On the other hand, I can't tell much difference in my depression, and I can't sleep. I'm back to having mild panic attacks, and I feel like I've had a breathing treatment with all the 'wonderful,' not, side effects. This isn't the medicine for me. I've only been taking it a little over three weeks, but my psychiatrist is getting a phone call tomorrow."

• Man...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 23, 2020

For Depression "Love this. Been on many meds for many years, and each were either ineffective or came with unwanted side effects - mainly loss of libido. Clomipramine worked like a dream for panic but completely blocked any interest in sex. Started on a low dose, 5 mg, with no side effects, and libido gradually returned. Now on 10 mg and maintain interest in sex, and panic is very well controlled. Everyone is different, but for me, this is by far the best med I have used for panic disorder."