Trintellix and Anxiety: What Users Say (Page 3)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"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

"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

"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."

• JJJ...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 26, 2015

For Major Depressive Disorder "This medication was/is horrible. I have been on every medication in the book. My doctor decided that it would be a good switch from Cymbalta (120). I was taking it for major depression/anxiety, as well as back pain. I am in a very advanced anatomy class and my anxiety went up. This is not unusual for me, as I have a general anxiety disorder. My doctor pushed me to try Brintellix to help with my cognition. I took it for two weeks (making my way up to 20 mg), and have been miserable. Crying, unbelievable anxiety, throwing up, no sex drive. Today I had enough. I told my doctor I was done with it. It has been a terrible experience."

• Npe...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 23, 2019

For Major Depressive Disorder "Does this drug have any benefits for anxiety and anxiety attacks? After increasing from 5 mg for 3 months, I have increased to 7.5 mg. More anxiety, especially in the afternoon. If I didn’t take Ativan, I couldn’t take this med. Any comments? I want the best drug for anxiety. Is this as good as it gets?"

• psy...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 7, 2015

For Depression "Was on Brintellix 5 mg for two months. Had some improvement, and the side effects weren't too bad but included nausea, diarrhea, insomnia, jittery feelings, and loss of libido. Bumped it up to 10 mg at the advice of my doctor and again had more improvement, but the side effects increased and the hives started. At first, I didn't realize it was the medication, though I had read the precautions. My memory and focus seemed better overall. After 4 months of the 10 mg, I noticed a personality change. I became lazy, had no motivation, and procrastinated important tasks. This was completely out of character for me. As time went on, this got worse. Plus, the cost was outrageous! I have been off of the Brintellix for two weeks now and am improving."

• Dan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 25, 2021

For Depression "First day taking Trintellix 5 mg. My anxiety is 1,000 times worse in just a few hours. Completely exhausted, but I've been rolling around in bed for hours, kicking at the sheets. Headache. Weird tension. This is a terrible drug. I won't be taking any further doses."

• Cam...
• May 8, 2018

For Major Depressive Disorder "On this, I had a jittery feeling, bad dry mouth, crying all the time, mood swings, irritable! Eye pain, bad! Foggy vision, slept all day and all night!!! Couldn't get out of bed on my days off, constipated, nauseous! Stomach and back pain, unsteady on my feet. I was on it for 3 months, and I stopped taking it today."

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

For Depression "I'm only on day 3, but thought I would share since I was looking for first couple of day reviews and couldn't find very many. I read enough to know to take it AFTER eating, and I have experienced very little to no nausea. (THC may have helped this.) I did have some burping on the 3rd night. The main thing I notice is my thoughts after taking it and sleep. The first 2 nights, I feel I got a little paranoid and some increased anxiety and noticed it was taking me longer to fall asleep. Took my 3rd dose last night, and I have yet to go to sleep. Been up for 18 hours. I even took this dose a lot earlier than the other 2 because I noticed it was taking me longer to fall asleep. I usually took it between 9 and 10, but last night I took it between 7 and 8."

• Ded...
• July 18, 2018

For Depression "Trintellix for 3 weeks. Weaned off Effexor 150 mg. Week 1 down to 110.5 mg Effexor. Week two 75 mg Effexor/5 mg Trintellix. Week three 37.5 mg Effexor/10 mg Trintellix. Now 10 mg Trintellix only. The first two weeks were not great. Anxiety kicked up – the doctor gave Xanax to help while changing doses. Nausea, but nothing I couldn't handle. The past week has been better. The last 2-3 days, anxiety has gone down a lot. Less anxiety without needing benzo is great. A major benefit - joint pain has greatly improved. For several months, I had severe left ankle pain - attributed it to injuries I had in my 20s. Next came severe pains in my left thumb and right index finger at the knuckle. Thought it was the onset of arthritis. Really sucked because I'm a guitar player. At 37.5 mg Effexor/10 mg Trintellix, joint pain started getting better. Clued in - maybe due to a change in Rx. Looked it up - Effexor is known to cause joint pains like the ones I've experienced. This is especially true when coming off Effexor. Joint pain is not totally gone but 80-90% better."

• Aaa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 25, 2018

For Depression "Initially helped pull me out of depression. But made anxiety and restlessness worse and worse. Gave me restless leg syndrome and had a 3-day stretch where I had 0 sleep even with Vistaril the first night, double the Vistaril the second, and 3 Ativans to finally enjoy maybe 4 hours on the 3rd. Made my mind feel so stimulated my thoughts were racing and even vivid, like I was living in a dream. And the worst effect was the itching and the feeling of wanting to jump out of my skin. Went off completely and started Zoloft. It's a lot better for anxiety."