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Trintellix (vortioxetine) for Major Depression or possibly Anxiety.
Does anyone take Trintellix for Major Depression or Anxiety?
My doctor recently (5 weeks ago) took me off Zoloft/sertraline and prescribed me the relatively new medication Trintellix (vortioxetine),
10 mg/daily. Along with Parkinson's Disease, I've lived with PTSD most of my life (currently 74 yrs old), was diagnose Bipolar 1 many years ago, and my social anxiety has gotten progressively worse. I went out on my own at age 14 after being severely beaten by my stepfather (my father was incarcerated for four years when I was eleven, and I had been living with various relatives until returning home at age 13). I'm a Vietnam vet, seeing a psychiatrist and neurologist through the VA--a hit and miss situation, especially since the recent staffing changes. I'd been taking Benzos (prescribed as much as 4 mg/day, along with Ambien, for more than 30 years when diagnosed with PD while living abroad). Upon my return to the states, I had a doctor who continued my Benzos--2 mg/daily until relocating to Monterey, CA. The VA does not prescribe Benzos, but my neurologist (outside of VA) prescribed Xanax/alprazolam 2 mg/day (for my Parkinson's) until I found a better neurologist at the Palo Alto VA Hospital--next to Stanford Univ., where I got the head of the school's neurology department to see me, but abruptly stopped Benzos. That was about five months ago. I'm not adapting well at all. Without being active: surfing , playing tennis regularly, and doing martial arts, I've become isolated and nervous/afraid; I have horrible insomnia and am afraid to even leave the apartment unless necessary. I try to go to a H2O class for people with MS and PD, but am no longer able to drive and can only afford Lyft for seniors when I share a ride--doesn't happen often. My psychiatrist understands my situation, but cannot prescribe anti-anxiety meds (prohibited by the VA). I haven't found anybody in my area (through Medicare or otherwise) who will prescribe Benzos). My VA doctor prescribed Trintellix because it "may" have a side effect of reducing my anxiety. It's been five weeks since I began taking 5 mg/day (dr. says if it helps, he will increase to 10 mg.) I haven't felt any difference between the Zoloft I'd been taking and Trintellix. Has anyone taken this medication, and if so, how long did it take to work, and what did you experience? I know that abruptly stopping Benzos is no advised, and even gradually reducing them can be extraordinarily difficult and may take years to adjust even when tapering under clinical supervision. Has anyone tried either inpatient or outpatient treatment for Benzo detox? I don't even know if that is an option for me, but it's difficult for me to make it through each day. I'm nervous, afraid, and have never felt depressed for such a long time as now. I've gotten used to brief periods of depression, but have never suffered major or long-term depression. I know it will end, but currently, life is not much fun.
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@horowitz71
Hi,
Thanks for the reply. It seems you are very self aware including what triggers or eases any symptoms . That's a great capability, as not everyone has that.
Were you taking the benzos daily or as needed?
I know what you mean about benzos largely being safe when used as per instructons.
The reason I mentioned the reinstatement (with option of weaning) was not to indicate danger with them, but only that perhaps the Drs may be more open to resintatement if the ultimate purpose was weaning. Even though that's not the desired pathway , *compared* to abrupt withdrawal, it seems more ideal.
But I don't want to accidentally give the wrong advice /say the wrong thing. I just know from experiences with other meds, abrupt withdrawal can wreak havoc with the CNS.
From what you are saying, the other Dr who did prescribe was further away/no longer accessible? Given they've already seen you in person, do they offer remove consults?
(Also apoligies, I addressed/assumed your name was Dave before, but realised that was another poster's name)
I've been on Trintellix 20mg since it came out. I noticed a difference right away. The nausea i found taking it after food helps.
I also had 22 rounds of ect electoral shock therapy. It really helped. I m 57. I started the antidepressants guess game 40 years old after my husband died.
Good luck to you.
My body didn't respond well to Trintellix--stomach problems and nausea for the month or so I was trying
it. My doctor suggested I try Quetiapine (Seroquel) 25mg, which is a good adjunct to the divalproex (Depakote) 750mg which works exceptionally well to treat my episodes of hypomania. I've been taking it for about 3 months now, with no negative side effects. It also seems to help with insomnia as well. While researching Trintellix, people who stayed well-hydrated and took it with meals greatly helped alleviate nausea. Thank you for your feedback, and best wishes as we begin a fresh, and hopefully Happy New Year!
@mwendt54
Maybe you need a new physchiatrist
@mwendt54 "attack" is a bit much
@mwendt54 sny goid doctor will tell you xanax is no bueno long term. It will in fact make the anxiety worse. Don't believe me, ask around. Im just trying to inform the uninformed.
@joseph70
Unhelpful to say the least. I’ve tried every medication under the sun for over 50 years. I think I know myself better than you.
@joseph70
Not really. What are your credentials? I was relaying my own experience and not attacking anyone. Enough is enough. Your type of responses are just not helpful to anyone about their own situation.
@joseph70
Stop already. You aren’t helping by putting other people down. If I hadn’t been prescribed Xanax years ago my life would have consisted of laying in bed 24/7 for years and years. Are they the best option, obviously not but I’m 71 years old and at this point I’d like to live with some peace or why keep on trying? At least be open to what helps others without your personal judgement. It does no good. Just my opinion. You don’t need to agree but at the same time you have no right to judge others for what helps them live a somewhat normal life.
@mwendt54
Prolonged use of Xanax causing more anxiety is not an opinion, it is fact. Your psychiatrist should know this, but go ahead and keep using the same psychiatrist. That is totally your call to make.