Brintellix Forums (Page 4)

Can serotonin syndrome be caused by 20 mg of brintellix and 100 mg of seroquil? I am very sensitive to meds and any minor change in medication dosage. I am experiencing bad anxiety and agitation as well as severe diarrhea. Anything that I eat comes out the other way immediately as liquid. I have lost 5 pounds in 5 days. I don't have the flu that I know of. I do not have the serious symptoms of serotonin syndrome though. Could this just be a bad interaction? ## Hello, Ceili! How are you? Has there been any change? Those could also just be side effects of one, or both, of these medications, as listed by the FDA. You may also experience nausea, dizziness, headache and dry mouth. Are you on any other medications? How long have you been taking these? ## Hi. You are taking the highest rec...

2 REPLIES

Day 7 on 10mg Brintellix. Nausea improving. Daily neck pain and headaches. Anxiety through the roof. Not sleeping at all. Insane watery diarrhea since day 5. Need something mainly for anxiety. Not feeling hopeful about Brintellix. ## I'm very sorry that you're so miserable. Those can be normal side effects of such a medication, usually they last about 3 to 4 weeks, before tapering off and then going away entirely. You may also experience dizziness and weight changes, as reported by the FDA. Has there been any change, yet?

1 REPLY

I started taking 10mg Brintellix 2 weeks ago ( also taking lithium). After weaning of mirtazipine - what a nightmare!!!!. I have been constantly sick , suffering insomnia, mood swings, no appetite,etc. Is this normal crossover symptoms and do I give the Brintellix more time?? .I have tried nearly every antidepressant around. Was really hoping this one would be "it". I appreciate any feed back. Thanks ## Hello, Carn! How are you? Yes, those may be withdrawal symptoms coupled with side effects. The only way to find out is to give it a few more weeks and see if things settle down and you start to feel better. You may also experience dizziness, headache and weight changes. If things don't improve after about a month of being on it, then you should inform your doctor. Is there an...

2 REPLIES

Not too sure about Brintellix yet. Very low dose (5mg) once a day for 4 days now. One positive: more alert, and depression doesn't feel as 'depressing'. Minor nausea, headache, sleep disruptive, some racing thoughts at night. Most disappointing - a persistent low level anxiety seems present and I'm on it primarily for GAD. This med seems much less compatible for me than Klonopin prn. Was hoping for better results but will stay on Brintellix 4-5 days more to see if symptoms abate. ## How are you doing today with the Brintellix? ## @Sailorcat, From what I understand, antidepressants like Brintellix can take several days or weeks to start working as indicated. However if side effects become too unbearable, I would still suggest discussing other options with your doctor. Als...

3 REPLIES

Female. 58 yrs. old. Major Depressive Disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder & General Anxiety following vehicle accident. On Effexor XR for 6 yrs. (highest dosage 187.5 mg, lowest dosage managed 112.5 mg). It did not work well for me but better than nothing. I began titrating from Effexor xr to Brintellix on Jan. 18, 2015. Effexor finished on Feb. 15th. Increased Brintellix from 10 to 15mg six days ago. I popped out of bed at 6:00 a.m. this morning happy & motivated (had 9 hours of good quality sleep). Then at 1:00 p.m. I became incredibly irritable (definitely not my nature). Will this irritability pass as it is scarey and not nice for my family to be around me? ## I too have been irritable for about 2 months. I have been taking 10 mg for a month and before that I took 5 mg ...

2 REPLIES

I have been on this drug (10mg) for about five months. I found it less effective than citalopram in helping with my mood but I have a bit more energy. It worked enough for me to stay on it. At first I was not constipated at all but the last three months now I have had to take multiple stool softeners a day just to be able to go at all. I am considering quitting the drug. ## Hello, Sarah! How are you? I'm sorry about the problem you've having. This medication can cause constipation in some people that take it, as reported by the FDA, along with nausea, dry mouth and weight changes. However, having been on it this long, it should have eased off, by now. I'd suggest consulting your doctor as it may not be the right medication for you to take. Is there anything else I can help w...

1 REPLY

i have been on 5mg of Brintellix for a week for anxiety and depression. My doctor wants me to go up to 10mg. She said the drug should also help me with focus. I still feel anxious and a little dull witted. I have burned food on the stove twice which is a rarity for me. It mentions in the warnings not to drive a car until I know the full effect of the Brintellix. Now, how realistic is that? Now I am nervous about driving my grandkids. So much for helping my anxiety. I am now nervous about going up to 10mg. I know this drug probably will not take effect for a few weeks but I am not sure if I should continue. ## Hello, Mary! How are you? Unfortunately, you'll get that same warning with almost all medications, due to the fact that there's a risk of them making you dizzy and drowsy. ...

1 REPLY

I have been on Brintellix 10mg for 4 weeks. I feel very little improvement. I am also on Wellbutrin 300mg. Should I give it more time or switch meds? I am fatigued, have low motivation, and cry easily. ## Hello, Helen! How are you? Usually, you'd start to see improvement around 4 to 5 weeks, once it reaches its full level of efficacy in your body. If you've not have any improvement by now, you may need to try a different medication. The FDA lists its typical side effects as possibly including nausea, dizziness, headache, dry mouth and weight changes. Is there anything else I can help with?

1 REPLY

Hello, I hope someone can help me as my psychiatrist is not much help. I was on Brintellix 5mg for about a month my Dr then moved me up to 10mg and I have been on that dosage for 2 months. So a total of about 3 months. At first I thought it was working and was feeling good about it, recently I have had some major stress in my life and I really think it is making things worse than better. I have also gained about 25 pounds in 3 months, I have severe run to the bathroom diarrhea and I am constantly sweating for no reason. My question since I have only been on it for 3 months would I need to taper or could I just stop taking it? I am very concerned with withdrawal symptoms after I had read that they can be severe. My insurance is still pending approval as well, my PCP has been helping me o...

5 REPLIES

I was taking Cymgen 60mg for about 7 months, and I recently changed to Brintellix. To ween myself off of Cymgen, I took a half dosage for 8 days, then took both my new prescription of Brintellix and my half dose of Cymgen for another 4 days before completely stopping with Cymgen, as recommended by my psychiatrist. I have had horrible withdrawal symptoms, and I'd like some indication of how long they should last for? They include vertigo, dizziness, headaches, nausea etc.. ## Hello, Gabby! How are you? Have your symptoms gotten any better? You may actually be experiencing a double whammy, withdrawal effects from stopping the one, as well as new side effects from starting the Brintellix, the FDA lists everything you mentioned as being among it's typical side effects. You may also ...

1 REPLY

My husband started taking 10 mg. of Brintellix as a sample for a sudden case of severe depression after a 2 week withdrawal from Zoloft. Now he is like a Zombie, sleeping, walking like an old man, and falling down with little energy to even get up. ## He should inform his doctor as it sounds like this may not be the right medication for him to take. The FDA lists its typical side effects as possibly including nausea, dizziness, headache, weight changes and dry mouth. Is there anything else I can help with?

1 REPLY

I've been on 10mg of Brintellix for 3 weeks now after a week of taking 5mgs. Initially the nausea was bad in the morning, but that has recently improved a lot. My experience so far is that it has drastically reduced my anxiety spikes and it's incredible to no longer be at the mercy of those horrible gripping pangs in my solar plexus. I used to drink quite a lot of wine over weekends because I found it helped with my social anxiety (despite facing the consequences of malaise the following day!) But did not feel the urge to have any wine this weekend and was not as much in need of something to relax and enjoy myself. My boyfriend complained that I was a bit of a zombie the first week or so, but I feel increasingly sharper and more able to think on my feet and remember stuff. So far I

I don't know if this is the correct forum but i am kind of searching for answers. I recently starring seeing someone who stopped taking brintellix cold turkey. He has decided to step away until his withdrawal symptoms have ceased. I was told about the discontinuation a week ago but i do not know exactly when it was stopped. I am concerned and just wanted some insight into the course of this withdrawal. Thanks. ## A sudden withdrawal from this medication can include irritability, rebound depression, rebound pain and diarrhea, as listed by the FDA. So there is valid reason to be concerned. He'd actually do better if he spoke to his doctor and did a slow taper. Depending on how long he was on it and what dose he was taking, it could take a few weeks, before things stabilize. Is the...

1 REPLY

Hi friends, I started Brintellix a week ago and I really like the calming effects..but I have been totally constipated for 4 days and it's crazy? I know that constipation is the #1 side effrect for brintellix, but does anyone have any experience with the constipation going away after awhile/ I'd love to stay on this if I could..thanks! ## Hello, Daveboy! How are you? Typically, side effects tend to improve once your body gets used to a medication, which is around 4 weeks in, or so. However, in the meantime, you may want to speak to your doctor about taking a fiber supplement or something else you can use to alleviate the constipation. The FDA lists the other typical side effects as possibly including nausea, dizziness, dry mouth and weight changes. Is there anything else I can h...

1 REPLY

I just started taking brintellix and info. guide says not to take tramadol with. What can I take to replace the tramadol? ## Hello, Jackie! How are you? Virtually any of the other opiates are fine, as long as your doctor approves. Most do not cause the same interaction. The FDA list narcotics as having the potential to be habit forming and may cause side effects, such as nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth and constipation. Brintellix may cause side effects, such as nausea, dizziness, dry mouth, weight changes and constipation. Is there anything else I can help with?

1 REPLY

What pain reliever can I take with brintellix? I currently take tramodal ## Hello Jackie! How are you? Most of the other opiates are fine, such as Oxycodone, Morphine, Lortab, Percocet and Opana. You doctor should be able to help you decide on which one would be safest for you to try. The FDA classifies these medications as narcotic analgesics, so they carry the risk of being habit forming and may cause side effects, such as nausea, dizziness, headache, dry mouth and constipation. Brintellix may cause side effects, such as nausea, dizziness, headache, dry mouth, vision changes and constipation. Is there anything else I can help with?

1 REPLY

Hi I am 18 am was recently put on brintellix, it is my third day on it and I am experiencing a dull chest pain. But it is hard to tell if anything is wrong since. I also have anxiety disorder which sometimes gives me chest pain, but I am somewhat scared because I don't want it to be something serious. This is the second antidepressant I have been on. AnD I just want it to work, it is so hard..I feel like crying. I don't handle things like this very well and get stressed to the point of feeling physically ill. I just want to feel better.

I'm only at 2.5 mg Brintellix and experiencing horrible chest pain! Don't think I can continue. ## Hello, Bijg! How are you feeling? I am very sorry about the chest pain. However, that is nothing to play around with and wait out, please seek medical attention to have it checked out. It could be due to the medication, but there's also a risk that it isn't. so it's best to be careful. As listed by the FDA, Brintellix can cause a lot of GI issues, which may explain this symptom. Other side effects may possibly include nausea, dizziness, dry mouth, diarrhea, dizziness and abnormal dreams. Is there anything else I can help with?

1 REPLY

Hi I've been taking brintellix for six days and I am also taking 25mg of hydrochlothazide, 37.5 of phentermine and 20 meqs of potassium ×2 and I am having pains (6 on a scale of one to ten) in my left upper thing (back), back of knee, inside ankle and foot / heel. My left leg/ thigh in warmer then the right probably because of the pain. My leg also feels 'dry' which is weird. I have some gastritis but nothing unreasonable. I do have to hurry to the restroom after I take my morning dose of brintellix- which I take with all the other meds. It doesnt cause too much nausea but definitely some. I am afraid that maybe something is severely wrong because of my left limb pain. Its not swollen just a little numb and very sore. My bottom hurts also. Am I doing something wrong? I ...

1 REPLY

Been on BRINTELLIX 20mg x7mths & last week was started on Bactrium DS X10 days for a smashed / skin split open -- two days after injury = redness, etc. Now on lat 3 days of the 10day, have developed nausea to abd. Pain/bloat & 5 hrs later = projectile vomiting. Today, N&V persist and now having a temp ~100 and also a generalized H/A of a 5...of course no energy, etc....also severe hip/back/leg pain to burning feet since Aug. 2 when I got beat up.. Is this b/cuz of the med combo or something totally different? Thanks! ## Hello, Linn5605! How are you feeling? It actually sounds like you may be experiencing a lot of side effects or a reaction to the Bactrim, it does cause those types of issues in some people that take it. Have things improved, at all? When do you finish your co...

1 REPLY