{"id":628645,"date":"2024-06-18T14:57:23","date_gmt":"2024-06-18T18:57:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=628645"},"modified":"2024-10-25T09:54:11","modified_gmt":"2024-10-25T13:54:11","slug":"trintellix-withdrawal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/trintellix-withdrawal\/","title":{"rendered":"How long does Trintellix withdrawal last?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Trintellix<\/span><\/a> (vortioxetine) is a brand-name prescription medication that’s approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults. Some healthcare providers also prescribe it <\/span>off-label<\/span><\/a> for <\/span>anxiety<\/span><\/a>. Although it’s classified as an atypical antidepressant, Trintellix works similarly to <\/span>selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)<\/span><\/a> such as fluoxetine or paroxetine. Its active ingredient, vortioxetine, helps balance serotonin levels in the brain, improving mood control and cognitive function. <\/span><\/p>\n

Trintellix is effective, but may not be right for everyone. Stopping Trintellix should always be done under the medical advice of a healthcare professional. Abruptly quitting Trintellix could result in a type of withdrawal called <\/span>antidepressant discontinuation syndrome<\/span><\/a>, which triggers common side effects such as headache and nausea. In some cases, stopping Trintellix may cause temporary mood dysfunction.<\/span><\/p>\n

Understanding Trintellix (vortioxetine) withdrawal<\/span><\/h2>\n

There is limited research on Trintellix withdrawal. A <\/span>review published in 2021<\/span><\/a> included data from only 263 people who had discontinued this drug. Of that group, eight people (3%) experienced negative side effects. However, <\/span>research on other antidepressant stoppage<\/span><\/a> has found that about 20% of people develop antidepressant discontinuation syndrome, a constellation of flu-like symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Abruptly stopping antidepressant medication can lead to withdrawal symptoms and may worsen depression,” confirmed Jodie Pepin, Pharm.D., clinical pharmacy program director at <\/span>Harbor Health<\/span><\/a>. <\/span><\/p>\n

That said, Trintellix is an atypical antidepressant with a long half-life, which means it takes about two weeks for the body to clear the last dose of Trintellix. Board-certified psychiatrist <\/span>Sid Khurana, MD<\/span><\/a>, the medical director of outpatient services at Nevada Mental Health in Las Vegas, says this long half-life allows some patients to stop Trintellix without tapering the dose.<\/span><\/p>\n

Though withdrawal is unlikely and tapering may not be necessary, many providers still take a “better safe than sorry” approach. Antidepressants change the activity of chemicals in the brain, after all. A gradual release from the drug further reduces the risk of negative effects.<\/span><\/p>\n

“Always consult your healthcare prescriber before discontinuing any medication, especially those used for mental health challenges due to the risk of suicidal ideations and attempts,” said <\/span>Christina M. Madison, Pharm.D.<\/span><\/a>, founder of The Public Health Pharmacist.<\/span><\/p>\n

Timeline for Trintellix withdrawal<\/span><\/h3>\n

There is no established timeline for Trintellix withdrawal because this drug is not strongly associated with withdrawal. However, the Trintellix research review found that the 3% of patients who experienced withdrawal-like side effects developed them within five days of their last dose. Symptoms resolved within three days for some and up to 10 days for others. <\/span><\/p>\n

Antidepressant discontinuation syndrome has a similar timeline. These symptoms typically occur two to four days after drug cessation and last one to two weeks.<\/span><\/p>\n

Overall, if a person experiences withdrawal from stopping Trintellix, the symptoms should resolve within a couple of weeks. It’s a good idea to consult a healthcare provider if unexplained symptoms or new depression symptoms persist several weeks after quitting Trintellix.<\/span><\/p>\n

Common symptoms of Trintellix withdrawal<\/span><\/h3>\n

Temporary <\/span>side effects of Trintellix discontinuation<\/span><\/a> include:<\/span><\/p>\n