[Msboot]

I've been on 20mg of Brintellix with 600 mg of lithium for a few weeks and I hate it. The Brintellix seems to make my stomach queasy so I tend to skip taking both meds. I've been off for 5 days now and not doing well. Does anyone feel yucky with Brintellix?

[glok]

Hello, Msboot. I have not been prescribed Brintellix. Your psychiatrist needs to know what is going on to make any adjustments that are indicated.

[ashland]

^^^^^^^^^^I agree....

[shabur]

I'm on Brintellix and I've had no problems. Have you tried it with food? Without food? Rather than take yourself off it I would suggest you let your doc know immediately. Going back on them can be difficult.

[Turtlet0es]

I take 10mg Brintellix a day and it makes me nauseous too. Talk to your doc and ask if an antiemetic can be safely added in I'm on Zofran (Ondansetron) to combat the nausea and it does a great job keeping it at bay.

[mgb46]

I had bad luck with Brintellix myself. Couldn't stand the nausea and flat affect after 3 weeks.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Inca1]

I just started Brintellix on Saturday and have nausea problems as well. For me, the nausea usually gets better as the day goes on, I do hope it stops at some point during the next week.

[metamorphosis12]

I am debating whether I will start it. My pdoc has only prescribed it to a few patients so far. He generally like more feedback overall from other pdocs and patients before he starts prescribing a new drug. I think he has about 4-6 of his patients on it right now. He has said to me. That it can have a nasty withdrawal. So, I am going to do some more research on it. As it affects 5HT7 as an antagonist. I believe. It is a serotonergic drug.

Serotonin transporter (SERT) blocker (i.e. serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SRI)) — Ki (binding affinity) = 1.6 nM, IC50 = 5.4 nM
Norepinephrine transporter (NET) blocker — Ki = 113 nM
5-HT1A receptor high-efficacy partial agonist/near-full agonist — Ki = 15 nM, IA = 80%
5-HT1B receptor partial agonist — Ki = 33 nM
5-HT1D receptor antagonist — Ki = 54 nM
5-HT3A receptor antagonist — Ki = 3.7 nM
5-HT7 receptor antagonist — Ki = 19 nM
Vortioxetine also has affinity for the β1-adrenergic receptor (Ki = 46 nM), though any actions at this site are unlikely to contribute to its therapeutic effects and likely only to contribute to side effects.[19]
It has also been shown that vortioxetine increases extracellular levels of acetylcholine and histamine in the rat medial prefrontal cortex following contextual fear conditioning and may be useful in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.[17]

Vortioxetine - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

I was off. It is also a NET blocker. Plus some tests on the old rats increases acetylcholine in the prefrontal cortex. Which would be a good thing. With any new drug, it's a wait and see approach to how the masses of patients respond! It was approved by double blind studies by a pharmaceutical company who invests millions to push it through the stages for patent by the FDA. Using doctors that work for the company to work the studies!

Of course that happens in any pharmaceutical industry and the results very. It's good to be cautiously optimistic.

Conclusions:
In this study of adults with MDD treated for 8 weeks with vortioxetine 2.5 mg or 5 mg per day, reductions in depression symptoms were not statistically significant compared with placebo. Study limitations are discussed, including patient characteristics, MDD severity, drug dosing, and aspects of trial design. Both doses of vortioxetine were well tolerated.

This study was from 2013. from government trials
This trial has been registered at clinicaltrials.gov #NCT00672620
informahealthcare.com/doi/abs/10.1185/03007995.2012.761600

More along the lines that I was thinking of earlier.
From a May2014 study:

Expert opinion: Despite the fact that industry-sponsored studies are more likely than other clinical trials to support efficacy of the experimental drug, results have been mixed. Some studies supported that vortioxetine is superior to placebo in the treatment of MDD and some do not. Two studies supported the efficacy of vortioxetine in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder and two do not. The incidence of sexual dysfunction has varied considerably in different studies, but cardiac effects and psychomotor impairment seem to be minimal. Advantages of vortioxetine over existing antidepressants are not yet clear

from:
informahealthcare.com/doi/abs/10.1517/17425255.2014.904286

This is from a mammoth sized paper:

Discussion
Vortioxetine 5–20 mg/day represents a new therapeutic option for the treatment of MDD, both acutely and for relapse prevention. Data for elderly patients are also supportive, with effect sizes for response and remission similar to that observed for the younger adults. Vortioxetine is not associated with excessive somnolence or with clinically meaningful changes in weight. The mechanism of action may be different enough from other available antidepressants to make it a reasonable option to try in the face of inadequate efficacy or tolerability issues with other agents, despite the apparent differences in effect size for response/remission observed with venlafaxine in one study [10], and the pooled data for duloxetine [12, 21, 22]. Although certainly not unique to vortioxetine, nausea can be an obstacle to adherence, especially at the highest recommended dose. In addition, although spontaneously reported AEs related to sexual dysfunction were infrequent, prospectively collected ASEX data indicate potential issues with sexual side effects, again at the highest recommended dose. Further analyses of the ASEX data, including that for the active controls, would be helpful in better understanding this, and a study evaluating the effect of vortioxetine vs. escitalopram on sexual functioning is underway (NCT01364649). Despite these potential issues, the NNH vs. placebo for discontinuation because of an AE was numerically relatively favourable (NNH 36, 95% CI 24–70), compared with that observed with venlafaxine (NNH 10, 95% CI 6–26) or duloxetine (NNH 20, 95% CI 14–39) in the vortioxetine clinical trial programme.

Several limitations to this systematic review need to be made explicit. Available so far are the results of carefully conducted registration trials that enrolled subjects who fulfilled restrictive inclusion/exclusion criteria. Such patients may differ from persons encountered in routine clinical practice. For example, registration trials ordinarily exclude patients with current comorbid substance use disorders, untreated medical conditions, current suicidality, or who require concomitant use of other psychotropic agents. Known non-responders to antidepressants are also usually excluded from participating in these types of registration trials. Moreover, adherence to treatment in a clinical trial is enhanced compared with less structured settings. Thus, pragmatic clinical trials that are more generalisable will help place vortioxetine in clinical perspective for its use in the ‘real world’.

Relying on spontaneously reported AEs to determine their incidence may underestimate what can actually be observed in clinical practice where patients are usually specifically asked about commonly occurring side effects. This is particularly the case with sexual side effects where patients may be reluctant to bring them up. The use of the ASEX in many of the studies described in this review helps in more accurately ascertaining true rates of treatment-emergent sexual dysfunction.

The time course for achieving response/remission and for encountering AEs is also of importance to the clinical utility of a medication. AEs that are short-lived and perhaps easily manageable, such as nausea, will be less likely to be an obstacle than AEs such as weight gain which can be persistent and more difficult to ameliorate. Plotting the time course of the NNT for response/remission and the NNH for a specific AE or for discontinuation because of an AE, may help further characterise what can be expected when using a medication. An example of analysing NNT over time can be found in an analysis of duloxetine where the estimated NNT decreased steadily from a value of 79 after 1 week of treatment to a value of 6 after 9 weeks of acute treatment [45].

An additional limitation of this review is that a substantial amount of the data was obtained from posters presented at professional meetings [21-25]. Posters are not subject to the peer-review process of a medical journal, and the results presented at professional meetings prior to formal publication may be subject to further quality review and subsequent revision. At present, the product label is the most authoritative source of information regarding vortioxetine. It is anticipated that the publication of additional peer-reviewed study reports will soon occur, as well as the public availability of the FDA's Drug Approval Package, providing additional data and explanations [46].

In addition to any recently completed and ongoing trials listed in Table 2, such as studies examining cognition (NCT01422213, NCT01564862, NCT01607125), several clinical trials are pending as enumerated in the FDA's approval letter for vortioxetine [47]. These include paediatric studies for the treatment of MDD in patients aged 7–17 years, a pharmacokinetic trial in subjects with severe hepatic impairment compared with healthy subjects using the 5 mg dose, a study of vortioxetine and its major metabolites as potential inhibitors of major transporters as recommended by the drug–drug interaction guidance, and a controlled trial to evaluate the longer term (i.e., maintenance) efficacy of multiple fixed doses of vortioxetine in the treatment of adults with MDD in the US [47].

Conclusions
Vortioxetine is a multi-modal 5-HT3, 5-HT7, and 5-HT1D receptor antagonist, 5-HT1B receptor partial agonist, 5-HT1A receptor agonist and inhibitor of the 5-HT transporter, and was approved 30 September 2013 by the US FDA for the treatment of MDD. This was based on a clinical development programme that included six positive 6–8 week studies, including one study in elderly people, and one positive maintenance study in adults. The most commonly observed AEs identified in the product label are nausea, constipation and vomiting. Vortioxetine represents another option for the treatment of MDD. Vortioxetine appears to have a favourable weight-gain profile. Additional information regarding the time course of response/remission and for the commonly occurring AE of nausea would be helpful to better characterise this agent. Pending clinical trials include those examining cognitive dysfunction that can accompany MDD.

Vortioxetine for major depressive disorder: a systematic review of the efficacy and safety profile for this newly approved antidepressant ? what is the number needed to treat, number needed to harm and likelihood to be helped or harmed? - Citrome - 2

As always talk to your health care team, docs., pdocs, etc. about any questions you may have about medications and the course of action for your mental health!

[Inca1]

Metaamorphosis12,

I appreciate the information. I never trust the "it's worked well for patients I have it on," answer.

My doctor and I had a discussion about clinical trials and percentages, especially with weight gain.
He said he reads everything about the medicines and I said so do I, I told him I look at the drug site info, as well as others and if it says 1 person have some type of problem, such as weight gain then that means another person could have the same problem.

Once I got home I read the drug insert and saw where it said using aspirin and NSAID's can cause bleeding.
From other things my doctor has "forgotten" I told him, I called and asked about what I could take since I have 2 herniated discs that I have told him about before.
His nurse asked him and he said it was ok to take the aspirin. So it makes me wonder if he doesn't believe the information the drug company has in the insert or he just hopes it won't cause any problems for me.

I'm giving the medicine two weeks since he told me that it is the only one that will start working that soon.

[mgb46]

Originally Posted by Inca1

Metaamorphosis12,

I appreciate the information. I never trust the "it's worked well for patients I have it on," answer.

My doctor and I had a discussion about clinical trials and percentages, especially with weight gain.
He said he reads everything about the medicines and I said so do I, I told him I look at the drug site info, as well as others and if it says 1 person have some type of problem, such as weight gain then that means another person could have the same problem.

Once I got home I read the drug insert and saw where it said using aspirin and NSAID's can cause bleeding.
From other things my doctor has "forgotten" I told him, I called and asked about what I could take since I have 2 herniated discs that I have told him about before.
His nurse asked him and he said it was ok to take the aspirin. So it makes me wonder if he doesn't believe the information the drug company has in the insert or he just hopes it won't cause any problems for me.

I'm giving the medicine two weeks since he told me that it is the only one that will start working that soon.

Hi Inca,

Keep us posted on how you do with Brintellix. I gave it almost three weeks and it did very little, if anything for me. I hope it helps you!!!

[Inca1]

Originally Posted by mgb46

Hi Inca,

Keep us posted on how you do with Brintellix. I gave it almost three weeks and it did very little, if anything for me. I hope it helps you!!!

I don't know if it's the Brintellix or just the suggestion that it's going to start working in 2 weeks, but on the third day I found my crying episodes have just about stopped, maybe a short one for the third and fourth day.

My problem now is if it continues to work what do I do about my back pain? I haven't taken any aspirin in two days and I'm really hurting.

Because of the information on Brintellix it appears there is really no pain reviler that can safely be taken, so that just leaves shots in the back and neck, which I am really scared of and have fought doing for many years.

So do I continue to feel better for one thing and feel worse for another, which makes me frustrated, or do I give up the Brintellix or give in and try a shot?

I've made an appointment with my primary care doctor since she's the one who sent me to this doctor, so I can see what she says and also so I can tell her things that have happened with his "treatment" so she will not recommend him to anyone else. My appointment is a week from Friday, but I don't think I'll be able to not take anything for the pain until then. I guess I'll just take a chance on the aspirin and hope nothing happens.

[metamorphosis12]

Remember a lot of the main serotonergic drugs take a month two a month and a half to feel their therapeutic effects. If there are any for you. The side effects come on much faster within 4 days or so. I did start Brintellix for about a week and had already noticed sexual side effects. That are so common with SSRI's and serotonergic meds. I'm 43, and I really don't like meds,. that give me sexual issues. I am to young and healthy for that. I can understand if someone is severely depressed and needs to take the trade off for however long. I have been close to that level but have pushed through, knock on wood, No pun intended!

That said every person has different reactions to meds. They, people and docs/pdocs in general say give it at least a month. If you can stand the initial side effects. So later down the line you are not thinking. What if I had given it a fair chance? Many of the side effects may dissipate with some but if they are too serious/ too much for you. You Need to call your doctor or psychiatrist immediately.

I am still learning about this med. When I have a chance because it has some unique properties.S Some theoretical examples are it is a ht1 partial aginist like Buspar but much stronger.So it could belinked to release of Dopamine and norepinephrine in the prefrontal cortex or increase serotonin levels. It is one of the rare, especially, serotonergic drugs that affect 5HT7. It's antagonistic properties are thought to help circadian rhythms, sleep, and mood in animal studies. Like I said before it also releases acetylcholine and histamine.So theoretically the release of acetylcholine would have pro-cognitive effects and histamine release would enhance energy. Just as anti-histamine drugs make people tired.

“In vitro studies indicate that vortioxetine is a 5-HT3, 5-HT7, and 5-HT1D receptor antagonist, 5-HT1B receptor partial agonist, 5-HT1A receptor agonist and inhibitor of the serotonin (5-HT) transporter (SERT). In vivo non-clinical studies have demonstrated that vortioxetine enhances levels of the neurotransmitters serotonin, noradrenaline, dopamine, acetylcholine and histamine in specific areas of the brain.”

We need new modalities of treatment. We have SSRIs, SNRIs, which changed our game in 1988 dramatically, but since then, the rate of progress has slowed considerably. Now, we have deepened our field by understanding two new important aspects of serotonin functions. There are SEVEN serotonin (5-HT) receptors subtypes. 5-HT receptor - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Second, as I posted about in 2010, there is a serotonin transporter, which can be altered leading to a change in the amount of serotonin floating around the receptors. This understanding opens the field to more targeted drugs. In October, 2013, the FDA will decide whether to approve Vortioxetine, likely to be called Brintellix or Rexulti, for the treatment of Major Depression.

Brintellix and Rexulti « Shirah Vollmer MD5-HT receptor - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The classification area breaks down the 5-HT receptor subtypes and which drugs are agonist or antagonist along with the function of each of the subtypes in the body, good stuff!

So it sounds great right. Well like any drug it comes with side effects. Remember these have been the short term side effects. The med. hasn't been out long enough to know long term side effects. Like long term use of SSRI's can cause frontal lobe apathy even after stopping the medication. That means the side effects will still linger. There have been studies that basically show it depends on the individual and many people are never affected.

Finally some studies from medscape:http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/818136
(2014)
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/818135
(2014)
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/811959
(2013)
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/818135
(2014)

Finally to look at some adverse reactions:

Common adverse reactions include nausea (21% to 32%), constipation (3% to 6%), and vomiting (3% to 6%). Serious adverse reactions include hyponatremia, hypomania (<0.1%), mania (<1%), suicidal thoughts, serotonin syndrome, and increased risk of bleeding.3 Avoid concomitant use of linezolid, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAO-Is), methylene blue, pimozole, lobenguane I 123, and tryptophan with vortioxetine.3 Other agents, such as anticoagulants, antiplatelet therapy, benzodiazepines, nonselective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and lithium, may interact with vortioxetine; thus, caution when used.3 - See more at: Drugs in Context: Takeda's and Lundbeck?s Brintellix | Formulary Journal

So, it does look like a promising med. for depression and possibly GAD. Again, there is no miracle pill and even though big pharma. companies vie and joust for the next big drug to patent. Sometimes the medication is actually worth it, like vyvanse. This may be one of the few, that actually improves and helps/teaches the modern world psychopharmacology even more of how our brain ticks or doesn't tick correctly. The greatest hope is that it improves people mental state and people achieve signs of or ideally complete remission of their mental illnesses. That they have moved a step forward in mental health treatment with medications. When they are needed.
Time will tell!

[mgb46]

Thank you metamorphosis12 for your update. I'm 44, and like you, noticed the sexual side effects rather quickly. Not good!!! Perhaps I gave up too soon. I went back to my old reliable Pristiq, which I've been on for 18 mos. I'm wondering if it is perhaps loosing it's efficacy, as I'm having more frequent bouts with depression of late. I personally don't do well on many of the SSRI's, so I wasn't too surprised. I see my pdoc in a few weeks, maybe he will suggest an alternative SSNRI for me. I currently also take Deplin, Latuda & Remeron. Hopefully your side effects will diminish as time goes on if you continue.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[metamorphosis12]

Your welcome mgb46. We will see how the medicine works out in reality with patients using it, more and more. We will see. I am currently not taking it. As my doctor told me w.d. can be harsh. I have never took effexor but I have heard the horror stories and even though; it is supposed to be lower on sexual side effects

[Inca1]

I can hardly wait for next Friday when I see my primary care doctor, at least she has not been afraid to say she doesn't know something and then she will try to find out the answer.

I called the doctor who I've written about on Wednesday to find out what I can do about the nausea and the irritation that has started.
I wasn't surprised when his nurse told me he was out until Friday. This is the third time I have heard that and it will be the last.

As of 920 AM I have not heard from his nurse, I know he would never personally call me.

I'm so frustrated, I can't think straight. I was planning on visiting the place I grew up, in another state around the middle of August, but if things don't improve I doubt I'll be able too.
I've planned on doing this for several months, but I'm just not sure if I can drive 13 hours and after arriving be a nice, pleasant person.

Hate to say this, but it is hurricane season and the way my luck runs it could happen.

I've been getting so aggravated lately when I was flossing my teeth this morning I kept thinking how long is this going to take. I had to laugh because I though later well at least my dentist will be happy.

[metamorphosis12]

Originally Posted by Inca1

I can hardly wait for next Friday when I see my primary care doctor, at least she has not been afraid to say she doesn't know something and then she will try to find out the answer.

I called the doctor who I've written about on Wednesday to find out what I can do about the nausea and the irritation that has started.
I wasn't surprised when his nurse told me he was out until Friday. This is the third time I have heard that and it will be the last.

As of 920 AM I have not heard from his nurse, I know he would never personally call me.

I'm so frustrated, I can't think straight. I was planning on visiting the place I grew up, in another state around the middle of August, but if things don't improve I doubt I'll be able too.
I've planned on doing this for several months, but I'm just not sure if I can drive 13 hours and after arriving be a nice, pleasant person.

Hate to say this, but it is hurricane season and the way my luck runs it could happen.

I've been getting so aggravated lately when I was flossing my teeth this morning I kept thinking how long is this going to take. I had to laugh because I though later well at least my dentist will be happy.

I haven't read all the [posts but this is an obvious question. Have you tried taking it with a morning meal, with some sustenance in your body?
I know it may be considered a stupid question but it is worth asking.
Also do you take other meds with it at the same time?
There are a lot of factors but nausea is one of the main side effects.

I know alot of home remedies but I don't know if you would want to or have the time to do them. You can take ginger in supplement form but the best way to rid your self on anseau and stomach upset in my humble opinion is brewing raw ginger. Ginger is great for the stomach. The best stomach remedy for me.
It is also a COX2 inhibitor. In other words in is an anti inflammatory in the body by inhibiting a certain inflammatory enzyme. Inflammation is a contributing factor of many diseases in the body. It goes along with homocysteine levels usually from stress or stressors in the body.
Homocysteine, Folic Acid and Cardiovascular Disease

Ginger:Ginger
Ginger tea has a spicy, invigorating taste. It's used as a home remedy for indigestion, nausea, and to ward off colds, flu, and sore throats.

Ginger tea is very easy to make. Here is a recipe for you to try.Ginger Tea Recipe
water, 4 cups
2-inch piece of fresh ginger root
optional: honey and lemon slice
Peel the ginger root and slice it into thin slices. Bring the water to a boil in a saucepan. Once it is boiling, add the ginger. Cover it and reduce to a simmer for 15-20 minutes. Strain the tea. Add honey and lemon to taste.
Note: Keep in mind that if you are making ginger tea as a home remedy during cold and flu season, sweeteners are not recommended.

Ginger Tea Recipe - How to Make It
It also talks about all of it's benefits!

There are also otc's you can use, like Omeprazole but it shouldn't be used very often. Especially, when you have other natural options.

[metamorphosis12]

Originally Posted by Inca1

I can hardly wait for next Friday when I see my primary care doctor, at least she has not been afraid to say she doesn't know something and then she will try to find out the answer.

I called the doctor who I've written about on Wednesday to find out what I can do about the nausea and the irritation that has started.
I wasn't surprised when his nurse told me he was out until Friday. This is the third time I have heard that and it will be the last.

As of 920 AM I have not heard from his nurse, I know he would never personally call me.

I'm so frustrated, I can't think straight. I was planning on visiting the place I grew up, in another state around the middle of August, but if things don't improve I doubt I'll be able too.
I've planned on doing this for several months, but I'm just not sure if I can drive 13 hours and after arriving be a nice, pleasant person.

Hate to say this, but it is hurricane season and the way my luck runs it could happen.

I've been getting so aggravated lately when I was flossing my teeth this morning I kept thinking how long is this going to take. I had to laugh because I though later well at least my dentist will be happy.

If you want double blind studies, meta-analysis studies (the best) and papers on vortioxetine, Brintellix to print out to share with them. I can give you links about the most current info. on the med.! I think, I have thrown out some studies earlier but I like research and you can print them. Assuming you have a printer and I will be objective with the current stuff I find!

[Inca1]

Originally Posted by metamorphosis12

I haven't read all the [posts but this is an obvious question. Have you tried taking it with a morning meal, with some sustenance in your body?
I know it may be considered a stupid question but it is worth asking.
Also do you take other meds with it at the same time?
There are a lot of factors but nausea is one of the main side effects.

I know alot of home remedies but I don't know if you would want to or have the time to do them. You can take ginger in supplement form but the best way to rid your self on anseau and stomach upset in my humble opinion is brewing raw ginger. Ginger is great for the stomach. The best stomach remedy for me.
It is also a COX2 inhibitor. In other words in is an anti inflammatory in the body by inhibiting a certain inflammatory enzyme. Inflammation is a contributing factor of many diseases in the body. It goes along with homocysteine levels usually from stress or stressors in the body.
Homocysteine, Folic Acid and Cardiovascular Disease

Ginger:Ginger
Ginger tea has a spicy, invigorating taste. It's used as a home remedy for indigestion, nausea, and to ward off colds, flu, and sore throats.

Ginger Tea Recipe - How to Make It
It also talks about all of it's benefits!

There are also otc's you can use, like Omeprazole but it shouldn't be used very often. Especially, when you have other natural options.

I'll try making the ginger tea, I've heard about it before, but never tried it.

One of the things on that swab test paper showed I needed to take more folic acid. I was already taking 800mcg when I first went to this doctor. After the test came back and I told him what I was taking he said that otc stuff wasn't any good and gave me samples of something similar to Deplin because he didn't have the Deplin.
I took all the samples but didn't notice any difference and am now back to taking the folic acid I was taking before, and it sure costs a lot less.

I did have an orthopedic doctor who said if I wasn't willing to get an epidural steroid shot in my back I could try Turmeric. I may do that along with the ginger.

I couldn't get the link with the Folic Acid to open, just got a blank page.

I did get a return call from the nurse yesterday afternoon and she said exactly what I knew she would, "I talked to the doctor and he wants you to keep taking the medicine."
I am going to continue taking it until I talk to my primary care doctor about things. I figure by then I will have only been on it two weeks so if I get off it there shouldn't be any or very little wd.

I first looked on the internet on how to get off of Brintellix and there were a couple different answers, it is ok to just stop taking it, or don't just stop taking it.

I called Brintellix and got transferred to someone who deals with questions like mine and also makes a report of symptoms or problems with the medication.
I got the usual I can't tell you to how to stop taking it, you need to talk to your doctor.
I told her I just wanted some clarification since there were two different answers. She said since I was on a low dose there shouldn't be a problem just stopping it, but maybe some mild wd symptoms.

Right now I will take it and hope I won't end up yelling at someone. Of course since I only see people when I go to the store it will be easier.

[metamorphosis12]

Originally Posted by Inca1

I'll try making the ginger tea, I've heard about it before, but never tried it.

One of the things on that swab test paper showed I needed to take more folic acid. I was already taking 800mcg when I first went to this doctor. After the test came back and I told him what I was taking he said that otc stuff wasn't any good and gave me samples of something similar to Deplin because he didn't have the Deplin.
I took all the samples but didn't notice any difference and am now back to taking the folic acid I was taking before, and it sure costs a lot less.

I did have an orthopedic doctor who said if I wasn't willing to get an epidural steroid shot in my back I could try Turmeric. I may do that along with the ginger.

I couldn't get the link with the Folic Acid to open, just got a blank page.

I did get a return call from the nurse yesterday afternoon and she said exactly what I knew she would, "I talked to the doctor and he wants you to keep taking the medicine."
I am going to continue taking it until I talk to my primary care doctor about things. I figure by then I will have only been on it two weeks so if I get off it there shouldn't be any or very little wd.

I first looked on the internet on how to get off of Brintellix and there were a couple different answers, it is ok to just stop taking it, or don't just stop taking it.

I called Brintellix and got transferred to someone who deals with questions like mine and also makes a report of symptoms or problems with the medication.
I got the usual I can't tell you to how to stop taking it, you need to talk to your doctor.
I told her I just wanted some clarification since there were two different answers. She said since I was on a low dose there shouldn't be a problem just stopping it, but maybe some mild wd symptoms.

Right now I will take it and hope I won't end up yelling at someone. Of course since I only see people when I go to the store it will be easier.

I do not know how much you are on? Or for how long? I have ten mg tabs. So a slow titration would be to either use 5 mg tabs but whatever your doc says is par for the course. I am sure he/she is taking in amount you have been taking you and for how long. To be honest, if done nice and slowly, it is a walk in a park compared to benzodiazepine long term use. I am not trying to play down the reduction methods or effects on a person. I am trying to just make you feel more comfortable about it.

Yes, I am lazy about reading posts except the original thread piece. I would think he/she would titrate down by 5 or 2.5 mg depending on your sensitivity and metabolic rate psych. meds. Like if I were on 10 mg. I would break them in half to 5 mg for two weeks to be super careful or 1 week. It just depends on how you react to reduce amounts and how quickly.
Then 2.5 if needed, Then you're off. I don't know what other meds you are on. Which can always play a factor including serotonergic and even norepinephrine meds.

Anyway your pdoc or doc should know what they are doing and whenever a person is coming off of a drug should be available and very attentive. Your brain is going through a huge shift. Which can be smooth in a pretty average treatment specialist (love all the different words) I learned to use on here after after reading a few posts. All of them are valid but I just change them up for variety!
Just reread about your low dose and she sounds competent. You should be all good.
I apologize for not reading all posts on a thread, all of the time. I usually respond to the original thread and many times skip the others or skim them. Which is pretty fraudulent on my case. So, if I am totally off track just call me on it. I just get impatient and just want to read and understand the op issue and sometimes I am off on that, lol. People can call it ADD but I don't need another label attached, not into that!

Apologize again done rambling, but I will put my chips all in. That it will go well!

BTW- ginger tea= FTW! Also on those links it shows how it is a great anti-inflammatory for your body.
Also L-Methylfolate (Deplin)= FTW! It is a naturally more absorbable form of folate .Which many people with depressive issues with. The importance of L-methylfolate is that it, unlike folic acid, can cross the blood brain barrier. It has been shown that many people have a genetic error called the MTHFR polymorphism that limits their body’s ability to reduce folic acid into L-methylfolate.
You can get it in supplement form at a hefty price. Same if your insurance wont cover because it is considered a "medical food", really! Thats a new one to me. Anyway my pdoc has found a reasonably priced one by Methyl Pro. I have ordered the 15mg, same as deplin before. It's the cheapest, professional grade L-Methylfolate I have found thanks to him. Also,manufactured in a GMP compliant facility.
www.methylpro.com.
The great thing about l-methylfolate is that it naturally helps the brain manufacture monoamines-serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine in a natural non med. induced way. I need to order more. I have been living of samples and they have dried up. I have noticed a difference. If I take it on a consistent basis. It is has a very sublime effect. So that once you get a therapeutic level in you. You may not realize the shift in mood as it takes it's time but once I came off it. That subtle difference was made clear by the difference in the stabilization of my general outlook.
Anyway good luck and post how you are doing, if in the mood

[Inca1]

I took myself off the Brintellix. I was on 10mgs., once a day and started taking it on July 12th.

I was having back pain when I started taking it and I was taking a 500mg. aspirin for the pain until I could see a doctor, the Brintellix insert listed aspirin along with numerous other pain revilers as something you really shouldn't take with Brintellix. I had called the prescribing doctor about this and was told to go ahead and take the aspirin. I began having stomach pains after two days of Brintellix and aspirin so I stopped taking the aspirin.

The side effect I was told most people got from Brintellix was nausea and that started the second day I took it, and was present everyday. Some times it was worse than others.

I had an old prescription for Zoforin, but the insert in the Brintellix listed that as one of many things not to be taken with Brintellix.
I called and talked to the nurse on the 24th and told her I either needed something for the nausea or to get off the Brintellix. She said the doctor said to just keep taking the Brintellix, no mention of taking something for the nausea.

I had an appointment with my primary care doctor on July 25th and told her what was going on and that I was going to take myself off of the Brintellix. She suggested I break one of the pills in half and take it that way for two days, which I did and had no withdrawal symptoms.

I still feel nauseated at times and that concerns me, plus I do have indigestion, which is another side effect of Brintellix and like the nausea I still have it even though I've been off the Brintellix since July 27th.

I've made an appointment with a therapist I had seen after my concussion in 2002 and I hope she can help with the feelings I was having that got me into this mess.

I have decided that I will not try any more medications, after being on over twenty that didn't work, worked for a little while, or I had bad side effects from it's time to try things differently.

I am and have been on Xanax, Ambien CR, Adderall, and Klonpin for several years and the Xanax helps with the times I feel really bad and the crying starts.

My sister, who is a patient advocate suggested I try some natural remedy and see if something helps. Her son has downs syndrome and gout and a doctor wanted to put him on three medications, one of them had diarrhea as a normal side effect. She told me she put him on a natural remedy for that medication and everything is working like it should with no nasty side effects.

I'm seeing the doctor for my back in a couple of weeks, of course the day after I made the appointment my back stopped hurting, normal for me, but I do know I have a problem and I want to know what he has to say.
Depending on what he says I will most probably buy a TENS unit and pray it works.

[Altered Moment]

Originally Posted by metamorphosis12

I do not know how much you are on? Or for how long? I have ten mg tabs. So a slow titration would be to either use 5 mg tabs but whatever your doc says is par for the course. I am sure he/she is taking in amount you have been taking you and for how long. To be honest, if done nice and slowly, it is a walk in a park compared to benzodiazepine long term use. I am not trying to play down the reduction methods or effects on a person. I am trying to just make you feel more comfortable about it.

Yes, I am lazy about reading posts except the original thread piece. I would think he/she would titrate down by 5 or 2.5 mg depending on your sensitivity and metabolic rate psych. meds. Like if I were on 10 mg. I would break them in half to 5 mg for two weeks to be super careful or 1 week. It just depends on how you react to reduce amounts and how quickly.
Then 2.5 if needed, Then you're off. I don't know what other meds you are on. Which can always play a factor including serotonergic and even norepinephrine meds.

Anyway your pdoc or doc should know what they are doing and whenever a person is coming off of a drug should be available and very attentive. Your brain is going through a huge shift. Which can be smooth in a pretty average treatment specialist (love all the different words) I learned to use on here after after reading a few posts. All of them are valid but I just change them up for variety!
Just reread about your low dose and she sounds competent. You should be all good.
I apologize for not reading all posts on a thread, all of the time. I usually respond to the original thread and many times skip the others or skim them. Which is pretty fraudulent on my case. So, if I am totally off track just call me on it. I just get impatient and just want to read and understand the op issue and sometimes I am off on that, lol. People can call it ADD but I don't need another label attached, not into that!

Apologize again done rambling, but I will put my chips all in. That it will go well!

BTW- ginger tea= FTW! Also on those links it shows how it is a great anti-inflammatory for your body.
Also L-Methylfolate (Deplin)= FTW! It is a naturally more absorbable form of folate .Which many people with depressive issues with. The importance of L-methylfolate is that it, unlike folic acid, can cross the blood brain barrier. It has been shown that many people have a genetic error called the MTHFR polymorphism that limits their body’s ability to reduce folic acid into L-methylfolate.
You can get it in supplement form at a hefty price. Same if your insurance wont cover because it is considered a "medical food", really! Thats a new one to me. Anyway my pdoc has found a reasonably priced one by Methyl Pro. I have ordered the 15mg, same as deplin before. It's the cheapest, professional grade L-Methylfolate I have found thanks to him. Also,manufactured in a GMP compliant facility.
www.methylpro.com.
The great thing about l-methylfolate is that it naturally helps the brain manufacture monoamines-serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine in a natural non med. induced way. I need to order more. I have been living of samples and they have dried up. I have noticed a difference. If I take it on a consistent basis. It is has a very sublime effect. So that once you get a therapeutic level in you. You may not realize the shift in mood as it takes it's time but once I came off it. That subtle difference was made clear by the difference in the stabilization of my general outlook.
Anyway good luck and post how you are doing, if in the mood

I am confused about L Methylfolate. I understand what it does but do you have to have the genetic defect for it to work? It would seem if you don't have the genetic defect and can synthesize folic acid into L Methylfolate it would be a waste of money to take it. I had a pdoc prescribe Deplin but of course he had no idea if I had the genetic defect or not. I believe he also said not to take folic acid or folate at the same time.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Inca1]

Originally Posted by zinco14532323

I am confused about L Methylfolate. I understand what it does but do you have to have the genetic defect for it to work? It would seem if you don't have the genetic defect and can synthesize folic acid into L Methylfolate it would be a waste of money to take it. I had a pdoc prescribe Deplin but of course he had no idea if I had the genetic defect or not. I believe he also said not to take folic acid or folate at the same time.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

The first time I saw this "doctor" he did a genetic swab test that this company has, not FDA approved, and it gives a lot of information on different things.

One of the things said I have reduced folic acid conversion.
It had that serum levels of folate may be too low and folate supplementation or higher daily intake of folic acid may be required.

I am insulin resistant and over the years when I have had blood work done it has sometimes shown that my folic acid level was below normal.

I did buy what metamorphosis 12 wrote about, but had already stopped taking the Brintellix.

It's all smoke and mirrors to me at this time, all I want is to feel better and it's just not happening yet.

[vans1974]

Originally Posted by Msboot

I've been on 20mg of Brintellix with 600 mg of lithium for a few weeks and I hate it. The Brintellix seems to make my stomach queasy so I tend to skip taking both meds. I've been off for 5 days now and not doing well. Does anyone feel yucky with Brintellix?

Hey, I've been on Brintellix 20mg and 900mg of Lithium for about six months now, but have never had any stomach problem. As I'm sure you know you don't have to worry, since I'm sure your checking your Lithium blood levels but having stomach problems can be rarely attributed to Serotonin syndrome. I'm sure it's not that, but what about switching Brintellix to Fetzima?

[vans1974]

Originally Posted by Msboot

I've been on 20mg of Brintellix with 600 mg of lithium for a few weeks and I hate it. The Brintellix seems to make my stomach queasy so I tend to skip taking both meds. I've been off for 5 days now and not doing well. Does anyone feel yucky with Brintellix?

No, I tolerated it well, but it didn't help much with depression. I like Fetzima! I'd take Brintellix with food and also take lithium with food and have your blood levels checked with lithium because typically it's highly effective for the lows and highs of bpolar...good luck!

[ilive4music]

Brintellix helped my anxiety, but it made me depressed and suicidal so I had to stop it. In the beginning it took like 2 weeks for the medication to kick in but it made me very TIRED! I couldn't even get out of bed and eventually after 2 weeks, it helped with anxiety but I had crying spells, and made me very negative, and had thinking of writing suicide notes so I told my doctor I am getting off it because I was ready to go the ER. Good luck to those that it works for.