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How long does Trintellix withdrawal last?

Don’t abruptly quit Trintellix without first speaking to your healthcare provider
Leandra Beabout
By | Jun. 18, 2024 Medically reviewed by Jesse P. Houghton, MD, FACG
Three pills and a thought bubble: How long does Trintellix withdrawal last?

Key takeaways

  • Trintellix is an antidepressant used to treat major depressive disorder and, in some cases, anxiety.

  • Withdrawal is not a common issue with Trintellix, but it’s still important to seek medical advice before quitting this medication.

  • Abruptly quitting Trintellix has been known to cause intense mood swings and irritability for up to 10 days.

  • Research shows that abruptly quitting antidepressants can cause flu-like symptoms, nausea, insomnia, and dizziness in about 20% of people. Symptoms usually resolve within two weeks.

In this article:

Trintellix (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 off-label for anxiety. Although it’s classified as an atypical antidepressant, Trintellix works similarly to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as fluoxetine or paroxetine. Its active ingredient, vortioxetine, helps balance serotonin levels in the brain, improving mood control and cognitive function. 

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 antidepressant discontinuation syndrome, which triggers common side effects such as headache and nausea. In some cases, stopping Trintellix may cause temporary mood dysfunction.

Understanding Trintellix (vortioxetine) withdrawal

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

“Abruptly stopping antidepressant medication can lead to withdrawal symptoms and may worsen depression,” confirmed Jodie Pepin, Pharm.D., clinical pharmacy program director at Harbor Health. 

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 Sid Khurana, MD, 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.

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.

“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 Christina M. Madison, Pharm.D., founder of The Public Health Pharmacist.

Timeline for Trintellix withdrawal

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. 

Antidepressant discontinuation syndrome has a similar timeline. These symptoms typically occur two to four days after drug cessation and last one to two weeks.

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.

Common symptoms of Trintellix withdrawal

Temporary side effects of Trintellix discontinuation include:

  • Emotional lability (dramatic mood swings, which may include uncontrollable laughing or crying)
  • Irritability
  • Sudden worsening of mood
  • Nervousness
  • Agitation

The above symptoms are specific to Trintellix. But abruptly quitting any antidepressant comes with an increased risk of antidepressant discontinuation syndrome.

 Withdrawal symptoms of antidepressants often include:

“Based upon results from multiple studies, the most common discontinuation symptoms appear to be dizziness, fatigue, headache, and nausea,” Dr. Madison said.

Dealing with side effects of Trintellix withdrawal

Remember, many people have successfully quit Trintellix without experiencing withdrawal symptoms. Dr. Khurana emphasizes that Trintellix’s long half-life limits the potential for withdrawal-like symptoms. 

The experts agree about the importance of working closely with a healthcare professional while quitting Trintellix. Even though severe side effects during withdrawal are unlikely, every patient’s situation and condition are unique. Dr. Pepin says the general guideline is to decrease Trintellix dosage by 25% to 50% every one to two weeks.

Aside from seeking the guidance of a medical professional, there are also a few lifestyle practices and supplements that may improve mood instability or symptoms of depression while withdrawing from Trintellix. Natural remedies are not a substitute for prescription antidepressants, but they may ease the transition while quitting or switching medications under a doctor’s supervision. Examples include:

  • Regular exercise – Physical activity can improve mental health in many ways. Aerobic exercise and resistance training are both helpful for depression, and hitting the gym is a great way to release tension from stress and anxiety.
  • Meditation – Research shows that meditation can help lower stress, calm anxious thoughts, and improve mood awareness. It’s not a cure for severe depression, but it can be a helpful tool in a patient’s transition away from Trintellix.
  • Social and emotional support – On top of making a person feel loved and supported, a strong network of supporters can act as a lookout for severe symptoms of antidepressant withdrawal or depression relapse.
  • Supplements and herbs – Natural remedies are not approved by the FDA for depression or anxiety, so it’s important to discuss them with a doctor before trying them. That being said, there are a few that may be worth discussing:
    • St. John’s wort – Some people report a boost in mood from taking St. John’s wort. However, it can interfere with several prescription drugs, so it’s important to ask your healthcare provider before taking it.
    • Omega-3 fatty acids – Limited research suggests that omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory effects that may help alleviate symptoms of depression. However, more research is needed to understand this effect fully.
    • 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) – 5-HTP is a chemical that the body can convert into serotonin. Research suggests that 5-HTP supplementation may boost serotonin levels, improving symptoms of depression.

Long-term effects of Trintellix withdrawal

There are no known long-term effects of Trintellix withdrawal. Some patients may not even experience short-term side effects of quitting this medication. However, discontinuing an antidepressant like Trintellix can have a significant impact on mental health and daily functioning if the lack of treatment causes a depression relapse. 

Research shows that social avoidance and severe previous major depressive episodes are the most significant predictors of MDD relapse. Simple awareness of the potential for depression relapse can help a patient or patient’s support network prevent recurrence from developing into severe MDD. Ultimately, it’s important to stay in contact with a healthcare provider during and after Trintellix discontinuation.

Bottom line: How to navigate a safe Trintellix withdrawal 

Although Trintellix is not typically associated with withdrawal, some people experience unpleasant mood instability or flu-like symptoms when quitting this drug. 

“Tapering off Trintellix should be done under the guidance of a healthcare professional to minimize the risk of withdrawal symptoms and to ensure a safe and effective transition,” Dr. Pepin emphasized.

RELATED: Trintellix alternatives: What can I take instead of Trintellix?