Brintellix And Zoloft

Hi. I'm about to switch over to Brintellix from Zoloft. The Zoloft has been good for my depression, but my libido is pretty much non-existent. Do I need to wean completely off the Zoloft before I start the Brintellix? I'm getting mixed messages about this. Anyone have personal experience in taking both while weaning from Zoloft?

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Hello, Dar! How are you?

Yes, one should be stopped, before starting the other, unless your doctor has instructed you to do otherwise.

Brintellix is a little different than Zoloft, the FDA classifies it as an atypical antidepressant, it's a serotonin modulator and stimulator. Typical side effects are listed as possibly including nausea, dizziness, constipation, dry mouth and unusual dreams.

You should also be made aware that it can cause problems with libido and desire, as well. It's actually known to be fairly common, since it happens in over 10% of the people that take it.

Is there anything else I can help with?

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I switched from Zoloft (with Wellbutrin) to Lexapro (with Wellbutrin) for the same reason as you (libido problems). No change. Then, my Dr weaned me off the Lexapro and Wellbutrin to Cymbalta which was not helpful emotionally for me. So, I switched again to first 5mg of Brintellix with still 30 mg of Cymbalta which was fine. I felt really energerized and good until I had to stop the Cymbalta and was switched to 10 mg of Brintellix. Then I got VERY SICK....dizziness, nausea, headaches, clamminess (without fever or so I thought), loss of taste, my irritable bowel symptoms got worse than usual...I was a mess and very scared. Even after I was switched back to just 5 mg of Brintellix, the symptoms remained. When I was taken off of it completely, nothing changed. Finally, I went to my family Dr and he told me my symptoms were caused by the Brintellix still being in my body and to drink LOTS of fluids to flush it out. I just saw him yesterday, so I just began that process. I usually drink quite a bit of fluids (water, decaf iced tea), but I'm drinking a bit more now plus adding yogurt to my diet (since I began getting diarrhea). I told my psychiatrist, I want to go back on the the Zoloft and Wellbutrin but I won't call her back to start the old meds until this is out of my body. She didn't think it would still be in my body since it's been 2 weeks, so I don't want to call her until I am physically feeling better.

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My doc says yes, wean completely off Zoloft before starting Brintellix. He has me reducing from 100mg of Zoloft to 50 MG for 6 days. Then I begin 10mg of Brintellix on day 7. He has me taking 10 MG for 3 weeks before I return for follow up.
I have my fingers crossed that this will work. I so much want my life back. It's been too long. Good Luck!

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Wellbutrin is not typically known for decreased labido.

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I have been on Brintilex for about 4 months and I don’t feel any change in my mood - I actually feel really down and have also become aggressive with my partner which has never happened before. My ibs is worse too I am seriously considering going back onto Zoloft where I felt way more balanced just struggled abit with my libido.

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