Brintellix And Zoloft (Top voted first)

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?

REPLY

REPORT

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?

REPLY

Was this helpful? 1

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.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 1

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!

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

Wellbutrin is not typically known for decreased labido.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

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.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

Today my doc told me to reduce my Zoloft from 100 MG to 50 MG for the next 6 days. On the 7th day I will begin 10 MG of ...

40 REPLIES

My wife has been on Brintellix/Trintellix for nearly a year now with great results. No other anti-depressant has been as...

4 REPLIES

I took this med for 2 months 10mg/day and now my OCD reduced a lot and i feel really good like never happened before. I ...

3 REPLIES

I just recently went on 10mg and I have gone through all the same symptoms I'm seeing on here. Very tired, vomitting...

2 REPLIES

And I know like everything else in the Gubbermint, Humana is as well a "Contractor" and have a list to go by, I&...

2 REPLIES

Hello, I am from Greece. l lost my father 2 months ago and my mother took cipralex. The doctor said to take brintellix 5...

1 REPLY

Taking brintellix for.three says, can't sleep. Have Clonazepam 1 mg at home, can I tske one at night? ## Hello, Cari...

1 REPLY

Hey, I have been on brintellix I would say for about 2 months. I am on the 10mg daily. I myself have experienced horribl...

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 th...

1 REPLY

Hi friends, I started Brintellix a week ago and I really like the calming effects..but I have been totally constipated f...

1 REPLY