Posted by undopaminergic on December 8, 2023, at 9:20:14
With reference (for background and context) to my last thread about vortioxetine (Brintellix; Trintellix), at:
https://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20230117/msgs/1122171.htmlAfter a few months on 15 mg of vortioxetine [VTX], on 05 December 2023, I took the 20 mg dose for the first time. Therefore, it is still early to come to any conclusions. The half-life of this drug is around 66 hours, and it takes more than a week to reach steady-state:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VortioxetineAt first, I was a little disappointed as I didn't notice much improvement, but today I've had a more promising experience.
Regarding how I'm feeling at different times, I've long used the terminology that it is "pretty good", "good", etc., but now I'm finding myself using the terminology "pleasant", and occasionally "comfortable". Another thing I've noticed is that my armswing when walking is better -- this is an anti-Parkinsonian effect.
I'm speculating that I may be experiencing more of the 5-HT1A agonism, because I haven't felt much change in the symptoms I associate with serotonin transporter blockade, eg. my anorgasmia did not worsen, and my apathy also did not worsen, but even on the contrary. For example, today I had no problems staying out of bed after getting up.
Feelings of reward in response to positive experiences, such as completing a task, have returned. Moreover, I've noticed myself looking forward to certain activities such as writing in my diary.
This (20 mg) is the highest recommended dose of VTX, and I doubt the doctors are going to increase it more. Assuming that is correct, I have a couple of other things to suggest we try next:
(I) add lithium, up to 300 mg, and
(II) replace trimipramine with nortriptyline.-undopaminergic
poster:undopaminergic
thread:1122281
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20230117/msgs/1122281.html