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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 32. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by g_g_g_unit on April 26, 2016, at 0:43:12
Hi there,
Long time no see everyone.
My doctor wants me to try Brintellix and I've been wondering if it's likely to induce anhedonia in the same way that SSRIs do? I know SSRIs work for some, but I always felt very numb, foggy and detached on them -- which made me feel stuck in a limbo and unable to engage with anything. I need to feel some responsiveness to stimuli and my environment. I believe Brintellix improves cognition, which is a plus.
Posted by SLS on April 26, 2016, at 6:32:34
In reply to Brintellix question, posted by g_g_g_unit on April 26, 2016, at 0:43:12
> Hi there,
>
> Long time no see everyone.Hi!
>
> My doctor wants me to try Brintellix and I've been wondering if it's likely to induce anhedonia in the same way that SSRIs do? I know SSRIs work for some, but I always felt very numb, foggy and detached on them -- which made me feel stuck in a limbo and unable to engage with anything. I need to feel some responsiveness to stimuli and my environment. I believe Brintellix improves cognition, which is a plus.Brintellix (vortioxetine) is only a weak serotonin reuptake inhibitor. It tends to enhance cognition, not blunt it.
- Scott
Posted by g_g_g_unit on April 26, 2016, at 7:19:03
In reply to Re: Brintellix question » g_g_g_unit, posted by SLS on April 26, 2016, at 6:32:34
> > Hi there,
> >
> > Long time no see everyone.
>
> Hi!
>Hey SLS, how have you been?
> Brintellix (vortioxetine) is only a weak serotonin reuptake inhibitor. It tends to enhance cognition, not blunt it.
>
>Interesting. So it's benefits come more from receptor agonism/antagonism?
I was actually doing relatively okay for a couple of years, but my health declined quite significantly 6 months ago. The symptoms resemble hypothyroidism (and my labs are 'subclinical'), yet I am having difficulty tolerating the treatment: Natural Dessicated Thyroid. I have read one reason may be low cortisol levels. I experience terrible 'crashes' on most treatments lately -- almost like a mild adrenal insufficiency -- though I don't have Addison's. I have read SSRIs might be one way to (at least partially) restore the functioning of the HPA-axis, though never had much luck with them, as I said. However I have read some good things about Brintellix.
Have you tried it?
Posted by Phillipa on April 26, 2016, at 11:49:57
In reply to Re: Brintellix question, posted by g_g_g_unit on April 26, 2016, at 7:19:03
Scott do you have an endrocrinologist as mine with my thyroid did do the dexamethasone test and I was fine not adrenal problems. And at one time considered the deisicated thyroid but kept on the synthroid.. What level does your doc aim for mine want 1-2 for TSH. I am at 1.5 last test. But what is this about SSRI's and thyroid and restoring normal? Or did I read it wrong things and sorry ggg unit for hyjacking for this question. Phillipa
Posted by Phillipa on April 26, 2016, at 11:53:10
In reply to Re: Brintellix question » g_g_g_unit, posted by Phillipa on April 26, 2016, at 11:49:57
So it's you ggg unit who have the thyroid problem. How did you learn this was what it was? Symptom wise. Sorry thought was Scott at first. Phillipa
Posted by jonhed on April 26, 2016, at 16:50:55
In reply to Re: Brintellix question, posted by Phillipa on April 26, 2016, at 11:53:10
Sorry for asking a maybe dumb question but here it goes,
I've been on this forum for quite some years and haven't figured out if "scott" i a doctor?
In my head he is.And for brintellix my pdoc tells me it has shown some, as he will say, "interesting results in cognition" over the past year that he has prescribed them.
If it is some help for you! :-)
Posted by CindyL on April 26, 2016, at 16:52:20
In reply to Re: Brintellix question, posted by Phillipa on April 26, 2016, at 11:53:10
I have taken Brintellix and it was the most mellow antidepressant I have ever taken. It really helped me over a rough time I was having. I decided to discontinue taking it because my insurance didn't cover it, but I thought it worked well with little of no side effects. I had no side effects when I quit it cold turkey either.
Posted by Phillipa on April 26, 2016, at 17:48:07
In reply to Re: Brintellix question, posted by jonhed on April 26, 2016, at 16:50:55
Hi no Scott is not a doctor. This is a forum of people such as you and I. Scott and some others seem to have a greater understanding and knowledge of meds that most . No doctor is one here to read and prescribe meds. Just sharing of different responses to meds. You can babblemail me also. Phillipa
Posted by SLS on April 26, 2016, at 21:32:34
In reply to Re: Brintellix question, posted by g_g_g_unit on April 26, 2016, at 7:19:03
> However I have read some good things about Brintellix.
>
> Have you tried it?I wouldn't hesitate to try it except that I am currently taking Parnate, a MAOI.
- Scott
Posted by g_g_g_unit on April 27, 2016, at 0:51:59
In reply to Re: Brintellix question » g_g_g_unit, posted by SLS on April 26, 2016, at 21:32:34
> > However I have read some good things about Brintellix.
> >
> > Have you tried it?
>
> I wouldn't hesitate to try it except that I am currently taking Parnate, a MAOI.
>
>
> - ScottDo you know if any of its target sites might protect against developing akathisia on the drug?
Posted by jonhed on April 27, 2016, at 4:02:03
In reply to Re: Brintellix question » SLS, posted by g_g_g_unit on April 27, 2016, at 0:51:59
Am i wrong or isn't every substance that acts as a antagonist, regardless if we talk about noradrenalin, serotonin or dopamine, in risk of causing akathisia, just to a bigger or smaller extent?
Or is the risk smaller if it also, as brintellix does, act as a partial agonist?
I'm to interested in knowing that because i have said no in over a year to brintellix due to the fact that i already have some sorts of chronic akathisia from being over-medicated when i was younger. (it got to the point when my mom filed a report to the doctor, so it's an extreme case, these things doesn't happen alot think)
Posted by g_g_g_unit on April 27, 2016, at 4:22:36
In reply to Re: Brintellix question, posted by jonhed on April 27, 2016, at 4:02:03
> Am i wrong or isn't every substance that acts as a antagonist, regardless if we talk about noradrenalin, serotonin or dopamine, in risk of causing akathisia, just to a bigger or smaller extent?
>
> Or is the risk smaller if it also, as brintellix does, act as a partial agonist?
>
> I'm to interested in knowing that because i have said no in over a year to brintellix due to the fact that i already have some sorts of chronic akathisia from being over-medicated when i was younger. (it got to the point when my mom filed a report to the doctor, so it's an extreme case, these things doesn't happen alot think)I'm not sure. Noradrenaline antagonists (I guess you could throw beta-blockers, Prazosin etc. into that category) never induced akathisia in me. Dopamine antagonists certainly did.
I had akathisia that lasted for a year after discontinuing Mirtazapine. It was awful.
5-HT1a agonists and 5-ht3 antagonists both increase dopamine (and improve Parkinson's symptoms), but I can't find any evidence they would improve akathisia. My doctor is very pushy; I suppose if I try it, I would have to tread cautious and discontinue at any signs of its emergence.
Posted by SLS on April 27, 2016, at 7:17:42
In reply to Re: Brintellix question » SLS, posted by g_g_g_unit on April 27, 2016, at 0:51:59
> > > However I have read some good things about Brintellix.
> > >
> > > Have you tried it?> > I wouldn't hesitate to try it except that I am currently taking Parnate, a MAOI.
> Do you know if any of its target sites might protect against developing akathisia on the drug?Since Brintellix is not a SSRI nor a dopamine receptor antagonist, I would not expect akathisia to develop. Protective? I don't know. Brintellix is a full agonist at serotonin 5-HT1a receptors. I don't know how this might affect the risk of developing akathisia. However, Brintellix blocks an array of 5-HT receptors, including 5-HT7. This receptor is currently being looked at as a target for antidepressant drugs.
- Scott
Posted by FloydAS on April 27, 2016, at 10:34:37
In reply to Brintellix question, posted by g_g_g_unit on April 26, 2016, at 0:43:12
I've been on Brintellix over a year now. Prior to that I was on every variety dosage of Zoloft imaginable but never received sufficient therapeutic benefit.
I will say that I've felt myself the most while on Brintellix. For me personally, it just works. I'm at a very good level everyday without any type of mental fog whatsoever.
I dealt with significant agitation while on Zoloft and it was terrible during a 5 month period when I was on no medication. The agitation has fully resolved.
FYI...I'm on 20 mg of Brintellix daily and 40 mg of propranolol for essential tremor twice a day. I'm just about finished a very slow complete taper off Topamax that I've been on for many years as a migraine/chronic headache preventative. Topamax is known to frustrate cognition, so I wanted to see how improved I really am without any dumbing down by Topamax. Provided the migraines and headaches don't return to their previous frequency I will stay off the Topamax because I'm feeling better each day.
If you choose to try it, I hope it works for you. It has really been a good solution for me. And I have a lot of anxiety issues which Brintellix isn't really known to deal well with, but my anxiety is well under control too.
Good luck.
Posted by g_g_g_unit on April 27, 2016, at 10:58:10
In reply to Re: Brintellix question » g_g_g_unit, posted by FloydAS on April 27, 2016, at 10:34:37
> I've been on Brintellix over a year now. Prior to that I was on every variety dosage of Zoloft imaginable but never received sufficient therapeutic benefit.
>
> I will say that I've felt myself the most while on Brintellix. For me personally, it just works. I'm at a very good level everyday without any type of mental fog whatsoever.
>
> I dealt with significant agitation while on Zoloft and it was terrible during a 5 month period when I was on no medication. The agitation has fully resolved.
>
> FYI...I'm on 20 mg of Brintellix daily and 40 mg of propranolol for essential tremor twice a day. I'm just about finished a very slow complete taper off Topamax that I've been on for many years as a migraine/chronic headache preventative. Topamax is known to frustrate cognition, so I wanted to see how improved I really am without any dumbing down by Topamax. Provided the migraines and headaches don't return to their previous frequency I will stay off the Topamax because I'm feeling better each day.
>
> If you choose to try it, I hope it works for you. It has really been a good solution for me. And I have a lot of anxiety issues which Brintellix isn't really known to deal well with, but my anxiety is well under control too.
>
> Good luck.Thanks for sharing your experience; I'm really glad it's helping you.
I experienced significant anxiety and agitation on Zoloft as well; I never made it past 50mg.
Do you find that Brintellix interferes with your emotional range at all?
Posted by FloydAS on April 27, 2016, at 11:05:21
In reply to Re: Brintellix question » FloydAS, posted by g_g_g_unit on April 27, 2016, at 10:58:10
> Do you find that Brintellix interferes with your emotional range at all?
>No not really. If anything it has helped me regain some of that range. The initial week or two I was happy as a clam and very socially outgoing and talkative. The most I have really ever been. That has since leveled out but I feel I can experience joyful emotions more than I had been able to in the past.
I can't say much on the other end of the spectrum. I've been challenged enough to warrant feeling sad and depressed but gotten through it with no major problems lately. At least not falling into a total depression which is one of the major benefits of the drug.
Posted by ClearSkies on April 28, 2016, at 17:14:20
In reply to Brintellix question, posted by g_g_g_unit on April 26, 2016, at 0:43:12
> Hi there,
>
> Long time no see everyone.
>
> My doctor wants me to try Brintellix and I've been wondering if it's likely to induce anhedonia in the same way that SSRIs do? I know SSRIs work for some, but I always felt very numb, foggy and detached on them -- which made me feel stuck in a limbo and unable to engage with anything. I need to feel some responsiveness to stimuli and my environment. I believe Brintellix improves cognition, which is a plus.Not an answer to your question, but Brintillix made me suicidal and I had to do a quick, miserable taper off of it.
CS
Posted by Horse on April 30, 2016, at 23:49:36
In reply to Brintellix question, posted by g_g_g_unit on April 26, 2016, at 0:43:12
Hi there yourself. I've taken Brintellix for nine months after taking Lexapro for over a year, and I did and do feel an improvement of cognition and less anhedonia. For me, I'm hoping the anhedonia as the last lingering symptom of super long etc depression, and I'm optimistic that will lift over time.
10 mg wasn't too much help, but 20 mg does it.
Good luck with whatever you chose. Anhedonia is a bitch.
> Hi there,
>
> Long time no see everyone.
>
> My doctor wants me to try Brintellix and I've been wondering if it's likely to induce anhedonia in the same way that SSRIs do? I know SSRIs work for some, but I always felt very numb, foggy and detached on them -- which made me feel stuck in a limbo and unable to engage with anything. I need to feel some responsiveness to stimuli and my environment. I believe Brintellix improves cognition, which is a plus.
Posted by g_g_g_unit on May 1, 2016, at 3:32:39
In reply to Re: Brintellix question » g_g_g_unit, posted by Horse on April 30, 2016, at 23:49:36
Thanks for the positive input. The thing is, life is pretty sucky when I'm depressed, but I'm still lucky enough to experience *some* mood reactivity, i.e. I can listen to some music or watch TV or call a friend and feel temporarily okay.
On SSRIs, I'm stripped of that -- plus most of my cognitive abilities (I seem to have more clarity when depressed). Add restless legs and sometimes akathisia to the mix and you can see why I avoid them now.
However, I am feeling pretty suicidal, so suspect I'll give it a shot.
> Hi there yourself. I've taken Brintellix for nine months after taking Lexapro for over a year, and I did and do feel an improvement of cognition and less anhedonia. For me, I'm hoping the anhedonia as the last lingering symptom of super long etc depression, and I'm optimistic that will lift over time.
>
> 10 mg wasn't too much help, but 20 mg does it.
>
> Good luck with whatever you chose. Anhedonia is a bitch.
>
Posted by Ruuudy on May 2, 2016, at 23:15:30
In reply to Re: Brintellix question » jonhed, posted by Phillipa on April 26, 2016, at 17:48:07
Hello,
I've been reading & following Dr-Bob.org for years, and have found this site to have the most polite & intellectual people posting comments than any other mental health forum/BB out in the Wild World Wide Web! Of course it was started by Dr. Bob, and I really wish that he still monitored & maintained the site; it's appearing to possibly be overrun with trollers & spammers - I certainly hope this can be controlled because I have learned so much from this site!Thanks!
Rudy
> Hi no Scott is not a doctor. This is a forum of people such as you and I. Scott and some others seem to have a greater understanding and knowledge of meds that most . No doctor is one here to read and prescribe meds. Just sharing of different responses to meds. You can babblemail me also. Phillipa
Posted by J Kelly on May 3, 2016, at 7:26:25
In reply to Re: Brintellix question, posted by Ruuudy on May 2, 2016, at 23:15:30
> Hello,
> I've been reading & following Dr-Bob.org for years, and have found this site to have the most polite & intellectual people posting comments than any other mental health forum/BB out in the Wild World Wide Web! Of course it was started by Dr. Bob, and I really wish that he still monitored & maintained the site; it's appearing to possibly be overrun with trollers & spammers - I certainly hope this can be controlled because I have learned so much from this site!
>
> Thanks!
> RudyHi Rudy :)
I come and go on this site but it always really helps me when I'm trialing new meds or just feeling down.
"most polite & intellectual people posting" so true!!
I hope you'll stick around and continue posting!
Jade
Posted by Phillipa on May 3, 2016, at 10:15:51
In reply to Re: Brintellix question » Ruuudy, posted by J Kelly on May 3, 2016, at 7:26:25
In my nursing news letter articles says that brintellix is going to have a new name beginning I think with a tri. Reason being another med different action completlely is being confused with this one. So if see a new name that is why. Also it's going to still be used as this name brintellix til the supplies run out. Phillipa
Posted by Phillipa on May 3, 2016, at 10:18:15
In reply to Re: Brintellix New Name of Med, posted by Phillipa on May 3, 2016, at 10:15:51
http://www.takeda.com/news/2016/20160503_7397.html
New name change and reason for change Phillipa
Posted by Horse on May 3, 2016, at 15:48:50
In reply to Re: Brintellix New Name of Med, posted by Phillipa on May 3, 2016, at 10:18:15
Good to know! Too bad I like Brintellix because I felt brilliant. Hahaha. Trintellix reminds me of trillion, like Brintellix multiplied :)
Posted by phidippus on May 6, 2016, at 6:27:24
In reply to Re: Brintellix question » g_g_g_unit, posted by SLS on April 26, 2016, at 6:32:34
I never felt blunted on Brintellix, nor does my girlfriend who is currently on it.
Eric
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