Abrupt stoppage of Brintellix can lead to a higher risk of severe withdrawal symptoms; it is important to always finish a Brintellix prescription.
Article at a Glance:
Brintellix is an antidepressant used to treat major depressive disorder in adults.
Withdrawal symptoms of Brintellix include brain zaps, anxiety, fatigue, and flu-like symptoms.
This antidepressant’s withdrawal symptoms usually last two to three weeks.
It is best to taper off Brintellix gradually under medical supervision.
Ready to Break Free From Addiction?
If you’re seeking help for yourself or a loved one, our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way. Don’t wait—start your journey to recovery today.
The Recovery Village can help you make the transition to a substance-free life.
Brintellix (Vortioxetine) Withdrawal And Detox
Vortioxetine is a prescribedantidepressantand the generic version of Brintellix. Vortioxetine is used to treatmajor depressive disorder(MDD) in adults. Brintellix is an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) which blocks the reabsorption of the neurotransmitter serotonin, regulating the natural balance and treating symptoms of depression. When serotonin is at low levels in someone’s body, it can lead to depression and decrease one’s overall mood. Vortioxetine may be used to treat other mental and mood disorders off-label.
What Are Common Brintellix (Vortioxetine) Withdrawal Symptoms?
Since SSRIs likeBrintellixaid the brain in balancing neurotransmitter levels, discontinuation can make it difficult for the central nervous system to not only adapt to the absence of serotonin but also in the production and release of it. Once reuptake (reabsorption) is no longer blocked, withdrawal symptoms from vortioxetine will begin. Abrupt stoppage of antidepressants can lead to a higher risk of severe withdrawal symptoms; it is important to always finish a vortioxetineprescription.
Some reports state that withdrawal symptoms may begin within the first 24 hours after discontinuing vortioxetine, although it normally occurs after the drug is mostly out of the body, which is around three to five days for SSRIs. Brintellix can stay in someone’s system for 13 to 15 days. Doctors have reported that the climax of Brintellix withdrawal happens around weeks two and three.
Seek medical attention if any withdrawal symptoms worsen or become unbearable.
Some common vortioxetine withdrawal symptoms are:
- Brain zaps (zapping/shocking sensation that may cause dizziness, pain and discomfort)
- Anxiety
- Worsened depression
- Fatigue
- Depersonalization
- Flu-like symptoms (muscle aching, vomiting, headaches)
- Insomnia
- Irritability (mood swings, angry outbursts)
- Suicidal thoughts
It is important to discuss a plan with a doctor when a Brintellix prescription is ending to reduce withdrawal symptoms and duration.
Brintellix (Vortioxetine) Withdrawal Timeline And Symptom Durations
The withdrawal timeline for vortioxetine depends on several individual factors, which varies from person to person. Some of these factors are:
- The length of use
- The strength and frequency of the dosage
- Tolerance levels
- Medical history
In most cases, antidepressant withdrawal lasts between two to three weeks. Recurring depression may return during the third week after a vortioxetine prescription has ended.
Managing Withdrawal Symptoms Of Brintellix (Vortioxetine)
It is important to develop a plan with a doctor to reduce the risks and severity of withdrawal symptoms. It is not recommended to stop using Brintellix without medical guidance and supervision.
The most effective way to reduce the risks of withdrawal is through tapering, which gradually decreases the dosage every few weeks. Tapering allows a person’s body to slowly adjust to the absence of vortioxetine in their system, which may drastically decrease the severity of withdrawal symptoms. The length of the tapering should be discussed with a doctor to decide what is best for the patient and their comfort.
Reaching out to friends and family can help with the long-term recovery process. Engaging in conversation and staying active can make a huge difference during withdrawal. It is best to stay preoccupied and focus the mind on other things.
Visiting a therapist is important during vortioxetine withdrawal because it prevents recurring depression. It can also help a person in recovery deal with withdrawal symptoms that target their mind, like depersonalization and mood swings.
It is important to monitor someone in recovery since discontinuation of Brintellix may lead to increased suicidal thoughts or substance misuse.
Brintellix (Vortioxetine) Medications And Detox
Someone stopping Brintellix use should always do so under medical supervision. As previously mentioned, Brintellix withdrawal can increase suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Having loved ones around and attending regular therapy can help lessen these thoughts and make the road to recovery easier. Attending adetoxification programcan help prevent substance use disorder and provide a safe and welcoming environment for a person in recovery.
Staying in touch with one’s doctor can be beneficial since their doctor can not only monitor the withdrawal symptoms, he or she can also prescribe their patient other medications to alleviate symptoms like vomiting, insomnia and anxiety.
Work closely with loved ones and medical professionals to find out which recovery option is best.
How To Choose A Brintellix (Vortioxetine) Center
Choosing a recovery center can be tricky, depending on you or your loved one’s recovery goals. Our caring and professional staff here at The Recovery Center can help make the transition to a substance-free life safe and fun. Don’t be afraid to reach out and begin the road to recovery.
