Safely Discontinuing Trintellix (Vortioxetine)
To safely stop taking Trintellix (vortioxetine), you should follow a gradual tapering schedule of 10-25% dose reduction every 2-4 weeks, with slower reductions at lower doses, rather than stopping abruptly. 1
Tapering Schedule for Trintellix
Step 1: Prepare for Discontinuation
- Consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your medication regimen
- Do not stop Trintellix abruptly as this may cause withdrawal symptoms 2
- Plan for regular follow-up appointments during the tapering process
Step 2: Follow a Structured Tapering Schedule
For patients taking Trintellix for less than 1 year:
- Reduce dose by 10-25% of the most recent dose
- Allow 2-4 weeks between dose reductions
- Example: If taking 20mg daily → 15mg daily for 2-4 weeks → 10mg daily for 2-4 weeks → 5mg daily for 2-4 weeks → discontinue
For patients taking Trintellix for more than 1 year:
- Use a more gradual taper of approximately 10% per month
- Slow to 5% reductions at lower doses
- May take several months to complete 1
Monitoring During Tapering
Watch for Withdrawal Symptoms
- Common withdrawal symptoms may include:
- Dizziness, vertigo, headache
- Nausea and flu-like symptoms
- Anxiety, irritability, insomnia
- Excessive dreaming 3
When to Slow or Pause Tapering
- If significant withdrawal symptoms emerge, slow or pause the taper
- Resume the taper at a slower rate when symptoms resolve 1
- Weekly monitoring is recommended during the active tapering period 1
Managing Withdrawal Symptoms
Non-Pharmacological Approaches
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Relaxation techniques
- Regular exercise
- Maintaining consistent sleep schedule 1
Adjunctive Medications (if needed)
For severe withdrawal symptoms, your healthcare provider may consider:
- Non-benzodiazepine sleep aids for insomnia
- Gabapentin for anxiety and irritability
- Trazodone for insomnia 1
Special Considerations
Risk Factors for Difficult Withdrawal
- Higher doses of medication
- Longer duration of treatment
- History of previous withdrawal symptoms
- Poor treatment compliance 3
When to Seek Immediate Help
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience:
- Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
- Severe mood changes
- Intolerable physical symptoms
- Signs of relapse of your original condition 2
Important Cautions
- Never stop Trintellix without consulting your healthcare provider
- The FDA label specifically warns against abruptly stopping Trintellix 2
- If withdrawal symptoms are severe, your provider may temporarily reinstate a lower dose before continuing the taper 3
- Monitor for both withdrawal symptoms and potential return of depression symptoms
By following this structured approach to discontinuation, you can minimize the risk of withdrawal symptoms while safely stopping Trintellix.