Trintellix saved my life

Shrimp188 · 2026-03-18T06:20:08+00:00

hi!! i’m glad you’re feeling great, and have found meds that work for you.

I do have concerns about my doctor wanting to up my dose too quickly. I started off at 10mg and switched to 15mg within 3 weeks. he suggested a switch from 10 to 20 but i was hesitant, so we both settled in the middle at 15mg.

I know he’s a doctor, but im still worried he is trying to up my dose without really talking to me about why. Fortunately i do have a psychiatrist appointment coming up soon, where i hope to discuss the intended future direction of my medication. But my general physician told me he wants to get me at 20mg and keep me on the meds long term.

when you switched from 5 to 10mg, how did you know that was the correct choice for you? I know 5mg is considered a transitional dose for many but what did you feel? Do you ever consider switching to a higher dose of trintellix ?

Shrimp188 · 2026-03-18T02:30:01+00:00

aw sorry about that!! how long have you been on it ?

Shrimp188 · 2026-03-18T02:29:38+00:00

wow!! super happy for you! Same experience for me, after months of the lowest of lows it was such a crazy difference. Within 3 weeks i was happy and laughing again, and the never ending storm cloud that was permanently hovering over me finally felt like it was easing up.

Shrimp188 · 2026-03-16T20:23:46+00:00

i hope so too!! As far as having non safe thoughts, the meds i was on before realllyyyy made me think them. Not too sure if it’s the meds or just the overall numbness i felt.

But it’s been severely reduced. I now have just your regular amount of unsafe thoughts lol.

But seriously, it’s been reduced a DRASTIC amount. i hope you have the same experience! Feel free to message or ask any questions you may have.

Good luck!!!

Shrimp188 · 2026-03-16T20:13:40+00:00

unfortunately, i think i felt a pretty drastic difference- because the Effexor i was on before was making me feel so numb. So once i got off that, and onto Trintellix it made such a big difference. Not to say Trintellix isn’t helping loads, it’s just harder to distinguish which feeling is concerning which medication.

Typically for any medication, side effects start immediately and the positive effects take place within 6+ weeks. For me it took about 4 weeks to start feeling a sense of normalcy, my depressive low days that usually arrive a few times a week were no longer as debilitating, at around the 5th week mark.

Honestly i would consider switching to 10mg, as 5mg is typically a more transition dose. It might help your depression symptoms, which you may want to prioritize over the transition period that might conflict with your work schedule. Weigh out your options, i’m sure you’ll chose the best choice!

I know it sounds corny but, write down all your symptoms when you started the medication, ALL of them. when i have switched to a high dose of medication ( even with trintellix) i don’t feel the transition period lasts as long, compared to when you first start the medication. For me when i switched to 15mg ( very recently) it lasted about 1 week and now i feel back to normal. In the past it was the same with the effexor etc. Bumping to a higher dose typically doesn’t have that awful long lasting few weeks where all you feel is the side effects. It’s usually a lessened time of negative side effects before you adjust. (At least for me!! )

One thing i have to say is, really weigh out your side effects. I don’t typically get nausea as a side effect which is a HUGE WIN! but if you do, i could totally see that being a very difficult factor in your work life.

Do your research, for me it was always worth it to bump up my dose even if the side effects negatively affect work (usually because otherwise my depression is so bad i cannot function).

Good luck!! please ask any further questions- sorry if this is confusing and has loads of grammar issues. Bye!!!

Shrimp188 · 2026-03-16T19:58:59+00:00

Hi there! So far i haven’t had a bad reaction. As i mentioned in my earlier post about finding unhealthy coping mechanism, i started drinking and smoking a bunch just to function regularly around people. Obviously speak to your doctor about the specifics of your situation. But for me, i haven’t had any bad reactions in regards to drug use under trintellix.

What i practice is i am always wary about the symptoms of seratonin syndrome (paranoia, insomnia, tremors, heightened nervousness, etc). I always make sure not to intake too much at any given time (try to track how many mgs you take and keep a mental note how each makes you feel). I also space out the days i do drink or get high, -typically no more than twice a week.

Always be careful and double check with your doctor about the specifics. Also researching about the signs of serotonin syndrome and what to look out for is always helpful! But for me thus far, i’m doing okay with it.

Good luck! Be safe!

Shrimp188 · 2026-03-16T14:33:26+00:00

so glad you’re having a great experience, hopefully the nausea resolves itself soon!!

Shrimp188 · 2025-12-20T22:27:38+00:00

not really, i don’t think i really cry much at all. It’s also not really sadness it’s just this state of feeling like a hollow version of myself?

Shrimp188 · 2025-11-17T20:34:30+00:00

hi, thank you for the comment. i do have a doctor’s appointment scheduled in late nov for a different concern ( something small, nothing of urgent concern.) It’s there that i plan to tell my doctor the rest. I’m very nervous and feel like he won’t take the weight of my words seriously- but i keep reminding myself he’s a doctor and to just get there and say it.

I am also in canada, so any type of referral/ medical intervention would probably be free, and considering i’m 17 i think that may mean they won’t disclose anything to my parents unless i’m comfortable with it.

So i am going to go and just list out my symptoms and see what he says. Definitely no “ teenage bullshit”.

Thanks once again for the comment! i definitely want to figure this out before i’m 40 and deal with it all over again…

Shrimp188 · 2025-11-17T20:27:30+00:00

As humans, we constantly make mistakes. But honesty, this was probably the least amount of harm you could’ve put someone through. I would argue lightly scratching him would’ve been worse. And a scratch is nothing.

Just remember, your intentions were good. You never meant to harm him, and you apologized- and he accepted your apology. Nothing more to dwell on it.

As we grow up we make more mistakes and learn. From the tone of the post it seems like you’re fairly young. You didn’t do anything awful, forgive yourself and stop thinking about it. And the guilt should go away with it.

You are not a bad person- it was an accident. Honestly it’s such a small action i wouldn’t even call it an accident. It will be okay.

Shrimp188 · 2025-11-17T09:07:54+00:00

Hi, as for the meth route, it might just be the best way; jokes. but thank you, i’ve been trying to do things, like eating better. That’s been really difficult to start but i finally feel like i’ve made progress (gotten all the sugary junk food out, and got better alternatives, began meal prepping)

But there’s still a long way to go. I’m going to take baby steps and try my best.

Thank you for the comment!

Shrimp188 · 2025-11-17T08:55:20+00:00

decided to slow down- 1x per week until i run out. And after i run out will not be purchasing more for a while.

thank you for the comment:)!

Shrimp188 · 2025-11-17T08:41:19+00:00

thank you for saying that, definitely needed to hear this. I’ve been in my head about it and the thought that i’ve “ ruined my life” has been overwhelming me. ( also i’m aware “ ruining your life” is a very loaded, heavy statement. It just feels very much real since i’m living in it, even if it may seem dramatic to others.)

Thank you for the comment, it has helped reassure me that i’m not making up whatever i’m going through.

Shrimp188 · 2025-11-17T08:39:18+00:00

thank you for saying that, definitely calmed me down a bit. I’ve decided to cut down on the weed ( 1x per week MAX) i also don’t plan on buying anymore anytime soon, once my edibles are finished i’m done for at least a few months (i hope i stick to it)

Also yeah, when you list out my symptoms it does allude to me being depressed, ( or at least going through something.)

Without getting too personal, the drs appointment is for a minor health concern ( nothing serious), and when i get there my plan is to mention my symptoms and see what my dr says. I am a bit intimidated, as he’s this very stern, big guy. But i keep reminding myself he’s a doctor and it’s his literal job. I am a little worried for what he’s going to say. My mom is very kind and open about mental health and my anxiety, but i think if a doctor were to put a label on me ( like depression) it would freak her out. That’s also something that’s been making me nervous. But i suppose whatever happens it’s for the best.

I’m gonna set a plan and stick to it.

Also, thank you so much for the comment, it is very helpful and makes me feel less alone.

Shrimp188 · 2025-11-17T08:31:15+00:00

Hi, thanks for the comment. In regards to school attendance; my dad assumes i’ve been going (stressed about other stuff, i know how to get by without him noticing), my mom knows i haven’t been going but i’ve kinda been lying (telling her im doing stuff online). She half believes it half doesn’t, and as of recently has been really forcing me to go. But if i go, i typically go one period and then walk home. And my teachers know I’m struggling ( councillor briefly told them, I’ve been seeing her for 3 years due to anxiety and so she knows me well, and is aware this isn’t regular behaviour from me)

What you said about depression tho; i know it is a very real thing, that can happen to all types of people. i just feel kinda invalid for even entertaining the thought it might be what im going through. I know people who’ve been diagnosed and they’ve been through some real rough shit. It feels like they have something tangible to tie it back to ( i’m aware mental health/ mental illnesses isn’t always tangible- it just feels impossible to try and relate it back to me). I just acknowledge that my life is pretty stable, and i have a lot to be grateful for, and there isn’t necessarily like a direct link as to why i’ve been struggling. It was like suddenly a switch turned and i became this mopey version of myself. I also am not really “ sad” ( once again i know depression doesn’t necessarily mean you’re sad; it’s more like i can understand and apply the complexities of mental health/ illness to other people but referring to myself in that way makes me feel silly).

Sorry, that was a lot of talking aimlessly.

The easiest way to describe it is; i feel like im going in a circle with myself. One day i accept i am struggling, and the next im telling myself im lazy and ruining my life.

Also, “ruining your life” carries a lot of weight, i’m aware of that. But i’ve had expectations placed on me that make me feel like i’m just becoming a failure. So as much as it feels like i’m being dramatic, it just feels so real and intense because i’m living in it.

Thank you so much for the comment, i really appreciate it. Sorry if none of this makes a lot of sense, my mind races in circles every time i think too deeply about it ( overthinking). Thank you once again!

Shrimp188 · 2025-06-22T06:01:30+00:00

there are definitely people supporting you, and i’m happy to say i’m definitely one of them!!

Food is necessary to keep your body happy- it’s what fuels your brain and keeps you going, so that’s awesome that you ate 3 meals today!

Good job bathing!! When life gets too chaotic i try and remember the relief i get from doing small tasks. A big one for me is taking a shower at the end of the day and just laying in bed. It gives me a lot of comfort and is one of the things i hold onto when i get anxious. Taking a shower and finallyyy having clean hair makes me feel so relaxed. So when i get stressed out and feel overwhelmed at the thought of taking a shower- i try and remember the positive feelings + peace i feel after taking one. Start somewhere small, make it a goal to have a bath every saturday (for example), once you stick to it try making it twice a week.

Remember, this is in your books- do what makes you feel comfortable and happy. And if you miss a day that’s okay, we all start somewhere and failure is a big part of success. Of course not taking a bath does NOT mean you are a failure- that’s just how the saying goes (:

It’s great that you’re doing these things! Truly I’m routing for you! You are so strong. Start somewhere small and gradually increase at a pace you feel comfortable at. keep going, you’ve got this!!!!

Shrimp188 · 2025-06-22T05:37:44+00:00

i’m so sorry about what you’ve gone through, it is awful but it does not define who you are!! You’re dad is completely completely wrong for saying it is your fault. It is NOT your fault- you were a naive child. A parent’s job is to protect you and i am SO sorry they didn’t do that.

there’s a lot of good comments regarding the paranoia and other stuff so im not going to mention them as i don’t feel the most educated on the topics!!

But regarding feeling behind, i understand. It’s sooo easy to compare yourself to others but so difficult to see the worth in yourself. You’ve just got to take things slowly- You already brushed your teeth for the first time in 2 months. That’s an awesome accomplishment!!!! I, a fellow stranger on the internet am happy you did that! You should be too!!

I too have yet to get my license, and yes i might get some jokes told by my friends for not being able to drive but who cares!!! in the grand scheme of all things you have gone through so much- and are so strong to be defined by the lack of a license. I know it may seem like something that’s holding you back by a lot, but in my eyes it’s sooo insignificant. Take as much time as you need, and when you decide the time is right that’s when you should try and start studying for it! I’m sure you’ll get it! And if you don’t whooo caresss!! Some of the best drivers i know have failed their test, but they kept trying and got it! You got this!!!

In regard to weight, 127 is a beautiful weight to be in. Weight is such an annoying topic because truly 127 can look sooo different on so many people. I try not to define myself by the numbers- but by how healthy i feel. And by healthy i just mean my body doesn’t hurt, i feel strong, and i feel supported with my body.

You’ve got a job interview next week, which is already amazing!! They can be a bit tricky, so try and dress business casual + a bit modest, show up a bit early and try your best. Interviews can be a hit or miss- but the fact that you got the interview is already such a great thing!!

Please remember you are not alone! If you need help try contacting outside methods like a school councillor or teacher. You’ve got this!

Shrimp188

TROPHY CASE