{"id":4569,"date":"2019-06-25T21:21:46","date_gmt":"2019-06-26T01:21:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=4569"},"modified":"2026-02-12T19:09:42","modified_gmt":"2026-02-13T00:09:42","slug":"trintellix-vs-lexapro","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/trintellix-vs-lexapro\/","title":{"rendered":"Trintellix vs. Lexapro: Differences, similarities, and which is better for you"},"content":{"rendered":"

Drug overview & main differences<\/a> | Conditions treated<\/a> | Efficacy<\/a> | Insurance coverage and cost comparison<\/a> | Side effects<\/a> | Drug interactions<\/a> | Warnings<\/a> | FAQ<\/a><\/p>\n

More than 16 million American adults have depression<\/a> (major depressive disorder), and nearly 7 million adults have a generalized anxiety disorder. Recent events like the COVID-19 pandemic, have been a source of anxiety<\/a> for many people.<\/p>\n

Trintellix (vortioxetine) and Lexapro (escitalopram) are two prescription medications used for depression. Lexapro is also used for anxiety. Both medicines are approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA).<\/p>\n

Trintellix and Lexapro are part of a group of medications called SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors). SSRIs work by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, which helps improve symptoms of depression. Although Trintellix and Lexapro are both SSRIs, they have some differences, which we will outline below.<\/p>\n

What are the main differences between Trintellix and Lexapro?<\/h2>\n

Trintellix (vortioxetine) is an SSRI medication. It is available in brand name only, in tablet form. It can be used in adults only. It has not been studied in children. Trintellix was originally called Brintellix, but the name was changed<\/a> to avoid confusion with an antiplatelet medicine called Brilinta.<\/p>\n

Lexapro (escitalopram<\/a>) is an SSRI. Lexapro is available in both brand and generic form and as a tablet or oral solution. Lexapro is used in adults and adolescents 12 years and older for depression, or adults 18 years and older for anxiety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Main differences between Trintellix and Lexapro<\/span><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
<\/td>\nTrintellix<\/strong><\/td>\nLexapro<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Drug class<\/strong><\/td>\nSSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor)<\/td>\nSSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Brand\/generic status<\/strong><\/td>\nBrand<\/td>\nBrand and generic<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What is the generic name?<\/strong><\/td>\nVortioxetine<\/td>\nEscitalopram<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What form(s) does the drug come in?<\/strong><\/td>\nTablet<\/td>\nTablet, solution<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What is the standard dosage?<\/strong><\/td>\nStart at 10 mg per day then increase to 20 mg per day if tolerated<\/td>\n5 mg, 10 mg, or 20 mg once daily<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
How long is the typical treatment?<\/strong><\/td>\nVaries<\/td>\nVaries<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Who typically uses the medication?<\/strong><\/td>\nAdults<\/td>\nAdults and adolescents (12 years of age and older)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
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Want the best price on Trintellix?<\/h3>\n

Sign up for Trintellix price alerts and find out when the price changes!<\/p>\n

Get price alerts<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Conditions treated by Trintellix and Lexapro<\/h2>\n

Trintellix is indicated to treat major depressive disorder (MDD)<\/a>. It is sometimes used off-label<\/a> for generalized anxiety disorder<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Lexapro is indicated to treat MDD in adults and adolescents ages 12-17 years. Lexapro is also indicated for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder in adults.<\/p>\n

RELATED: Trintellix for anxiety<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
Condition<\/strong><\/td>\nTrintellix<\/strong><\/td>\nLexapro <\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Major depressive disorder (MDD)<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Generalized anxiety disorder<\/td>\nOff-label<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Is Trintellix or Lexapro more effective?<\/h2>\n

A meta-analysis<\/a> (an analysis of many studies) published in 2018 evaluated 21 antidepressants. Both Trintellix and Lexapro were found to be more effective than other antidepressants. They were both better tolerated than other antidepressants as well.<\/p>\n

A study<\/a> done by the manufacturer of Trintellix concluded that Trintellix and Lexapro are both effective antidepressants. The study also reported that Trintellix had a higher incidence of certain side effects, such as nausea and itching than Lexapro.<\/p>\n

Your healthcare provider can determine the most effective drug for you, taking into consideration your medical conditions and history as well as any drugs you take that can interact with Trintellix or Lexapro.<\/p>\n

\n

Want the best price on Lexapro?<\/h3>\n

Sign up for Lexapro price alerts and find out when the price changes!<\/p>\n

Get price alerts<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Coverage and cost comparison of Trintellix vs. Lexapro<\/h2>\n

Trintellix is covered by most insurance and Medicare Part D plans. However, it is best to check with your plan for specific coverage details. Trintellix is only available in brand name. It can cost more than $500 for #30, 20 mg tablets. You can use a free <\/span>SingleCare coupon<\/span><\/a> to reduce the price to approximately $492 at Kroger.<\/span><\/p>\n

Lexapro is usually covered by insurance and Medicare Part D. The generic version usually has a lower copay. The brand-name product usually has a much higher copay or may not be covered at all. Generic Lexapro costs about $70 for #30, 10 mg generic tablets. A <\/span>SingleCare card<\/span><\/a> can lower the generic price to about $9 at Kroger. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\u00a0<\/strong><\/td>\nTrintellix<\/strong><\/td>\nLexapro <\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typically covered by insurance?<\/strong><\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nYes (generic)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typically covered by Medicare Part D?<\/strong><\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nYes (generic)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Standard dosage<\/strong><\/td>\n30, 20 mg tablets<\/td>\n30, 10 mg tablets<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typical Medicare copay<\/strong><\/td>\n$3-$14<\/td>\n$0-$30<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
SingleCare cost<\/strong><\/td>\n$492 at Kroger<\/span><\/td>\n$9 at Kroger<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Get the pharmacy discount card<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

Common side effects of Trintellix vs. Lexapro<\/h2>\n

The most common side effect of Trintellix is nausea, which is usually mild to moderate and lasts about two weeks. Other common adverse events include sexual side effects, nausea, constipation, vomiting, diarrhea, dry mouth, and dizziness.<\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>Does Trintellix cause sexual side effects?<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

The most common side effects of Lexapro are headaches, nausea, sexual problems, drowsiness, and insomnia.<\/p>\n

With each new or refilled prescription of Trintellix or Lexapro, you will receive a medication guide that discusses side effects, warnings, and other important information.<\/p>\n

This is not a full list of side effects. Other adverse effects may occur. Consult your healthcare provider for a full list of possible side effects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\u00a0<\/strong><\/td>\nTrintellix*<\/strong><\/td>\nLexapro <\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Side effect<\/strong><\/td>\nApplicable?<\/strong><\/td>\nFrequency<\/strong><\/td>\nApplicable?<\/strong><\/td>\nFrequency<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Headache<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n% not reported<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n24%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Nausea<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n21-32%<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n18%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Ejaculation disorder\/sexual dysfunction<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n16-34%<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n14%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Diarrhea<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n7-10%<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n8%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Constipation<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n3-6%<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n3%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Dry mouth<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n6-8%<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n9%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Drowsiness<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\n–<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n13%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Dizziness<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n6-9%<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n5%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Insomnia<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\n–<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n12%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

*side effects depend on dosage
\nSource: DailyMed (Trintellix<\/a>), DailyMed (Lexapro<\/a>)<\/p>\n

Drug interactions of Trintellix vs. Lexapro<\/h2>\n

Because both drugs are in the same category, they have similar drug interactions.<\/p>\n

MAOI (monoamine oxidase inhibitors) interact with Trintellix and Lexapro. Their use must be separated by 14-21 days, depending on the individual treatment plan. The combination of an MAOI with Trintellix or Lexapro may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome<\/a>, a life-threatening medical emergency due to serotonin buildup.<\/p>\n

Triptans used to treat migraines, such as Imitrex<\/a> (sumatriptan), and other antidepressants, such as Elavil or Cymbalta<\/a>, should not be used in combination with Trintellix or Lexapro due to the risk of serotonin syndrome. Also, the cough suppressant dextromethorphan\u2014which is found in Robitussin-DM as well as many other cough and cold products\u2014should be avoided as it can also cause serotonin syndrome when combined with Trintellix or Lexapro.<\/p>\n

Other drugs that may interact with Trintellix or Lexapro include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin or ibuprofen, and anticoagulants (blood thinners), like warfarin. Avoid alcohol when taking Trintellix or Lexapro.<\/p>\n

This is not a full list of drug interactions. Consult your healthcare provider for a complete list of drug interactions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Drug<\/strong><\/td>\nDrug class<\/strong><\/td>\nTrintellix<\/strong><\/td>\nLexapro <\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Phenelzine
\nRasagiline
\nSelegiline
\nTranylcypromine<\/td>\n		MAOIs<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Alcohol<\/td>\nAlcohol<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Rizatriptan
\nSumatriptan
\nZolmitriptan<\/td>\n		Triptans<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
St. John\u2019s Wort<\/td>\nSupplement<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Warfarin<\/td>\nAnticoagulant<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Codeine
\nHydrocodone
\nMorphine
\nOxycodone
\nTramadol<\/td>\n		Opioids<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Dextromethorphan (in many cough and cold products)<\/td>\nCough suppressant<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Azithromycin
\nClarithromycin
\nErythromycin<\/td>\n		Macrolide antibiotics<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Aspirin
\nIbuprofen
\nMeloxicam
\nNabumetone
\nNaproxen<\/td>\n		NSAIDs<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Desvenlafaxine
\nDuloxetine
\nVenlafaxine<\/td>\n		SNRI antidepressants<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Amitriptyline
\nDesipramine
\nImipramine
\nNortriptyline<\/td>\n		Tricyclic antidepressants<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Alprazolam
\nClonazepam
\nDiazepam<\/td>\n		Benzodiazepines<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Warnings of Trintellix and Lexapro<\/h2>\n

All SSRIs, including Trintellix and Lexapro, have a boxed warning of suicidality. Children, adolescents, and young adults (up to 24 years old) who take antidepressant drugs have an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior. All patients on antidepressant medications<\/a> should be carefully monitored.<\/p>\n

Other warnings include:<\/p>\n