{"id":9278,"date":"2020-02-26T09:32:40","date_gmt":"2020-02-26T14:32:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=9278"},"modified":"2026-01-28T13:42:05","modified_gmt":"2026-01-28T18:42:05","slug":"trintellix-vs-prozac","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/trintellix-vs-prozac\/","title":{"rendered":"Trintellix vs. Prozac: Differences, similarities, and which is better for you"},"content":{"rendered":"

Almost everyone feels depression at some point, but when it becomes major depressive disorder (MDD), it can be hard to manage daily life. According to the NIH, about 17.3 million American adults live with MDD. For those who\u2019ve been diagnosed with depression, a healthcare provider may recommend an antidepressant medication like <\/span>Trintellix<\/span><\/a> (vortioxetine) or <\/span>Prozac<\/span><\/a> (fluoxetine). Both drugs help balance serotonin levels to improve mood. While they work similarly, they differ in cost, available forms, side effects, and approved uses.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Main differences between Trintellix and Prozac<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

<\/td>\nTrintellix<\/b><\/td>\nProzac<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Drug class<\/span><\/td>\nAntidepressant<\/span><\/p>\n

Serotonin modulator and stimulator<\/span><\/td>\n

Antidepressant<\/span><\/p>\n

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Brand\/generic status<\/span><\/td>\nBrand name only<\/span><\/td>\nGeneric version available<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What is the generic name?<\/span><\/td>\nVortioxetine<\/span><\/td>\nFluoxetine<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What form(s) does the drug come in?<\/span><\/td>\nOral tablet<\/span><\/td>\nOral capsule<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What is the standard dosage?<\/span><\/td>\n10 mg once daily<\/span><\/td>\n20 mg once daily<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
How long is the typical treatment?<\/span><\/td>\nShort-term or long-term, as directed by a physician<\/span><\/td>\nShort-term or long-term, as directed by a physician<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Who typically uses the medication?<\/span><\/td>\nAdults 18 years old and older<\/span><\/td>\nAdults and children 8 years old and older (for the treatment of MDD)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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

Trintellix<\/span><\/a> is only available as a brand-name drug, whereas <\/span>Prozac<\/span><\/a> is widely available in a generic form. Because there is no generic alternative for Trintellix, it may be more expensive.<\/span><\/p>\n

While both antidepressant drugs can be used as a treatment for <\/span>major depressive disorder<\/span><\/a>, Prozac can also be used to treat other mental health disorders. For example, Prozac can also treat <\/span>obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)<\/span><\/a> among other conditions (see Conditions treated by Trintellix and Prozac below).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Prozac belongs to a class of antidepressants known as <\/span>selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)<\/span><\/a>. Trintellix may act as an SSRI but is more often classified as a serotonin modulator and stimulator (SMS) that not only increases serotonin levels but also acts on multiple serotonin receptors to help regulate mood. Trintellix may also be considered an atypical antidepressant.<\/span><\/p>\n

Trintellix is taken as a once-daily tablet. Although Prozac is often taken once daily, it also comes as a weekly dosed tablet. However, the brand-name versions of Prozac have been discontinued, and it\u2019s now mostly available as a generic drug.<\/span><\/p>\n

Conditions treated by Trintellix and Prozac<\/span><\/h2>\n

Both Trintellix and Prozac are FDA-approved to treat major depressive disorder, which is characterized by persistent sadness, despair, decreased energy, and changes in appetite, concentration, or self-esteem.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

While both medications are used to treat major depression, Prozac is also approved for <\/span>other mental health conditions<\/span><\/a>, including:<\/span><\/p>\n