Trintellix (vortioxetine) is an antidepressant that balances serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter or brain chemical that regulates your mood, sleep, appetite, and energy. By restoring the balance of serotonin in the brain, Trintellix can be a key part of an effective treatment plan for depression. Trintellix is a brand-name prescription drug with no generic version currently on the market.
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Trintellix overview
BRAND NAMES:
Trintellix
Generic Names:
Vortioxetine
Uses:
Treats major depressive disorder
Therapeutic Classes:
Miscellaneous antidepressant, atypical antidepressant, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), serotonin modulator
Forms:
Tablet
How it’s taken:
By mouth
What is Trintellix used for?
Trintellix is a medication approved for adults to manage major depressive disorder (MDD), a specific type of depression characterized by persistent depressive symptoms. As an antidepressant, Trintellix may help improve mood, appetite, and energy levels in those who experience major depressive episodes. Trintellix is classified as an atypical or miscellaneous antidepressant, although it may sometimes be referred to as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) or serotonin modulator.
Key takeaways
Trintellix is an antidepressant medication prescribed for adults with major depressive disorder. It works by potentially altering the activity of serotonin receptors, which may improve serotonin levels in the brain and provide antidepressant effects.
Patients should take Trintellix as directed by their healthcare provider, typically once daily. The dosage may vary based on individual patient needs and their overall medical condition. Follow the prescribed dosage for maximum effectiveness without increased risks of side effects.
Trintellix may cause side effects, including nausea, dry mouth, and sexual dysfunction. It may interact with other medications, such as blood thinners and certain over-the-counter herbal products, which can lead to adverse reactions. Discuss all medications and supplements with a healthcare provider before starting treatment
Caregivers and patients should watch for unusual changes in behavior, as antidepressants have been linked to an increased risk of suicide in young adults. The medicine should be kept out of children's reach and stored at room temperature. In case of an overdose, seek immediate medical attention or contact the Poison Help Line (1-800-222-1222).
Elderly patients and those with certain medical conditions, such as eye problems or bipolar disorder, may require more careful monitoring. Regular follow-up visits are often recommended to monitor the safety and effectiveness of the medication.
What form(s) does Trintellix come in
Tablet
5 mg
10 mg
20 mg
What are common Trintellix doses?
Typically, doctors and healthcare providers recommend starting with 10 mg once daily by mouth with or without food.
Depending on how well the medication is tolerated, the dosage may be increased to 20 mg once daily or decreased to 5 mg once daily.
For people who have a specific genetic variation that causes their body to break down drugs slowly (CYP2D6 poor metabolizers), the recommended dosage is no more than 10 mg per day.
Common Trintellix prescriptions
Trintellix
2430 tablets bottleTrintellix
2520 tablets bottleTrintellix
10mg tabletTrintellix
20mg tabletTrintellix
5mg tablet
How to take Trintellix
Take your medicine as directed. Your dosage may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
Take this medicine at the same time each day.
This medicine should come with a medication guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
Do not exceed the dosage prescribed by your healthcare provider.
Consult your doctor or healthcare provider before stopping this medication. The dosage may need to be gradually reduced to prevent withdrawal symptoms.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
What to do if you miss a dose of Trintellix
Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Trintellix contraindications
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you have had an allergic reaction to vortioxetine.
Trintellix should not be used within 14 days of stopping a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI). In addition, MAOIs should not be used with Trintellix or within 21 days of stopping Trintellix. MAOIs include linezolid and methylene blue.
Trintellix warnings
Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dosage before you stop it completely.
Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
Tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions, including bleeding problems, bipolar disorder, glaucoma, or low levels of salt or sodium in your blood.
Trintellix carries a boxed warning for children, teenagers, and young adults, as it may lead to an increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior. Trintellix is not recommended for children under 18.
Taking Trintellix may raise the risk of developing serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, and increased body temperature.
Trintellix may increase the risk of bleeding events, particularly when taken with other medications known to affect blood clotting, such as NSAIDs, aspirin, or blood thinners.
In patients with bipolar disorder, Trintellix may trigger episodes of mania or hypomania.
Trintellix, like other antidepressants, may cause sexual side effects, which may include decreased libido, delayed ejaculation, or difficulty achieving orgasm.
This medicine may make you dizzy. Do not drive or do anything that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
Trintellix interactions
Taking an MAOI with Trintellix can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome. Do not take Trintellix within 14 days of stopping an MAOI. Do not take an MAOI within 21 days of stopping Trintellix.
Combining Trintellix with other serotonergic drugs or supplements, such as SSRIs, tricyclic antidepressants, and St. John’s wort, may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome. Other serotonergic drugs include opioids, amphetamines, tryptophan, lithium, buspirone, and certain migraine medications called triptans.
Taking Trintellix with anticoagulants or blood thinners, such as warfarin, may increase the risk of bleeding. In addition, it’s recommended to use caution with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin and ibuprofen because of their blood-thinning effects.
Some medicines can affect how Trintellix is processed in the body. Tell your doctor if you are using the following: Carbamazepine, phenytoin, quinidine, rifampin, bupropion, fluoxetine, or paroxetine.
Trintellix side effects
Trintellix can cause various side effects, though not everyone may experience them. The severity and nature of side effects can range from common and less serious to rare but serious conditions.
Less serious side effects
Nausea
Vomiting
Constipation
Dry mouth
Gas
Dizziness
Abnormal dreams
Serious side effects
Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
Signs of serotonin syndrome, such as agitation, hallucinations, fever, or fast heart rate
Serious allergic reactions, such as rash, hives, swelling, or difficulty breathing
Increased risk of bleeding
Manic episodes with symptoms such as racing thoughts, trouble sleeping, and unusual behavior
Withdrawal symptoms after stopping the medication, such as anxiety, irritability, sweating, confusion, and headache
Low sodium levels in the blood, with symptoms like headache, confusion, and weakness
Sexual dysfunction, with symptoms like decreased sex drive, delayed ejaculation, or inability to orgasm
Sources:
Highlights of prescribing information, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (2023)
Withdrawal symptoms following discontinuation of vortioxetine—Retrospective chart review, Pharmaceuticals (2021)
Vortioxetine: Clinical pharmacokinetics and drug interactions, Clinical Pharmacokinetics (2018)
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