Trintellix
Trintellix, the brand name for vortioxetine, belongs to a drug class called atypical antidepressants. It's used to treat depression in adults. This medication comes as a tablet that you take by mouth once a day. Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and dry mouth. Sexual side effects can also happen, but it's usually less likely than with some other antidepressants. As of 2025, there's no generic version of Trintellix (vortioxetine) available yet.
What is Trintellix (vortioxetine)?
What is Trintellix (vortioxetine) used for?
- Depression in adults
How Trintellix (vortioxetine) works
Trintellix (vortioxetine) is an atypical antidepressant. It's not fully understood how the medication works. But researchers think it helps boost serotonin in your brain. Serotonin is a chemical in the brain that plays a role in regulating mood and emotion.
Drug facts
Side effects of Trintellix (vortioxetine)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Nausea (21-32%)
- Diarrhea (7-10%)
- Dizziness (6-9%)
- Dry mouth (6-8%)
- Vomiting (3-6%)
- Constipation (3-6%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Passing gas
- Strange dreams
- Sexual dysfunction
- Itchiness
Trintellix (vortioxetine) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Suicidal thoughts and behavior
- Serotonin syndrome: fast heart rate, sweating, muscle stiffness or spasms, fever, confusion
- Very low sodium: nausea, vomiting, headache, memory problems, confusion, muscle weakness or cramps, low blood pressure
- Serious bleeding: dizziness, pale skin, feeling weak, getting nosebleeds often, bleeding that's hard to stop, bruising that won't go away, vomiting blood, black and tarry stool
More on Trintellix (vortioxetine) side effects
The following Trintellix (vortioxetine) side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Incidence not known
Agitation
blood in the stool or urine
confusion
decreased urine output
difficulty swallowing
dizziness
fast or irregular heartbeat
headache
hostility
increased sweating
increased thirst
irritability
large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
muscle pain or cramps
nausea or vomiting
nose bleeds
overactive reflexes
poor coordination
puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
red or purple spots on the skin
restlessness
seizures
shivering
sweating
swelling of the breasts or unusual milk production
swelling of the face, ankles, or hands
talking or acting with excitement you cannot control
tightness in the chest
trembling or shaking
trouble breathing
twitching
unusual bleeding or bruising
unusual tiredness or weakness
vomiting blood
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Less common
Abnormal ejaculation
bloated or full feeling
decreased sexual performance or desire
excess air or gas in the stomach or intestines
itching skin
passing gas
unusual dreams
Incidence not known
Acid or sour stomach
belching
blurred vision
change in taste
dizziness or lightheadedness
feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
feeling of warmth
indigestion
loss of taste
redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest
sensation of spinning
stomach discomfort, upset, or pain
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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Pros and cons of Trintellix (vortioxetine)
Pros
- Only taken once a day
- Can start to improve depression in as early as 2 weeks
- Less likely to cause weight gain than other antidepressants
Cons
- Can take up to a month or more before you feel the full effects
- Not approved for use in children
- Not approved to treat anxiety
Pharmacist tips for Trintellix (vortioxetine)
- You can take Trintellix (vortioxetine) with or without food. Food won't affect how well it works for you.
- Set an alarm to help you remember to take Trintellix (vortioxetine) at the same time every day.
- You should swallow the Trintellix (vortioxetine) tablet whole. It usually isn't a good idea to cut it in half. The tablets aren't scored, so cutting them can give you uneven halves and make you take the wrong dose. Talk to your prescriber if you want to take a lower dose of Trintellix (vortioxetine).
- Nausea is a common side effect of Trintellix (vortioxetine) during the first week you take it. Most times, you should feel better over the next few weeks. If the nausea doesn't go away, tell your prescriber so they can help you manage this side effect.
- It's best to avoid drinking alcohol while taking Trintellix (vortioxetine). It can make side effects like dizziness and nausea worse. Talk to a healthcare professional if you have questions about whether it's safe to drink while taking an antidepressant.
- Don't stop taking Trintellix (vortioxetine) suddenly. Otherwise, it can cause withdrawal symptoms, like dizziness, anxiety, headache, and trouble sleeping. Talk to your prescriber if you want to stop the medication. They can lower the dose slowly over time before you stop completely. This helps lower your risk of withdrawal.
- Trintellix (vortioxetine) used to have a different brand name, Brintellix. The manufacturer changed its brand name because it sounded too much like the blood thinner Brilinta (ticagrelor). The name change helped lower the risk of getting the two medications mixed up.
Common questions about Trintellix (vortioxetine)
No, Trintellix (vortioxetine) isn't called a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). Instead, it's called an atypical antidepressant. But they work in similar ways. Like SSRIs, Trintellix (vortioxetine) is thought to raise serotonin levels in the brain. This helps make your mood better.
Trintellix (vortioxetine) doesn't usually cause weight gain. In fact, it's considered a "weight-neutral" antidepressant. In studies, people had minimal changes in weight after a year of taking the medication. In general, you can help manage your weight by making some healthy choices. Try to eat a nutritious, balanced diet and exercise for at least 30 minutes a day. If you're worried about your weight, talk to a healthcare professional.
Some people might start to feel their mood get better within 2 weeks of taking Trintellix (vortioxetine). But it could take a month of treatment or longer to feel the full effects of this medication. If you don't feel any better after that time, talk to your prescriber. They might decide to give you a higher dose of Trintellix (vortioxetine), if possible. They can also talk with you about other options.
No, Trintellix (vortioxetine) isn't a controlled substance. The medication isn't known to have a risk of dependence.
No. As of 2025, Trintellix (vortioxetine) is only available as a brand-name medication. This could change in 2026 when the medication's patent is set to expire. This would let generic manufacturers make a generic version of the medication.
Trintellix (vortioxetine) isn't approved by the FDA to treat anxiety. But some studies have looked into using the medication for this purpose. This is considered an "off-label" use of the medication. In general, we need more studies to really know if it helps and if it's safe for anxiety. Talk to a healthcare professional about how to handle your anxiety.
You could have withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking Trintellix (vortioxetine) too suddenly. You might get headaches, feel like you have the flu, feel anxious, and have trouble sleeping. If you want to stop taking Trintellix (vortioxetine), talk to your prescriber first. They can help you stop safely by lowering your dose a little at a time. This helps you avoid getting withdrawal symptoms.
Trintellix (vortioxetine) and escitalopram (Lexapro) are both medications for depression that you take once a day. They work in similar ways by raising the serotonin levels in your brain to help with mood. But they're actually two different types of antidepressants. Trintellix is only approved for adults. But Lexapro can be used in both adults and children of certain ages. Plus, Lexapro is also approved to help people with anxiety. Ask your prescriber to compare these medications and see which one is right for you.
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Risks and warnings for Trintellix (vortioxetine)
Trintellix (vortioxetine) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Suicidal thoughts or behavior
- Risk factors: Age 24 years or younger | First starting Trintellix (vortioxetine) or when the dose changes
Trintellix (vortioxetine) may increase your risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior, especially in people under the age of 25. Watch out for worsening depression or any unusual changes in your mood or behavior, especially during the first few months of treatment or with a dose change. Talk to a healthcare professional if you experience any of these symptoms, and seek urgent care if needed.
Serotonin syndrome
- Risk factors: Taking other medications that raise serotonin levels in the brain
Trintellix (vortioxetine) can cause a very serious and dangerous problem called serotonin syndrome. This happens when you have too much serotonin in your brain.
Your risk is higher if you take Trintellix (vortioxetine) with other medications that also make your serotonin go up. They can include other antidepressants, some opioid pain medications, and triptans for migraine. That's why it's important to tell your care team about all the medications you take. They can check if you're at risk for serotonin syndrome.
Stop taking Trintellix (vortioxetine) and get medical help right away if you have signs of serotonin syndrome. Look out for fever, a lot of sweating, fast heart rate, muscle stiffness or spasms, and confusion.
Higher risk of bleeding
- Risk factors: Taking blood thinners or other medications that make bleeding or bruising easier
Trintellix (vortioxetine) can raise the risk that you can bleed more easily. The risk is even higher if you also take medications that have a bleeding risk. These include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen (Advil) and aspirin. It also includes blood thinners like warfarin (Coumadin).
Tell your prescriber and pharmacist about your medications while taking Trintellix (vortioxetine). They can check your bleeding risk. Get medical help right away if you have bleeding that's hard to stop, bruising that doesn't go away, vomit blood, or have black and tarry stool. These might be signs of a serious bleed.
Not for use alone for bipolar disorder
- Risk factors: Personal or family history of bipolar disorder, mania, or hypomania
Giving someone with bipolar disorder an antidepressant like Trintellix (vortioxetine) by itself can sometimes make them have a manic episode. They can have lots of energy, become very talkative, have racing thoughts, and do risky things. In studies, manic signs were rare with Trintellix (vortioxetine).
Before you start Trintellix (vortioxetine), it's important to tell your prescriber if you or someone in your family has bipolar disorder. Your prescriber will also check if you have this problem or if you're at risk of having it. If so, they'll make sure you get the right help.
Withdrawal symptoms
- Risk factors: Stopping Trintellix (vortioxetine) too suddenly
Don't stop taking Trintellix (vortioxetine) all of a sudden without talking to your prescriber. Stopping it too quickly could make you have withdrawal symptoms. You could feel nauseous, sweat a lot, feel dizzy, have headaches, and have trouble sleeping.
If you want to stop taking Trintellix (vortioxetine), tell your prescriber first. They can help you stop safely by lowering your dose over time before you stop completely.
Worsening of glaucoma in certain people
- Risk factors: History of angle-closure glaucoma
Antidepressants such as Trintellix (vortioxetine) can sometimes cause glaucoma to get worse for some people. Tell your prescriber if you have narrow-angle eyes or angle-closure glaucoma and haven't had laser eye surgery.
Call your eye specialist right away if you suddenly have blurry vision, severe eye pain, or see rings of light around lights. These could be signs of a serious eye problem called an angle-closure attack.
Low sodium levels
- Risk factors: Older age | Taking diuretic medications
Trintellix (vortioxetine) can sometimes make you have low sodium levels in your blood. Watch out for signs like headaches, trouble focusing, feeling confused or weak, or being unsteady on your feet. This can lead to falls. Stop taking this medication and talk to your prescriber right away if this happens. Get urgent care if needed.
Sexual side effects
Trintellix (vortioxetine) might cause problems with sex for both males and females. These problems can include trouble with ejaculation or erectile dysfunction. It can also include not wanting to have sex as much or trouble having an orgasm.
If you notice changes in your sex life that worry you while taking Trintellix (vortioxetine), let your prescriber know. They can check if something else is causing these problems and find ways to help you feel better.
Trintellix (vortioxetine) dosage
Tablet| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5mg | 30 tablets | $10.00 | $0.33 |
| 10mg | 30 tablets | $10.00 | $0.33 |
| 20mg | 30 tablets | $10.00 | $0.33 |
Typical dosage for Trintellix (vortioxetine)
The typical starting dose is 10 mg by mouth once daily. The maximum dose is 20 mg by mouth per day.
Your prescriber can adjust the dose based on how well Trintellix (vortioxetine) is working and if you have side effects. They'll also adjust the dose if you take certain interacting medications.
More on Trintellix (vortioxetine) dosage
Interactions between Trintellix (vortioxetine) and other drugs
More on Trintellix (vortioxetine) interactions
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.
- Furazolidone
- Iproniazid
- Isocarboxazid
- Linezolid
- Methylene Blue
- Metoclopramide
- Moclobemide
- Nialamide
- Pargyline
- Phenelzine
- Procarbazine
- Rasagiline
- Selegiline
- Tranylcypromine
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Abciximab
- Abiraterone Acetate
- Aceclofenac
- Acemetacin
- Acenocoumarol
- Alfentanil
- Almotriptan
- Amineptine
- Amitriptyline
- Amitriptylinoxide
- Amoxapine
- Amphetamine
- Amtolmetin Guacil
- Anagrelide
- Anileridine
- Apalutamide
- Apixaban
- Ardeparin
- Argatroban
- Aspirin
- Bemiparin
- Benzhydrocodone
- Benzphetamine
- Bivalirudin
- Bromfenac
- Brompheniramine
- Bufexamac
- Buprenorphine
- Bupropion
- Buspirone
- Butorphanol
- Cangrelor
- Carbamazepine
- Celecoxib
- Certoparin
- Chlorpheniramine
- Choline Salicylate
- Cilostazol
- Citalopram
- Clomipramine
- Clonixin
- Clopidogrel
- Cocaine
- Codeine
- Cyclobenzaprine
- Dabigatran Etexilate
- Dalteparin
- Danaparoid
- Desipramine
- Desirudin
- Desmopressin
- Desvenlafaxine
- Dexamethasone
- Dexibuprofen
- Dexketoprofen
- Dextroamphetamine
- Dextromethorphan
- Dibenzepin
- Diclofenac
- Difenoxin
- Diflunisal
- Dihydrocodeine
- Diphenoxylate
- Dipyridamole
- Dipyrone
- Dolasetron
- Doxepin
- Drotrecogin Alfa
- Droxicam
- Duloxetine
- Edoxaban
- Eletriptan
- Enoxaparin
- Enzalutamide
- Epoprostenol
- Eptifibatide
- Escitalopram
- Eslicarbazepine Acetate
- Ethylmorphine
- Etodolac
- Etofenamate
- Etoricoxib
- Felbinac
- Fenfluramine
- Fenoprofen
- Fentanyl
- Fepradinol
- Feprazone
- Floctafenine
- Fluconazole
- Flufenamic Acid
- Fluoxetine
- Flurbiprofen
- Fluvoxamine
- Fondaparinux
- Fosphenytoin
- Frovatriptan
- Granisetron
- Heparin
- Hydrocodone
- Hydromorphone
- Hydroxytryptophan
- Ibuprofen
- Iloprost
- Imipramine
- Indomethacin
- Iobenguane I 131
- Ketobemidone
- Ketoprofen
- Ketorolac
- Lasmiditan
- Lepirudin
- Levomilnacipran
- Levorphanol
- Lisdexamfetamine
- Lithium
- Lofepramine
- Lorcaserin
- Lornoxicam
- Loxoprofen
- Lumacaftor
- Lumiracoxib
- Meclofenamate
- Mefenamic Acid
- Melitracen
- Meloxicam
- Meperidine
- Metaxalone
- Methadone
- Methamphetamine
- Milnacipran
- Mirtazapine
- Mitotane
- Morniflumate
- Morphine
- Morphine Sulfate Liposome
- Nabumetone
- Nadroparin
- Nalbuphine
- Naproxen
- Naratriptan
- Nefazodone
- Nepafenac
- Nicomorphine
- Niflumic Acid
- Nimesulide
- Nimesulide Beta Cyclodextrin
- Nortriptyline
- Ondansetron
- Opipramol
- Opium
- Opium Alkaloids
- Oxaprozin
- Oxycodone
- Oxymorphone
- Oxyphenbutazone
- Ozanimod
- Palonosetron
- Papaveretum
- Parecoxib
- Paregoric
- Parnaparin
- Paroxetine
- Pentazocine
- Phenindione
- Phenprocoumon
- Phenylbutazone
- Phenytoin
- Piketoprofen
- Piritramide
- Piroxicam
- Pixantrone
- Pranoprofen
- Prasugrel
- Primidone
- Proglumetacin
- Propyphenazone
- Proquazone
- Protein C
- Protriptyline
- Quinidine
- Remifentanil
- Reviparin
- Rifabutin
- Rifampin
- Rifapentine
- Rivaroxaban
- Rizatriptan
- Rofecoxib
- Safinamide
- Salicylic Acid
- Salsalate
- Selexipag
- Sertraline
- Sibutramine
- Sodium Salicylate
- St John's Wort
- Sufentanil
- Sulfinpyrazone
- Sulindac
- Sumatriptan
- Tapentadol
- Tenoxicam
- Terbinafine
- Tianeptine
- Tiaprofenic Acid
- Ticagrelor
- Ticlopidine
- Tilidine
- Tinzaparin
- Tirofiban
- Tolfenamic Acid
- Tolmetin
- Tramadol
- Trazodone
- Treprostinil
- Trimipramine
- Tryptophan
- Valdecoxib
- Venlafaxine
- Vilazodone
- Vorapaxar
- Warfarin
- Ziprasidone
- Zolmitriptan
How much does Trintellix (vortioxetine) cost?
$10.00
Trintellix (vortioxetine) contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Trintellix (vortioxetine) will not be safe for you to take.
- Take a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) within 21 days of Trintellix (vortioxetine)
What are alternatives to Trintellix (vortioxetine)?
News about Trintellix (vortioxetine)
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