Does Trintellix Cause Weight Gain?
Key takeaways:
Trintellix (vortioxetine) is used to treat depression in adults. Trintellix isn’t known for causing weight gain. Still, some people report this side effect.
If you gain weight with Trintellix, it’s typically minimal (less than 1 to 2 pounds). And it may not be due to Trintellix itself. You may gain weight as your depression symptoms improve.
Exercising regularly and adopting a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are ways to maintain your weight while taking Trintellix.
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Table of contents
Trintellix (vortioxetine) is a prescription medication that treats depression in adults. It belongs to a group of medications called atypical antidepressants. More specifically, it boosts the effects of a chemical called serotonin. This is an important chemical that regulates several functions related to mood, memory, and behavior.
If your healthcare professional prescribes Trintellix, you may have questions about side effects. Many people, for example, wonder about weight gain with antidepressants. Here, we’ll discuss whether Trintellix causes weight gain and other factors that may affect your weight while taking an antidepressant. We’ll also talk about which antidepressants are least likely to cause weight gain.
Does Trintellix cause weight gain?
It’s possible. Trintellix wasn’t shown to cause weight gain in studies leading to its FDA approval. But some people have reported weight gain from this medication since it’s been on the market.
A review of several studies analyzed weight gain from Trintellix after short-term use (up to 8 weeks) and long-term use (up to a year). After short-term use of Trintellix, most people taking it for depression didn’t experience weight gain.
After long-term Trintellix use, about 4% of people (after excluding the first 8 weeks of treatment) reported weight gain from Trintellix. Average weight gain was also minimal, at less than 2 lbs.
However, about 11% to 13% of people with weight gain reported significant weight gain (7% of their original body weight or more) after long-term use of Trintellix. But 6% to 8% of people lost a similar amount of weight. And these long-term studies didn’t include people taking a placebo (a pill with no medication in it) for comparison. So it’s possible that people not taking Trintellix may have had similar weight changes.
How does Trintellix cause weight gain?
Weight gain from Trintellix isn’t common. So it’s hard to predict who will experience it.
However, researchers have a few ideas as to why antidepressants can cause weight gain. Below, we discuss two possible theories.
The serotonin theory
Trintellix is a serotonin modulator. It works by both activating and blocking certain receptors in your body that release serotonin. It also blocks a protein that typically removes serotonin from the blood. This action causes serotonin to stick around longer in the brain. While boosting serotonin may help treat depression, it can also affect your appetite.
Which antidepressants cause weight gain? Learn more about antidepressants commonly associated with weight gain.
How can you manage your weight without dieting? Get 15 healthy tips for weight management that don’t include a diet.
How does exercise help depression? A psychiatrist discusses 7 benefits of exercise for depression.
Serotonin isn’t only a brain chemical. It’s found in other parts of the body, too. Boosting serotonin outside the brain can increase appetite. This may be one way that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), the most common antidepressants, lead to weight gain. This theory may apply to Trintellix as well.
Keep in mind that serotonin isn’t likely to be the only chemical involved in weight gain. There are likely many chemical pathways involved.
Improvement in depression symptoms
As Trintellix starts to work, you may notice some of your depression symptoms start to improve. You may have more energy, sleep better, and see your appetite increase. And with appetite increases can come weight gain.
How to avoid weight gain from Trintellix
Trintellix isn’t likely to lead to major weight changes. But you can help manage or prevent possible weight gain from Trintellix. In fact, some lifestyle changes can help manage your weight and improve depression symptoms.
Talk with your healthcare professional about healthy options for managing your weight while taking Trintellix. Below are a few ideas to discuss.
Eat a well-balanced diet
Having a well-balanced diet can help you maintain a healthy weight and fuel your body with nutrients. The American Dietary Guidelines offers the following recommendations:
Choose healthy proteins, such as lean meats, beans, and nuts.
Make fruits, vegetables, and whole grains a priority in your diet.
Minimize processed foods, including those with added salt or sugar.
Minimize foods high in saturated fat such as fatty cuts of red meat like pork and lamb, processed meats like deli ham and salami, and fast foods.
Maintain a regular exercise routine
Getting regular exercise can help you manage your weight and improve your mood. Even just a moderate amount of physical activity can have positive results. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week. And do muscle-strengthening workouts at least twice a week.
To maintain a consistent exercise routine, set goals, schedule your workouts, and make it fun. You can also get your exercise throughout the day, rather than all at once. Some tips include:
Taking the stairs instead of the elevator when possible
Biking or walking to work, school, or while running errands
Getting off one stop ahead and walking the rest of the way, if you use public transportation
Shoveling snow or raking leaves
Riding a stationary bike or walking on a treadmill while watching television
Are there other antidepressants that don't cause weight gain?
Compared to most other antidepressants, Trintellix is one of the least likely to cause weight gain. Others that are also unlikely to cause weight gain include desvenlafaxine (Pristiq), fluvoxamine (Luvox), and vilazodone (Viibryd).
Some antidepressants are actually more likely to cause weight loss than they are to cause weight gain, especially bupropion (Wellbutrin SR, Wellbutrin XL). In fact, bupropion is one of the ingredients in Contrave (bupropion / naltrexone), an oral weight-loss medication.
If you’re gaining weight while taking an antidepressant, talk to your prescriber. They may be able to recommend a medication that’s less likely to cause weight gain. But don't stop taking it without first consulting them. Stopping an antidepressant abruptly can lead to withdrawal symptoms, such as trouble sleeping and an upset stomach.
The bottom line
Many people taking antidepressants wonder if their medication will cause them to gain a few pounds. But Trintellix (vortioxetine) is an antidepressant that isn't typically known for causing weight gain. Some people report weight gain while taking Trintellix. But it’s not common. And any weight gained with Trintellix is typically minimal.
Still, talk with your prescriber if you have unwanted weight gain while taking Trintellix. They can help you find healthy ways to manage your weight. This can include increasing your physical activity and eating a well-balanced diet.
Why trust our experts?
References
Baldwin, D. S., et al. (2016). The safety and tolerability of vortioxetine: Analysis of data from randomized placebo-controlled trials and open-label extension studies. Journal of Psychopharmacology.
Chen, G., et al. (2017). Vortioxetine: Clinical pharmacokinetics and drug interactions. Clinical Pharmacokinetics.
Lee, S. H., et al. (2016). Is increased antidepressant exposure a contributory factor to the obesity pandemic? Translational Psychiatry.
Petimar, J., et al. (2024). Medication-induced weight change across common antidepressant treatments: A target trial emulation study. Annals of Internal Medicine.
Takeda Pharmaceuticals America, Inc. (2023). Trintellix - vortioxetine tablet, film coated [package insert].
Van Galen, K. A., et al. (2021). Serotonin, food intake, and obesity. Obesity Reviews.
U.S. Department of Agriculture. (2020). Dietary guidelines for Americans 2020-2025.
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