Trintellix (vortioxetine) belongs to a drug class known as atypical antidepressants. It's used to treat depression in adults. This medication is taken by mouth once a day. Some common side effects of Trintellix (vortioxetine) include nausea and diarrhea. It can also cause sexual problems, but not as much as some other antidepressants.
Trintellix (vortioxetine) is an atypical antidepressant. Although it's not fully understood, it seems to work by boosting the action of serotonin in your brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter (communication molecule) that's associated with well-being and happiness.
Source: DailyMed
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.
Can start to improve depression in as early as 2 weeks
Only needs to be taken once a day
Might be less likely to cause weight gain compared to other antidepressants
Can take up to a month before you feel the full effects
Not available as a lower-cost generic
Not approved for use in children
You can take Trintellix (vortioxetine) medication with or without food.
Nausea is a common side effect during the first week of starting Trintellix (vortioxetine), but this should get better with time. If it doesn't, tell your provider.
Set an alarm to help you remember to take Trintellix (vortioxetine) at the same time every day.
Be aware that Trintellix (vortioxetine) used to be called Brintellix. The manufacturer gave Trintellix (vortioxetine) a new name because it sounded too similar to a medication for the heart called Brilinta (ticagrelor), a blood-thinning medication.
Talk to your healthcare provider before stopping Trintellix (vortioxetine) suddenly. It can cause withdrawal symptoms, so they might want you to stop the medication slowly if you're taking a higher dose.
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.
Risk factors: Age 24 years or younger | Early in treatment
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 provider if you experience any of these symptoms, and seek urgent care if needed.
Risk factors: Taking other medications that raise serotonin levels in your brain
Some people taking Trintellix (vortioxetine) have developed a rare, but potentially life-threatening condition called serotonin syndrome. This condition happens where there's too much serotonin in the brain. Your risk for serotonin syndrome is higher if you use Trintellix (vortioxetine) with other medications that can raise your serotonin levels, such as certain antidepressants, mental health medications, pain medications, and migraine medications. Get medical help right away if you experience symptoms of serotonin syndrome, including fast heart rate, sweating, muscle stiffness or spasms, fever, and confusion.
Risk factors: Taking blood-thinners or other medications that raise your risk of bleeding
Taking Trintellix (vortioxetine) with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., ibuprofen (Advil), naproxen (Aleve), aspirin), warfarin (Coumadin), or other medications that affect blood clotting can raise your risk of abnormal bleeding and bruising. Let your provider know if you take any of these medications before starting Trintellix (vortioxetine). Get medical help right away if you have bleeding that's difficult to stop, bruising that doesn't go away, vomit blood, or have black and tarry stool - these might be symptoms of a serious bleed.
Risk factors: History of bipolar disorder (mixed/mania)
In some people, medications like Trintellix (vortioxetine) can trigger a manic episode (high energy, trouble sleeping, racing thoughts, unusually grand ideas, reckless behavior, extreme happiness or irritability, talking faster or louder than usual). Let your provider know if you've had any manic episodes in the past, or were treated for bipolar disorder before taking Trintellix (vortioxetine). Before starting Trintellix (vortioxetine), your provider will check to see if you have or are at risk for bipolar disorder and make sure you receive the appropriate treatment. Talk to your provider right away if you or your loved ones notice unusual changes in your behavior.
Risk factors: Stopping Trintellix (vortioxetine) too suddenly | Higher doses
Don't stop taking Trintellix (vortioxetine) without talking to your provider first. Doing so could cause withdrawal symptoms, including nausea, sweating, dizziness, headache, and trouble sleeping. The risk is higher if you're taking a higher dose of Trintellix (vortioxetine). If you need to stop this medication, your provider can help you slowly lower your dose before stopping if needed.
Risk factors: Older age | Taking with diuretic medications
Trintellix (vortioxetine) can raise your risk of having low sodium levels in your blood (hyponatremia). Watch out for symptoms like headache, trouble focusing, memory problems, confusion, weakness, and unsteadiness. Talk to your provider if you experience any of these symptoms, and seek urgent care if needed.
Risk factors: History of angle-closure glaucoma
Trintellix (vortioxetine) can lead to or worsen angle-closure glaucoma. You might need to see your optometrist (eye provider) regularly and get eye exams to check your eyes and make sure your vision isn't worsening. Contact your provider if you notice changes in your vision after starting Trintellix (vortioxetine).
Trintellix (vortioxetine) might cause sexual problems in males and females. Symptoms include problems with ejaculation, erectile dysfunction, lower sex drive, and delayed or no orgasm. If you experience any of these side effects, let your provider know.
The typical starting dose is 10 mg by mouth once daily. The maximum dose is 20 mg by mouth per day.
Your dose will depend on what other medications you're taking and how you respond to Trintellix (vortioxetine).
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.
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.
Taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) within 21 days of Trintellix (vortioxetine)
Depression in people ages 12 years and older
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in people ages 7 years and older
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D'Agostino, A., et al. (2015). Vortioxetine (brintellix): A new serotonergic antidepressant. Pharmacy and Therapeutics.
Hu, X.H., et al. (2004). Incidence and duration of side effects and those rated as bothersome with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor treatment for depression: patient reported versus physician estimate. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry.
Takeda Pharmaceuticals America, Inc. (2023). Trintellix- vortioxetine tablet, film coated [package insert]. DailyMed.
Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc. (n.d.). FAQs.
Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc. (n.d.). Side effects.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2018). Suicidality in children and adolescents being treated with antidepressant medications.
Yee, A., et al. (2018). Vortioxetine treatment for anxiety disorder: A meta-analysis study. Current Drug Targets.
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