Trintellix is a brand-name prescription antidepressant. It’s used in adults to treat a serious form of depression called major depressive disorder.

Trintellix works in a unique way and doesn’t fit into other antidepressant classes. Because of this, it’s sometimes classified as an atypical antidepressant, a multimodal antidepressant, or a miscellaneous antidepressant.

Drug details

Trintellix contains the active ingredient vortioxetine. It comes only as an oral tablet, in strengths of 5 milligrams (mg), 10 mg, and 20 mg. Trintellix was formerly called Brintellix.

Effectiveness

For information about the effectiveness of Trintellix, see the “Trintellix uses” section below.

Trintellix can cause mild or serious side effects. The following list contains some of the key side effects that may occur while taking Trintellix. This list doesn’t include all possible side effects.

For more information on the possible side effects of Trintellix or for tips on how to deal with a troubling side effect, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. You can also see this in-depth article for more details.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. If you would like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with Trintellix, you can do so through MedWatch.

More common side effects

The more common side effects of Trintellix include:

  • nausea
  • diarrhea
  • vomiting
  • dry mouth
  • constipation
  • dizziness
  • abnormal dreams
  • flatulence (gas)
  • itchy skin

Serious side effects

Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency. Serious side effects, which are described below, can include the following:

  • serotonin syndrome
  • serious bleeding
  • low sodium levels
  • closed-angle glaucoma
  • worsening symptoms of depression or suicidal thoughts*
  • allergic reaction
  • sexual side effects such as decreased libido or erectile dysfunction

* Trintellix has a boxed warning regarding the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in certain people. This is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Boxed warnings alert doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.

Side effect details

Here’s some detail on certain side effects this drug may cause. To find out how often side effects occurred in clinical trials, see the prescribing information for Trintellix.

Serotonin syndrome

Trintellix and other antidepressants that increase serotonin levels in your body can increase your risk for developing serotonin syndrome. (This is a drug reaction that can be dangerous.)

This reaction can occur when Trintellix is taken alone, but it’s more likely to happen if Trintellix is taken with other medications that affect serotonin levels. These include other antidepressants, stimulants used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), St. John’s wort, and others.

Symptoms of serotonin syndrome can include:

  • confusion
  • irritability
  • anxiety
  • muscle spasms or tremors
  • diarrhea
  • fast heartbeat
  • high blood pressure

Serious bleeding

Trintellix and other antidepressants can increase the risk of bleeding episodes. These episodes can range from mild nosebleeds to more serious bleeding in the stomach or brain.

Serious bleeding is more likely to occur when Trintellix is used with other medications that increase the risk of bleeding. These drugs include aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), warfarin, and others.

Symptoms of serious bleeding can include:

  • bleeding that is severe or unmanageable
  • red-, pink-, or brown-colored urine
  • red- or black-colored (tarry) stools
  • coughing up blood or blood clots
  • vomiting blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds

Low sodium levels

Trintellix can cause low sodium levels in certain people. In some cases, this may be due to fluid retention caused by a condition called syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone.

People older than 65 years of age, or those taking a diuretic medication, are more likely to have this side effect.

Symptoms of low sodium can include:

  • headache
  • confusion
  • weakness or unsteadiness
  • trouble concentrating

Worsening symptoms of depression or suicidal thoughts

People with depression can have worsening depression symptoms and thoughts of suicide, even when taking medication.

In fact, Trintellix has a boxed warning from the FDA regarding the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These warnings alert doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.

Trintellix can increase this risk in children and young adults. This increased risk does not seem to apply to older adults taking the medication.

For this reason, Trintellix is not approved for use in children.

Families and caregivers of children and young adults taking this medication or other antidepressants should watch for any symptoms of worsening depression or suicidal thoughts. If these occur, call your doctor right away.

Suicide prevention

If you know someone at immediate risk of self-harm, suicide, or hurting another person:

  • Ask the tough question: “Are you considering suicide?”
  • Listen to the person without judgment.
  • Call 911 or the local emergency number, or text TALK to 741741 to communicate with a trained crisis counselor.
  • Stay with the person until professional help arrives.
  • Try to remove any weapons, medications, or other potentially harmful objects.

If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, a prevention hotline can help. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day at 988. During a crisis, people who are hard of hearing can use their preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988.

Find more links and local resources.

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Weight gain

In clinical studies, people who took Trintellix didn’t have a significant change in their weight. But after this drug was approved, some people taking Trintellix reported weight gain while taking the drug.

Sexual side effects

Sexual side effects are common in both males and females who take Trintellix or other antidepressants.*

These effects occurred in 16% to 29% of males and 22% to 34% of females who took Trintellix during clinical studies. They’re more likely to happen when higher doses of the drug are taken.

Sexual side effects can include:

* Sex and gender exist on spectrums. Use of the terms “male” and “female” in this article refers to sex assigned at birth.

Nausea

Nausea is one of the most common side effects of Trintellix. In clinical studies, 21% to 32% of people taking the drug experienced nausea. This side effect may go away with continued use of the drug.

Headache

Headache isn’t a common side effect of Trintellix. However, some people report having headaches after suddenly stopping Trintellix. If you take Trintellix, talk with your doctor before stopping the medication.

Itching

Itchy skin happens in about 1% to 3% of people who take Trintellix. This side effect may go away with continued use of the drug.

Insomnia

Some people who take Trintellix or other antidepressants can have insomnia (trouble sleeping). For some, this may go away with continued use of the drug.

If this side effect continues or occurs along with certain other symptoms, it could mean that the depression is worsening or that suicidal thoughts may occur.

If you or a loved one has insomnia along with symptoms such as anxiety, irritability, restlessness, or agitation, call your doctor. They may want to change your treatment.

For others, insomnia may occur after suddenly stopping Trintellix. If you take Trintellix, talk with your doctor before stopping the medication.

Diarrhea

Diarrhea is a common side effect of Trintellix. In studies, 7% to 10% of people had diarrhea. This side effect may go away with continued use of the drug.

Constipation

Constipation happens in about 3% to 6% of people who take Trintellix. This side effect may go away with continued use of the drug.

Vomiting

Vomiting happens in about 3% to 6% of people who take Trintellix. This side effect may go away with continued use of the drug.

Hair loss

Hair loss isn’t a side effect that has happened in studies of Trintellix. However, some people who take Trintellix have reported hair loss. It’s not known if Trintellix was the cause.

Rash

Some people who have taken Trintellix have had a mild rash. How often this happens isn’t known.

Side effects in children

Trintellix is not FDA-approved for use by children. However, it may be used off-label for children. In one clinical study of children ages 7 to 17 years, the most common side effects included:

  • headache
  • nausea
  • painful periods in females*
  • vomiting
  • weight gain

This drug also has a boxed warning about the use of Trintellix in children and young adults with depression. Trintellix can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and actions in this age group.

Families and caregivers of children and young adults taking this medication should watch for any symptoms of worsening depression or suicidal thoughts. If these occur, call their doctor right away.

* Sex and gender exist on spectrums. Use of the terms “male” and “female” in this article refers to sex assigned at birth.

Allergic reaction

As with most drugs, some people can have an allergic reaction after taking Trintellix. This side effect wasn’t reported in clinical trials of this drug but has occurred since the drug was approved.

Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction can include:

A more severe allergic reaction is rare but possible. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include:

  • swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
  • swelling of your tongue, mouth, or throat
  • trouble breathing

Call your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to Trintellix, as the reaction could become severe. Call 911 or your local emergency number if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.

Trintellix is a brand-name drug. It contains the drug vortioxetine. Trintellix is not currently available in a generic form

The Trintellix dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors. These include:

  • the type and severity of the condition you’re using Trintellix to treat
  • other medical conditions you may have
  • other medications you may take

Typically, your doctor will start you on a low dosage and adjust it over time to reach the dosage that’s right for you. They’ll ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.

The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to suit your needs.

For more information about Trintellix dosage, see this article.

Drug forms and strengths

Trintellix comes as an oral tablet. It’s available in the following strengths:

  • 5 milligrams (mg)
  • 10 mg
  • 20 mg

Dosage for depression

For treating major depressive disorder, the typical starting dosage of Trintellix is 10 mg once daily. This dosage may then be increased up to 20 mg once daily.

If side effects are a problem, your doctor may decrease your dosage.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, just take that one dose. Do not try to catch up by taking two doses at once.

Will I need to use this drug long term?

Yes, this medication is usually taken long term.

You may wonder how certain drugs compare to Trintellix. Below are comparisons between Trintellix and several other medications.

Trintellix vs. Zoloft

Trintellix and Zoloft (sertraline) are both prescription antidepressant medications. They both affect serotonin, a chemical messenger in the brain, but they work slightly differently.

Uses

Trintellix and Zoloft are both FDA-approved for treating major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults. Zoloft is also approved for treating other conditions, including:

Dosage and forms

Trintellix comes as an oral tablet that’s taken once daily. Zoloft comes as an oral tablet and an oral solution. Each form of Zoloft is usually taken once daily.

Side effects and risks

Trintellix and Zoloft have some similar side effects, and some that differ. Below are examples of these side effects.

Both Trintellix and ZoloftTrintellixZoloft
More common side effects• nausea
• diarrhea
• vomiting
• dry mouth
• dizziness
• trouble sleeping
• constipation
• abnormal dreams
• flatulence (gas)
• itchy skin
• blurred vision
• heart palpitations
• fatigue
• loss of appetite
• sleepiness
• tremor
• sweating
Serious side effects• worsening symptoms or suicidal thoughts*
• serotonin syndrome
• serious bleeding
• sexual side effects
• low sodium levels
(few unique serious side effects)• seizures
• abnormal heartbeat

* Trintellix and Zoloft both have a boxed warning regarding the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in certain people. This is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Boxed warnings alert doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.

Effectiveness

The only condition both Trintellix and Zoloft are approved to treat is MDD. The effectiveness of these drugs in treating MDD hasn’t been directly compared in clinical studies. However, an indirect comparison of antidepressants shows that Trintellix and Zoloft work about equally well.

Cost

Trintellix is only available as a brand-name drug. Zoloft is available as a brand-name drug and in a generic form called sertraline.

The generic form of Zoloft is much less expensive than Trintellix. Brand-name Zoloft is also typically less expensive than Trintellix. In any case, the actual amount you pay will depend on your insurance plan.

For a detailed comparison of Trintellix and Zoloft, you can refer to this article.

Trintellix vs. Lexapro

Trintellix and Lexapro (escitalopram) are both prescription antidepressant medications. They both affect serotonin, a chemical messenger in the brain, but they work slightly differently.

Uses

Trintellix and Lexapro are both FDA-approved for treating major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults. Lexapro can also be used in some children with MDD.

In addition, Lexapro is approved for treating generalized anxiety disorder in adults.

Dosage and forms

Trintellix and Lexapro both come as oral tablets that are taken once daily.

Side effects and risks

Trintellix and Lexapro have some similar side effects, and some that differ. Below are examples of these side effects.

Both Trintellix and LexaproTrintellixLexapro
More common side effects• nausea
• diarrhea
• dry mouth
• trouble sleeping
• dizziness
• constipation
• vomiting
• flatulence (gas)
• abnormal dreams
• itchy skin
• sweating
• flu-like symptoms
• runny nose
• fatigue
• sleepiness
• loss of appetite
Serious side effects• worsening symptoms or suicidal thoughts*
• serotonin syndrome
• bleeding
• sexual side effects
• low sodium levels
(few unique serious side effects)• seizures

* Trintellix and Lexapro both have a boxed warning regarding the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in certain people. This is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Boxed warnings alert doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.

Effectiveness

The effectiveness of Trintellix and Lexapro in treating MDD hasn’t been directly compared in clinical studies. However, an indirect comparison of antidepressants showed that Trintellix and Lexapro work about equally well.

Cost

Trintellix is only available as a brand-name drug. Lexapro is available as a brand-name drug and in a generic form called escitalopram.

Generic Lexapro is much less expensive than Trintellix. Brand-name Lexapro is also usually slightly less expensive than Trintellix. In any case, the actual amount you pay will depend on your insurance plan.

Trintellix vs. Viibryd

Trintellix and Viibryd (vilazodone) are both brand-name prescription antidepressant medications. They each affect serotonin, a chemical messenger in the brain, but they work slightly differently.

Uses

Trintellix and Viibryd are both FDA-approved for treating major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults.

Dosage and forms

Trintellix and Viibryd both come only as oral tablets. They’re both taken once daily.

Side effects and risks

Trintellix and Viibryd share many common and serious side effects.

More common side effects

More common side effects shared by Trintellix and Viibryd include:

  • nausea
  • diarrhea
  • dry mouth
  • dizziness
  • trouble sleeping
  • flatulence (gas)
  • vomiting
  • abnormal dreams

Serious side effects

Serious side effects shared by Trintellix and Viibryd include:

  • worsening symptoms or suicidal thoughts*
  • serotonin syndrome
  • sexual side effects such as erectile dysfunction
  • serious bleeding
  • low sodium levels

* Trintellix and Viibryd both have a boxed warning regarding the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in certain people. This is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Boxed warnings alert doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.

In an indirect comparison of antidepressants, people were less likely to stop taking Trintellix than Viibryd because of side effects.

Effectiveness

The effectiveness of Trintellix and Viibryd in treating MDD hasn’t been directly compared in clinical studies. However, an indirect comparison of antidepressants showed that Trintellix and Viibryd work about equally well.

Cost

Trintellix is only available as a brand-name drug. Viibryd tablets are available as a brand-name drug and a generic drug called vilazodone. A generic form is typically less expensive than a brand-name version.

Trintellix usually costs more than Viibryd. The actual amount you pay will depend on your insurance plan.

Trintellix vs. Wellbutrin

Trintellix and Wellbutrin (bupropion) are both prescription antidepressant medications. Trintellix mainly affects serotonin, a chemical messenger in the brain. Wellbutrin affects different chemical messengers called norepinephrine and dopamine.

Uses

Wellbutrin comes as extended-release tablets called Wellbutrin SR and Wellbutrin XL.

Wellbutrin XL is FDA-approved for treating major depressive disorder (MDD) and preventing seasonal affective disorder.

Wellbutrin SR and Trintellix are approved only for treating MDD.

Dosage and forms

Trintellix comes only as an oral tablet that’s taken once daily. Wellbutrin XL and Wellbutrin SR both come as extended-release tablets. Wellbutrin XL is taken once daily. Wellbutrin SR is taken once or twice daily.

Side effects and risks

Trintellix and Wellbutrin XL and Wellbutrin SR have some similar side effects, and some that differ. Below are examples of these side effects.

Both Trintellix and Wellbutrin (XL and SR)TrintellixWellbutrin (XL and SR)
More common side effects• nausea
• diarrhea
• vomiting
• dry mouth
• dizziness
• trouble sleeping
• constipation
• itchy skin
• flatulence (gas)
• abnormal dreams
• headache
• infection
• stomach pain
• weakness
• chest pain
• ringing in ears (tinnitus)
• muscle and joint pain
• loss of appetite
• tremor
• sleepiness
• sweating
• sore throat
• nervousness or anxiety
• urge to urinate often
Serious side effects• worsening symptoms or suicidal thoughts*• serotonin syndrome
• serious bleeding
• sexual side effects
• low sodium levels
• increased blood pressure
• seizures
• symptoms of psychosis, such as hallucinations, confusion, and paranoia

* Trintellix , Wellbutrin XL, and Wellbutrin SR each have a boxed warning regarding the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in certain people. This is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Boxed warnings alert doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.

Effectiveness

The only condition both Trintellix and Wellbutrin are used to treat is MDD. The effectiveness of these drugs in treating MDD hasn’t been directly compared in clinical studies. However, an indirect comparison of antidepressants showed that Trintellix may be more effective than Wellbutrin.

Cost

Trintellix is only available as a brand-name drug. Wellbutrin XL and Wellbutrin SR are available as brand-name drugs as well as in generic forms. Their generic names are bupropion XL and bupropion SR.

The generic forms of Wellbutrin XL and Wellbutrin SR are much less expensive than Trintellix. But Trintellix is usually less expensive than the brand-name forms of Wellbutrin XL and Wellbutrin SR. In any case, the actual amount you pay will depend on your insurance plan.

Trintellix vs. Effexor XR

Trintellix and Effexor XR (venlafaxine) are both prescription antidepressant medications. They both affect serotonin, a chemical messenger in the brain, but Effexor XR also affects norepinephrine.

Uses

Trintellix and Effexor XR are both FDA-approved for treating major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults. Effexor XR is also approved for other uses, including:

Dosage and forms

Trintellix comes only as an oral tablet that’s taken once daily.

Effexor XR comes as an extended-release capsule that’s taken once daily.

Side effects and risks

Trintellix and Effexor XR have some similar side effects, and some that differ. Below are examples of these side effects.

Both Trintellix and Effexor XRTrintellixEffexor XR
More common side effects• nausea
• diarrhea
• vomiting
• dry mouth
• itchy skin
• dizziness
• trouble sleeping
• constipation
• abnormal dreams
• flatulence (gas)• weakness
• loss of appetite
• nervousness
• sleepiness
• sweating
Serious side effects• worsening symptoms or suicidal thoughts*
• serotonin syndrome
• sexual side effects
• bleeding
• low sodium levels
(few unique serious side effects)• increased blood pressure
• lung infection, such as pneumonia

* Trintellix and Effexor XR both have a boxed warning regarding the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in certain people. This is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Boxed warnings alert doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.

In an indirect comparison of antidepressants, users were less likely to stop taking Trintellix because of side effects than Effexor XR.

Effectiveness

The only condition both Trintellix and Effexor XR are used to treat is MDD. The effectiveness of these drugs in treating MDD hasn’t been directly compared in clinical studies. However, an indirect comparison of antidepressants showed that Effexor XR may be slightly more effective than Trintellix.

Cost

Trintellix is only available as a brand-name drug. Effexor XR capsules are available as a brand-name drug and in a generic form called venlafaxine.

Effexor XR is similar in price to Trintellix. Generic Effexor XR is typically less expensive than both brand-name products. In any case, the actual amount you pay will depend on your insurance plan.

Trintellix vs. Celexa

Trintellix and Celexa (citalopram) are both prescription antidepressant medications. They both affect serotonin, a chemical messenger in the brain, but they work slightly differently.

Uses

Trintellix and Celexa are both FDA-approved for treating major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults.

Dosage and forms

Trintellix and Celexa both come only as oral tablets. They’re both taken once daily.

Side effects and risks

Trintellix and Celexa have some similar side effects, and some that differ. Below are examples of these side effects.

Both Trintellix and CelexaTrintellixCelexa
More common side effects• nausea
• diarrhea
• vomiting
• dry mouth
• trouble sleeping
• flatulence (gas)
• abnormal dreams
• dizziness
• constipation
• itchy skin
• sweating
• tremor
• fatigue
• muscle or joint pain
• sleepiness
• loss of appetite
• anxiety
• respiratory infection
• runny nose
Serious side effects• worsening symptoms or suicidal thoughts*
• serotonin syndrome
• bleeding
• sexual side effects
• low sodium levels
(few unique serious side effects)• abnormal heartbeat

* Trintellix and Celexa both have a boxed warning regarding the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in certain people. This is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Boxed warnings alert doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.

Effectiveness

The effectiveness of Trintellix and Celexa in treating MDD hasn’t been directly compared in clinical studies. However, an indirect comparison of antidepressants showed that Trintellix may be slightly more effective than Celexa.

Cost

Trintellix is only available as a brand-name drug. Celexa is available as a brand-name drug and in a generic form called citalopram.

The generic form of Celexa is much less expensive than Trintellix. Also, brand-name Celexa is usually less expensive than Trintellix. In any case, the actual amount you pay will depend on your insurance plan.

Trintellix vs. Prozac

Trintellix and Prozac (fluoxetine) are both prescription antidepressant medications. They both affect serotonin, a chemical messenger in the brain, but they work slightly differently.

Uses

Trintellix and Prozac are both FDA-approved for treating major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults. Prozac may also be used in certain children with MDD.

Additionally, Prozac is approved for treating other conditions, including:

Also, Prozac can be used in combination with olanzapine to treat:

  • depressive episodes related to bipolar I disorder
  • depression that does not respond to other treatment

Dosage and forms

Trintellix comes as an oral tablet that’s taken once daily. Prozac comes as an oral pulvule, which is a type of capsule. It’s usually taken once daily in the morning.

Side effects and risks

Trintellix and Prozac have some similar side effects, and some that differ. Below are examples of these side effects.

Both Trintellix and ProzacTrintellixProzac
More common side effects• nausea
• diarrhea
• vomiting
• dry mouth
• trouble sleeping
• dizziness
• constipation
• abnormal dreams
• flatulence (gas)
• itchy skin
(few unique common side effects)• weakness
• flu-like symptoms
• loss of appetite
• sleepiness
• tremor
• sweating
• rash
• anxiety
• nervousness
Serious side effects• worsening symptoms or suicidal thoughts*
• serotonin syndrome
• bleeding
• sexual side effects
• low sodium levels
(few unique serious side effects)• severe rash
• seizures
• weight loss
• abnormal heartbeat

* Trintellix and Prozac both have a boxed warning regarding the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in certain people. This is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Boxed warnings alert doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.

Effectiveness

The only condition both Trintellix and Prozac are approved to treat is MDD. The effectiveness of these drugs in treating MDD hasn’t been directly compared in clinical studies. However, an indirect comparison of antidepressants showed that Trintellix may be more effective than Prozac.

Cost

Trintellix is only available as a brand-name drug. Prozac is available as a brand-name drug and in a generic form called fluoxetine.

Generic Prozac is much less expensive than Trintellix. But Trintellix is usually less expensive than Prozac. In any case, the actual amount you pay will depend on your insurance plan.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as Trintellix to treat certain conditions.

Approved uses for Trintellix

Trintellix is FDA-approved only for treating major depressive disorder (MDD). This is a severe form of depression. To learn more about MDD, you can refer to our depression hub.

Trintellix for MDD

Clinical research shows that Trintellix is effective for reducing symptoms of MDD compared with a placebo. In an analysis of clinical research, about half of the people who took Trintellix had a 50% reduction in symptoms. And about a third of people who took it had either complete or near complete symptom relief.

According to another analysis, Trintellix may work about as well as antidepressants in another class of drugs called serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).

Trintellix hasn’t been directly compared to the most commonly used antidepressants, which are called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

Uses that aren’t approved

Trintellix is only approved for treating depression, but it may be used off-label for other conditions. Off-label use is when a drug is approved for one purpose but is prescribed for a different purpose.

Trintellix for anxiety

Trintellix is sometimes used off-label to treat anxiety conditions such as generalized anxiety disorder. An analysis of clinical research shows that it reduces symptoms of generalized anxiety more than a placebo pill.

Trintellix for ADHD

Trintellix has been studied for treating symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults. However, it did not reduce ADHD symptoms more than a placebo. (A placebo is a treatment with no active drug.)

Your doctor may prescribe Trintellix or other antidepressants if you have ADHD as well as symptoms of depression.

Trintellix for OCD

Trintellix is sometimes used off-label to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). However, clinical studies have not evaluated Trintellix for this use.

Trintellix for children

Trintellix is not approved for use in children. In fact, this drug also has a boxed warning about the use of Trintellix in children and young adults with depression.

Trintellix can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and actions in this age group. For more information, see the “Trintellix side effects” section above.

As with all medications, the cost of Trintellix can vary. The actual price you’ll pay depends on your insurance plan, your location, and the pharmacy you use.

Keep in mind that you may be able to get a 90-day supply of Trintellix. If approved by your insurance company, getting a 90-day supply of the drug could reduce your number of trips to the pharmacy and help lower the cost. If you’re interested in this option, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance company.

Before approving coverage for Trintellix, your insurance company may require you to get prior authorization. This means that your doctor and insurance company will need to communicate about your prescription before the insurance company will cover the drug. The insurance company will review the prior authorization request and decide if the drug will be covered.

If you’re not sure if you’ll need to get prior authorization for Trintellix, contact your insurance company.

Savings for Trintellix

Visit this page to access Optum Perks coupons and get price estimates for Trintellix when you use the coupons. These coupons can provide significant savings on your prescription costs.

Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.

Financial and insurance assistance

If you need financial support to pay for Trintellix, or if you need help understanding your insurance coverage, help is available.

The tAccess Support Program is available for Trintellix and may help lower the drug’s cost. For more information and to find out if you’re eligible for support, call 844-654-TRIN (844-654-8746) or visit the program website.

To learn more about saving money on prescriptions, check out this article.

Mail-order pharmacies

Trintellix may be available through a mail-order pharmacy. Using this service may help lower the drug’s cost and allow you to get your medication without leaving home.

If recommended by your doctor, you may be able to receive a 90-day supply of Trintellix, so there’s less concern about running out of the medication. If you’re interested in this option, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance company. Some Medicare plans may help cover the cost of mail-order medications.

If you don’t have insurance, you can ask your doctor or pharmacist about online pharmacy options.

Generic version

Trintellix is not available in a generic form. A generic drug is an exact copy of the active ingredient in a brand-name medication. For most medications, the generic cost tends to be lower than that of the brand-name version.

There aren’t any known interactions between Trintellix and alcohol. However, consuming alcohol with Trintellix might worsen some side effects of the drug, such as:

  • dizziness
  • confusion
  • vomiting

If you drink alcohol and would like to drink it while taking Trintellix, talk with your doctor about how much may be safe.

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Trintellix.

Is Trintellix an antidepressant?

Yes, Trintellix is an antidepressant medication.

Is Trintellix an SSRI?

No, Trintellix is not an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor). However, it does have some effects that are similar to those of SSRIs.

For instance, Trintellix increases serotonin activity in the brain. It does this by blocking reabsorption (reuptake) of serotonin.

Does Trintellix make you sleepy?

In most cases, people taking Trintellix haven’t reported feeling tired or sleepy. However, some people who’ve taken the drug have reported feeling sleepy. It’s not clear if Trintellix was the cause.

Is Trintellix a controlled substance?

No, Trintellix is not a controlled substance. Drugs that are classified as controlled substances have approved medical uses, but they may be misused or cause physical or psychological dependence. With misuse, a drug is taken in a way other than how it’s prescribed. With dependence, your body needs a drug in order to function like usual.

Because of this, doctors must follow certain rules when prescribing controlled substances.

Some people who stop taking Trintellix abruptly may experience withdrawal symptoms. These are symptoms that can occur when you stop taking a drug your body is dependent on. Symptoms can include:

  • headache
  • muscle tension
  • moodiness
  • dizziness
  • anger
  • runny nose

To avoid these symptoms, your doctor may recommend that your dosage be decreased for a week before you fully stop taking Trintellix. This is especially the case if you’re taking a dosage that’s 15 milligrams (mg) or higher each day.

For instance, if you’re taking 20 mg once daily, your doctor may decrease it to 10 mg once daily for a week before you stop taking it.

There haven’t been enough studies in humans to know if Trintellix is safe to use during pregnancy. Studies in animals have shown potential harm to fetuses exposed to the drug. However, animal studies don’t always predict the way humans would respond.

Clinical studies of other antidepressants have found increased risks to newborns who were exposed to this type of drug during pregnancy. This is especially seen when the drugs were used in the third trimester of pregnancy. Some complications that have occurred include:

  • trouble breathing
  • seizures
  • irritability
  • trouble feeding

It’s also important to keep in mind that stopping treatment with Trintellix in someone who is pregnant and has depression can also have serious consequences. For instance, depression symptoms can return.

If you’re taking Trintellix and are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk with your doctor. They can provide information about the risks and benefits of continuing or stopping antidepressant treatment.

If you take Trintellix while pregnant, you could consider joining this pregnancy registry. It collects information about taking antidepressants during pregnancy. To learn more, you can talk with your doctor.

It isn’t known if Trintellix passes into the breast milk of people who take the medication. In an animal study, Trintellix was found in the breast milk of lactating animals exposed to the drug. However, animal studies don’t always reflect what occurs in humans.

If you’re breastfeeding and taking Trintellix, talk with your doctor about the potential risks and benefits.

Taking too much of this medication can increase your risk for serious side effects. Do not use more Trintellix than your doctor recommends.

Overdose symptoms

Some symptoms of overdose of Trintellix may include:

  • nausea
  • diarrhea
  • dizziness
  • stomach upset
  • itchiness
  • sleepiness
  • flushing

What to do in case of overdose

If you think you’ve taken too much of this drug, call your doctor or seek guidance from America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or through its online tool. But if your symptoms are severe, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away.

Trintellix can interact with several other medications. It can also interact with certain supplements.

Different interactions can cause different effects. For instance, some can interfere with how well a drug works, while others can cause increased side effects.

In addition to the information below, you can refer to this article about Trintellix’s interactions.

Trintellix and other medications

Below are some examples of medications that can interact with Trintellix. These aren’t all the drugs that may interact with Trintellix.

Before taking Trintellix, be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you use. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.

If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)

Taking Trintellix with MAOIs can lead to dangerous side effects. These include very high blood pressure, chest pain, severe headache, and increased body temperature.

Trintellix should not be taken within 14 days of stopping an MAOI. And an MAOI should not be taken within 21 days of taking or stopping Trintellix.

Examples of MAOIs include:

  • isocarboxazid (Marplan)
  • phenelzine (Nardil)
  • selegiline (Emsam)
  • tranylcypromine (Parnate)

In addition, people taking the MAOI linezolid (Zyvox) should not take Trintellix. And people receiving the MAOI methylene blue as an intravenous (IV) injection also should not take Trintellix. (With an IV injection, the drug is injected into your vein.)

Serotonergic drugs

Taking Trintellix with medications that increase serotonin levels in your body can increase your risk of developing serotonin syndrome. (Serotonin syndrome is a drug reaction that can be dangerous.)

Examples of medications that increase serotonin levels include:

Drugs that reduce blood clotting

Taking Trintellix with drugs that reduce blood clotting might increase the risk of stomach bleeding. In some cases, this could be serious.

Examples of medications that reduce blood clotting include:

  • apixaban (Eliquis)
  • aspirin
  • dabigatran (Pradaxa)
  • fondaparinux (Arixtra)
  • nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve)
  • warfarin (Jantoven)

Drug metabolism inhibitors

Certain medications block the action of an enzyme called cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6). These drugs can decrease how the body breaks down Trintellix. This can increase the risk of serious side effects from the drug, including serotonin syndrome.

If you take these medications, your doctor may prescribe a lower dosage of Trintellix.

Examples of these medications include:

Drug metabolism inducers

Certain medications make an enzyme called cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) more active than usual. These drugs can increase how fast the body breaks down Trintellix. This can make Trintellix less effective.

If you take these medications, your doctor may prescribe a higher dosage of Trintellix.

Examples of these medications include:

Trintellix and Vyvanse

Trintellix and Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) are sometimes prescribed together. This is especially true for people who have both attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and depression.

These medications should only be taken together if your doctor prescribes them. Combining Trintellix and Vyvanse can increase your risk of developing serotonin syndrome, a drug reaction that can be dangerous.

To prevent this interaction, your doctor may need to decrease your dosage of Trintellix or Vyvanse.

Trintellix and Xanax

There are no known interactions between Trintellix and Xanax (alprazolam).

If you have questions or concerns about taking Trintellix with Xanax, talk with your doctor.

Trintellix and herbs and supplements

Trintellix can interact with certain supplements or herbs you may be taking. Supplements that affect serotonin levels can increase your risk of developing serotonin syndrome.

Examples of these supplements include:

  • 5-HTP
  • garcinia
  • L-tryptophan
  • St. John’s wort

Trintellix is a unique antidepressant medication because of the way it works. It’s sometimes called an atypical antidepressant or a multimodal antidepressant.

Depression may be partly caused by decreased levels of brain chemicals such as serotonin.

Like many antidepressants, Trintellix increases serotonin activity by blocking the reabsorption (reuptake) of serotonin in the brain. This increase in serotonin might help balance out levels of brain chemicals to help improve symptoms of depression.

Unlike other antidepressants, Trintellix also binds to and blocks certain types of serotonin receptors in the brain. Receptors are like docking stations on cells, and serotonin attaches to them.

When Trintellix blocks these receptors, serotonin can’t attach to them. It’s not clear how this action helps relieve depression.

How long does it take to work?

Most antidepressants, including Trintellix, don’t work quickly. Although you may feel some effects sooner, the maximum effect on depression symptoms usually doesn’t happen for 4 to 8 weeks after you start taking the medication.

If you don’t have reduced symptoms after this time period, talk with your doctor.

You should take Trintellix according to your doctor’s instructions.

Timing

Trintellix is taken just once daily. You should take it at about the same time each day.

Taking Trintellix with food

Trintellix can be taken with or without food. Taking it with food might help decrease stomach upset caused by the medication.

Can Trintellix be crushed?

The manufacturer has not stated whether it’s safe to crush Trintellix tablets.

Should Trintellix be taken in the morning or at night?

Trintellix can be taken either in the morning or at night. Some people who take Trintellix can feel restless, energized, or have trouble sleeping soon after they take the medication. If this happens to you, try taking Trintellix in the morning.

There are many different antidepressant medications that are effective for treating major depressive disorder. This is the condition that Trintellix is approved to treat.

Options from other antidepressant drug classes can be alternatives to Trintellix. The different drug classes of antidepressants include:

This drug has several warnings.

FDA warning: Risk of suicidal thoughts in children

This drug has a boxed warning. This is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A boxed warning alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.

Trintellix can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and actions in children and young adults. The increased risk of suicidal thoughts and actions does not seem to apply to older adults taking these medications. For this reason, Trintellix is not approved for use in children.

Families and caregivers of children and young adults taking this medication should watch for any symptoms of worsening depression or suicidal thoughts. If these occur, contact your doctor right away.

Other warnings

Before taking Trintellix, talk with your doctor about any medical conditions you have. Trintellix may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions. Examples of these conditions include:

  • Bipolar disorder: Trintellix can cause symptoms of mania, such as an unusually elevated, irritable, or energetic mood. This is more likely to happen if you have bipolar disorder. If you have bipolar disorder or you’ve ever had symptoms of mania or hypomania, tell your doctor before starting any antidepressants, including Trintellix.
  • Bleeding disorders: Trintellix can increase the risk of bleeding episodes, such as nosebleeds and stomach bleeding. This is more likely to happen in people with bleeding disorders.
  • Use of drugs that increase the risk of bleeding: Trintellix can increase the risk of bleeding. Using this drug with certain other medications can increase this risk even more. For a list of example drugs, see the “Trintellix interactions” section above. If you’re taking warfarin, which increases the risk of bleeding, your doctor will monitor your blood clotting ability. They’ll do this when you start taking Trintellix, your dosage is adjusted, or you stop taking the drug.
  • Use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs): You should not take Trintellix if you’re taking an MAOI to treat a mental health condition. (For a list of example drugs, see the “Trintellix interactions” section above.) Trintellix should not be taken within 14 days of stopping an MAOI. And MAOIs should not be taken within 21 days of stopping Trintellix. Additionally, you should not take Trintellix if you are taking the MAOI antibiotic linezolid (Zyvox) or if you’re receiving intravenous (IV) injections of the MAOI methylene blue. Tell your doctor about all the drugs you take before starting treatment with Trintellix.
  • Glaucoma: Trintellix can cause your pupils, the dark circle in the center of your eyes, to dilate (widen). This can worsen a type of glaucoma called closed-angle glaucoma.

When Trintellix is dispensed from the pharmacy, the pharmacist will add an expiration date to the label on the bottle. This date is typically 1 year from the date the medication was dispensed.

The expiration date indicates how long the medication remains effective. The current stance of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is to avoid using expired medications.

If you have unused medication that has gone past the expiration date, talk with your pharmacist about whether you might still be able to use it.

Storage

How long the medication remains good can depend on many factors, including how and where the medication is stored. Trintellix should be stored at room temperature, between 68°F and 77°F (20°C to 25°C).

Disposal

If you no longer need to take Trintellix and have leftover medication, it’s important to dispose of it safely. This helps prevent others, including children and pets, from taking the drug by accident. It also helps keep the drug from harming the environment.

This article provides several useful tips on medication disposal. You can also ask your pharmacist for information about how to dispose of your medication.

The following information is provided for clinicians and other healthcare professionals.

Mechanism of action

Trintellix has a unique mechanism of action. It’s sometimes classified as an atypical antidepressant or a multimodal antidepressant. Trintellix inhibits serotonin reuptake. It also has antagonistic effects at the 5-HT3 receptor and agonistic effects at the 5-HT1A receptor.

Pharmacokinetics and metabolism

The absolute bioavailability of Trintellix is 75%. The maximum plasma concentration occurs within 7 to 11 hours after an oral dose.

Trintellix is extensively metabolized through cytochrome P450 (CYP) isoenzymes, primarily CYP2D6.

The elimination half-life of Trintellix is about 66 hours.

Contraindications

Trintellix is contraindicated in people who have hypersensitivity to Trintellix or any of the product components.

It’s also contraindicated in those who are taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Trintellix should not be used within 14 days of stopping an MAOI. MAOIs should not be used within 21 days of stopping Trintellix. Additionally, Trintellix should not be taken by people who are receiving linezolid or intravenous methylene blue.

Storage

Trintellix should be stored at room temperature, between 68°F and 77°F (20°C to 25°C).

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

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