Trintellix (vortioxetine) is a brand-name oral tablet that’s prescribed for major depressive disorder. As with other drugs, Trintellix can cause side effects, such as nausea, constipation, and vomiting.

Trintellix belongs to a drug class called atypical antidepressants. The drug is not available in a generic version.

Read on to learn about potential common, mild, and serious side effects of Trintellix. For a general overview of the drug, including details about its uses, see this article.

Trintellix can cause certain side effects, some of which are more common than others. These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days or weeks. But if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

These are just a few of the more common side effects reported by people who took Trintellix in clinical trials:

  • constipation
  • diarrhea
  • dry mouth
  • nausea*
  • vomiting

* For more information on this side effect, see “Side effect specifics” below.

Mild side effects can occur with Trintellix use. This list doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. For more information, refer to Trintellix’s prescribing information.

Mild side effects that have been reported with Trintellix include:

* For more information on this side effect, see “Side effect specifics” below.

These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days or weeks. But if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. If you develop a side effect while taking Trintellix and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch.

Trintellix may cause serious side effects, although this is rare. The list below may not include all possible serious side effects of the drug. For more information, including how long Trintellix side effects last, you can refer to Trintellix’s prescribing information.

If you develop serious side effects while taking Trintellix, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

Note: A missed dose of Trintellix isn’t likely to cause serious side effects. However, you should not stop taking the drug without first talking with your doctor. Suddenly stopping Trintellix can cause serious side effects, including nausea, confusion, and tiredness. For more information about the dosages for Trintellix, you can see this in-depth article.

Serious side effects and their symptoms

Serious side effects of Trintellix, as well as their symptoms, may include:

  • Serotonin syndrome (having too much of the chemical serotonin in your body). Symptoms can include:
    • anxiety
    • confusion
    • diarrhea
    • fast heart rate
    • irritability
    • increased blood pressure
    • muscle spasms (involuntary muscle tightening) or tremors (shaking that you can’t control)
  • Serious bleeding. Symptoms can include:
    • coughing up blood
    • severe or uncontrollable bleeding
    • stools that look black or red
    • urine that’s red, pink, or brown
    • vomiting blood, which may look similar to coffee grounds
  • Hyponatremia (low blood sodium levels). Symptoms can include:
    • confusion
    • headache
    • trouble concentrating
    • weakness
  • Risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children and young adults.*†
  • Sexual side effects.†
  • Withdrawal symptoms.†
  • Serious allergic reaction.†‡

* Trintellix has a boxed warning for this side effect. This is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
† For more information on this side effect, see the “Side effect specifics” section below.
‡ An allergic reaction is possible after using Trintellix. This side effect wasn’t reported in clinical trials, but has been reported since Trintellix was approved.

Trintellix may cause several side effects. Here are some frequently asked questions about the drug’s side effects and their answers.

Does Trintellix cause weight gain?

It isn’t likely. In clinical trials of Trintellix, weight gain wasn’t reported as a side effect. Weight gain has been reported by people taking Trintellix since the drug was approved. However, it’s not clear whether Trintellix caused this weight gain.

If you’re concerned about weight gain while taking Trintellix, talk with your doctor. They can suggest ways to maintain a weight that’s healthy for you.

Is drowsiness a side effect of Trintellix?

Probably not. Drowsiness wasn’t a side effect of Trintellix in clinical trials. The drug also wasn’t reported to cause tiredness or fatigue (lack of energy). There have been reports of sleepiness in some people taking Trintellix since the drug was approved. It’s not known if Trintellix was the cause of this sleepiness.

Additionally, tiredness could possibly be a symptom of withdrawal* if you were to suddenly stop taking Trintellix. It’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions for decreasing your dosage gradually. Doing so can help you avoid withdrawal symptoms.

If you’re concerned about drowsiness while taking Trintellix, talk with your doctor. And always follow your doctor’s dosage recommendations.

* Withdrawal symptoms are side effects that can happen when you stop taking a drug your body has become dependent on. (With dependence, your body needs the drug in order to feel like usual.)

Should I expect a headache when using Trintellix?

No, headaches aren’t likely. In clinical trials, people who took Trintellix didn’t report this side effect. Since Trintellix was approved, people have reported headaches while taking it. But it’s not clear whether Trintellix caused this side effect.

Headache could possibly be a symptom of withdrawal* if you were to suddenly stop taking Trintellix. It’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions for decreasing your dosage gradually if you stop taking the drug. Doing so can help you avoid withdrawal symptoms.

If you’re concerned about headaches while taking Trintellix, talk with your doctor. They can recommend ways to treat this side effect, which may include using over-the-counter pain relievers.

* Withdrawal symptoms are side effects that can happen when you stop taking a drug your body has become dependent on. (With dependence, your body needs the drug in order to feel like usual.)

Can using Trintellix cause sweating?

It’s unlikely. Sweating wasn’t reported by people who took Trintellix in clinical trials. But since Trintellix was approved, people have reported sweating while taking it.

And, sweating can be a side effect of several other drugs used to treat major depressive disorder, which Trintellix also treats.

Sweating could be a withdrawal* symptom if you were to suddenly stop taking Trintellix. It’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions for decreasing your dosage gradually if you stop taking this drug. Doing this can help you avoid withdrawal.

Talk with your doctor if you’re concerned about sweating while taking Trintellix.

* Withdrawal occurs when you suddenly stop taking a drug that your body is dependent on. See the “Side effect specifics” section for more information about Trintellix withdrawal symptoms.

Does Trintellix cause any vision-related side effects?

It’s possible, if you already have certain other eye conditions. But in people without existing eye conditions, Trintellix hasn’t been shown to cause vision-related side effects in clinical trials.

Specifically, in people with narrow angles in their eyes, antidepressants such as Trintellix can trigger a condition called angle-closure glaucoma. This condition may also be called closed-angle glaucoma. Symptoms can include:

  • changes in vision
  • eye pain
  • redness, discoloration, or swelling in or around the eye

Angle-closure glaucoma is a medical emergency. If you develop the symptoms mentioned above, get medical attention right away. Go to your nearest emergency room or hospital, or talk with an eye doctor as soon as possible.

Before you begin taking Trintellix, your doctor may recommend an eye exam to check if you’re at risk for angle-closure glaucoma. If you’re at risk for this condition, your doctor may prescribe treatment to prevent it from developing while you’re taking Trintellix.

If you notice other vision or eye-related side effects while taking Trintellix, call your doctor. They can help determine what could be causing these effects.

Note: Other drugs used to treat major depressive disorder may cause blurry vision, such as Zoloft (sertraline).

Learn more about some of the side effects that Trintellix may cause.

Itching

Trintellix may cause generalized itchiness, which could affect any part of your skin. This was rare during clinical trials.

What you can do

If you experience itching while taking Trintellix, let your doctor know. They may recommend a treatment for this side effect. Or they may have you stop taking Trintellix and try a different medication for your condition.

Sexual side effects

Like other drugs used to treat major depressive disorder, Trintellix can cause sexual side effects. These may include:

However, sexual side effects were commonly reported in clinical trials of Trintellix.

What you can do

If you experience sexual side effects while taking Trintellix, tell your doctor. They may recommend a treatment to help with this side effect. Or they may recommend that you stop taking Trintellix and try a different medication for your condition.

Nausea

Mild or moderate nausea was the most common side effect of Trintellix in clinical trials.

Nausea is most common during the first week of taking Trintellix, especially during the first day or two of treatment. On average, nausea from Trintellix tends to last about 2 weeks. Very rarely, people have reported nausea that persisted after 6 to 8 weeks of taking Trintellix.

Also, nausea was found to be more common in females than males in clinical trials.* It isn’t known why these differences occurred.

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

What you can do

If you experience nausea while taking Trintellix, your doctor may recommend a treatment for this side effect. Or they may decide to have you stop taking Trintellix and try a different medication.

Risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors

Trintellix has a boxed warning about risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children and young adults. This is a serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Boxed warnings alert patients and doctors about potentially dangerous drug effects.

Antidepressants, including Trintellix, can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children and young adults. It’s important to note that Trintellix is not approved for use in children. It’s only approved for use in adults ages 18 years and older.

This risk is higher when people first start taking Trintellix, and whenever their Trintellix dosage is adjusted.

What you can do

While taking Trintellix, people should try to be aware of any changes in their thoughts and behaviors. Caregivers and people they spend time with should also watch for any changes. This is especially important when they first start taking the medication, and whenever the dosage is adjusted.

Tell your doctor about any changes in your thinking or behaviors while taking Trintellix. And if you have thoughts about suicide, get help right away.

Withdrawal symptoms

It’s possible to have withdrawal symptoms if you abruptly stop taking Trintellix. Withdrawal occurs if you suddenly stop taking a drug that your body has become dependent on. Withdrawal symptoms caused by suddenly stopping Trintellix can include:

What you can do

Talk with your doctor before you stop taking Trintellix. If you and your doctor agree that it’s best for you to stop treatment with Trintellix, they’ll instruct you on how to decrease your dosage over time. This lowers your risk for withdrawal symptoms.

People taking 15 milligrams (mg) or 20 mg of Trintellix per day may be at higher risk for withdrawal than people taking lower dosages. For this reason, your doctor may lower your dosage to 10 mg per day for one week before having you completely stop Trintellix.

Allergic reaction

As with most drugs, Trintellix can cause an allergic reaction in some people. This wasn’t reported in clinical trials, but has been reported since Trintellix was approved.

Symptoms can be mild or serious and can include:

  • rash or hives
  • itching
  • flushing
  • swelling under your skin, typically in your lips, eyelids, feet, or hands
  • swelling of your mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe

What you can do

For mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, call your doctor right away. They may recommend ways to ease your symptoms and determine whether you should keep taking Trintellix. But if your symptoms are serious and you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

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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Below are precautions to consider before taking Trintellix.

Boxed warning: Risk of suicidal thoughts

Trintellix has a boxed warning about the risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors in children and young adults. This is a serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For details, see the “Side effect specifics” section above.

Other precautions

Be sure to talk with your doctor about your health history before you take Trintellix. This drug may not be the right treatment for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. The conditions and factors to consider include:

Bipolar disorder. Treatment with Trintellix may cause mania or hypomania in people with bipolar disorder. You should tell your doctor if you or members of your family currently have bipolar disorder or mania, or have experienced this in the past. If this applies to you, your doctor may monitor you more closely than usual during Trintellix treatment. They may also recommend a different medication to treat your condition.

Bleeding disorder. Trintellix can increase your risk for bleeding. People with an existing bleeding disorder, such as factor VII deficiency, may have an even higher risk of bleeding with Trintellix. Be sure to discuss any bleeding disorders you may have with your doctor before you start taking Trintellix.

Using Trintellix with certain other drugs can increase this risk even more. If you’re taking warfarin, your doctor will monitor your blood clotting ability. (Warfarin increases the risk of bleeding.) Your doctor will check your blood clotting when you start taking Trintellix, after any dosage changes, and if you stop taking Trintellix.

Certain eye problems. In rare cases, antidepressants such as Trintellix can cause a condition called angle-closure glaucoma (also called closed-angle glaucoma) in people with narrow angles in their eyes. Angle-closure glaucoma is a medical emergency.

Before you begin taking Trintellix, your doctor may recommend an eye exam to check if you’re at risk for angle-closure glaucoma. If you have narrow angles in your eye, your doctor may prescribe treatment to prevent angle-closure glaucoma while you’re taking Trintellix.

Allergic reaction. You should not take Trintellix if you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to Trintellix or any of its ingredients. Talk with your doctor about other treatments that might be better choices for you.

Use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). You should not take Trintellix if you’re taking an MAOI to treat a mental health condition. Also, you should not take Trintellix if you are taking the MAOI Zyvox (linezolid), which is an antibiotic. And you should not take Trintellix if you’re receiving the MAOI methylene blue as an intravenous (IV) injection. Be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you’re taking before starting Trintellix. This includes any MAOIs.

Alcohol with Trintellix

There aren’t known interactions between Trintellix and alcohol.

However, drinking alcohol may make certain side effects of Trintellix worse, including:

For this reason, if you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about how much alcohol is safe for you to drink while taking Trintellix.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding while taking Trintellix

It’s not known if Trintellix is safe to take during pregnancy. Your doctor can discuss the risks and benefits of Trintellix use during pregnancy with you. If you use Trintellix while pregnant, there is a pregnancy registry that collects information about antidepressant use during pregnancy. Your doctor can provide more information about this registry.

It’s also not known whether it’s safe to breastfeed while taking Trintellix. This is because it isn’t known whether the drug may pass into breast milk. Talk with your doctor about safe ways to feed your child while taking Trintellix.

If you’d like to learn more about Trintellix, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can help answer any questions you have about side effects from taking the drug.

Besides talking with your doctor, you can do some research on your own. These articles might help:

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.