Trintellix vs Zoloft

Trintellix and Zoloft are brand names for prescription drugs used to treat depression and other mental health disorders. Here we will explain how they work, their similarities and differences, their side effects, and more. This should provide you with the basics to better understand your options.

What is Trintellix?

Trintellix (previously known as Brintellix) is an FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) approved medication manufactured by Takeda. It is an antidepressant drug prescribed to adults to treat major depressive disorder (MDD). If you have MDD, your doctor may prescribe Trintellix to you, in addition to recommending other treatments. Trintellix works by increasing levels of a natural substance that regulates your brain activity called serotonin. This can reduce the severity of depressive episodes and help keep them at bay. You take Trintellix as a tablet you swallow.

The active ingredient in Trintellix is called vortioxetine. It’s a type of antidepressant called a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). When you swallow a Trintellix tablet, it releases vortioxetine into your bloodstream. Vortioxetine is then carried in your blood to your brain, where it slows down how quickly your brain cells reabsorb a substance called serotonin. Unlike other antidepressants, Trintellix also binds to and blocks certain types of serotonin receptors in the brain.

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps regulate your brain function, particularly areas of your brain involved in mood, learning, and memory. Your brain cells reabsorb excess serotonin, but vortioxetine slows down how quickly this happens, causing serotonin levels to rise. This can rebalance your serotonin levels, Research has shown this can help to reduce depressive symptoms.

Trintellix dosage

Trintellix is available as immediate-release tablets, in the following doses: 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg. The recommended starting dose is 10 mg once daily with or without meals and increased as tolerated. Do not discontinue Trintellix treatment abruptly. Reduce doses of 15 mg/day or 20 mg/day to 10 mg/day for one week before complete discontinuation.

What is Zoloft?

Zoloft (sertraline) is an FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) approved medication manufactured by Pfizer Inc. It is classed as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used to treat:

• Major depressive disorder (MDD)
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Panic disorder (PD)
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Social anxiety disorder (SAD)
• Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)

Zoloft dosage

Zoloft is available in tablet form, in the following doses: 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg, and as an oral solution, 20 mg/mL. Your recommended starting and maintenance dose will be based on the condition you are being treated for.

Common side effects of Trintellix and Zoloft

The most common side effects of Trintellix in clinical trials include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Weight loss or minor weight gain

More serious side effects of Trintellix include:

• Severe allergic reactions to the medication
• An increased risk of suicidal thoughts and suicide, particularly in young adults
• Serotonin syndrome – a potentially life-threatening condition caused by high levels of serotonin
• An increased risk of bruising and bleeding, especially if taken with medications that can reduce blood clotting, like blood thinners, aspirin, or NSAIDs like ibuprofen
• An increased risk of developing eye problems, including eye pain, swelling, and changes in vision
• An increased risk of hypomania (manic episodes)
• Hyponatremia – low sodium levels in your blood that can cause serious health problems and death

The most common side effects of Zoloft in clinical trials compared to placebo include:

• Indigestion
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Increased sweating
• Tremors
• Sexual side effects such as sexual dysfunction – (ejaculation failure, and decreased sex drive)

More serious side effects of Zoloft include

• Serotonin syndrome
• Increased risk of bleeding
• Activation of mania/hypomania
• Angle-closure glaucoma
• Changes in vision, eye pain, redness, or swelling
• Seizures
• Low blood sodium

These aren’t all the side effects Trintellix or Zoloft can cause. You can find more details in the patient leaflet that comes with your medication. If you have any concerns about side effects, talk to your physician or a pharmacist.

Trintellix and Zoloft drug interactions

Trintellix can interact with other medications. These include:

• Monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) medications, taken most often as antidepressants
• Tricyclic antidepressants
• Any selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants
• Any serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) antidepressants – duloxetine, desvenlafaxine, venlafaxine
• Lithium
• Any other medications taken to treat major depressive disorder
• Any other medications that can affect your serotonin levels
• Buspirone, taken most often to treat anxiety disorders
• Bupropion
• Any antipsychotic medications
• Opioid painkillers, like tramadol or fentanyl
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen or naproxen
• Triptans used to treat migraines
• Aspirin
• Warfarin, an anticoagulant (blood thinner) taken to reduce the risk of blood clots
• An herbal supplement called St. John’s Wort
• Any anticonvulsant medicines, such as carbamazepine or phenytoin
• Rifampin
• Quinidine, taken to treat certain heart rhythm problems

Zoloft can interact with other medications. These include:

• Antiarrhythmics
• Antipsychotics
• Tricyclic antidepressants – amitriptyline
• Antidepressants – citalopram, fluoxetine
• NSAIDs – ibuprofen
• Anticonvulsants
• Diuretics
• Opioids
• Antibiotics
• Immunosuppressants
• Blood thinners – warfarin

Trintellix and Zoloft can interact with other medications. This can change how Trintellix and Zoloft and other medications work and can make side effects more likely. Tell your prescribing physician about all your drugs, including vitamins and dietary supplements.

Trintellix and Zoloft contraindications

You should not use Trintellix if you:

• Are allergic to the active ingredient vortioxetine, or any of the other ingredients in Trintellix
• Are currently taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) antidepressant or have taken one in the last 14 days
• Are under 18 years of age

Talk to your doctor before using Trintellix if you:

• Have bipolar disorder or mania
• Have any liver problems
• Have or have ever had seizures/convulsions
• Have or have ever had any problems with bleeding
• Have low salt (sodium) levels in your blood
• Regularly drink alcohol
• Are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant
• Are breastfeeding or are planning to breastfeed

You should not use Zoloft if you:

• Are allergic to the active ingredient sertraline
• Are allergic to any of the other ingredients in Zoloft
• Are taking pimozide
• Have stopped taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) within 14 days

Talk to your doctor before using Zoloft if you:

• Are taking any of the medications that could interact with Zoloft
• Have bipolar disorder
• Have heart disease, high blood pressure, or have had a stroke
• Have liver or kidney disease
• Suffer from seizures
• Have sexual problems
• Have glaucoma
• Have bleeding problems
• Have long QT syndrome
• Have low sodium levels in your blood
• Are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant
• Are breastfeeding or are planning to breastfeed

Other drugs for mental health disorders

• Wellbutrin (bupropion)
• Cymbalta (duloxetine)
• Prozac (fluoxetine)
• Paxil (paroxetine)
• Celexa (citalopram)
• Lexapro (escitalopram)

If you have any concerns about Trintellix or Zoloft side effects, talk to your physician, or pharmacist for medical advice. Also inform your healthcare provider about any medical conditions, supplements, and over-the-counter meds you are taking. You are also encouraged to report side effects to the FDA: visit http://www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.