Trintellix Dosage, forms & strengths
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Get started todayTrintellix (vortioxetine) is a prescription antidepressant drug that is manufactured by Takeda Pharmaceuticals America, Inc. It is used to treat depression in adults 18 years of age and older. Trintellix was formerly known by the brand name Brintellix, but Takeda Pharmaceuticals changed its name to avoid confusion with a blood thinner named Brilinta. Trintellix (vortioxetine) is indicated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults.
Trintellix increases serotonin concentrations in your brain by inhibiting its reuptake and also by activating or blocking certain serotonin receptors. Trintellix does not have a significant effect on dopamine or norepinephrine.
Because of Trintellix’s serotonergic activity, it is often classified as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It is also classified as an atypical antidepressant or a serotonin receptor modulator.
Trintellix dosage forms and strengths
Trintellix is available as an oral tablet in the following strengths:
- 5mg tablet
- 10mg tablet
- 20mg tablet
Trintellix dosage
The recommended starting dose of Trintellix is 10mg by mouth once daily. Trintellix can be taken with or without food. The dosage should then be increased to 20mg once a day if tolerated. Doses above 20mg/day have not been evaluated for safety and efficacy in placebo-controlled clinical trials. If you cannot tolerate 10mg/day or higher doses, your dose can be decreased to 5mg/day.
Trintellix adult dosage chart
Trintellix adult dosage chart
| Indication | Starting dosage | Standard dosage | Maximum dosage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Major depressive disorder (MDD) | 10mg by mouth once daily with or without food. | 20mg by mouth once daily with or without food. | 20mg per day. |
The safety and efficacy of Trintellix have not been established in patients 18 years of age and younger.
Trintellix dosage restrictions
The maximum recommended dose is 10mg once a day in known CYP2D6 poor metabolizers or patients taking a strong CYP2D6 inhibitor such as Wellbutrin (bupropion), Prozac (fluoxetine), Paxil (paroxetine), or Quinidex (quinidine).
Your doctor may consider increasing your dose of Trintellix if you have taken a strong CYP inducer such as Rifadin (rifampin), Tegretol (carbamazepine), or Dilantin (phenytoin) for more than 14 days. Your maximum dose should not be more than three times your original dose. If the inducer is stopped, your Trintellix dose should be reduced to its original level within 14 days.
There is no dose adjustment needed in patients with kidney or liver impairment.
How to take Trintellix
- Read the Full Prescribing Information, including the Black Box Warning, and Medication Guide that comes with Trintellix.
- Take Trintellix exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not change your dose or stop taking Trintellix without discussing it with them.
- Trintellix is typically taken by mouth once a day. It can be taken with or without food.
- If you miss a dose of Trintellix, take the missed dose immediately. If it is almost time for the next dose, wait and take your regular dose. Do not take extra doses to make up for a missed dose.
- If you think you have taken too much Trintellix, call the poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 or go to the nearest emergency room as soon as possible.
- Trintellix should be stored at room temperature between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C).
Trintellix dosage FAQs
What are some common side effects of Trintellix?
Some common adverse reactions (incidence ≥1%) to Trintellix include:
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Weight gain
Trintellix can cause some serious side effects including:
- Increased risk of serotonin syndrome (tremors, high blood pressure, confusion, muscle rigidity, and seizures)
- Increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, especially in young adults 24 years of age and younger
- Increased risk of bleeding
- Manic episodes
- Discontinuation syndrome if you suddenly stop treatment when taking 15mg/day or 20mg/day
- Angle-closure glaucoma
- Hyponatremia (low blood sodium)
- Sexual dysfunction
- Allergic reactions, including hives, swelling, and trouble breathing
Contact your doctor for medical advice about any side effects or worsening symptoms you experience while taking Trintellix. You can report your side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
What are some drug interactions with Trintellix?
When Trintellix is taken with other medications, they may interact and change how they work. Make sure your healthcare professional is aware of all the prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements you take, including:
- SSRIs such as Lexapro (escitalopram), Celexa (citalopram), and Zoloft (sertraline)
- Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as Cymbalta (duloxetine)
- Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) such as Elavil (amitriptyline) and Pamelor (nortriptyline)
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) such as Nardil (phenelzine) and Emsam (selegiline)
- Triptans (migraine medications) such as Zomig (zolmitriptan)
- Blood thinners such as Coumadin (warfarin)
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Motrin (ibuprofen)
- Diuretics such as Lasix (furosemide)
- Opioid analgesics such as Duragesic (fentanyl) and Ultram (tramadol)
- Lithobid (lithium)
- Buspar (buspirone)
- St. John’s Wort
- Tryptophan
Are there any contraindications or precautions with Trintellix?
You should not use Trintellix if you have had a hypersensitivity reaction to this medication or any of its inactive ingredients.
You should not take MAOIs intended to treat psychiatric disorders while on Trintellix or within 21 days of discontinuing treatment with Trintellix. In addition, you should not take Trintellix if you are being treated with linezolid or intravenous (IV) methylene blue.
Before starting Trintellix, make sure your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including:
- Personal or family history of bipolar disorder, mania, or hypomania
- Seizures
- Bleeding disorders
- Glaucoma
- Low sodium levels (hyponatremia)
- Are pregnant, plan on becoming pregnant, or are breastfeeding
How long does Trintellix stay in your system?
Trintellix has an elimination half-life of around 66 hours, so it will stay in your circulation for up to 14 days since your last dose.
Is it safe to use Trintellix while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Clinical studies showed that Trintellix may cause harm to your fetus. If you take Trintellix during your third trimester of pregnancy, your infant may have withdrawal symptoms after birth or serious lung problems. There is a pregnancy registry for women who take Trintellix during pregnancy to track the health information of the mother and baby. You can register with the National Pregnancy Registry for Antidepressants online or at 1-844-405-6185.
It is unknown if Trintellix passes into breast milk or the effects it may have on your infant during lactation. You should always discuss the risks and benefits of any medication with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, plan on becoming pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
Will lab monitoring be done when taking Trintellix?
You should be monitored for symptoms of serotonin syndrome if you take Trintellix along with other medications that can increase serotonin levels.
If you are taking Coumadin (warfarin) your international normalized ratio (INR) should be monitored when starting, titrating, or stopping Trintellix.
Family members or caregivers of patients taking Trintellix should closely monitor them for new or worsening suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
