What is Trintellix Uses, warnings & interactions
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Get started todayTrintellix (vortioxetine) is a prescription antidepressant medication that is manufactured by Takeda Pharmaceuticals America, Inc. It is indicated to treat the symptoms of depression in adults 18 years of age and older. Trintellix was originally named Brintellix, but the FDA approved a name change to help avoid confusion with a blood thinner named Brilinta.
What is Trintellix used for?
Trintellix (vortioxetine) is a prescription medication that is indicated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for:
- the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults
How does Trintellix work?
Trintellix increases serotonin levels in your brain by blocking its reabsorption and also by stimulating or inhibiting certain serotonin receptors. Trintellix has a minimal effect on dopamine or norepinephrine.
Trintellix is sometimes classified as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), an atypical antidepressant, or a serotonin receptor modulator.
What are the most commonly prescribed doses of Trintellix?
- 5mg tablet
- 10mg tablet
- 20mg tablet
Before taking Trintellix
Before starting Trintellix, tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following medical conditions:
- Personal or family history of bipolar disorder, mania, or hypomania
- Seizures
- Bleeding problems
- Glaucoma
- Low sodium levels (hyponatremia)
- Are pregnant, plan on becoming pregnant, or are breastfeeding
How to take Trintellix
- Read the Full Prescribing Information, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide that comes with Trintellix.
- Take Trintellix exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not change your dose or stop taking Trintellix without discussing it with your doctor.
- Trintellix is taken by mouth once a day 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.
- Trintellix can be stopped abruptly. It is recommended, however, that doses of 15mg/day or 20mg/day be reduced to 10mg/day for 1 week before stopping if possible.
- 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.
- Store Trintellix at room temperature between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C).
- Always keep all medications out of the reach of children.
Trintellix contraindications
Trintellix is contraindicated in patients who:
- Have had an allergic reaction to Trintellix or any of its inactive ingredients
- Have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) within the last 14 days
- Are taking linezolid or intravenous (IV) methylene blue
Trintellix warnings
- Increased risk of serotonin syndrome, especially when Trintellix is taken along with other serotonergic medications such as SSRIs, SNRIs, and triptans. If you experience symptoms of serotonin syndrome, discontinue Trintellix immediately and seek medical assistance.
- Increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior, especially in young adult patients. Report new or worsening symptoms to your doctor or mental health professional such as mood changes, anxiety, or trouble sleeping.
- Increased risk of bleeding if Trintellix is taken with drugs that affect coagulation such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or warfarin.
- Trintellix can cause an activation of mania or hypomania.
- Angle-closure glaucoma has occurred in patients treated with antidepressants.
- Trintellix may cause harm to your fetus. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on becoming pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
Common side effects of Trintellix
The most common possible side effects of Trintellix include:
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Weight gain
- Weight loss
Trintellix can cause some serious side effects including:
- Serotonin syndrome (tremors, high blood pressure, confusion, muscle rigidity, and seizures)
- Increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, especially in young adults under the age of 25.
- Increased risk of bleeding
- Manic episodes
- Discontinuation syndrome if you suddenly stop treatment when taking 15mg to 20mg/day
- Eye pain, swelling, and redness
- Low sodium levels
- Sexual dysfunction
- Hypersensitivity reactions, including hives, angioedema, and trouble breathing
Contact your doctor for medical advice about any side effects you experience while taking Trintellix. You can report your side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Trintellix drug interactions
When Trintellix is taken with other medications, they may interact and change how they work. They may also increase the severity and frequency of certain side effects. Make sure your doctor is aware of all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements you are taking, including:
- SSRIs such as Prozac (fluoxetine), Paxil (paroxetine), Lexapro (escitalopram), and Zoloft (sertraline)
- Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as Cymbalta (duloxetine)
- Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) such as Elavil (amitriptyline) and Pamelor (nortriptyline)
- MAOIs such as Nardil (phenelzine) and Emsam (selegiline)
- Migraine medications called triptans
- Blood thinners such as aspirin and Coumadin (warfarin)
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Diuretics
- Duragesic (fentanyl)
- Lithobid (lithium)
- Ultram (tramadol)
- Buspar (buspirone)
- St. John’s Wort
- Wellbutrin (bupropion)
- Tegretol (carbamazepine)
- Dilantin (phenytoin)
- Quinidex (quinidine)
Trintellix alternatives
There are other medications that your healthcare professional can prescribe if Trintellix is not the right medication for you. Some alternative FDA-approved treatment options include:
- Lexapro (escitalopram)
- Celexa (citalopram)
- Cymbalta (duloxetine)
- Pristiq (desvenlafaxine)
- Effexor XR (venlafaxine)
How does Trintellix compare with Lexapro (escitalopram)?
Trintellix and Lexapro were studied in a clinical trial involving patients with major depressive disorder with SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction. While they both maintained antidepressant efficacy, Trintellix had a bigger improvement in SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction.
There is currently no generic alternative available for Trintellix but there is one for Lexapro. Trintellix has an average cost of approximately $500 for #30, 10mg tablets while generic Lexapro costs around $50 for #30, 10mg tablets.
Trintellix FAQs
How long does Trintellix stay in your system?
Trintellix has a half-life of approximately 66 hours, so it will stay in your bloodstream for around 2 weeks.
How do I store Trintellix?
Store Trintellix at room temperature between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C).
How long does it take for Trintellix to start working?
In short-term studies of 6 to 8 weeks, patients began to see the therapeutic effect of Trintellix starting at week 2, with its full effects not seen until at least week 4.
Can you take Trintellix while you are pregnant or breastfeeding?
Trintellix may cause fetal harm. If you take Trintellix during the third trimester of your pregnancy, it can cause your infant to have withdrawal symptoms after birth or serious lung problems. There is a pregnancy registry for females who take Trintellix during pregnancy to track health information. 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 the breastfed infant. 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.
Is there a generic for Trintellix?
Trintellix is an expensive prescription drug. Currently, there is no generic alternative for Trintellix available on the market. However, you can still save on brand-name drugs like Trintellix through NiceRx if eligible for assistance.
