Trintellix Side Effects: Common, Severe, & Warnings

Common Side Effects of Trintellix

Trintellix is well tolerated by many, but a significant number of people experience some common side effects. These side effects are related to how that medication works. Trintellix works to treat depression at serotonin receptors in the CNS. Side effects occur when Trintellix affects other serotonin receptors throughout the body.¹

Many common side effects go away on their own after the body adjusts to Trintellix. However, in some cases, if symptoms are severe medical attention is required. It is important to make a plan with your doctor and seek medical attention if side effects are severe or do not go away on their own.¹

Common side effects of Trintellix include:*

• Weight changes: This often happens secondary to nausea, vomiting and diarrhea that can make it difficult to maintain the normal amount of calories. You and your doctor should have a plan if you begin to lose a significant amount of weight.
• Sexual dysfunction: This can be changes in sex drive, ease of arousal, ease of orgasm, and satisfaction with orgasm. It is important to discuss sexual function prior to starting Trintellix and monitor it throughout treatment.
• Nausea: This is often related to the dose of Trintellix. It is important to increase your dose over time gradually.
• Diarrhea: It is important to monitor this symptom and rehydrate appropriately if needed.
• Constipation: If you go more than 3 days without a bowel movement, seek help. Many over-the-counter products can help ease constipation and regulate bowel movements. Check with your pharmacist to make sure any OTC meds you use are not contraindicated to take with Trintellix.
• Vomiting: If vomiting is a problem for you, stick to bland and easy-to-consume foods. You can also speak with your doctor about prescribing anti-nausea medications.
• Flatulence: This can be embarrassing and uncomfortable. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist about medications to help if symptoms are uncomfortable or do not resolve.
• Unusual dreams: It has been reported that taking Trintellix can cause unusual dreams. It is reported more frequently at higher doses.
• Dizziness: It is important not to drive until you understand how Trintellix affects you. Taking the medication in the evening can help reduce dizziness during the day.
• Pruritus: Also known as itchiness, this can be very uncomfortable.

*All medications, including Trintellix, have a risk of side effects, including serious side effects. This is not a complete list of side effects. You should talk with your healthcare professional about the benefits and risks of any medication before starting treatment.

Mild Side Effects of Trintellix

It is important to understand the mild side effects of Trintellix. They can be uncomfortable and annoying but rarely require medical attention. Some of these side effects will go away on their own and only happen if the dose is increased. Others may continue throughout treatment but may need to be managed with lifestyle changes and other medications. It is unlikely you will experience all of the side effects listed below, but you should be aware of the risks of each.¹

Mild side effects of Trintellix include:*

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Flatulence
• Constipation
• Dry mouth
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Irritability

*All medications, including Trintellix, have a risk of side effects, including serious side effects. This is not a complete list of side effects. You should talk with your healthcare professional about the benefits and risks of any medication before starting treatment.

Severe Side Effects of Trintellix

Taking Trintellix can put you at risk of experiencing severe side effects. These side effects can cause serious harm if not treated. It is important to review these potential side effects with your doctor before you start treatment with Trintellix. Recognizing a severe side effect and seeking medical attention immediately is crucial to reduce the chance of long-term damage to your health.¹

Severe side effects of Trintellix include:*

Risk of Suicidal Thoughts & Behaviors

Like other antidepressant medications, Trintellix can cause suicidal thoughts and behaviors. The risk is especially high in younger adults. It is important to recognize warning signs of suicide and seek help right away.

Serotonin Syndrome:

This is a life-threatening condition that can happen from taking too many medications that affect serotonin. Symptoms include hallucinations, delirium, fast heartbeat, seizures, and/or gastrointestinal symptoms. It is important to avoid taking multiple medications that have this risk at the same time.

Risk of Bleeding

Taking Trintellix can cause bleeding disorders, including gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. It is important to avoid taking medications like NSAIDs and anticoagulants unless specifically approved by your doctor. Seek medical help at the first sign of bleeding.

Activation of Mania

Taking an antidepressant such as Trintellix to treat undiagnosed bipolar disorder is very dangerous and can cause a state of mania or hypomania. It is important to rule out bipolar disorder prior to taking Trintellix.

Hyponatremia (Low Sodium)

Taking serotonergic medications such as Trintellix can lead to low salt levels in the body and create symptoms like headache, confusion, weakness, and fainting. Older adults and those also taking diuretic medications are at a higher risk.

*All medications, including Trintellix, have a risk of side effects, including serious side effects. This is not a complete list of side effects. You should talk with your healthcare professional about the benefits and risks of any medication before starting treatment.

Trintellix Warnings & Precautions

Taking Trintellix can put you at risk of many side effects and health emergencies. It is important to understand all warnings and precautions to reduce the risk of experiencing dangerous side effects. Talking through these precautions with your healthcare provider is an important step to successful treatment with Trintellix.

Precautions for taking Trintellix include:¹

• Suicidal thoughts & behavior: Antidepressants, including Trintellix, can cause an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior. It is important to understand how to spot warning signs of suicide and call 911 right away. Staying with someone you trust and getting help right away is crucial.
• Use with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs): MAOIs are a specific type of antidepressant medication that can be dangerous if taken with Trintellix. It is important never to take the two together and to wait at least three weeks of taking either if switching between an MAOI and Trintellix or vice versa.
• Withdrawal symptoms: It is important not to stop taking Trintellix without the direction of your prescriber. If you stop taking Trintellix or decrease the dose too quickly, you may be at risk of experiencing withdrawal symptoms. These can include sweating, agitation, anxiety, confusion, headache, hypomania, and seizures. Work with your doctor closely if you would like to stop taking Trintellix.
• Pregnancy: Taking Trintellix during pregnancy can put a developing fetus and newborns at risk of complications. The decision to take any antidepressant while pregnant should be an in-depth discussion with your providers.
• Worsening mental health conditions: Taking Trintellix can cause undiagnosed bipolar disorder symptoms to manifest. This can be either manic episodes or hypomanic episodes. It is important to rule out bipolar disorder before you start taking Trintellix.
• Increased risk of bleeding: Taking Trintellix may increase your risk of bleeding episodes that can be dangerous and deadly. If you currently suffer from bleeding disorders or taking anti-clotting medications, Trintellix may not be right for you. Work with your doctor to understand this risk and how to spot signs of internal bleeding. If you suspect internal bleeding, you should seek help immediately.
• Overdose: Taking too much Trintellix at one time can lead to dangerous symptoms like dizziness, serotonin syndrome, and seizure. If you or someone you know has taken more than the prescribed dose of Trintellix, you should call 911 and seek help right away.

Allergic Reactions

Allergic reactions are serious and can be life-threatening if not treated immediately. It is important to know the signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction and seek help right away.¹

Allergic reactions to Trintellix include:

• Itching
• Trouble breathing
• Hives
• Swelling of the face or throat
• Rash

If you experience an allergic reaction, call 911 immediately. Once the allergic reaction has been treated, you should not take Trintellix again. You should consult your doctor about starting a different antidepressant. Do not self-medicate or make decisions without your doctor’s approval.

How to Manage Side Effects

Managing side effects is a key part of successful treatment with Trintellix. If you can manage mild side effects and take Trintellix daily as prescribed, you are more likely to feel improvements in your depression symptoms. Work with your doctor to make a plan on how to best manage side effects. Keeping regular checkups with your prescriber can help you monitor treatment and make changes if necessary.

Sexual Side Effects

While it can be uncomfortable to discuss your sexual activity with your healthcare provider, the only way to receive impactful assistance is to be truthful. Starting with a doctor or therapist that you trust is key. It is important to determine how meaningful and satisfying sexual activity is for you. Also, evaluate your sexual activity with your provider prior to starting Trintellix, as sexual side effects are often symptoms of depression.

If you do experience sexual side effects, communicating them with your doctor is very important. Depending on how well you are responding to treatment with Trintellix, they may recommend not taking the medication for the day before and day of planned sexual activity. This is known as a drug holiday. If this method does not work or the sexual side effects are too impactful, your doctor may recommend changing your antidepressant.¹

Nausea & Vomiting

Trintellix often causes nausea and vomiting, which can make day-to-day life difficult. Always alert your prescriber of all the side effects you feel, and it is a great idea to keep a detailed journal. This can help you track the worsening or improvement of symptoms over time.

If the nausea and vomiting are mild, over-the-counter medications may be enough to relieve your symptoms. Other options may include sticking to a bland diet and taking Trintellix during a meal. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe you a prescription strength tablet or patch. As always, it is important to work with your doctor closely and not stop taking Trintellix without notifying your prescriber.

Constipation

Trintellix can affect how food moves through your body, slowing down your GI tract. If you go more than 3 days without a bowel movement, seek help. Many over-the-counter products can ease constipation and regulate bowel movements. Work with your doctor or pharmacist to find the right medication to return to regular bowel movements. While it may not be exciting to talk about, it is an important part of staying healthy and well while taking Trintellix.

Dizziness

Trintellix can cause dizziness and/or drowsiness. This can be mild or severe enough to affect your day-to-day activities. It is important not to drive or operate heavy machinery until you understand how Trintellix affects you. If the dizziness becomes unbearable or interferes with daily tasks, taking the medication in the evening can help reduce dizziness during the day. If that does not provide relief, work with your doctor to determine alternative options.

Side effects are different for each person taking Trintellix. It is important to remember that you may experience only some of the above side effects. They will vary based on your body makeup, the dose of Trintellix you take, your health history, and any other medications you take along with Trintellix.

Questions to Ask Your Healthcare Provider About Trintellix Side Effects

Successful treatment with Trintellix starts with an in-depth discussion with your doctor, psychiatrist, and therapist. It is important to spend time discussing all aspects of treatment so you know what to do if you experience side effects. If you have trouble finding an in-person prescriber or would prefer virtual treatments, online psychiatry services may be a good option. Spend time before taking Trintellix to understand what you may experience.

Questions to ask your care team about the side effects of Trintellix include:

• How long will it take for me to adjust to taking Trintellix?
• Am I at risk for more severe symptoms if I am already taking other anxiety /depression medications?
• Will my dose increase over time?
• What is the best dosage to ensure fewer side effects?
• When should I reach out to you if I am experiencing sexual side effects?
• What should I do if I want to stop taking Trintellix?
• Are there any medications that I should not take with Trintellix?
• Is there anything I should tell my therapist about this new medication?
• What over-the-counter products can I use to help with side effects?

In My Experience

Trintellix is a newer antidepressant medication that may provide benefits for adults who have not found optimal treatment with other medications. It is important to understand all potential side effects that may occur while taking Trintellix. It is also important to know which conditions put you at a higher risk of experiencing dangerous side effects. Successfully managing side effects can help ensure a beneficial treatment with Trintellix.

For Further Reading

• Psychotherapy vs. Medication for Depression & Anxiety
• How to Treat Depression: Therapy, Medication, Procedures, & Self Help
• Sexual Disorders: Types, Symptoms, Causes and Treatment