Trintellix (Vortioxetine): Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, & Warnings

What Is Trintellix (Vortioxetine)?

Trintellix (Vortioxetine) is an antidepressant medication designed to help treat major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults.¹ Major Depressive Disorder is a mental health condition characterized by persistent and overwhelming feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyable. It’s important to note that while Trintellix is not approved for use in children and adolescents, it can be a valuable tool in addressing MDD in eligible adult patients. This medication’s ability to positively impact mood and emotions offers hope for those struggling with the challenges of depression.

How Does Trintellix Work?

Trintellix works by helping to regulate the chemicals in the brain that play a role in mood and emotions. It’s thought to enhance the transmission of certain signals between nerve cells, which can lead to an improvement in depressive symptoms. By assisting in the restoration of a more balanced chemical environment in the brain, Trintellix aims to alleviate feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and other depression symptoms.

What Is Trintellix Used to Treat?

Trintellix is approved by the FDA to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults. This means that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has checked its safety and effectiveness for this purpose. Trintellix is specifically meant for dealing with depression and is not allowed for use in children and teenagers.

Side Effects of Trintellix

Trintellix can cause various side effects due to its direct effects. Common ones, like nausea, diarrhea, gas, and itchy skin, can last throughout the medication use. Temporary effects may arise as your body adjusts.

Meanwhile, serious side effects demand quick medical attention. These include serotonin syndrome, severe bleeding, low sodium levels, allergic reactions. If any Trintellix side effects concern you or persist, call your doctor right away.

Common Side Effects of Trintellix

Common side effects of Trintellix encompass symptoms such as stomach discomfort and digestive changes. While these effects might not always warrant immediate medical attention, they are important to recognize.

Common side effects of Trintellix include:¹

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Dry mouth
• Constipation
• Vomiting
• Flatulence
• Sexual side effects

Severe Side Effects of Trintellix

Severe side effects of Trintellix include potential risks like serotonin syndrome, severe bleeding, low sodium levels, worsening depression or suicidal thoughts, allergic reactions, and. If you experience any of these effects, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention.

Severe side effects of Trintellix may include:^{1, 2}

• Serotonin syndrome
• Serious bleeding
• Hyponatremia (low sodium levels)
• Closed-angle glaucoma (eye pressure/eye pain)
• Worsening symptoms of depression
• Suicidal thoughts
• Manic episodes
• Allergic Reaction

*All medications, including Trintellix, can cause side effects that can be mild or serious. This is not a comprehensive list of all possible side effects. You should talk with your doctor about any questions you have and to understand the potential side effects and benefits of any medication.

Antidepressant Discontinuation

Abruptly discontinuing Trintellix can result in a condition known as antidepressant discontinuation syndrome or antidepressant withdrawal. This may lead to serious side effects, necessitating immediate medical attention.

Symptoms of discontinuation syndrome encompass nausea, sweating, tiredness, changes in mood, irritability, dizziness, and various other effects. Seek medical care promptly if you experience any of these symptoms upon discontinuing the medication.

Allergic Reactions to Trintellix

It’s essential to inform your healthcare provider if you experience an allergic reaction to Trintellix, characterized by symptoms like rash, hives, swelling, or difficulty breathing. Individuals who have shown allergic reactions to other medications or ingredients might also be at risk.

Allergic reactions to Trintellix may include:¹

• Skin rash
• Hives (itchy welts)
• Swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing

If you experience any of these allergic reactions, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention. Your healthcare provider will guide you on appropriate steps, which first focus on treatment of the allergic reaction with medication.

Trintellix Warnings & Precautions

Being aware of the warnings and precautions when taking Trintellix is crucial for safe use. These guidelines highlight potential risks and circumstances that require careful attention. In some cases, immediate medical intervention might be necessary to address these concerns.

Precautions for taking Trintellix include:¹

• Use during pregnancy and breastfeeding: It’s important to discuss with your healthcare provider if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, as Trintellix may have potential effects on the baby.
• Serotonin Syndrome: This might cause symptoms like feeling really restless, shaky, or even confused. If you notice these signs, it’s important to get medical help right away.
• Increased risk of bleeding: Combining Trintellix with drugs like aspirin or other antiplatelet medications could heighten the risk of bleeding.
• Activation of mania/hypomania: Patients should be screened for bipolar disorder before starting Trintellix, as it might lead to the activation of mania or hypomania.
• Angle-closure glaucoma: If you have glaucoma in your eyes and you’re taking antidepressants like Trintellix, there’s a chance you might be at risk for angle closure glaucoma.
• Hyponatremia: Trintellix could potentially lead to hyponatremia, which involves low sodium levels and is associated with inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion.
• Sexual dysfunction: Some individuals might experience sexual dysfunction symptoms while taking Trintellix.

Interactions With Trintellix

Interactions with Trintellix: It’s important to be cautious about the potential interactions between Trintellix and various substances, including medications and herbs. These interactions could have harmful effects and may impact how well Trintellix works for you.

6 substances you should avoid while taking Trintellix include:¹

• Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs): Combining Trintellix with MAOIs can lead to a serious condition called serotonin syndrome, which might cause symptoms like confusion and restlessness.
• Other serotonergic drugs: Using Trintellix along with other serotonergic drugs, such as certain antidepressants and migraine medications, increases the risk of serotonin syndrome.
• Strong inhibitors of CYP2D6: When Trintellix is taken with strong CYP2D6 inhibitors, like certain antidepressants, it can lead to higher levels of Trintellix in your body.
• Strong CYP inducers: Trintellix’s effectiveness might decrease when taken with strong CYP inducers, such as certain epilepsy medications.
• Drugs that interfere with hemostasis (antiplatelets and anticoagulants): Combining Trintellix with drugs that affect blood clottings, like aspirin and anticoagulants, can increase the risk of bleeding.
• Drugs highly bound to plasma protein: Taking Trintellix alongside other drugs that are also highly bound to plasma proteins might impact how much Trintellix or the other drug is available in your bloodstream.

Let your healthcare provider know about all the medications and substances you’re taking to ensure your safety and the effectiveness of Trintellix.

Can You Overdose on Trintellix?

Yes, it is possible to overdose on Trintellix. Overdosing means taking more than the recommended amount, which can be harmful. If someone takes too much Trintellix, they might experience symptoms like severe nausea, vomiting, and, in more extreme cases, even serotonin syndrome or seizures.

It’s important to always follow the prescribed dosage and seek medical help immediately if you suspect an overdose or notice any unusual symptoms.

What Should You Do If You Take Too Much Trintellix?

If you accidentally take too much Trintellix, it’s crucial to seek help immediately. Contact a healthcare provider, a poison control center, or emergency medical services. They can provide guidance on the necessary steps to take based on the situation. It’s important not to wait and to get medical assistance promptly to ensure your safety and well-being.

Trintellix Dosages for FDA-Approved Treatment

Trintellix dosages vary among individuals due to factors like their response to the medication. The FDA-approved starting dose is typically 10 mg taken once daily, regardless of meals. It can be increased to 20 mg daily if well-tolerated.

However, doses above 20 mg haven’t been fully studied for safety and efficacy. If higher doses cause issues, a reduction to 5 mg daily might be considered under medical guidance. FDA approval means the medication is reviewed and deemed safe and effective for a specific condition.

Your healthcare provider will determine the right dosage for you based on different factors for the best results.

Trintellix Forms & Strengths

Trintellix is available in different forms and strengths. The suitable choice depends on the disorder being treated, the patient’s age, and symptom severity. Trintellix comes in immediate-release, film-coated tablets in strengths of 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg.

Prescribers consider the disorder’s nature and the patient’s profile when choosing a form. Dosages might vary based on different disorders and symptoms.

Trintellix is available in the following forms and strengths:¹

• 5 milligrams (mg) oral tablet
• 10 milligrams (mg) oral tablet
• 20 milligrams (mg) oral tablet

Remember to take Trintellix exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. If you have any questions or concerns about how to take Trintellix, don’t hesitate to ask your healthcare provider for clarification.

How Should I Take Trintellix?

To ensure the best results, it’s important to take Trintellix exactly as instructed by your healthcare provider. They may adjust the dose until it’s the most suitable for your condition. Remember to take Trintellix once daily.² You have the flexibility to take it with or without food. Regardless of the chosen form, following your healthcare provider’s guidance is crucial. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for clarification.

What Happens If I Miss a Dose of Trintellix?

If you miss a dose of Trintellix, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it’s close to the time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular dosing schedule. It’s important not to take extra doses to catch up.

If you accidentally miss a dose or two, don’t abruptly stop taking Trintellix, as this can affect the medication’s effectiveness. If you have any concerns about missed doses, consult your healthcare provider for guidance.

Trintellix Costs & Insurance Coverage

The cost of Trintellix can vary, and the list price for a 30-day prescription is $466.35.³ Among antidepressants, Trintellix falls somewhere in the mid-range in terms of cost. If you have Medicare prescription drug coverage, the amount you pay for Trintellix depends on the specific stage of coverage you’re in.⁴

For commercially insured patients aged 18 and older, there’s the option of the Trintellix Savings Card.³ This card can provide savings of up to $100 per 30-day prescription or $300 per 90-day prescription, with a maximum annual savings of $1,300. However, it’s important to note that the savings card is not available for patients using federal-, state-, or government-funded healthcare programs or for cash patients.

Questions to Ask Your Healthcare Provider About Trintellix (Vortioxetine)

In today’s world, accessing quality psychiatric care has become more versatile than ever, thanks to the advent of online psychiatry services. If you’re considering or already taking Trintellix, it’s essential to have a comprehensive understanding of your treatment plan. Asking your psychiatrist and care team a series of pertinent questions can provide you with the knowledge and confidence you need to navigate your mental health journey effectively.

Questions to ask your care team about Trintellix include:

• How long does it usually take to get used to taking Trintellix?
• If I’m already on other anxiety/depression medications, could I experience more severe symptoms?
• What’s the ideal dosage to minimize potential side effects?
• When should I contact you if I encounter sexual side effects?
• Are there any specific details I should share about this new medication with my therapist?
• Can I continue taking my other medications alongside Trintellix?
• What lifestyle changes or precautions should I consider while on Trintellix?
• What are the signs that Trintellix is working for me?
• Are there any interactions I should be cautious about, like certain foods or beverages?
• How will we monitor my progress while on Trintellix?
• Are there any specific warning signs or symptoms that I should report immediately?
• If I need to switch prescribers, are online psychiatry services a good option for me?

In My Experience

In my experience, discussing matters related to psychiatric care and treatment options is of utmost importance. Trintellix can be a valuable tool in addressing various mental health concerns, and it’s crucial to engage in open conversations with your healthcare provider about its usage. Seeking professional guidance ensures that the treatment plan aligns with your specific needs and circumstances.

I encourage individuals to reach out for support and explore available treatments for their well-being. The outlook for clients using medications like Trintellix is positive, especially when combined with therapy and other support systems. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey, and seeking assistance is a sign of strength. If you were to approach me with this topic, I’d emphasize the importance of communication, self-care, and staying committed to the treatment plan. Mental health is a journey, and together, we can work towards a healthier and more fulfilling life.