Uses
What is Trintellix used for?
Trintellix is commonly used to treat depression.
Trintellix may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
How does Trintellix work (mechanism of action)?
Trintellix is an antidepressant that belongs to a group of medicines called serotonin modulators. The way it works is not completely understood. It is thought to work by affecting a natural chemical called serotonin in the brain.
How is Trintellix supplied (dosage forms)?
Trintellix is available in the following dosage forms that are taken by mouth.
- 5 mg oral tablets
- 10 mg oral tablets
- 20 mg oral tablets
How should I store Trintellix?
Trintellix should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C), for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of Trintellix?
The most common side effects of Trintellix are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
There may be other side effects of Trintellix that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of Trintellix?
While less common, the most serious side effects of Trintellix are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Trintellix may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Trintellix and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Suicidal Thoughts or Actions. Trintellix or other antidepressants may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or actions in a small number of children, teenagers, or young adults in the first few months of taking the medicine or when the dose is changed. Depression or other serious mental health conditions are the most important causes of suicidal thoughts or actions. If you or your child is about to harm themselves, call 911 or call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.
- New or increased thoughts of suicide or death
- Suicide attempt
- New or increased feelings of anxiety, depression, or other unusual changes in your mood or behavior
Serotonin Syndrome. Serotonin syndrome is when there is too much of a substance called serotonin in your body. Trintellix can cause serotonin syndrome when it is taken alone or with other medicines that affect serotonin. This condition can be life-threatening. Get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms of serotonin syndrome.
- Sweating, fever, or flushing
- Confusion
- Feeling agitated or restless
- Seeing or hearing unusual things
- Dizziness
- Fast or racing heartbeat
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Muscle twitching, stiffness, or tremor
- Seizures
Abnormal Bleeding. People taking Trintellix or other antidepressants may have an increased risk of bleeding or bruising. You may be at higher risk if you are also taking aspirin, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), like ibuprofen or naproxen, or a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven), apixaban (Eliquis), or rivaroxaban (Xarelto). Tell your healthcare provider if you notice any changes in how easily you bruise or bleed.
Extremely Elevated Mood (Mania). People with bipolar disorder can have severe high and low moods. The first symptom of bipolar disorder may be depression. People with bipolar disorder who take an antidepressant, such as Trintellix, may have a higher risk of having mania or a manic episode. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a manic episode.
- Dramatic increase in energy
- Significant trouble sleeping
- Your thoughts are racing and fast-paced
- Engaging in reckless behavior
- Having unusually grand ideas
- Feeling excessively happy or irritable
- Talking more or faster than usual
Glaucoma. Trintellix may increase pressure inside the eye and cause or worsen narrow-angle glaucoma, which can lead to blindness. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of glaucoma.
- Loss of vision
- Eye pain or redness
- Severe headache or vomiting
- Seeing bright, colorful circles around lights (vision halos)
Low Sodium Level (Hyponatremia). Trintellix may cause low sodium levels. Call your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms of a low sodium level.
- Headache
- Drowsiness
- Muscle weakness or cramps
- Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite
- Tiredness or sleepiness
- Dizziness
- Weight gain
- Restlessness or irritability
- Change in your mental condition such as hallucinations, confusion, decreased awareness, or alertness
- Seizures
Sexual Problems. Taking Trintellix or another serotonin modulator may cause sexual problems. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following sexual problems.
- Decreased sex drive
- Delayed ejaculation or unable to have an ejaculation
- Problems getting or keeping an erection
- Delayed orgasm or unable to have an orgasm
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use Trintellix?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take Trintellix.
- Vortioxetine
- Trintellix
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Trintellix.
Drug Interactions. Trintellix should not be taken while you are using certain other medicines. Before taking Trintellix, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.
What should I know about Trintellix before using it?
Do not take Trintellix unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.
Do not share Trintellix with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Keep Trintellix out of the reach of children.
People who are 65 and older can be at greater risk for some side effects from Trintellix. Talk to your healthcare provider about your risks if you are in this age group.
Do not stop taking Trintellix without talking to your healthcare provider. Stopping too quickly may cause serious side effects. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.
- Anxiety, irritability, or high or low mood
- Feeling restless
- Changes in sleep habits
- Headache
- Sweating or shaking
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Electric shock-like feelings
- Confusion
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Trintellix?
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Trintellix is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Current and past health conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have or have had any of the following.
- Bleeding problems
- Mental health conditions, including bipolar disorder, mania, or hypomania (including personal history or family history)
- Glaucoma
- Low sodium levels in the blood
Pregnancy. Taking Trintellix later in pregnancy may lead to an increased risk of certain problems in your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take Trintellix while you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking Trintellix, you can register for the National Pregnancy Registry for Antidepressants by calling 844-405-6185 or at www.womensmentalhealth.org/research/pregnancyregistry/antidepressants. This registry collects safety information about the use of antidepressant medicines during pregnancy.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if Trintellix passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
How can I get more information about Trintellix?
For more information about Trintellix, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.us.trintellix.com or call them at 877-TAKEDA-7 (877-825-3327).
Interactions
Does Trintellix interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between Trintellix and foods or drinks.
Talk to your healthcare provider before drinking alcohol while taking Trintellix.
Does Trintellix interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking Trintellix.
- A monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) within the past 2 weeks, which is a medicine usually used for depression or Parkinson’s disease
- A selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) or serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), which are medicines commonly used for anxiety and depression
- A tricyclic antidepressant, such as amitriptyline, nortriptyline, or protriptyline, even if it is not used for depression
- A type of medicine called a triptan, such as sumatriptan (Imitrex and others), eletriptan (Relpax), and others, which is commonly used to treat migraines
- St. John’s wort, which is a supplement that may be used to treat depression
- Lithium, which is a medicine for certain mental health conditions
- Buspirone, which is a medicine for anxiety
- An antipsychotic, which is a medicine for certain mental health conditions
- Amphetamines, such as Adderall, which are used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy
- Opioid pain medicines, such as tramadol or fentanyl
- Medicines that affect bleeding, like a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), warfarin, clopidogrel, heparin, or aspirin
- A diuretic, also called a water pill, which is a medicine used to reduce edema (fluid retention)
- Bupropion (Wellbutrin), which is a medicine used for depression
- Rifampin, which is a medicine commonly used to treat an infection called tuberculosis
- Carbamazepine (Tegretol) and phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek, and others), which are medicines used to control seizures
Some other medicines may alter the blood levels of Trintellix, and vice versa. Trintellix interacts with many other medicines. Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Trintellix. Always check with your healthcare provider.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much Trintellix?
If you or someone else has used too much Trintellix, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Trintellix?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
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