How TRINTELLIX (vortioxetine) Works

Patient portrayal.Individual results may vary.

How TRINTELLIX®
(vortioxetine) works

TRINTELLIX® (vortioxetine) is a prescription medicine used in adults to treat a certain type of depression called Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).

Wondering how TRINTELLIX works?

Experts believe that MDD results when certain chemicals in the brain are out of balance. These chemicals, called neurotransmitters, send messages from one brain cell to another by acting at specific receptors.

Although it’s not fully understood, TRINTELLIX is thought to work as an antidepressant by enhancing the activity of a neurotransmitter called serotonin in the brain by blocking serotonin reuptake. TRINTELLIX also affects 5 serotonin receptors, but it’s not known whether this contributes to the antidepressant effect of TRINTELLIX.

Frequently Asked Questions

TRINTELLIX may cause serious side effects, including:

  • See the “What is the most important information I should know about TRINTELLIX?” FAQ by following the link below.
  • Serotonin syndrome. A potentially life-threatening problem called serotonin syndrome can happen when you take TRINTELLIX with certain other medicines. See the “Who should not take TRINTELLIX?” FAQ by following the link below. Call your healthcare provider or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away if you have any of the following signs and symptoms of serotonin syndrome:
  • agitation
  • seeing or hearing things that are not real (hallucinations)
  • confusion
  • coma
  • fast heart beat
  • changes in blood pressure
  • dizziness
  • sweating
  • flushing
  • high body temperature (hyperthermia)
  • shaking (tremors), stiff muscles, or muscle twitching
  • loss of coordination
  • seizures
  • nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
  • Increased risk of bleeding. Taking TRINTELLIX with aspirin, non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), warfarin or blood thinners may add to this risk. Tell your healthcare provider right away about any unusual bleeding or bruising.
  • Manic episodes. Manic episodes may happen in people with bipolar disorder who take TRINTELLIX. Symptoms may include:
  • greatly increased energy
  • racing thoughts
  • unusually grand ideas
  • talking more or faster than usual
  • severe problems sleeping
  • reckless behavior
  • excessive happiness or irritability
  • Discontinuation episodes. Suddenly stopping TRINTELLIX may cause you to have serious side effects. Your healthcare provider may want to decrease your dose slowly. Symptoms may include:
  • nausea
  • sweating 
  • changes in your mood 
  • irritability and agitation 
  • dizziness
  • electric shock feeling (paresthesia)
  • tremor
  • anxiety
  • confusion
  • headache
  • tiredness
  • problems sleeping
  • hypomania
  • ringing in your ears (tinnitus) 
  • seizures
  • Eye problems (angle-closure glaucoma). TRINTELLIX may cause a type of eye problem called angle-closure glaucoma in people with certain other eye conditions. You may want to undergo an eye examination to see if you are at risk and receive preventative treatment if you are. Call your healthcare provider if you have eye pain, changes in your vision, or swelling or redness in or around the eye.
  • Low levels of sodium in your blood (hyponatremia). Low sodium levels in your blood that may be serious and may cause death, can happen during treatment with TRINTELLIX. Elderly people and people who take certain medicines may be at a greater risk for developing low sodium levels in your blood. Signs and symptoms may include:
  • headache
  • difficulty concentrating
  • memory changes
  • confusion
  • weakness and unsteadiness on your feet which can lead to falls

In more severe or more sudden cases, signs and symptoms include:

  • seeing or hearing things that are not real (hallucinations)
  • fainting
  • seizures
  • coma
  • stopping breathing (respiratory arrest)
  • Sexual problems (dysfunction). Taking TRINTELLIX may cause sexual problems.
Symptoms in males may include:
  • delayed ejaculation or inability to have an ejaculation
  • decreased sex drive
  • problems getting or keeping an erection

Symptoms in females may include:

  • decreased sex drive
  • delayed orgasm or inability to have an orgasm

Talk to your healthcare provider if you develop any changes in your sexual function or if you have any questions or concerns about sexual problems during treatment with TRINTELLIX. There may be treatments your healthcare provider can suggest.

The most common side effects of TRINTELLIX include nausea, constipation, vomiting.

These are not all the possible side effects of TRINTELLIX.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements, since TRINTELLIX and some medicines may cause serious side effects (or may not work as well) when taken together.

Especially tell your doctor if you take:

  • medicines for migraine headache called triptans
  • medicines used to treat mood, anxiety, psychotic or thought disorders, including tricyclic antidepressants, lithium, or buspirone
  • opioids (such as fentanyl and tramadol)
  • over-the-counter supplements such as tryptophan or St. John’s Wort
  • nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
  • aspirin
  • warfarin 
  • diuretics

Ask your healthcare professional if you are not sure if you are taking any of these medicines. Before you take TRINTELLIX with any of these medicines, talk to your healthcare professional about serotonin syndrome. For more information, see the “What are the possible side effects of TRINTELLIX?” FAQ above. Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of them to show your healthcare professional or pharmacist when you get new medicine.

Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a common type of antidepressant used to treat Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) by enhancing the activity of serotonin in specific pathways of the brain.

The mechanism of the antidepressant effect of TRINTELLIX is not fully understood. However, the antidepressant effect of both TRINTELLIX and SSRIs is thought to be related to their enhancement of serotonin activity in the central nervous system. Experts believe that MDD results when certain chemicals in the brain are out of balance. These chemicals, called neurotransmitters, send messages from one brain cell to another by acting at specific receptors. The function and effect of TRINTELLIX is believed to be related to the inhibition of serotonin reuptake. In addition, TRINTELLIX blocks the activities of certain receptors while enhancing that of others. The contribution of these functions to TRINTELLIX's antidepressant effect has not been established.

   

View all FAQs

Real stories from people taking
TRINTELLIX. Meet the TRINTELLERS.

Click here for Medication Guide

Superscript: When you think of life with Major Depressive Disorder, or MDD, what do you see?

Voice over: When you think of life with Major Depressive Disorder, or MDD, what do you see? People may think they know exactly what MDD looks like. But the truth is that MDD looks different for everyone because everyone experiences it differently. To get a more authentic picture of MDD, we have to look at not just the disorder, but also some people living with it. Because when a patient works with their doctor to find the treatment plan that’s right for them, it may have a noticeable impact on their MDD. That’s what I want other patients to know. 

Superscript: Who am I?

Voice over: Who am I? 

Superscript: A real patient with MDD.

Voice over: My name is Jesus. 

Voice over: My name is Ruth.

Voice over: Hi, I am Tatiana. 

Superscript: What is TRINTELLIX? TRINTELLIX (vortioxetine) is a prescription medicine used in adults to treat a certain type of depression called Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). By prescription only.

Voice over: Our doctors told us about TRINTELLIX, a prescription medicine for adults with a type of depression called Major Depressive Disorder, or MDD. 

Superscript: TRINTELLIX + STORYTELLERS = TRINTELLERS are real MDD patients treated with TRINTELLIX who are here to share their stories with others.

Voice over: Now-We’ve become the first TRINTELLERS, a collection of actual TRINTELLIX patients who are telling personal stories of our lives with MDD. Each of us will be recording one second of our lives everyday, as well as telling you about our recent experiences with MDD, working with our doctors, and our journey with TRINTELLIX. 

Superscript: TRINTELLIX and other antidepressants may increase suicidal thoughts and actions in some people 24 years of age and younger. TRINTELLIX is not approved for children under 18.

Voice over: Antidepressants, like TRINTELLIX, may increase suicidal thoughts and actions in some people 24 years of age and younger. 

Superscript: Call your doctor or get emergency help right away if you have new or worsening depression symptoms, new or sudden changes in mood, behavior, thoughts or feelings, or suicidal thoughts or actions.

Voice over: Call your doctor right away if you have new or worsening depression symptoms, unusual changes in mood, behavior or thoughts, or suicidal thoughts or actions while taking it. 

Superscript: Do not take it if you take MAOIs, or if you are allergic to vortioxetine or any other ingredients in TRINTELLIX.

Voice over: Do not take it if you take MAOIs, or if you are allergic to vortioxetine or any other ingredients in TRINTELLIX. 

Superscript: Tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and all the medicines you take. Taking TRINTELLIX with certain medicines can result in a life-threatening condition.

Voice over: Tell your doctor about all medicines you take, including migraine, psychiatric, and depression medicines, to avoid a potentially life-threatening condition. 

Superscript: TRINTELLIX may increase risk of bleeding. Tell your doctor right away about any unusual bleeding or bruising.

Voice over: Increased risk of bleeding and bruising may occur, especially if taken with aspirin, NSAID pain relievers, warfarin, or blood thinners.

Superscript: Call your doctor if you have any new or sudden changes in mood, behavior, thoughts, or feelings.

Voice over: Manic episodes can occur in people with bipolar disorder. Call your doctor if you have any new or sudden changes in mood, behavior, thoughts, or feelings.

Superscript: Suddenly stopping TRINTELLIX may cause you to have serious side effects. Visual problems may occur in some people. TRINTELLIX may cause low sodium levels and sexual problems.

Voice over: Suddenly stopping TRINTELLIX may cause you to have serious side effects. Visual problems may occur in some people. TRINTELLIX may cause low sodium levels and sexual problems.

Superscript: Common side effects of TRINTELLIX include nausea, constipation, and vomiting.

Voice over: Common side effects include nausea, constipation, and vomiting.

Voice over: Although we know there isn’t a cure for MDD and that we’ll continue to face challenges, we want to start the conversation and raise awareness for others who may be living with MDD.

Superscript: Individual results may vary.

Voice over: Together, we hope to encourage other MDD patients to work with their doctor to find the treatment plan that works for them. 

Superscript: Medication may not be appropriate for everyone.

Voice over: Thank you and see y’all soon. 

Superscript: For more safety information, including Boxed WARNING for Suicidal Thoughts and Actions, please click on the link to Medication Guide located at bottom of this video player and talk to your doctor. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Superscript: TRINTELLIX is a trademark of H. Lundbeck A/S registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and used under license by Takeda Pharmaceuticals America, Inc. TAKEDA and the TAKEDA logo are registered trademarks of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited.

©2021 Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc. All rights reserved. 1-877-TAKEDA-7 (877-825-3327).

US-VOR-0821v1.0 11/21

Real stories from people taking
TRINTELLIX. Meet the TRINTELLERS.

TRINTELLIX + Storytellers = TRINTELLERS.

TRINTELLERS are real patients with MDD treated with TRINTELLIX and who are here to share their stories with others.

These videos were filmed by the TRINTELLERS themselves to help give you an inside look at their lives with MDD. 

Hear more stories

Stay connected

Sign up for tips, advice, information and patient stories to help you on your treatment journey.

We're sorry, there has been an issue with submitting your information. Please try again later.

This email address was not recognized. Please check your spelling and try again.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION about TRINTELLIX

Suicidal Thoughts & Actions

TRINTELLIX and other antidepressants may increase suicidal thoughts and actions in some people 24 years of age and younger, especially within the first few months of treatment or when the dose is changed. TRINTELLIX is not for use in children under 18. Depression or other mental illnesses are the most important causes of suicidal thoughts or actions. Pay close attention to any changes, especially new or sudden changes in mood, behavior, thoughts, or feelings. Call your doctor or get emergency help right away if you have symptoms such as suicidal thoughts or actions, impulsivity, aggressive or violent actions, depression, anxiety or panic attacks, agitation, restlessness, anger, irritability, trouble sleeping, an increase in activity or talking, or other unusual changes in behavior or mood; especially if they are new, worse, or worry you.

Who should not take TRINTELLIX?

Do not start or take TRINTELLIX if you:

  • are allergic to vortioxetine or any of the ingredients in TRINTELLIX
  • take a Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI)
  • have stopped taking an MAOI in the last 14 days
  • are being treated with the antibiotic linezolid or intravenous methylene blue

Do not start taking an MAOI for at least 21 days after you stop treatment with TRINTELLIX.

What should I tell my doctor before taking TRINTELLIX?

Before taking TRINTELLIX, tell your doctor:

  • about all your medical and other health conditions
  • if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, since TRINTELLIX may harm your unborn baby. Taking TRINTELLIX during your third trimester may cause your baby to have withdrawal symptoms after birth or to be at increased risk for a serious lung problem at birth. Tell your doctor right away if you become or think you are pregnant while taking TRINTELLIX.
  • if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed, since it is not known if TRINTELLIX passes into your breast milk

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements, since TRINTELLIX and some medicines may cause serious side effects (or may not work as well) when taken together. Especially tell your doctor if you take: medicines for migraine headache called triptans; tricyclic antidepressants; opioids (such as fentanyl and tramadol); lithium; tryptophan; buspirone; St. John’s Wort; medicines that can affect blood clotting such as aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), warfarin; and diuretics.

What are the possible side effects of TRINTELLIX?

TRINTELLIX may cause serious side effects, including:

  • Serotonin syndrome: A potentially life‐threatening problem that can happen when you take TRINTELLIX with certain other medicines. Call your doctor or go to the nearest emergency room right away if you have any of the following signs and symptoms of serotonin syndrome: agitation; seeing or hearing things that are not real; confusion; coma; fast heart beat; changes in blood pressure; dizziness; sweating; flushing; high body temperature; shaking, stiff muscles, or muscle twitching; loss of coordination; seizures; nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.
  • Increased risk of bleeding: Taking TRINTELLIX with aspirin, NSAIDs, warfarin or blood thinners may add to this risk. Tell your doctor right away about any unusual bleeding or bruising.
  • Manic episodes: Manic episodes may happen in people with bipolar disorder who take TRINTELLIX. Symptoms may include: greatly increased energy; racing thoughts; unusually grand ideas; talking more or faster than usual; severe problems sleeping; reckless behavior; excessive happiness or irritability.
  • Discontinuation syndrome: Suddenly stopping TRINTELLIX may cause you to have serious side effects including: nausea; sweating; changes in your mood; irritability and agitation; dizziness; electric shock feeling; tremor; anxiety; confusion; headache; tiredness; problems sleeping; hypomania; ringing in your ears; seizures.
  • Eye problems: TRINTELLIX may cause a type of eye problem called angle-closure glaucoma in people with certain other eye conditions. You may want to undergo an eye examination to see if you are at risk and receive preventative treatment if you are. Call your doctor if you have eye pain, changes in your vision, or swelling or redness in or around the eye.
  • Low levels of salt (sodium) in your blood: Low sodium levels in your blood that may be serious and may cause death can happen during treatment with TRINTELLIX. Elderly people and people who take certain medicines may be at a greater risk for developing low sodium levels in your blood. Signs and symptoms may include headache; difficulty concentrating; memory changes; confusion; weakness and unsteadiness on your feet which can lead to falls. In more severe or more sudden cases, signs and symptoms include: seeing or hearing things that are not real; fainting; seizures; coma; stopping breathing.
  • Sexual problems: Taking antidepressants like TRINTELLIX may cause sexual problems. Symptoms in males may include: delayed ejaculation or inability to have an ejaculation, decreased sex drive, or problems getting or keeping an erection. Symptoms in females may include: decreased sex drive, or delayed orgasm or inability to have an orgasm. Talk to your healthcare provider if you develop any changes in your sexual function or if you have any questions or concerns about sexual problems during treatment with TRINTELLIX.

The most common side effects of TRINTELLIX include:

  • nausea
  • constipation
  • vomiting

These are not all the possible side effects of TRINTELLIX. Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or does not go away.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is TRINTELLIX (vortioxetine)?

TRINTELLIX is a prescription medicine used in adults to treat a certain type of depression called Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).

 

There is a pregnancy registry for females who are exposed to antidepressants during pregnancy. The purpose of the registry is to collect information about the health of females exposed to antidepressants and their babies. If you become pregnant during treatment with TRINTELLIX, talk to your healthcare provider about registering with the National Pregnancy Registry for Antidepressants at 1-844-405-6185 or visiting online at 

For additional Important Safety Information, click here for Medication Guide, and discuss with your doctor.

This site is intended for use by U.S. residents ages 18 and older only.

TRINTELLIX is a trademark of H. Lundbeck A/S registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and used under license by Takeda Pharmaceuticals America, Inc. TAKEDA and the TAKEDA logo are registered trademarks of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited.

©2023 Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc. All rights reserved. 1-877-TAKEDA-7 (1-877-825-3327).
1-877-TAKEDA-7 (1-877-825-3327).

US-VOR-0992v1.0 03/23, 

Takeda Logo
Lundbeck logo