- Mental Health
- Depression
Trintellix
Trintellix medication - online prescription available for major depressive disorder (MDD)
If you live with major depressive disorder, Trintellix can help. Get a same-day prescription or refill of Trintellix from a caring, board-certified primary care doctor online.*
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FDA-approved for mood disorders
Manage your mental health with Trintellix
Request Trintellix in as little as 15 minutes, with or without insurance*
*Prescriptions are provided at the doctor’s discretion. Learn more about our controlled substances policy and how you can save up to 80% with our prescription discount card. Plushcare doctors cannot manage all cases of depression. If they are unable to diagnose or treat you directly, they will guide you towards in-person or specialist care with psychiatrists by providing resources and referrals.
About Trintellix medication
Trintellix is considered a combination antidepressant. It combines both a serotonin (5-HT) receptor modulator and an SSRI in one drug, which functions by reducing the uptake of serotonin in the brain. Unlike other SSRI medications that can treat other mental health conditions like anxiety and OCD, this has only been studied for long-term treatment of major depressive disorder. It is ineffective against acute anxiety attacks or panic disorder because it will not provide an immediate relief of these symptoms.
Trintellix is FDA approved to treat major depressive disorder and is only available by prescription. It is available in a generic formulation as well as vortioxetine.
Trintellix was initially known as Brintellix, but the name was changed in June 2016. This came after confusion with Brintellix and another type of drug known as Brilinta, which is used in anti-blood clotting therapy.
Trintellix may be prescribed as a capsule. There are three different strengths of tablets or capsules that can be used to treat major depressive disorder:
5 mg
10 mg
20 mg
It’s always important to follow the specific instructions on your prescription, as they can vary based on the formulation and dosage that you are prescribed.
If you are prescribed Trintellix, be sure to take the antidepressant medication as prescribed unless your doctor specifically tells you to stop.
If you don’t complete your prescription, the antidepressant medication may not adequately treat your major depressive disorder. If you suddenly stop Trintellix, then you may experience withdrawal symptoms, which can sometimes be severe. They can also lead to worse symptoms than before you started the medication. Only consider stopping treatment if healthcare professionals advise you to.
Trintellix uses
There is only one official FDA-approved use for Trintellix, but it may also be used off-label to treat other conditions. Your online medical professional may prescribe it for any of the following common reasons. It’s also possible that your healthcare provider may prescribe it for other reasons not listed here. If you have questions about why a medication is prescribed, ask your online doctor.
Major depressive disorder (MDD)
The use of Trintellix tablets has been approved for use in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). It is not, however, advised for patients who also have signs of bipolar disorder or those who have a history of serotonin syndrome. Patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) may experience a consistently low mood, lack of motivation, or hopelessness. Consistent sadness, sleep and appetite changes are other common signs of depression. Our online doctors will closely monitor patients when they use Trintellix. This can help to ensure worsening symptoms are identified early on. There are also precautions regarding the use of Trintellix along with other drugs, such as tricyclic antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, and certain types of over-the-counter medicines.
Trintellix side effects
The side effects associated with taking Trintellix are typically mild. They may include:
Constipation
Vomiting
Nausea
Other side effects, which are less common but might be more severe, could include:
Serotonin syndrome: In some rare cases, patients who use these prescription drugs develop a condition known as serotonin syndrome. This is why avoiding other drugs that also affect serotonin levels, or certain brain chemicals is crucial when using Trintellix. Difficulty concentrating, agitation, fast heart rate, sweating, hallucinations, high fever, seizures and even death may occur when the patient develops serotonin syndrome. The condition may also lead to new or worsening symptoms. Patients may need to contact a poison control center or an emergency medical department immediately if they experience signs of serotonin syndrome.
Low sodium: Older adults treated with Trintellix have a risk of developing low sodium levels. This can cause many adverse effects, including memory problems, confusion, slurred speech, and weakness. A healthcare professional should be advised if you generally struggle to keep your sodium levels balanced.
Allergic reaction: Just as with many other drugs on the market, there is a small risk of developing allergic reactions when taking Trintellix.
You should call your doctor if you notice any of these side effects, or if you develop any other new or concerning symptoms. Use of Trintellix in patients under age 18 is not advised because it can cause an increased risk of certain side-effects, such as serotonin syndrome. The patient may also experience new or worsening symptoms of their depression if they use the medication at a young age.
How to take Trintellix
Your pharmacist will provide you with instructions on how to take your Trintellix prescription.
Be sure to read your prescription label and follow the instructions. Call your doctor if you have any questions.
Trintellix can come in different forms and doses, so be sure to follow the specific instructions on your prescription. It is typically prescribed once per day. Some specific instructions may include taking Trintellix with or without food.
Do not take more of the medication than what healthcare professionals prescribe to you. These prescription drugs can cause serotonin syndrome if you take too much.
What to avoid while taking Trintellix medication
Trintellix has numerous potential drug interactions. Don’t change what you are taking without checking with your doctor or pharmacist. That includes other medications or supplements, as well as over-the-counter drugs.
It is important to avoid using tricyclic antidepressants or any other type of antidepressant medication when taking Trintellix.
Apart from other antidepressant medicine options, you should also tell your doctor if you use any of the following medications:
It is also not advisable to use Trintellix with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Combining nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may increase the risk of bleeding problems and other side effects.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist if it is acceptable to consume alcohol while taking Trintellix.
Some research shows that regular alcohol consumption has a depressive effect on the central nervous system. Alcohol may also reduce the medication’s ability to do its job, making it harder to treat depression.
Medication alternatives to Trintellix
If your healthcare provider prefers to put you on another treatment altogether, they may suggest another SSRI and serotonin (5-HT) receptor modulator combination or an antidepressant in another drug class. Here are some common doctor-recommended alternatives based on your health issue:
Generalized anxiety disorder
Patients with a generalized anxiety disorder may experience panic attacks and are generally anxious throughout the day. In these cases, specific prescription medicine may help treat the condition.
Antidepressants
Trintellix prescription FAQs
How much does Trintellix cost?
Currently, Trintellix is only available as a brand name medication. Therefore, it may be several hundred dollars per month at least if you do not have insurance, even with discount coupons. If you do have insurance, it may be quite affordable should it be covered.
How can I refill my Trintellix prescription?
Trintellix is a long-term treatment for depression and can be refilled at your local pharmacy usually every 1-3 months, depending on the frequency of your follow-up visits with your doctor.
Can you feel Trintellix immediately?
Even though this medication comes in the form of a fast-release tablet, you will not experience the effects immediately. It is not an acute treatment option. Even though it starts to work on certain natural substances early on, it may take up to six weeks before you start to notice the full effects of the medication.
What information should I provide before starting Trintellix?
List all the drugs you take for your doctor and tell them about a family history of suicidal thoughts or attempts, bipolar disorder, and other mental health concerns. Do not mix Trintellix with other drugs that are also used to treat depression. You should also be careful about taking Trintellix with blood thinners, blood pressure medication, and several other drugs. These medications can produce drug interactions.
How long does it take to get used to Trintellix?
Some people may experience side effects like nausea and headaches during the early stages of treatment. If you have worsening symptoms, tell your doctor. The majority of side effects should subside after a few weeks of use.
How do you feel after taking Trintellix?
You will likely not feel any immediate effects. Over a period of 4 to 6 weeks, you may experience an improved mood and less intensity of mood symptoms that do appear.
Who should not take Trintellix?
It is generally not advised to take Trintellix if you have bipolar disorder or require treatment for generalized anxiety disorder. Patients under the age of 18 should also not take Trintellix.
What happens if I miss a dose of Trintellix?
A missed dose of Trintellix can reduce the efficacy of the medication. Take the dose once you remember. With this said, the missed dose should not be taken too close to your next dose.
What happens if I take too much Trintellix?
You always have to adhere to the instructions that your healthcare provider offers strictly. If you take too much, you may experience more severe difficulty concentrating, nausea, and other side effects. Tell your doctor if you think you took too much and if you experience worsening depression. You might need to go to an emergency department if you took a significant amount of the medication.
3 simple steps to request your Trintellix medication prescription online
Step 1
Book a Trintellix prescription request appointment.
Book a same day appointment from anywhere.
Step 2
Talk to your medical provider regarding your Trintellix prescription.
Visit with a doctor on your smartphone or computer.
Step 3
Pick up your Trintellix prescription, if provided.
We can send prescriptions to any local pharmacy.
Trintellix prescription pricing details
How pricing works
To get a new or refill on your Trintellix prescription, join our monthly membership and get discounted visits.
Paying with insurance
Membership
$16.99/month
First month free
Visits
Copay
30 days of free membership
Same-day appointments 7 days a week
Unlimited messages with your Care Team
Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
Exclusive discounts on lab tests
Free memberships for your family
Cancel anytime
Visit price with insurance
Often the same as an office visit. Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less!
- We accept these insurance plans and many more:
Paying without insurance
Membership
$16.99/month
First month free
Visits
$129
30 days of free membership
Same-day appointments 7 days a week
Unlimited messages with your Care Team
Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
Exclusive discounts on lab tests
Free memberships for your family
Cancel anytime
Visit price without insurance
Initial visits are $129.
If we're unable to treat you, we'll provide a full refund.
Trintellix prescription resources
Sources:
PlushCare is dedicated to providing you with accurate and trustworthy health information.
"Trintellix Official Website." Trintellix, Accessed October 4, 2023, https://us.trintellix.com/
"Trintellix." Drugs.com, Accessed October 4, 2023, www.drugs.com/trintellix.html.
PlushCare content is reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, nutritionists, and other healthcare professionals. Learn more about our editorial standards and meet the medical team. The PlushCare site or any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.