Understanding Trintellix Side Effects

Trintellix (Vortioxetine) is an antidepressant used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults. Like all medications, it can cause side effects. The good news is that most Trintellix side effects are mild and tend to improve within the first few weeks of treatment.

This guide covers the most common side effects, the serious ones to watch for, and practical tips for managing them. If you're new to Trintellix, you might also want to read What Is Trintellix? for a broader overview of the medication.

Common Side Effects of Trintellix

The most frequently reported side effects in clinical trials include:

• Nausea — This is the most common side effect, affecting up to 30% of patients. It usually improves after the first 1–2 weeks.
• Constipation — Reported by some patients, usually mild.
• Vomiting — More common at higher doses (20 mg).
• Diarrhea — Can occur, especially early in treatment.
• Dizziness — Usually mild and temporary.
• Dry mouth — A common side effect shared with many antidepressants.
• Sexual dysfunction — Trintellix generally has lower rates of sexual side effects compared to traditional SSRIs, which is one reason some patients and doctors prefer it.
• Flatulence — An uncommon but reported side effect.

How to Manage Nausea from Trintellix

Since nausea is the most common complaint, here are practical strategies to reduce it:

1. Take Trintellix with food. While the drug can be taken with or without food, eating a meal before or with your dose can significantly reduce nausea.
2. Start at a lower dose. Your doctor may start you at 5 mg or 10 mg and gradually increase. This gives your body time to adjust.
3. Take it at night. Some patients find that taking Trintellix before bed helps them sleep through the nausea.
4. Stay hydrated. Sipping water or ginger tea throughout the day can help settle your stomach.
5. Give it time. For most patients, nausea decreases significantly after the first 1–2 weeks. Don't stop the medication without talking to your doctor first.

Serious Side Effects: When to Call Your Doctor

While rare, some Trintellix side effects require immediate medical attention. Call your doctor or go to the emergency room if you experience:

Serotonin Syndrome

This is a potentially life-threatening condition that can happen when too much serotonin builds up in your body. Symptoms include:

• Agitation or restlessness
• Fast heartbeat
• High body temperature
• Muscle twitching or stiffness
• Loss of coordination
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea (severe)

Serotonin syndrome is more likely if you take Trintellix with other serotonergic medications. Read our guide on Trintellix drug interactions to learn which medications to avoid.

Abnormal Bleeding

Trintellix may increase the risk of bleeding, especially if you take it with NSAIDs (like ibuprofen), aspirin, or blood thinners. Watch for unusual bruising, nosebleeds, or blood in your stool.

Low Sodium (Hyponatremia)

This is more common in older adults. Symptoms include headache, confusion, weakness, difficulty concentrating, and memory problems. In severe cases, it can cause seizures.

Manic Episodes

In people with bipolar disorder (sometimes undiagnosed), antidepressants can trigger mania. Signs include racing thoughts, unusually high energy, reckless behavior, and decreased need for sleep.

Angle-Closure Glaucoma

Trintellix can cause eye pain, changes in vision, or swelling around the eye. If you experience sudden eye pain or vision changes, seek medical attention immediately.

The Boxed Warning: Suicidal Thoughts

Trintellix, like all antidepressants, carries an FDA boxed warning about an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults (ages 18–24). This risk is highest during the first few months of treatment or when doses are changed.

What to watch for:

• New or worsening depression
• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
• Unusual changes in mood or behavior
• Anxiety, agitation, or panic attacks
• Difficulty sleeping

If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or go to your nearest emergency room immediately.

This warning does not mean Trintellix causes depression to worsen in most people. In clinical trials, antidepressants reduced suicidality in adults over age 24. The warning exists to ensure close monitoring during the early stages of treatment.

Side Effects by Dose

Trintellix comes in 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg tablets. Side effects tend to be dose-related:

• 5 mg: Generally the best tolerated. Often used as a starting dose or for patients who are sensitive to medications.
• 10 mg: The standard starting dose. Nausea is more common than at 5 mg but usually manageable.
• 20 mg: The maximum dose. Nausea and vomiting are more common at this level. Your doctor may increase to this dose if lower doses don't provide enough relief.

For more details on dosing, see our guide on Trintellix uses and dosage.

How Trintellix Side Effects Compare to Other Antidepressants

One of the reasons doctors prescribe Trintellix is its side effect profile. Compared to traditional SSRIs and SNRIs:

• Sexual side effects are generally lower with Trintellix. This is a significant advantage for many patients who stopped previous antidepressants due to sexual dysfunction.
• Weight gain is less commonly reported with Trintellix than with some other antidepressants like Paroxetine or Mirtazapine.
• Cognitive effects may actually be positive — some studies suggest Trintellix can improve cognitive function in depressed patients, including memory and processing speed.
• Nausea is more common with Trintellix than with most SSRIs, but it usually resolves within the first two weeks.

If you're considering switching from another antidepressant, talk to your doctor about the transition plan. Abruptly stopping an antidepressant can cause withdrawal symptoms. Learn about alternatives to Trintellix if you're exploring your options.

What to Tell Your Doctor Before Starting Trintellix

Before starting Trintellix, make sure your doctor knows if you:

• Take any other medications, supplements, or herbal products (especially St. John's Wort or tryptophan)
• Have a history of bipolar disorder or mania
• Have liver problems
• Are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding
• Have a bleeding disorder or take blood thinners
• Have glaucoma
• Are a CYP2D6 poor metabolizer (if known from genetic testing) — the maximum recommended dose is 10 mg/day for poor metabolizers

The Bottom Line

Trintellix is generally well tolerated, and most side effects are mild and temporary. Nausea is the most common issue, but it usually improves within the first couple of weeks. Serious side effects are rare but important to know about.

The key is to stay in close contact with your doctor during the first few weeks of treatment. Report any unusual symptoms promptly, and don't stop taking Trintellix without medical guidance.

Looking for Trintellix at a good price? Check out our guide on saving money on Trintellix, or search MedFinder to find it in stock near you.