What Is Trintellix?

Trintellix is the brand name for Vortioxetine, a prescription antidepressant approved by the FDA to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults. It's manufactured by Takeda Pharmaceuticals and Lundbeck.

Trintellix belongs to a class of medications called serotonin modulators and stimulators (SMS). It works differently from traditional antidepressants like SSRIs and SNRIs because it targets multiple serotonin receptors at once. For a detailed look at how it works, see our guide on how Trintellix works.

You may have heard of Trintellix under its former brand name, Brintellix. The name was changed in 2016 to avoid confusion with a blood thinner called Brilinta.

What Is Trintellix Used For?

Trintellix is FDA-approved for one condition:

• Major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults

MDD is more than just feeling sad. It's a clinical condition characterized by persistent low mood, loss of interest in activities, changes in sleep and appetite, difficulty concentrating, fatigue, and sometimes thoughts of self-harm. To be diagnosed with MDD, symptoms must last at least two weeks and interfere with daily functioning.

Off-Label Uses

Some doctors prescribe Trintellix off-label for:

• Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
• Cognitive dysfunction associated with depression — Some research suggests Trintellix may help with thinking, memory, and concentration problems that often accompany depression.
• Treatment-resistant depression — As part of a treatment plan when other antidepressants haven't worked.

Off-label use means the medication is prescribed for a condition it isn't specifically FDA-approved to treat. This is legal and common in medicine when there's supporting evidence.

Trintellix Dosage

Trintellix comes as oral tablets in three strengths:

• 5 mg
• 10 mg
• 20 mg

How to Take Trintellix

• Take it once daily, with or without food
• Swallow the tablet whole
• Take it at the same time each day for best results

Typical Dosing

• Starting dose: 10 mg once daily
• Maintenance dose: 10–20 mg once daily
• Maximum dose: 20 mg once daily
• Dose range: 5–20 mg once daily

Your doctor may start you at 10 mg and adjust based on your response and any side effects. If you're sensitive to medications, they may start at 5 mg.

Special Dosing Considerations

• CYP2D6 poor metabolizers: If genetic testing shows you're a CYP2D6 poor metabolizer, the maximum recommended dose is 10 mg/day.
• Taking strong CYP2D6 inhibitors: If you take medications like Bupropion, Fluoxetine, or Paroxetine, your doctor should reduce your Trintellix dose by half.
• Taking strong CYP inducers: If you take Rifampin, Carbamazepine, or Phenytoin, your doctor may need to increase your Trintellix dose (up to three times the original dose).
• Older adults: No dose adjustment is needed for geriatric patients.
• Kidney or liver problems: No dose adjustment is needed for mild to moderate impairment.

For more on drug interactions that affect dosing, read our Trintellix drug interactions guide.

How Long Does Trintellix Take to Work?

Like most antidepressants, Trintellix doesn't work overnight. Here's a general timeline:

• 1–2 weeks: You may notice some improvement in sleep, energy, or appetite.
• 4–6 weeks: Full antidepressant effects usually become noticeable.
• 8+ weeks: Your doctor will evaluate whether the current dose is working or needs adjustment.

Don't stop taking Trintellix if you don't feel better right away. Give it a full trial period of at least 6–8 weeks before deciding it's not working. Always talk to your doctor before making any changes.

Common Side Effects

The most common side effects of Trintellix include:

• Nausea (up to 30% of patients — usually improves after 1–2 weeks)
• Constipation
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Sexual dysfunction (lower rates than most SSRIs)

For a complete breakdown of side effects and how to manage them, see our dedicated guide: Trintellix Side Effects: What to Expect.

Important Safety Information

Boxed Warning

Trintellix carries an FDA boxed warning about increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults (ages 18–24) with depression and other psychiatric disorders. Close monitoring is essential during the first few months of treatment.

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

Who Should Not Take Trintellix

• People who are allergic to Vortioxetine or any ingredient in Trintellix
• People who take MAOIs or have taken an MAOI within the last 14 days
• People taking Linezolid or IV methylene blue

How Much Does Trintellix Cost?

Trintellix is a brand-name medication with no generic available as of 2026. The cash price ranges from approximately $450 to $550 for a 30-day supply, depending on the dose.

Insurance coverage varies. Most plans classify Trintellix as Tier 3 or non-preferred brand and may require prior authorization or step therapy (trying generic antidepressants first).

Ways to Save

• Trintellix Savings Card: Eligible commercially insured patients may pay as low as $0–$10 per month. Visit trintellix.com/savings.
• Patient assistance programs: The Takeda HELP at Hand program provides free medication to qualifying uninsured or underinsured patients.
• Discount cards: GoodRx, SingleCare, and other coupon card services may offer discounts at certain pharmacies.

For a full list of savings options, check our guide: How to Save Money on Trintellix.

Trintellix vs. Other Antidepressants

How does Trintellix compare to other common antidepressants?

• Trintellix vs. Escitalopram (Lexapro): Both treat depression, but Escitalopram is available as a cheap generic. Trintellix may be preferred for patients who experience cognitive symptoms or sexual side effects on SSRIs.
• Trintellix vs. Sertraline (Zoloft): Sertraline is a first-line generic SSRI. Trintellix is typically tried after SSRIs have been unsuccessful.
• Trintellix vs. Duloxetine (Cymbalta): Duloxetine is an SNRI that also treats pain conditions. It's available as a generic and is usually tried before Trintellix.
• Trintellix vs. Vilazodone (Viibryd): Both have multimodal mechanisms. Vilazodone is also brand-name and similarly priced.

Read more in our article on alternatives to Trintellix.

Finding Trintellix

Trintellix can sometimes be difficult to find at your local pharmacy. If you're having trouble locating it, try these resources:

• MedFinder — Search for Trintellix availability by zip code
• How to Check If a Pharmacy Has Trintellix in Stock
• How to Find Trintellix in Stock Near You

The Bottom Line

Trintellix is a unique antidepressant that works on multiple serotonin receptors to treat major depressive disorder. It's generally well tolerated, with lower rates of sexual side effects and potential cognitive benefits compared to traditional SSRIs. The main drawback is cost — it's expensive without insurance or a savings card.

If you think Trintellix might be right for you, talk to your doctor. And if you need help finding it or affording it, MedFinder is here to help.