Medications

Trintellix

Trintellix

Previously Found with Medfinder

Comprehensive medication guide to {drug} including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.

Estimated Insurance Pricing
$10–$75/month (with savings card as low as $10; prior authorization often required)
Estimated Cash Pricing
$300–$610/month without insurance; GoodRx coupons can reduce to ~$299
Medfinder Findability Score
72
/100
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Post Author

Peter Daggett

Last Updated

February 13, 2026

Trintellix 2026 Availability, Prices, and Tips to Find

What Is Trintellix?

Trintellix (vortioxetine) is a prescription antidepressant FDA-approved in 2013 for the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in adults. It is manufactured by Takeda Pharmaceuticals in partnership with Lundbeck. The medication was originally marketed as Brintellix but was renamed Trintellix in 2016 to avoid confusion with the blood thinner Brilinta.

Trintellix is classified as a serotonin modulator and stimulator (SMS), which distinguishes it from traditional SSRIs and SNRIs. It has a unique multimodal mechanism that affects multiple serotonin receptor subtypes simultaneously.

A key differentiator for Trintellix is its potential pro-cognitive effects — clinical studies have shown improvements in processing speed, executive function, and memory in depressed patients, which is not consistently seen with other antidepressants.

Medfinder can help you find pharmacies with Trintellix in stock.

How does Trintellix work?

Trintellix has a multimodal mechanism of action that sets it apart from other antidepressants:

  • Serotonin transporter (SERT) inhibition — Like SSRIs, it blocks serotonin reuptake to increase serotonin availability
  • 5-HT3, 5-HT7, and 5-HT1D receptor antagonism — Blocks specific serotonin receptors involved in mood and cognition
  • 5-HT1B partial agonism — Partially activates this receptor subtype
  • 5-HT1A agonism — Activates serotonin 1A receptors, which is associated with anxiolytic effects

This multimodal activity modulates not just serotonin but also indirectly affects dopamine, norepinephrine, acetylcholine, and histamine neurotransmission in the prefrontal cortex — which may explain its cognitive benefits.

Antidepressant effects are typically noticed within 2–4 weeks, though full benefit may take 6–8 weeks.

What doses are available for Trintellix?

Trintellix is available as oral tablets in the following strengths:

  • 5 mg (lower starting dose for some patients)
  • 10 mg (recommended starting dose)
  • 20 mg (maximum dose)

Trintellix is taken once daily with or without food. Most patients start at 10 mg/day. The dose can be increased to 20 mg/day based on tolerability and response, or decreased to 5 mg/day if side effects are bothersome.

When discontinuing, the dose should be reduced to 10 mg/day for one week before stopping (if currently on 15–20 mg/day) to minimize discontinuation symptoms.

How hard is it to find Trintellix in stock?

Trintellix (vortioxetine) is a brand-name antidepressant, and we've assigned a findability score of 72 out of 100. There is no FDA-listed shortage, and the medication is generally available at most pharmacies. However, its brand-only status and high cost create access barriers for many patients.

Why Access Can Be Challenging

Trintellix has no generic version available. The active ingredient vortioxetine is patent-protected, with a key patent expiring in June 2026 — though a generic may not be available until 2027 or later due to additional patents and regulatory timelines.

Without insurance or manufacturer coupons, Trintellix costs $300–$610/month, which is dramatically more expensive than generic SSRIs or SNRIs that cost $4–$20/month. Many insurance plans require prior authorization and may require patients to try cheaper antidepressants first (step therapy) before covering Trintellix.

Most retail pharmacies stock Trintellix, but patients sometimes face delays related to insurance approval rather than physical availability.

What This Means for Patients

The Trintellix Savings Card reduces commercially insured patients' copay to as low as $10/month. Takeda's Help At Hand patient assistance program provides free medication to eligible uninsured or underinsured patients.

Medfinder can help you find pharmacies with Trintellix in stock near you.

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Who Can Prescribe Trintellix?

Trintellix is not a controlled substance. Psychiatrists, PCPs, NPs, and PAs can all prescribe it. Telehealth prescribing is widely available, though patients should note that many insurance plans require prior authorization and step therapy before covering Trintellix.

Medfinder helps you find pharmacies with availability.

Is Trintellix a controlled substance?

No, Trintellix is not a controlled substance. Standard refills, 90-day supplies, pharmacy transfers, and telehealth prescribing are all available. The primary barrier to access is cost and insurance coverage rather than regulatory restrictions.

The Trintellix Savings Card can reduce the copay to as low as $10/month for commercially insured patients. Takeda's Help At Hand program offers free medication to eligible patients.

Common Side Effects of Trintellix

Most Common

  • Nausea — The most frequently reported side effect (up to 32% at 20 mg dose). Often improves after the first 1–2 weeks.
  • Diarrhea
  • Dizziness
  • Dry mouth
  • Constipation
  • Vomiting

Notable Advantages

Trintellix has lower rates of sexual dysfunction compared to most SSRIs, and is less likely to cause weight gain — two common reasons patients switch from other antidepressants.

Serious but Rare

  • Serotonin syndrome (especially if combined with other serotonergic drugs)
  • Abnormal bleeding (especially with blood thinners or NSAIDs)
  • Mania/hypomania activation
  • Hyponatremia (low sodium, especially in elderly)

Black Box Warning: Like all antidepressants, Trintellix carries a warning about increased risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults.

Alternative Medications to Trintellix

Generic SSRIs

  • Sertraline (Zoloft) — First-line for depression and anxiety. Generic costs $4–$15/month.
  • Escitalopram (Lexapro) — Well-tolerated SSRI. Generic costs $4–$15/month.
  • Fluoxetine (Prozac) — Long half-life, fewer withdrawal issues. Generic costs $4–$10/month.

Generic SNRIs

  • Venlafaxine (Effexor XR) — Dual serotonin-norepinephrine action. Generic available.
  • Duloxetine (Cymbalta) — Also treats chronic pain. Generic available.

Other Brand-Name Antidepressants

  • Auvelity (dextromethorphan/bupropion) — Newer NMDA antagonist combination. Fast-acting.
  • Spravato (esketamine) — Nasal spray for treatment-resistant depression.

Many patients try generic SSRIs/SNRIs before Trintellix due to cost. Medfinder can help find availability.

Drug Interactions with Trintellix

Contraindicated

  • MAOIs — Do not use within 14 days of an MAOI. Do not start an MAOI within 21 days of stopping Trintellix.

Important Interactions

  • Other serotonergic drugs (SSRIs, SNRIs, triptans, tramadol, St. John's Wort) — Risk of serotonin syndrome.
  • Strong CYP2D6 inhibitors (bupropion, fluoxetine, paroxetine, quinidine) — Reduce Trintellix dose by half.
  • Strong CYP inducers (rifampin, carbamazepine, phenytoin) — May need to increase Trintellix dose.
  • Blood thinners and NSAIDs — Increased bleeding risk.

Final Thoughts on Trintellix

Trintellix offers a unique multimodal mechanism that distinguishes it from traditional SSRIs and SNRIs, with potential cognitive benefits and lower rates of sexual dysfunction and weight gain. It's particularly valued by patients who haven't responded well to first-line antidepressants or who experienced intolerable side effects.

The main barrier is cost — at $300–$610/month without assistance, it's dramatically more expensive than generic alternatives. However, the Savings Card ($10 copay for commercially insured) and patent expiration in June 2026 (with potential generics by 2027) may improve affordability.

Medfinder helps you find pharmacies with Trintellix in stock. Search for availability near you.

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