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Canadian Med Center

A Comprehensive Guide to Taking Trintellix

Friday 22 March 2024
Trintellix
6 minute(s) read

Table of Contents


I. FDA-Approved Trintellix Dosages

II. Trintellix Dosage Adjustments

III. How to Take Trintellix

IV. Missing a Dose of Trintellix

V. Trintellix Overdose

VI. Trintellix Withdrawal

VII. Conclusion


Trintellix, also known by the generic name vortioxetine, is a medication prescribed to treat major depressive disorder in adults. The FDA approved Trintellix in 2013, and it has become popular due to its unique mechanism of action compared to other antidepressants. Doctors often prescribe Trintellix when other medications have not effectively treated someone's depression. [1]

When taking any medication, it's crucial to understand the proper dosing guidelines to get the full benefits while minimizing potential risks. This article will discuss the dosages of Trintellix approved by the FDA, how to take it, changes in dosage, and what to do if you miss a dose, take too much, or stop taking the medication.

FDA-Approved Trintellix Dosages

When you start taking Trintellix for major depressive disorder (MDD), your doctor will work with you to find the ideal dosage. They'll start you on the lowest dose that can help relieve your symptoms and gradually adjust it over time.

The dosing guidelines outlined below are the standard FDA recommendations. However, your doctor will personalize your prescription based on your needs. Their goal is to find the smallest dosage within the recommended range that works for your body and gives you relief.

  • To minimize side effects, the recommended starting dose of Trintellix is 10 mg once daily. This low dose lets your body get used to the medication.
  • If, after some time, the 10 mg dose isn't fully managing your depression, your doctor may increase it to 20 mg once daily. The slightly higher 20 mg dose could provide the extra relief you need.
  • If you have unpleasant side effects at 10 mg, your doctor may lower your dosage to 5 mg once daily. This smaller dose could ease side effects while still helping with your depression. [1]

Trintellix Dosage Adjustments

medication bottles and a pill container on a table

When taking Trintellix, you may need dosage adjustments if you also take certain other medications. Some drugs can increase or decrease the amount of Trintellix in your body, requiring your doctor to adjust the dosage for effectiveness and safety.

Some medications can lower the amount of Trintellix in your body. These include:

  • Bupropion (Wellbutrin)
  • Fluoxetine (Prozac)
  • Terbinafine (Lamisil)
  • Quinidine [1]

If you take any of these drugs along with Trintellix, your doctor will make dosage adjustments:

  • Your doctor will prescribe a maximum dosage of 10 mg daily.
  • If you’re already taking Trintellix, your doctor may cut your current dose in half. 
  • Once your doctor stops the interacting medication, they can bring your Trintellix dose back up to the original amount.[1]

On the other hand, some medications can increase Trintellix levels in the body. These medications include:

  • Rifampin (Rafadin)
  • Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
  • Phenytoin (Dilantin) [1]

If you take these medications, your doctor will make the following dose adjustments:

  • If you take these for over 14 days, your doctor may increase your Trintellix dose to up to three times more than the original amount.
  • Within 14 days of stopping these medications, your doctor will lower your Trintellix dose back to the initial level. [1]

How to Take Trintellix

Taking Trintellix daily is essential for managing your symptoms of depression. To get the most out of this medication, be sure to take it properly.

Trintellix comes as a tablet that should be swallowed whole once daily. Do not chew, crush, or break the tablet. You can take Trintellix with or without food but taking it with a meal may help reduce nausea. [1]

To get into an easy routine with Trintellix, follow these tips:

  • Establish a consistent time: Set a specific time to take your medication each day. This will help you develop a habit and make it easier to remember.
  • Tie It to a daily activity: Connect taking your medication with an activity you do daily, such as brushing your teeth or getting ready for bed. This association will serve as a reminder and ensure you don't miss a dose.
  • Utilize a pill container: Invest in a weekly pill container to track whether you have taken your daily dose. This visual aid will help you stay organized and avoid any confusion.
  • Plan when travelling: If you are planning to travel, ensure that you have enough Trintellix to last the duration of your trip. Bring extra medication in case of unexpected delays so you do not miss any doses.
  • Keep medication in your carry-on: When flying, carry your medication in your carry-on bag rather than checked luggage. This will help prevent the risk of missing your dose due to lost or delayed baggage.
  • Maintain a medicine calendar: Keep a dedicated calendar alongside your pill bottles and mark down each time you take a dose. This record will serve as a reference and help you stay on track with your medication schedule. [2]

Missing a Dose of Trintellix

Missing a dose of Trintellix doesn't have to derail your treatment plan. If you realize you've forgotten a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it's close to your next scheduled dose, it's best to skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double up on the next dose to compensate for the missed one. [1]

For those who are taking higher doses of Trintellix, specifically 15 mg or more per day, missing multiple consecutive doses may have some side effects, such as:

  • Headaches
  • Tense muscles
  • Return of depression symptoms [1]

While these side effects can be uncomfortable, it's important to know that they are generally not dangerous.

Trintellix starts to improve depression symptoms within two weeks of starting treatment. However, the full effects are usually seen around four weeks or later. This is why it's important to take Trintellix every day as prescribed by your doctor. [3]

Trintellix Overdose

Overdosing on Trintellix can be dangerous. Taking more than your prescribed dose can lead to severe side effects like serotonin syndrome. If you experience an overdose, you may require immediate medical care. [1]

Serotonin syndrome is a potentially life-threatening condition that happens when there is too much serotonin building up in the body. Symptoms of serotonin syndrome include:

  • Nausea
  • Dizziness
  • Diarrhea
  • Upset stomach
  • Itchiness
  • Sleepiness [4]

Call your doctor immediately if you start noticing any of these symptoms. The earlier serotonin syndrome is caught and treated, the better the outcome typically is. In severe cases, you may need emergency medical treatment. [4]

Trintellix Withdrawal

a man suffering from a headache

If you have been taking Trintellix and are thinking about stopping your medication, it is important to have a discussion with your doctor first. Abruptly stopping Trintellix can lead to withdrawal side effects like

  • Irritability
  • Sudden worsening of mood
  • Nervousness
  • Agitation
  • Muscle tension
  • Headaches [5]

Your doctor will consider your Trintellix dosage when creating a discontinuation schedule:

  • If you have been taking a daily dose of 15mg or 20mg of Trintellix, your doctor may lower your dosage to 10mg daily for at least one week before having you stop taking it completely. This gradual step-down in dosage gives your body more time to adjust to functioning without the medication.
  • If you have been on a lower daily dose of 10mg or 5mg of Trintellix, you may be able to stop the medication without tapering. However, it is still wise to consult with your doctor before discontinuing Trintellix. [1]

Conclusion

Trintellix can be an effective tool for managing major depressive disorder when appropriately taken under medical guidance. By following your doctor's prescribed dosage and instructions, understanding how to take Trintellix correctly, and being aware of risks such as missed doses or overdose, you can experience the benefits of this medication while reducing side effects.

To learn more about this medication, visit our Trintellix blog for more topics.

The content in this article is intended for informational purposes only. This website does not provide medical advice. In all circumstances, you should always seek the advice of your physician and/or other qualified health professionals(s) for drug, medical condition, or treatment advice. The content provided on this website is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.