If you’re considering treatment options for depression, your doctor might suggest Trintellix (vortioxetine).

Trintellix is a prescription medication that’s used to treat major depressive disorder in adults.

Trintellix comes as a tablet that you take by mouth. It contains the active drug vortioxetine and belongs to a class of drugs called antidepressants. (A class of drugs is a group of medications that work in a similar way.)

This article describes the dosages of Trintellix, including its form, strengths, and how to take the drug. To learn more about Trintellix, see this in-depth article.

Note: This article covers Trintellix’s typical dosages, which are provided by the drug’s manufacturer. But when using Trintellix, always take the dosage that your doctor prescribes.

Trintellix is approved to treat major depressive disorder in adults with depression.

What form does Trintellix come in?

Trintellix comes as a tablet that you take by mouth.

What are the strengths of Trintellix?

Trintellix tablets are available in three strengths: 5 milligrams (mg), 10 mg, and 20 mg.

Typical dosages of Trintellix (10 mg, 15 mg, or 20 mg)

The information below describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Common dosages of Trintellix are 10 mg, 15 mg, and 20 mg, taken daily. People who don’t tolerate higher doses of Trintellix may need to take a 5-mg dose of the drug.

The normal dosage range for Trintellix is 10 mg to 20 mg per day. Your doctor may increase your dosage to help ease your depression symptoms. If you have side effects from this medication, your doctor may decrease your dosage. For more information about the side effects Trintellix may cause, you can see this in-depth article.

According to the manufacturer’s dosage guide, the typical dosing schedule for Trintellix is once per day, with or without food. You should take the medication around the same time each day.

Your doctor will likely start you on the lowest dose of Trintellix for your condition. Then they’ll adjust your medication over time to reach the right dosage amount for you. Your doctor will ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.

Is Trintellix used long term?

Yes, Trintellix is typically used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor decide that Trintellix is safe and effective for you, it’s likely that you’ll use it long term.

Dosage adjustments

Certain conditions may affect how your body responds to Trintellix. Your doctor may reduce your dosage if your body is slow to break down an enzyme called CYP2D6.

Some drugs may cause you to have too much or too little Trintellix in your body. Certain medications that affect the CYP2D6 enzyme can interact with Trintellix. To learn more about the drugs that can interact with Trintellix, see this article.

It’s important to talk with your doctor about all medications that you take. This way they can increase or decrease your dosage as needed.

Some people have suicidal thoughts or behaviors while taking Trintellix. If you or a loved one taking Trintellix has thoughts of suicide, call your doctor or 911 immediately.

If you experience thoughts of suicide while using Trintellix, your doctor may need to adjust your dosage of Trintellix. Or they may switch you to a different treatment.

The dosage of Trintellix you’re prescribed may depend on several factors. These include:

  • the type and severity of the condition you’re using Trintellix to treat
  • other medications you’re taking
  • other conditions you may have (see “Dosage adjustments” under the “What is Trintellix’s dosage?” section above)

Here are some answers to a few frequently asked questions about Trintellix.

Could I be prescribed a Trintellix dosage of 30 mg or 40 mg per day?

Yes, it’s possible your doctor may prescribe either of these dosages.

The typical maximum (highest) dosage for most people taking Trintellix is 20 milligrams (mg) per day. But for people taking certain medications that interact with Trintellix, the dosage may need to be increased.

Tell your doctor about all medications you take. This helps them prescribe the right Trintellix dosage for your condition.

If I’m already taking an antidepressant, what’s the dosage equivalent for Trintellix?

If you’re starting Trintellix, your dosage will depend on the types and dosages of other drugs you’re taking. If you’re already taking an antidepressant drug, your doctor will decide what dosage of Trintellix you should start on.

Will I experience side effects if I miss a dose of Trintellix?

Typically, you won’t experience side effects if you miss one dose of Trintellix.

If you suddenly stop taking Trintellix, you may have serious side effects. These include:

If you decide to stop taking Trintellix, talk with your doctor about the best way to do so.

For tips on remembering to take your dose on time, see the “What if I miss a dose?” section below.

Do not use more Trintellix than your doctor prescribes. Using more than this can lead to serious side effects.

Symptoms of overdose

Symptoms caused by an overdose can include:

What to do in case you take too much Trintellix

Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve taken too much Trintellix. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers, or use its online resource. However, if you have severe symptoms, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately or go to the nearest emergency room.

If you miss a dose of Trintellix, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, do not take two doses to make up for the missed one. Just take the next dose as scheduled.

If you have questions about when to take a missed dose, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

If you need help remembering to take your dose of Trintellix on time, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm, downloading a reminder app, or setting a timer on your phone. A kitchen timer can work, too.

Trintellix comes as a tablet that you swallow, which you’ll likely take once per day. You can take the tablet with or without food.

Try to take Trintellix at about the same time each day. This helps keep the level of the drug in your body constant so it can work effectively.

Trintellix isn’t known to cause dependence. But you should not suddenly stop taking Trintellix. Doing so could cause serious side effects, including discontinuation syndrome (antidepressant withdrawal). Symptoms can include:

If you want to stop taking Trintellix, talk with your doctor. They’ll recommend a treatment plan to help you safely stop taking this drug. Typically, your doctor will gradually reduce your dosage over time until it’s safe for you to completely stop treatment.

The sections above describe the typical dosages provided by the drug’s manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Trintellix for you, they will prescribe the dosage that’s right for you.

Remember, you should not change your dosage of Trintellix without your doctor’s approval. Only take Trintellix exactly as prescribed. Talk with your doctor if you have questions or concerns about your current dosage.

Here are some examples of questions you may want to ask your doctor:

  • If I experience side effects from Trintellix, will my dosage need to be lowered?
  • I’ve been taking Trintellix for a while, but I still have symptoms of depression. Does my dosage need to be adjusted?
  • Can Trintellix interact with other drugs that I’m taking?

To learn more about Trintellix, see these articles:

To get information on different conditions and tips for improving your health, subscribe to any of Healthline’s newsletters. You may also want to check out the online communities at Bezzy. It’s a place where people with certain conditions can find support and connect with others.

Q:

I’m concerned about Trintellix’s suicide warning. Are there certain signs I can watch for in a loved one who is starting treatment with this drug?

Anonymous

A:

You should talk with your loved one often as they begin taking Trintellix. If you notice that they are having suicidal thoughts or behaviors that could endanger them, contact their doctor immediately.

Suicidal warning signs can include:

  • threats or comments about self-injury
  • increased alcohol or drug use
  • aggressive, reckless, or impulsive behavior
  • withdrawing from social relationships (friends, family, community)
  • dramatic mood changes
  • talking, writing, or thinking about death

If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, a prevention hotline can help. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day by calling 988. During a crisis, people who are hard of hearing can call 711 and then 988.

The Healthline Pharmacist TeamAnswers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.
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Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.