Trintellix (generic name: vortioxetine) is a prescription medicine prescribed to treat Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in adults.
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a mental disorder defined by the American Psychiatric Association as a mood depression that is characterized by at least fourteen days of pervasive low self-esteem, loss of interest or pleasure in everyday activities and occasionally delusions or hallucinations.
Trintellix is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and serotonin receptor modulator. It is taken to improve mood, sleep patterns, appetite, and energy levels in patients diagnosed with MDD.
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Does Taking Trintellix Result in Weight Change?
Over many trials, it has been reported that Trintellix had no significant effect on body weight, resulting in either a loss or a gain. In the cases where some people reported weight gain in non-clinical trials, it was thought likely to actually be due to the benefits of the treatment, which can lead to increased food consumption and improved social activity. Appetite is generally poor in cases of untreated MDD, and people don’t socialize. Weight gain may also be due to short-term side effects like bloating, constipation, or fatigue that results in lower energy expenditure.
Reports of weight gain are far less common with Trintellix than they are with alternate medications such as tricyclic antidepressants or selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRI).
Some patients have also reported weight loss as a side effect of Trintellix, which is most likely a result of the side effects such as nausea and diarrhea.
In rare cases, the drug may cause some more serious effects, in which case you should consult with the prescribing doctor immediately.
What Are the Side Effects of Trintellix?
Trintellix has a few mild side effects, most of which should clear up as your body adjusts to the drug. These include:
- nausea
- diarrhea
- dry mouth
- decreased sexual drive
- constipation
- vomiting
- gas
- dizziness
- fatigue
- abnormal dreams
- itching
If any of these persist beyond the first two weeks of starting the treatment, you should discuss them with your physician or pharmacist.
Doctors prescribe Trintellix because the benefits will outweigh any possible side effects. However, some special contraindications may be coming from pre-existing conditions and drug interactions. You should ensure that the prescribing doctor is fully aware of your medical history when Trintellix is first prescribed.
FAQ
What are the differences between Trintellix, Brintellix and Fonksera?
The generic drug vortioxetine was previously marketed as Brintellix in the United States. In 2016, the US FDA approved a name change to Trintellix. In Europe, the name was changed to Fonksera. Vortioxetine can be called Brintellix, Trintellix, and Fonksera, but the three brands have identical formats and contents.
To find out more about Trintellix, and to order from IsraelPharm, visit our page.
What are the contraindications for Trintellix?
Your doctor should be informed if:
- You are taking a different antidepressant drug in the monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) group , or have stopped taking an MAOI in the last 14 days
- You are being treated with the new form of antimicrobial linezolid
- You are receiving intravenous methylene blue treatment, used to treat methemoglobinemia
- You are taking any blood thinners, such as NSAIDs or warfarin. It is especially important to tell your doctor if you are regularly taking aspirin, which is acting in the same manner. These may lead to an increased risk of bleeding or bruising.
It would be best if you also did not start taking an MAOI for at least three weeks after you stop treatment with Trintellix.
You should not discontinue taking Trintellix suddenly without first consulting with your doctor . Suddenly stopping treatment may cause serious side effects, including seizures, irritability and agitation, sweating, anxiety and confusion.