Managing Trintellix side effects: An overview of potential complications and strategies for coping
Trintellix, a medication used to treat major depressive disorder, belongs to the drug class called atypical antidepressants. While it can help manage symptoms, it's essential to be aware of its potential side effects.
Symptoms of serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition, may occur if Trintellix is taken concurrently with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or other serotonergic drugs. Symptoms include high body temperature, muscle stiffness, shaking, loss of coordination, and seizures.
Mild side effects that have been reported with Trintellix include constipation, diarrhea, dry mouth, vomiting, dizziness, nausea, itching, and a mild allergic reaction. However, more common side effects such as constipation, diarrhea, dry mouth, nausea, and vomiting are usually mild and less serious.
Sweating isn't likely while taking Trintellix, but since it was approved, people have reported sweating while taking it. Sweating can be a side effect of several other drugs used to treat major depressive disorder, which Trintellix also treats.
Trintellix may cause sexual side effects such as decreased sex drive, erectile dysfunction, inability to orgasm, or difficulty reaching orgasm. If you experience sexual side effects while taking Trintellix, tell your doctor. They may recommend a treatment to help with this side effect, or they may recommend that you stop taking Trintellix and try a different medication for your condition.
Headaches aren't likely while taking Trintellix, as they weren't reported in clinical trials. However, headache could possibly be a symptom of withdrawal if you were to suddenly stop taking Trintellix.
One of the most serious risks associated with Trintellix is low sodium levels in the blood (hyponatremia), which can cause headaches, confusion, weakness, difficulty concentrating, and unsteadiness that may lead to falls. This is particularly a risk in older adults or those taking diuretics.
Trintellix may also increase the risk of bleeding, especially if taken with aspirin, NSAIDs, warfarin, or other blood thinners. Signs include unusual bleeding or bruising.
Before you begin taking Trintellix, your doctor may recommend an eye exam to check if you're at risk for angle-closure glaucoma. If you're at risk for this condition, your doctor may prescribe treatment to prevent it from developing while you're taking Trintellix.
In people with narrow angles in their eyes, antidepressants such as Trintellix can trigger a condition called angle-closure glaucoma. Symptoms of angle-closure glaucoma include changes in vision, eye pain, redness, discoloration, or swelling in or around the eye. Get medical attention right away if you experience these symptoms.
It's possible to have withdrawal symptoms if you abruptly stop taking Trintellix. Withdrawal symptoms caused by suddenly stopping Trintellix can include nausea, sweating, mood changes, irritability, dizziness, and electric shock sensations. A gradual dose reduction is recommended.
In clinical trials, weight gain wasn't reported as a side effect of Trintellix. However, it's not clear whether Trintellix caused this weight gain since it was approved.
Nausea is most common during the first week of taking Trintellix, especially during the first day or two of treatment. On average, nausea from Trintellix tends to last about 2 weeks.
Remember, this article provides a summary of the potential side effects of Trintellix. It's crucial to discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider. If you develop a side effect while taking Trintellix and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch.
[1] FDA. (2013). Highlights of Prescribing Information. Trintellix (vortioxetine). Retrieved from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2013/205654s000lbl.pdf [2] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Serotonin syndrome. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/serotonin-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20372113 [3] Drugs.com. (2021). Trintellix Side Effects. Retrieved from https://www.drugs.com/sfx/trintellix-side-effects.html [4] American Psychiatric Association. (2010). Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Patients With Major Depressive Disorder. Retrieved from https://ps.psychiatryonline.org/doi/full/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596.guide-10
- Trintellix, used for major depressive disorder, belongs to the atypical antidepressant drug class, and it's crucial to be aware of its potential side effects.
- Serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition, may occur if Trintellix is taken concurrently with MAOIs or other serotonergic drugs, with symptoms including high body temperature, muscle stiffness, shaking, loss of coordination, and seizures.
- Mild side effects reported with Trintellix include constipation, diarrhea, dry mouth, vomiting, dizziness, nausea, itching, and a mild allergic reaction.
- While sweating isn't likely while taking Trintellix, people have reported sweating as a side effect since its approval, as sweating is a side effect of several other drugs used to treat major depressive disorder.
- Trintellix may cause sexual side effects such as decreased sex drive, erectile dysfunction, inability to orgasm, or difficulty reaching orgasm, and if you experience sexual side effects while taking Trintellix, you should tell your doctor.
- Headaches aren't likely while taking Trintellix, but headache could possibly be a symptom of withdrawal if you were to suddenly stop taking Trintellix.
- One of the most serious risks associated with Trintellix is low sodium levels in the blood (hyponatremia), which can cause headaches, confusion, weakness, difficulty concentrating, and unsteadiness that may lead to falls.
- Trintellix may increase the risk of bleeding, especially if taken with aspirin, NSAIDs, warfarin, or other blood thinners, with signs including unusual bleeding or bruising.
- Before you begin taking Trintellix, your doctor may recommend an eye exam to check if you're at risk for angle-closure glaucoma, particularly in people with narrow angles in their eyes, as antidepressants such as Trintellix can trigger this condition.
