Key takeaways

  • Trintellix (vortioxetine) is an antidepressant medication used to treat depression in adults. The typical dosage range is 10 milligrams (mg) to 20 mg taken once per day.
  • Your doctor will likely start with a lower dosage and adjust it based on how well you tolerate the medication and how your symptoms respond. Dosage adjustments may also be needed if you take certain medications that interact with Trintellix.
  • Stopping Trintellix abruptly can cause discontinuation syndrome, including headache, dizziness, nausea, and mood changes. If you experience suicidal thoughts while taking Trintellix, contact your doctor or call 911 immediately.

Trintellix (vortioxetine) is a prescription drug that’s used to treat depression (major depressive disorder) in adults. It comes as an oral tablet that you take once per day.

This article covers Trintellix’s dosages, as provided by the drug’s manufacturer. But when taking Trintellix, always take the dosage that your doctor prescribes.

Trintellix images

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Your doctor will likely start you on a low dose of Trintellix and adjust it over time to reach the best dosage for you.

The following information describes the dosages commonly used or recommended for Trintellix. But be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes.

What form does Trintellix come in?

Trintellix comes as a tablet to be taken by mouth.

What are the strengths of Trintellix?

Trintellix tablets are available in three strengths:

  • 5 milligrams (mg)
  • 10 mg
  • 20 mg

Typical dosage of Trintellix

Common dosages of Trintellix are 10 mg, 15 mg, and 20 mg, taken once per day.

People who don’t tolerate the 10-mg dose of Trintellix may need to take a 5-mg daily dose instead.

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

The Trintellix dosage your doctor prescribes may depend on several factors. These include:

  • the type and severity of the condition being treated
  • other medication you’re taking
  • other conditions you may have

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

Some drug interactions may cause you to have too much or too little Trintellix in your body. It’s important to talk with your doctor about all medications that you take. This way, they can adjust 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 taking Trintellix, your doctor may need to adjust your dosage of Trintellix. Or they may switch you to a different treatment.

Help is out there

If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:

  • Call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. Caring counselors are available to listen and provide free and confidential support 24/7.
  • Text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 to connect with a volunteer crisis counselor for free and confidential support 24/7.
  • Not in the United States? Find a helpline in your country with Befrienders Worldwide.
  • Call 911 or your local emergency services number if you feel safe to do so.

If you’re calling on behalf of someone else, stay with them until help arrives. You may remove weapons or substances that can cause harm if you can do so safely.

If you’re not in the same household, stay on the phone with them until help arrives.

Trintellix comes as a tablet you’ll likely take once per day. Swallow the tablet whole. You can take the tablet with or without food.

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

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Trintellix isn’t known to cause drug dependence.

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

  • headache
  • dizziness
  • moodiness
  • nausea
  • anxiety
  • insomnia
  • seizures

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

Do not take more Trintellix than your doctor prescribes. Taking 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 have taken too much Trintellix. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers, or visit its Poison Help website. However, if you have severe symptoms, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately or go to the nearest emergency room.

Yes, Trintellix is intended for long-term treatment. If you and your doctor decide that Trintellix is safe and effective for you, you’re likely to take it long term.

Yes, your doctor may prescribe either of these dosages.

The typical maximum (highest) dosage for most people taking Trintellix is 20 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 you’re starting Trintellix, your dosage will depend on the types and dosages of other drugs you may be taking. If you’re already taking an antidepressant drug, your doctor will decide what dosage of Trintellix you should start with.

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.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Trintellix for the treatment of major depressive disorder (depression) in adults only. It is not available for use in children.

Trintellix (vortioxetine) is a prescription medication used to treat depression in adults. It comes as a tablet to be swallowed once per day, with or without food.

  • Available Strengths: 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg tablets.
  • Typical dosage: Most people take 10 mg to 20 mg once per day. Your doctor will usually start you on a lower dose and slowly increase it.
  • Maximum dosage. The highest standard dose is usually 20 mg per day.
  • How to take: Try to take your pill at the same time every day to keep a steady amount of medication in your body.

Tips for success

  • Don’t skip doses: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next one.
  • Talk with your doctor: Never change your dose or stop taking the medication without asking your doctor first, as stopping suddenly can cause side effects like dizziness or nausea.
  • Safety Note: This drug has a boxed warning for the risk of suicidal thoughts in young adults. Always report any unusual mood changes to a healthcare professional immediately.

Disclaimer: While Healthline strives for factual, comprehensive, and current information, this article is not a substitute for a licensed healthcare professional’s expertise. Always consult a doctor before taking or discontinuing any medication. Drug information is subject to change and may not cover all uses, directions, precautions, warnings, interactions, reactions, or adverse effects. The lack of a warning does not guarantee a drug’s safety, effectiveness, or appropriateness for all patients or specific uses. Learn more about our approach to content integrity.