Vortioxetine (Trintellix)

What the word means

Vortioxetine is the drug. Trintellix is the brand, and for now it’s the only way to buy it, because there’s no generic yet. That fact shows up on the price.

It’s a newer antidepressant that acts on serotonin, but through more mechanisms than a standard SSRI does. The claims most often made for it are a lower rate of sexual side effects and some benefit for the foggy, slowed-down thinking that often comes with depression.

Treat those claims the way you’d treat any claim about a newer, pricier drug: as promising rather than settled. Newer doesn’t mean better, it means less time has passed.

Where to read the full guide

Shrinktionary defines it. PsychiatryRx weighs it.

Read the full vortioxetine guide at PsychiatryRx, which covers uses, side effects, and how it compares with escitalopram.

Related terms you’ll see next

• Antidepressant
• Generic drug
• SSRI
• First-line treatment

When to seek professional care

If cost is why you’re rationing or skipping this medication, tell your prescriber, because that’s a solvable problem and it’s a better conversation than the one that follows a relapse. Tell your prescriber about new agitation, worsening mood, or thoughts of self-harm after starting or changing the dose. If you have thoughts of harming yourself, get help right away by calling 911, or call or text 988 in the US to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

<blockquote>
  <p><strong>Vortioxetine (Trintellix):</strong> Vortioxetine is a newer antidepressant, sold as Trintellix, used for depression. It has a lower rate of sexual side effects than many SSRIs, and it's expensive because it has no generic.</p>
  <p>&mdash; <a href="https://shrinktionary.com/terms/vortioxetine/">Shrinktionary</a>, a plain-English mental health dictionary, medically reviewed by a board certified psychiatrist.</p>
</blockquote>