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Trintellix dosage: A detailed guide

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Form and strengthsDosageFAQHow it's takenCouponOverdoseAsk your doctorBoxed warning
Doctors prescribe Trintellix oral tablet for treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults. You take it by mouth once per day.
Medically reviewed by Bryson Russell, PharmD, MHSA, MSc
Updated on

This article describes Trintellix oral tablet’s dosages and strengths and gives details on how to take it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for Trintellix. If you want to know more about Trintellix oral tablet, see this overview article. It covers details about the drug’s uses and side effects, ways to save on cost, and more.

Trintellix is a brand-name medication that comes as an oral tablet. Trintellix contains the active ingredient vortioxetine. (An active ingredient is what makes the drug work.) It isn’t available in a generic version. This article describes dosages of Trintellix.

Boxed warning: Risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors

Trintellix has a boxed warning for the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

For details, see the “Dosage of Trintellix” section below. See the end of this article for more information about this warning.

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Form and strengths of Trintellix

Trintellix oral tablet comes as follows:

  • Form: oral tablet, which you’ll take by swallowing
  • Strengths: 5 milligrams (mg), 10 mg, 20 mg

Dosage of Trintellix

This article describes the recommended dosages for Trintellix oral tablet. The drugmaker provides these dosages.

If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of Trintellix oral tablet without your doctor’s recommendation.

Usual recommended dosages of Trintellix in adults

Trintellix oral tablet is prescribed to treat a form of depression called major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults. Usually, doctors start by prescribing a low dosage of Trintellix. Then, they’ll adjust it over time until the right dosage is reached. Ultimately, your doctor will prescribe the smallest dosage of Trintellix that gives the desired outcome.

Dosage for MDD

  • Starting dosage: 10 mg once a day
  • Maintenance dosage: based on individual needs
  • Maximum dosage: 20 mg once a day

Dosage adjustments for Trintellix

Your doctor will prescribe a dosage of Trintellix oral tablet based on several factors. These include:

  • the specific condition being treated and how severe it is
  • your age
  • other health conditions you may have
  • if you begin experiencing side effects

Missed dose of Trintellix

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist right away if you realize you forgot to take a dose of Trintellix oral tablet. They may advise you to take the missed dose. Or they may advise you to skip it and take your next dose as scheduled.

For tips on how to plan your doses of Trintellix oral tablet and avoid missing a dose, read this article. You could also try:

  • downloading a reminder app on your phone
  • setting an alarm
  • putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your calendar, bathroom mirror, or bedside table

Frequently asked questions

Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Trintellix oral tablet and its dosage.

Can I take more than 20 mg of Trintellix? Is it safe to take 30 mg or 40 mg of the drug daily?

The maximum recommended daily dosage of Trintellix oral tablet is 20 mg. It’s unlikely that your doctor would prescribe a dose of Trintellix oral tablet greater than 20 mg per day. Instead, your doctor will likely prescribe another medication to take with Trintellix to treat your condition.

If you have questions about taking more than 20 mg of Trintellix oral tablet, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Is Trintellix taken long term?

Yes, doctors typically prescribe Trintellix oral tablet as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely take it long term.

If you have questions about how long you should take Trintellix oral tablet, talk with your doctor.

How Trintellix is taken

You’ll swallow Trintellix oral tablet once per day. Trintellix oral tablet can be taken with or without food. 

Your doctor may advise that you take this medication around the same time each day. This helps keep a consistent amount of the drug in your body. And that can help the drug work more effectively.

If it’s hard for you to swallow tablets, view this article. It provides suggestions on how to swallow medications that come in pill form.

Also, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re having difficulty taking your medication. They can offer recommendations about taking it.

Trintellix coupon

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Overdose of Trintellix

It’s important that you do not take more Trintellix oral tablet than your doctor prescribes. Doing so can lead to harmful effects.

Symptoms of Trintellix overdose

Symptoms of an overdose can include:

What to do if you take too much Trintellix

If you think you’ve taken too much Trintellix, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.

What to ask your doctor

This article describes the usual recommended dosages for Trintellix oral tablet. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they’ll determine the dosage that’s best for you.

Do not change your dosage of Trintellix oral tablet without your doctor’s recommendation. You should take Trintellix oral tablet exactly as your doctor prescribes it. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about your treatment plan.

Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:

  • What determines whether my dosage of Trintellix is right for my depression?
  • How soon will my doctor increase my dose of Trintellix once I start taking it?
  • If I begin experiencing side effects, will my doctor lower my dose of Trintellix?

Boxed warning for Trintellix

Trintellix has a boxed warning for the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA.

Suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Antidepressants (such as Trintellix oral tablet) have an increased risk of causing suicidal thoughts and behavior in people under 24 years of age. Trintellix oral tablet is not recommended for use in children at this time. During Trintellix treatment, your doctor will monitor for any mood changes.

If you have thoughts of suicide during Trintellix oral tablet treatment, call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988. Or tell your doctor right away. You can also refer to this article for ways to seek support.

If you have questions about this warning, talk with your doctor to learn more.

Disclaimer: Optum Perks 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.

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