What Trintellix Is Used To Treat

Trintellix is the brand name of the generic medicine Vortioxetine, an antidepressant drug that is used for a serious form of depression called major depressive disorder (MDD). It was formerly known as Brintellix. A patient taking this drug can experience improvements in his or her mood, sleep patterns, appetite and energy level. It can also restore a person’s interest in daily living.

The drug comes only in the form of an oral tablet and is currently available in 5-mg, 10-mg, and 20-mg variants. Studies have shown that Trintellix is effective in reducing the symptoms of depression. According to these researches, around half of the patients taking this drug experience a reduction of their symptoms by as much as 50%. About a third of the people taking the drug experienced complete or near cessation of symptoms.

Trintellix is not classified together with other antidepressants because of the unique way it works. It is sometimes classified as a multimodal antidepressant, an atypical antidepressant, or a miscellaneous antidepressant.

The medicine works by increasing serotonin concentrations in the brain and inhibiting its reuptake in the synapse. This why it is known as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor or SSRI. It also modulates certain serotonin receptors and helps restore the balance of serotonin in the brain.

Interesting how Trintellix compares to other antidepressants Beta-blockers. These drugs block norepinephrine and epinephrine from binding to beta receptors on nerves. Blocking these hormones reduces the anxiety and help control some physical symptoms of anxiety. SSRIs such as Trintellix may increase the serum concentration of Beta-Blockers.

Tricyclics. Like reuptake inhibitors, these drugs seem to block the reabsorption of serotonin and epinephrine back into nerve cells after these chemicals are released into a synapse.

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). These medications seem to work in a totally different manner. Taking Trintellix with MAOIs can lead to dangerous side effects such as chest pain, very high blood pressure, severe headache, and increased body temperature. You also shouldn’t take Trintellix within 14 days of using an MAOI.

Though it can sometimes cause drowsiness, Trintellix is not a sedative. Because Trintellix is considered an antidepressant it is covered by Medicare Part D.

However, before you take Trintellix and each time you get a refill, you need to read the medication guide that is provided with your medicine. If you have questions or concerns about the medication you should ask your doctor. Trintellix is taken by mouth once daily, with or without food, or as directed by your doctor. Your healthcare provider will give you the dosage that is right for your condition, your response to the treatment or other drugs that you may be taking. This is why it is important that you inform your doctor if you are taking other drugs, food supplements or herbal products.

Your doctor will most likely start you on a low dose of Trintellix to reduce the effects of side effects and then will just increase your dose gradually. You should follow your doctor’s instructions all the time. Do not increase the dose by yourself or use the drug more frequently or longer than prescribed. Doing so will not improve your condition faster. In fact, going against the instructions of your doctor will only increase your risk of side effects. It is recommended that you take the drug at the same times each day in order to avoid missing a dose.

It may take several weeks before you can feel the full benefits of Trintellix. When you start feeling well after taking the drug though you should not stop taking it on your own. Your healthcare provider is the only one who can tell you when you can stop taking the medication. You should know that some conditions may become worse when taking this medication is suddenly stopped. When you abruptly stop taking this drug, you may also experience symptoms such as headache, mood swings, muscle stiffness and runny nose. To prevent these symptoms from occurring, your doctor may reduce your dose gradually instead of immediately stopping the treatment. You should notify your physician right away if you feel any of the above symptoms or if you notice your conditions getting worse.

Some of the side effects associated with Trintellix include constipation, nausea, dizziness and vomiting. Changes in sexual ability and a decreased interest in sex can also occur. You should inform your doctor if any of these side effects continue or worsen. However some serious side effects include restlessness, shaking, numbness or tingling, inability to keep still, difficulty concentrating, easy bruising or bleeding, memory changes, weakness and confusion. You should inform your doctor right away if you start experiencing any of these side effects. If you experience severe side effects such as black stools, seizures, eye pain or swelling, vomit that looks like coffee grounds or vision changes you should seek immediate medical attention.

Taking Trintellix may increase the level of serotonin in the body and in turn may cause a serious but rare condition called serotonin toxicity. The risk of acquiring this condition increase if you are also taking other medications that increase serotonin levels. This is why it is important that you tell your doctor of other drugs that you are taking. If you develop symptoms that include hallucinations, fast heartbeat, severe dizziness, loss of coordination, twitching muscles, severe nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, unusual agitation or restlessness unexplained fever, you should get medical attention right away.

Serious allergic reaction to Trintellix is rare. However, if you notice any symptoms of serious allergic reaction such as rash, itching or swelling of the face, trouble breathing and severe dizziness, you should get medical attention immediately.

Despite the side effects, Trintellix is a generally safe drug. You should keep in mind that your healthcare provider has prescribed you this medication considering that its benefit to you is greater than the risk of having side effects. A significant number of people who are taking this drug do not experience serious side effects.

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