Trintellix

Vortioxetine, also known and sold under the trade name of Trintellix, is a product that belongs to the group of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor and serotonin receptor modulator. This medication is used in the treatment of depression. 

It is considered to work by restoring the balance of a certain substance in the brain – known as serotonin. This medication is supposed to improve your diet, sleep, mood and your everyday life. This medication is available in the form of a tablet.

Before using Trintellix, you must know all about the risks and complications associated with it. This is a decision that you and your doctor, together, will have to make.

During the consultations, it is important to inform the doctor about:

Allergic reactions – Inform the doctor about any allergic reactions to any kind of medications, prescribed or not prescribed. Also, inform the healthcare professional about any allergic reaction to any specific kind of food, dye, fabric and etc.

Pediatric – There are no studies done that would confirm the safety of this medication to be used in pediatric patients. This medication is not recommended to be used in pediatric patients. However, it could be used only in cases where the beneficial effects outweigh the potential risks.

Geriatric – Proper studies done have confirmed that there are no age-related side effects and risks when this medication has been used in geriatric patients. However, due to the risk of increased sensitivity of the elderly, this medication must be used with extra caution during the treatment. 

Pregnancy – Inform the doctor if you are currently pregnant or have any plans about pregnancy in the near future. There are no studies done that would confirm the safety of this medication to be used during pregnancy.

It is unknown how would if affect the fetus. This medication is not recommended to be used during pregnancy. However, it could be used only in cases where the beneficial effects outweigh the potential risks.

Breastfeeding – Inform the doctor if you are currently breastfeeding. There are no studies done that would confirm the safety of this medication to be used in nursing mothers. It is unknown if it is extracted in the milk, or how would it affect the infant.

This medication is not recommended to be used in nursing mothers. However, it could be used only in cases where the beneficial effects outweigh the potential risks.

Drug interactions – Inform the doctor if you are currently using any other medications, prescribed or not prescribed, even vitamins and herbal tea. This is important because certain medications are not recommended to be used in a combination with others, due to the possibility that certain interactions could occur.

However, sometimes the doctor may decide to use a certain combination, including two or more medications, to treat your condition, if he or she considers that combination to prove as beneficial regarding your condition.

Other interactions – Certain medications are not recommended to be used in a combination with the specific type of food, tobacco and alcohol. Because of this, it is important to get informed if there is a need for you to follow any specific type of diet and discontinue your use of tobacco and alcohol during the treatment with this medication. 

Other medical problems – Inform the doctor about your medical history, any other medical problems, and condition from the past or at the moment. Especially, inform the doctor if there are any of the following conditions present – bipolar disorder, bleeding problems, glaucoma, hyponatremia, mania, or seizures.

To use Trintellix properly, you must follow all instructions given by your doctor. This medication is available in the form of a tablet, for oral use. Swallow the tablet whole, with or without food, as directed by your doctor. Do not break, crush, or chew the tablet. 

The dose is individual for every patient, prescribed by the doctor and based on your condition and the prognosis of the treatment. In order to get the most beneficial effects from its use, remember to use it regularly. 

If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember. This medication is harmful in case of an overdose. If an overdose is suspected, contact the doctor right away for further directions.

Before using Trintellix, there are some precautions you must take. Visit your doctor regularly, at your scheduled appointments, so that he or she would be able to track your condition and make any adjustments if needed. 

These adjustments may refer to the dose – e.g. the doctor may decide to increase or decrease the dose, or to the treatment itself – the doctor may decide to discontinue your treatment with this medication, if there are any serious side effects present, that would worsen your condition, or if your condition does not improve. 

Inform the doctor about any allergic reactions to any kind of medications, prescribed or not prescribed. This is important because this medication may contain inactive substances that could cause certain interactions to occur. Inform the doctor if you are currently pregnant or have any plans about pregnancy in the near future. 

This medication is not recommended to be used during pregnancy, due to the lack of studies that would confirm the safety of this medication to be used during pregnancy. At least two proven forms of birth control should be used during the treatment, in order to prevent pregnancy. 

Inform the doctor if you are currently breastfeeding. This medication is not recommended to be used in nursing mothers, due to the lack of studies that would confirm the safety of this medication to be used in nursing mothers. 

This medication may cause dizziness to occur. Avoid driving and any other activities that require alertness during the treatment with this medication.

As with many medications, there are several potential side effects associated with Trintellix. These potential side effects do not occur in all patients, also they could be mild or more serious. 

However, it is essential to get informed about the potential side effects so that you will be able to notice their presence and inform the doctor as soon as possible.

Common side effects:

• dizziness
• nausea
• vomiting
• constipation
• decreased interest in sex or 
• change in sexual ability

These are common side effects that are not considered as serious. However, if their presence persists or worsens, inform the doctor as soon as possible.

Serious side effects:

• shaking (tremor)
• restlessness
• inability to keep calm and still
• numbness/tingling
• easy bruising/bleeding
•  memory changes
• difficulty concentrating
• confusion
• weakness

These are serious side effects whose presence must be reported to the doctor right away.

A very serious allergic reaction to this medication is not common. However, if you notice any of the following symptoms, inform the doctor as soon as possible – skin rash, itching/swelling of the face/tongue/hands/feet, trouble breathing, or severe dizziness.