About Trintellix
Your doctor has prescribed you Trintellix for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). Let’s explore what Trintellix is used for, how it works, how to take it and what you can expect.
Patient Booklet
This booklet includes information about MDD and treatment with Trintellix.
Information about Trintellix
What is Trintellix used for?
Trintellix is used for treatment of depression in adults (18 years of age or older). It is used to relieve the symptoms of depression, which may include:
- Feeling sad
- Restless
- Irritable
- Change in weight or appetite
- Having a hard time concentrating or sleeping
- Feeling tired
- Headaches
- Unexplained aches and pains
How does
Trintellix work?
Trintellix is thought to work by correcting the imbalance of serotonin in your brain. This may help ease emotional and physical symptoms of depression.
Taking Trintellix
How do I take Trintellix?
It is very important that you take Trintellix exactly as your doctor or pharmacist
has instructed.
- Take one Trintellix tablet with a glass of water, with or without food.
- The usual adult dose is 10 mg once daily, for adults 18 to 64 years of age.
- Depending on how you respond, your doctor may increase your maximum dose to 20 mg per day or decrease your minimum dose to 5 mg per day.
- For patients 65 years of age and over, the usual starting dose is 5 mg once daily.
- Do not suddenly stop taking Trintellix or change the dose without talking with your doctor first.
- Continue to take Trintellix for as long as your doctor recommends.
- If you miss a dose of Trintellix, you do not need to make up the missed dose. Skip the missed dose and continue with your next scheduled dose. Do not take two doses at the same time.
Taking Trintellix
How long do I need to take Trintellix?
Everyone responds to medications differently, so it’s important for you to work with your doctor and medical team and communicate how you’re feeling while you’re taking Trintellix.
Did you know?
Canadian treatment guidelines for depression recommend that people stay on antidepressants for 6 to 24 months, or longer. Continue to take Trintellix for as long as your doctor recommends.
Possible side effects
What can I expect when taking Trintellix?
The most common side effects of Trintellix are:
- Abdominal pain, bloating
- Common cold, Influenza (flu) symptoms
- Nausea, vomiting
- Decreased appetite
- Abnormal dreams and difficulty sleeping
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Diarrhea, constipation
- Fatigue, sleepiness
- Sedated (feeling calm)
- Body feels itchy
- Joint and muscle pain
- Increase in sweating
- Cough
Other possible side effects of Trintellix may include:
- Abnormal excessive sweating
- Dry eye
- Grinding teeth
- Headache
- Reddening of skin
- Night sweats
- Weight gain
- Muscle twitching
- Yawning
- Dehydration
- Late menstrual cycle (period) and sensitive breasts
These are not all the possible side effects you may feel when taking Trintellix. If you experience any side effects not listed here, contact your healthcare professional.
Symptom Tracker
Keep track of your treatment journey
When you’re taking Trintellix, it’s important that you and your doctor have good communication about how you’re feeling. Keeping track can help.
Use our symptom tracker to record how you’re feeling, and then bring it to your doctor’s appointment.