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A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, consumption method, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name drug and works in the same way and in the same amount of time in the body.
The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is that generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (eg. different shape or color), as trademarks laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.
Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to develop a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name and sell it at a substantial discount.
Also Known as Brintellix
TRINTELLEX (Vortioxetine) is a medication prescribed to treat Major Depressive Disorder. Do not use TRINTELLIX for anxiety since studies have not proven it safe and effective for anxiety.
TRINTELLIX works by increasing levels of serotonin, enhancing the activity of serotonin, and by mimicking serotonin in certain areas of the brain. Serotonin is a chemical that passes messages between brain cells and regulates mood. By increasing serotonergic activity, TRINTELLIX helps to treat Major Depressive Disorder.
| Fact Table | |
| Formula |
C18H22N2S |
| License |
US DailyMed, EU EMA, US FDA |
| Bioavailability |
75% |
| Legal status |
Rx-Only |
| Chemical Name |
Vortioxetine |
| Elimination half-life |
66 hours |
| Dosage (Strength) |
5mg, 10mg, 15mg, 20mg |
| Pregnancy |
Not recommended |
| Brands |
Trintellix |
| Protein binding |
98–99% |
| PubChem CID |
9966051 |
| MedlinePlus |
a614003 |
| ChEBI |
76016 |
| ATC code |
N06AX26 |
| DrugBank |
DB09068 |
| KEGG |
D10184 |
| Routes of administration |
By mouth |
Take TRINTELLIX exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
Start TRINTELLIX at 10 mg by mouth once daily. The TRINTELLIX dosage should be increased to between 15 mg to 20 mg once daily once tolerated. TheTRINTELLIX dose can be lowered to 5 mg once daily in those who have trouble tolerating higher doses.
Take TRINTELLIX with or without food.
The active ingredient in TRINTELLIX is vortioxetine.
If you are taking multiple medications that increase levels of serotonin, you may be at higher risk of serotonin syndrome. Serotonin syndrome is a rare, but life-threatening condition caused by the interactions of multiple medications that increase serotonin to dangerous levels. Signs of serotonin syndrome may include agitation, confusion, shivering, racing heart rate, muscle twitching, and tremor. Stop taking TRINTELLIX immediately and call emergency services if you suspect serotonin syndrome.
TRINTELLIX can cause low blood sodium in certain people. Speak with your doctor if you are taking diuretic medications or have medical conditions that affect your fluid status like heart failure or renal impairment.
Use TRINTELLIX with caution if you are taking medications that increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, including prescription or over-the-counter NSAIDs for pain.
Do not take TRINTELLIX as monotherapy if you have bipolar disorder as it may increase the risk of hypomanic or manic episodes.
Tell your doctor if you have narrow-angle glaucoma before starting TRINTELLIX as it may worsen this condition.
Common adverse reactions when taking TRINTELLIX include:
Discontinuing TRINTELLIX abruptly may cause headaches and muscle tension. When stopping the medication, speak with your doctor to discontinue the medication in a way that will avoid these adverse effects.
What is Trintellix used for?
Trintellix is a prescription medicine used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults. It affects chemicals in the brain that may be unbalanced.
Why is Trintellix so expensive?
The high cost of Trintellix can be attributed to the years of research and testing needed to ensure that brand-name drugs are safe and effective.
Does Trintellix cause weight gain?
In clinical trials of 6 to 8 weeks and even 6 months duration, Trintellix did not significantly affect body weight. However, some reports of weight gain have been received since the product was first approved.
Can you take more than 20 mg of Trintellix?
The efficacy and safety of doses above 20 mg/day have not been evaluated in controlled clinical trials. The maximum dosage of Trintellix for depression treatment is 20 mg per day.
How long does Trintellix take to work?
Some effect from Trintellix should be noticed by most people after two weeks of treatment; however, the full effect of Trintellix treatment may not be seen until week 4 or later.
Is Trintellix a controlled substance?
No, Trintellix is not a controlled substance.
Can Trintellix help anxiety?
Although not FDA-approved to treat anxiety, Trintellix has been used off-label to treat generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), especially severe GAD.
What are the side effects of Trintellix?
Trintellix can cause side effects that range from mild to serious. Examples include itching, weight gain, nausea and vomiting, constipation, headache, dry mouth, diarrhea, risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children and young adults, serotonin syndrome, allergic reaction, bleeding, mania or hypomania, glaucoma, low sodium levels, sexual side effects, and withdrawal symptoms.
What exactly does Trintellix do?
Trintellix is thought to work as an antidepressant by enhancing the activity of a neurotransmitter called serotonin in the brain by blocking serotonin reuptake. It also affects 5 serotonin receptors, but it’s not known whether this contributes to the antidepressant effect of Trintellix.
What is the most common side effect of Trintellix?
The most commonly reported side effect of Trintellix is nausea.
Prescription Required