Last reviewed 2026-04-20 · How we verify

Trintellix (vortioxetine)

Vortioxetine enhances serotonergic activity through serotonin reuptake inhibition with additional 5-HT3 antagonism and 5-HT1A agonism.

Vortioxetine (TRINTELLIX) is an SSRI-like serotonin modulator indicated for major depressive disorder in adults, working through serotonin reuptake inhibition with additional 5-HT3 antagonism and 5-HT1A agonism. The drug has favorable pharmacokinetics with 75% bioavailability, 66-hour half-life, and linear dose-proportional kinetics across 2.5-60 mg doses. Major risks include serotonin syndrome with MAOIs and other serotonergic agents, requiring careful drug interaction monitoring and dose adjustments with CYP2D6 inhibitors. Clinical utility is supported by established efficacy in MDD with manageable safety profile when drug interactions are appropriately controlled.

At a glance

Mechanism of action

Vortioxetine's antidepressant effect is thought to be related to enhancement of serotonergic activity in the central nervous system through inhibition of serotonin reuptake. The drug exhibits multiple receptor activities beyond reuptake inhibition, including antagonism at the 5-HT3 receptor and agonism at the 5-HT1A receptor. However, the specific contribution of these additional activities to the overall antidepressant effect has not been established.

Approved indications

• Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

Boxed warnings

• WARNING: SUICIDAL THOUGHTS AND BEHAVIORS Antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in pediatric and young adult patients in short-term studies. Closely monitor all antidepressant-treated patients for clinical worsening, and for emergence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . TRINTELLIX is not approved for use in pediatric patients [see Use in Specific Populations (8.4) ] . WARNING: SUICIDAL THOUGHTS AND BEHAVIORS See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. Increased risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in pediatric and young adult patients taking antidepressants. Closely monitor for worsening and emergence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors ( 5.1 ). TRINTELLIX is not approved for use in pediatric patients ( 8.4 ).

Common side effects

• Nausea
• Headache
• Dry mouth
• Nasopharyngitis
• Upper respiratory tract infection
• Weight increased
• Back pain

Drug interactions

• Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)
• Other Serotonergic Drugs (SSRIs, SNRIs, triptans, tricyclic antidepressants, opioids, lithium, buspirone, amphetamines, tryptophan, St. John's Wort)
• Strong CYP2D6 Inhibitors
• Strong CYP Inducers

Key clinical trials

• A Study of Vortioxetine in Japanese Pediatric Patients With Major Depressive Disorder (PHASE3)
• Vortioxetine for the Treatment of Mood and Cognitive Symptoms in Frontotemporal Dementia (PHASE2)
• RNA Editing as a Biomarker of Antidepressant Response in Unipolar and Bipolar Depression (EDIT-ANDRE) (PHASE4)
• Discontination of Antidepressants in Remitted Depression (PHASE4)
• Sequenced Treatment Alternatives to Relieve Adolescent Depression (STAR-AD) (PHASE1,PHASE2)
• Fortifying Healthy Behaviors, Optimizing Medical Therapies and Enhancing Cognitive Function in Older Adults-pilot Study (PHASE2)
• Vortioxetine for Newly Diagnosed Glioblastoma (PHASE2)
• Clemastine for Improving White Matter and Boosting Antidepressant Response in Late-life Depression (PHASE2)

Patents

Primary sources

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