Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Trintellix (Vortioxetine).
Abnormal bleeding: Trintellix (Vortioxetine), like other similar medications, may cause abnormal bleeding, including bleeding in the stomach or intestines. People who have or have had a history of bleeding disorders should discuss with their doctor how Trintellix (Vortioxetine) may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Trintellix (Vortioxetine), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Report any unusual bruising or bleeding to your doctor, especially if you are taking other medications that affect blood clotting. These medications include acetylsalicylic acid (Asa), Clopidogrel, Dipyridamole, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs; e.g., Ibuprofen or Naproxen), other anticoagulant medications (e.g., Warfarin), and certain antipsychotic medications.
Bone health: Like other similar medications, Trintellix (Vortioxetine) may increase the risk of bone fracture, especially if you are a senior or have Osteoporosis or other major risk factors for breaking a bone. Your doctor may monitor your bones while you are taking Trintellix (Vortioxetine).
Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Although Trintellix (Vortioxetine) is not known to cause drowsiness, avoid driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous tasks until you have determined how Trintellix (Vortioxetine) affects you.
Glaucoma: Trintellix (Vortioxetine) can cause an increase in the pressure in the eye, making symptoms of glaucoma worse. If you have narrow-angle glaucoma, discuss with your doctor how Trintellix (Vortioxetine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Trintellix (Vortioxetine), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Liver function: Liver disease or reduced liver function may cause Trintellix (Vortioxetine) to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how Trintellix (Vortioxetine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Trintellix (Vortioxetine), and whether any special monitoring is needed. Your doctor may want to test your liver function regularly with blood tests while you are taking Trintellix (Vortioxetine).
Trintellix (Vortioxetine) is not recommended for people with severe liver disease.
If you experience symptoms of liver problems such as fatigue, feeling unwell, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain or swelling, and itchy skin, contact your doctor immediately.
Mania: Trintellix (Vortioxetine) may cause symptoms of mania to worsen or return. If you have a history of mania or bipolar disorder, discuss with your doctor how Trintellix (Vortioxetine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Trintellix (Vortioxetine), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Seizures: Medications to treat depression may cause an increased risk of seizures. If you have a history of seizures, discuss with your doctor how Trintellix (Vortioxetine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Trintellix (Vortioxetine), and whether any special monitoring is needed. Anyone who develops seizures should seek immediate medical attention.
Serotonin syndrome: Severe reactions are possible when Trintellix (Vortioxetine) is combined with other medications that act on serotonin, such as tricyclic antidepressants, "triptan" medications for migraine, and some medications to treat nausea due to chemotherapy. These combinations should be avoided. Symptoms of a reaction may include muscle rigidity and spasms, difficulty moving, and changes in mental state including delirium and agitation. Coma and death are possible.
If you are taking other medications that affect serotonin, discuss with your doctor how Trintellix (Vortioxetine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Trintellix (Vortioxetine), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Stopping the medication: Stopping Trintellix (Vortioxetine) suddenly may lead to side effects such as dizziness, abnormal dreams, numbness or tingling sensations, agitation, anxiety, nausea, vomiting, sweating, or other symptoms. If you are thinking of stopping the medication, check with your doctor first. Your doctor may want you to decrease the dose of the medication gradually when it is time to stop taking Trintellix (Vortioxetine).
Suicidal or agitated behaviour: People taking Trintellix (Vortioxetine) may feel agitated (restless, anxious, aggressive, emotional, and feeling not like themselves), or they may want to hurt themselves or others. These behavioural changes may be more likely to occur in children and adolescents, but they are possible for all age groups that use Trintellix (Vortioxetine). These symptoms may occur within several weeks after starting Trintellix (Vortioxetine). If you experience these side effects or notice them in a family member who is taking Trintellix (Vortioxetine), contact your doctor immediately. You should be closely monitored by your doctor for emotional and behaviour changes while taking Trintellix (Vortioxetine).
Pregnancy: Trintellix (Vortioxetine) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. It has also been reported that babies born to women who took medications similar to Trintellix (Vortioxetine) during the last trimester of their pregnancy may experience adverse effects (such as breathing problems, seizures, trouble feeding, vomiting, low blood sugar, shaking, jitteriness, irritability, and constant crying) that result in an increase in the length of hospital stay. If you become pregnant while taking Trintellix (Vortioxetine), contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: Trintellix (Vortioxetine) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Trintellix (Vortioxetine), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of Trintellix (Vortioxetine) for people less than 18 years of age have not been established. The use of Trintellix (Vortioxetine) by children and adolescents less than 18 years old may cause behavioural and emotional changes, such as suicidal thoughts and behaviour.
Seniors: There is limited information about the safety of seniors using Trintellix (Vortioxetine). If you are over 65 and using Trintellix (Vortioxetine), lower doses are recommended.
