From the FDA Drug Label
The most common side effects of TRINTELLIX include nausea, constipation, and vomiting. Discontinuation syndrome. Suddenly stopping TRINTELLIX may cause you to have serious side effects. Your healthcare provider may want to decrease your dose slowly Symptoms may include: ... tiredness Low levels of sodium in your blood (hyponatremia). ... Signs and symptoms may include: ... weakness and unsteadiness on your feet, which can lead to falls Ingestion of TRINTELLIX in the dose range of 40 to 75 mg was associated with increased rates of ... somnolence
TRINTELLIX may cause drowsiness and low energy as evidenced by symptoms such as somnolence, tiredness, and weakness. 1 1
From the Research
Yes, Trintellix (vortioxetine) can cause drowsiness and low energy in some people, although the exact incidence of these side effects is not well established in the provided studies. While the studies do not provide a clear estimate of the incidence of drowsiness and low energy, they do suggest that vortioxetine is generally well-tolerated and has a favorable safety profile compared to other antidepressants 2, 3. The typical dosing of Trintellix starts at 10 mg once daily, which can be increased to 20 mg if needed, or decreased to 5 mg if side effects are problematic 2, 3. If you're experiencing significant drowsiness or fatigue, taking the medication at bedtime rather than in the morning might help, as suggested by the pharmacological profile of the medication 3. It's essential to discuss persistent or bothersome drowsiness with your healthcare provider, as they might adjust your dose, change the timing of your dose, or consider an alternative medication if these side effects are significantly impacting your daily functioning. The most recent study, a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials, found that vortioxetine may provide additional therapeutic benefits when exceeding the current licensed dosage without significantly impacting safety 4. However, this study did not specifically address the incidence of drowsiness and low energy, and more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between vortioxetine dosage and these side effects. Some key points to consider when taking Trintellix include:
- The medication affects multiple serotonin receptors in the brain, which influence energy levels and alertness 5, 3
- The dose-response relationship of vortioxetine is not well established, and more research is needed to determine the optimal dosage for individual patients 4
- Vortioxetine has a unique pharmacological profile that may contribute to its therapeutic effects and side effect profile 3