From the FDA Drug Label
Call your healthcare provider or get emergency help right away if you have any of the following symptoms, especially if they are new, worse, or worry you: ... new or worse anxiety or panic attacks TRINTELLIX is a prescription medicine used in adults to treat a certain type of depression called Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). The FDA drug label does mention anxiety as one of the symptoms to watch for, but it does not directly state that TRINTELLIX is used to treat anxiety. However, it is used to treat Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), which can include symptoms of anxiety.
- Key points:
- TRINTELLIX is used to treat MDD
- Anxiety can be a symptom of MDD
- The label does not directly state that TRINTELLIX is used to treat anxiety 1
From the Research
Trintellix (vortioxetine) can help with anxiety, particularly when it occurs alongside depression, as evidenced by a meta-analysis study published in 2018 2. While it's primarily FDA-approved for major depressive disorder, some studies suggest it may reduce anxiety symptoms in depressed patients. Trintellix works by modulating serotonin activity in the brain through multiple mechanisms, which may explain its effects on both mood and anxiety. The typical dosage ranges from 5-20 mg once daily, with 10 mg being a common starting dose. Improvement may begin within 2-4 weeks, though full benefits might take 6-8 weeks to develop. Side effects can include nausea, dizziness, and sexual dysfunction. It's also worth noting that vortioxetine has been shown to be effective in treating generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in working patients, with a study published in 2019 finding that it had a greater effect on anxiety symptoms, functioning, and quality of life in this population compared to the full GAD study population 3. However, it's essential to discuss with your healthcare provider to determine if Trintellix is appropriate for your specific situation, especially since individual responses to antidepressants vary considerably. Other medications like SSRIs (such as sertraline or escitalopram) or SNRIs (like venlafaxine) are often first-line treatments for anxiety disorders, and the choice of medication should be based on a thorough evaluation of the patient's condition and medical history. Additionally, a review of vortioxetine's pharmacology and clinical profile published in 2017 found that it may be effective in treating both depressive and anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), due to its unique mechanism of action involving the modulation of multiple serotonin receptors 4. Overall, while Trintellix may be a useful treatment option for anxiety, particularly in patients with comorbid depression, its use should be carefully considered and monitored by a healthcare professional.