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How effective is Trintellix for depression?

Medically reviewed by Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD. Last updated on March 31, 2025.

Official answer

by Drugs.com

Trintellix (vortioxetine) has been shown to be effective in treating depression based on multiple clinical trials involving over 2,300 adults. In all studies, participants taking Trintellix had a greater improvement in Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) or Hamilton Depression 24-Item Rating Scale (HAM-D24) scores compared to those taking a placebo (no active medication).

Clinical Trial Results:

Study 1 (108 adults, ages 18–75)

  • Trintellix 10 mg/day: MADRS score improved by -20.2 points
  • Placebo: -14.5 points

Study 2 (139 adults, ages 18–75)

  • Trintellix 10 mg/day: HAM-D24 score improved by -16.2 points
  • Placebo: -11.3 points

Study 3 (149 adults, ages 18–75)

  • Trintellix 15 mg/day: MADRS score improved by -17.2 points
  • Trintellix 20 mg/day: -18.8 points
  • Placebo: -11.7 points

Study 4 (145 adults, ages 18–75)

  • Trintellix 15 mg/day: MADRS score improved by -14.3 points
  • Trintellix 20 mg/day: -15.6 points
  • Placebo: -12.8 points

Study 5 (154 adults, ages 18–75)

  • Trintellix 10 mg/day: MADRS score improved by -13.0 points
  • Trintellix 20 mg/day: -14.4 points
  • Placebo: -10.8 points

Study 6 (155 adults, ages 64–88)

  • Trintellix 5 mg/day: HAM-D24 score improved by -13.7 points
  • Placebo: -10.3 points

Related questions

Long-Term Effectiveness:

A 48-week study found that 62% of Trintellix users remained depression-free at week 28, compared to 46% in the placebo group.

How Does Trintellix Work?

Trintellix is a serotonin modulator. It is thought to work by blocking serotonin reuptake in the brain. It also interacts with various serotonin receptors in the brain. These actions enhance serotonin activity, which has been associated with improved mood.

How Long Does It Take for Trintellix to Work?

  • Early effects may be noticeable by week 2 at doses of 10 mg or 20 mg daily.
  • Full benefits are typically seen by week 4 or later.
  • For some people, improvements continue through 8 weeks of treatment.

Because Trintellix is started at a low dose, it might take time to find the right dose that works for you. Your healthcare provider may slowly raise your dose over time, which can make it take longer to see the full effects of this medication.

This is not all the information you need to know about Trintellix (vortioxetine) for safe and effective use and does not take the place of your doctor’s directions. Review the full product information and discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.

References

D’Agostino, A., et. al. 2015. Vortioxetine (Brintellix): A New Serotonergic Antidepressant. In: Pharmacy and Therapeutics. Accessed October 3, 2024 at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4296590/

Trintellix [package insert]. Updated August 2023. Takeda Pharmaceuticals America, Inc. Accessed October 3, 2024 at https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=1a5b68e2-14d0-419d-9ec6-1ca97145e838

www.trintellixhcp.com/clinical-data. Updated May 2024. Accessed October 3, 2024.

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