What type of antidepressant is trintellix?

Trintellix (vortioxetine) is an atypical antidepressant that works mainly on the serotonin system.

• Mechanism:

  • Serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SRI): Blocks the serotonin transporter, increasing serotonin levels in the synaptic cleft.
  • Serotonin receptor modulation: Acts as a partial agonist at 5‑HT₁A receptors, an antagonist at 5‑HT₃ and 5‑HT₇ receptors, and an antagonist at 5‑HT₁D. This multimodal activity is why it’s often called a serotonin modulator and stimulator.

• Clinical use:

  • Approved for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults.
  • Often chosen for patients who might benefit from improved cognitive function or for whom conventional SSRIs have not been fully effective.

• Why it’s considered “atypical”:

  • It differs from the classic SSRIs (e.g., fluoxetine, sertraline) by engaging multiple serotonin receptors in addition to reuptake inhibition, providing a broader pharmacologic profile.

If you have further questions—about side effects, dosing, interactions, or how it compares to other antidepressants—just let me know!