Trintellix vs. Luvox
See how Trintellix and Luvox compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Key Takeaways
Trintellix is FDA-approved only for major depressive disorder, while Luvox is FDA-approved for OCD and used off-label for depression.
Trintellix tends to cause less sexual dysfunction and weight gain, while Luvox's most common side effects are nausea, headache, and insomnia.
Luvox is available as an inexpensive generic, while Trintellix remains brand-only and costs significantly more per month.
Trintellix vs. Luvox Drug Summary
Trintellix
Trintellix (vortioxetine) is a serotonin modulator and stimulator, a newer type of antidepressant distinct from SSRIs, approved to treat major depressive disorder in adults. It is taken as a single tablet once a day, usually starting at 10 mg and increasing to 20 mg as tolerated.
Luvox
Luvox (fluvoxamine) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor approved for obsessive-compulsive disorder in adults and children ages 8 and up. It is taken as one or more tablets a day, starting low and increasing gradually, with higher doses often split into two doses.
Trintellix vs. Luvox Side Effects
Trintellix
Luvox
Trintellix vs. Luvox Dosage
Trintellix
Luvox
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 10 mg once daily | Days 1-7 |
| Maximum dose | 5 mg once daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 2 increases | As tolerated |
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 25 mg once daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 300 mg/day | If needed |
| Dose changes | 4 increases | As tolerated |
Trintellix
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 10 mg once daily | Days 1-7 |
| Maximum dose | 5 mg once daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 2 increases | As tolerated |
Luvox
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 25 mg once daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 300 mg/day | If needed |
| Dose changes | 4 increases | As tolerated |
Trintellix vs. Luvox Indications
Trintellix
Trintellix is FDA-approved to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults. It is not approved for use in children or adolescents, and it does not carry an OCD or anxiety indication.
Major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults
Not approved for children or adolescents
No off-label uses commonly prescribed
Distinct mechanism as a serotonin modulator (SMS)
Luvox
Luvox is FDA-approved to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in both adults and children ages 8 to 17. It is also commonly prescribed off-label for major depressive disorder, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder, though these uses are not FDA-approved.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in adults
OCD in children and adolescents ages 8-17
Off-label: major depressive disorder
Off-label: social anxiety and panic disorder
Trintellix vs. Luvox Pros and Cons
Trintellix
Trintellix's distinct mechanism gives it a side effect profile with lower rates of sexual dysfunction and weight gain than many SSRIs, though it comes at a significantly higher price. As a brand-only medication with no generic option, out-of-pocket cost can be a real barrier for some patients.
Pros
Lower rates of sexual dysfunction and weight gain than many SSRIs
Simple once-daily dosing with only two dose strengths
No significant CYP1A2 drug interactions like Luvox
Only FDA-approved antidepressant here for MDD
Cons
No generic version; brand-only pricing
Roughly $465 to $650 per month without insurance, before savings programs
Not approved for OCD or anxiety disorders
Less long-term prescribing history than Luvox (approved 2013 vs 1994)
Luvox
Luvox has a long track record dating back to 1994 and is available as an inexpensive generic, but its rates of nausea, headache, and insomnia run higher than Trintellix's profile. Its strong effect on the CYP1A2 enzyme also means it interacts with many common medications, including caffeine.
Pros
Available as a low-cost generic
Roughly $15 to $170 per month without insurance, before savings programs
FDA-approved for OCD in both adults and children 8+
Decades of clinical use since 1994 approval
Cons
Higher rates of nausea, headache, and insomnia than Trintellix
Strong CYP1A2 inhibitor interacts with caffeine, theophylline, clozapine
Not FDA-approved for depression; MDD use is off-label
Higher maintenance doses often split into multiple daily doses
Common Symptoms and Related Diseases You Can Explore
Explore a range of common symptoms the Doctronic Symptom Checker can help you understand.