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

Most common
Nausea (20% to 32%)
Constipation (3% to 6%)
Vomiting (3% to 6%)
Dizziness (3% to 5%)

Luvox

Most common
Nausea (up to 40%)
Headache (up to 35%)
Insomnia (up to 35%)
Somnolence (up to 27%)

Trintellix vs. Luvox Dosage

Trintellix

Dosage
Dosage Table
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

Dosage
Dosage Table
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.