Clinical decision-support only. For use by licensed dental professionals. Not a substitute for professional judgment or a complete drug reference. Always verify with primary sources.
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Medication

Vortioxetine

Antidepressant (serotonin modulator)

Brand names: Trintellix

Oral health effects

  • Xerostomia (dry mouth)

    Mild dry mouth; nausea is the most common side effect.

    Clinical management: Hydration, sugar-free gum/xylitol, salivary substitutes, high-fluoride products; reinforce caries prevention.

  • Increased bleeding tendency (impaired platelet function)

    Drugs that block serotonin reuptake reduce platelet serotonin and can increase bleeding (FDA label warning), especially when combined with aspirin, NSAIDs or anticoagulants. Dental studies suggest clinically significant oral bleeding is uncommon.

    Clinical management: No need to stop the antidepressant before scaling or root planing. Expect possible extra gingival bleeding; use local measures (pressure, hemostatic agents) and ask about aspirin, NSAIDs or anticoagulants, which add to the risk. Prefer acetaminophen over NSAIDs when suggesting post-procedure analgesia.

Sources

  1. A Guide to Medications Inducing Salivary Gland Dysfunction, Xerostomia, and Subjective Sialorrhea: A Systematic Review Sponsored by the World Workshop on Oral Medicine VI. Wolff A, Joshi RK, Ekström J, et al. Drugs in R&D, 2017.
  2. Vortioxetine prescribing information (FDA label) Cardinal Health 107, LLC / DailyMed, 2026.
  3. Systematic Review on Antidepressant Use and Bleeding Risk After Dental Extractions: Evidence Gaps and Clinical Implications. Nemeth A, Rahimi K, Karande S, et al. Journal of clinical medicine, 2025.
  4. Oral Manifestations in Patients in Treatment with Antidepressants: A Systematic Review. Alcázar-Hernández JM, Pecci-Lloret MR, Guerrero-Gironés J. Journal of clinical medicine, 2024.