Vortioxetine
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Drug Status
Government Approvals
US(FDA), UK(BNF)
WHO Essential Medicine
NO
Known Teratogen
NO
Pharmaceutical Class
undefined
Controlled Drug Substance
NO
Vortioxetine
Learn more about this medicine -
Click HereSummary
Vortioxetine is an antidepressant used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults. It works in the brain to improve mood and help people feel better.
Vortioxetine works by enhancing serotonin activity in the brain. Serotonin is a chemical that helps regulate mood. The medicine also has additional actions on serotonin receptors, which may help relieve depressive symptoms.
Vortioxetine is taken once a day, with or without food. The usual highest dose for adults is 20mg a day. However, some people may need a lower dose, depending on their body's ability to process the medicine or other medications they're taking.
Common side effects of Vortioxetine include nausea, especially in the first week of treatment. Some people also report sexual dysfunction, particularly at higher doses. Dizziness may occur, which can temporarily affect focus.
Vortioxetine should not be taken with certain other medicines, including MAOIs, linezolid, and intravenous methylene blue. It can also interact badly with some migraine medicines. It can increase the risk of bleeding if taken with blood thinners. It should not be taken if you're allergic to it or if you're at risk of serotonin syndrome. It can be risky for people aged 24 and younger as it may increase suicidal thoughts.
Indications and Purpose
How does one know if Vortioxetine is working?
Improvement is seen as reduced depressive symptoms like sadness, fatigue, or lack of focus. Regular assessments by your healthcare provider can confirm progress.
How does Vortioxetine work?
Vortioxetine inhibits serotonin reuptake and modulates serotonin receptors, enhancing its activity in the brain, which helps alleviate depressive symptoms.
Is Vortioxetine effective?
Clinical studies confirm Vortioxetine’s effectiveness in significantly improving depression scores compared to placebo, particularly in MDD.
What is Vortioxetine?
Vortioxetine is an antidepressant used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults. It works by enhancing serotonin activity in the brain and has additional actions on serotonin receptors, which may help relieve depressive symptom.
What is Vortioxetine used for?
Vortioxetine is a medicine that helps people who have trouble with depression. It works in the brain to improve mood and help people feel better. It's only for adults with depression, not for other problems.
Directions for Use
For how long do I take Vortioxetine?
The duration of treatment depends on the patient’s response and the healthcare provider’s recommendations. Maintenance therapy may be necessary to prevent depressive relapses.
How do I take Vortioxetine?
Take your Vortioxetine once a day. It doesn't matter if you take it with or without food.
How long does it take for Vortioxetine to start working?
Some improvement in depressive symptoms may be observed within 2 weeks, with full effects typically seen by 4 to 8 weeks.
How should I store Vortioxetine?
Store at 25°C (77°F) with acceptable excursions to 15°C-30°C (59°F-86°F).
What is the usual dose of Vortioxetine?
For grown-ups, the usual highest dose is 20mg a day. However, some people need a lower dose (10mg) depending on their body's ability to process the medicine or other medications they're taking. In some rare cases, a doctor might increase the dose, but never more than three times the starting amount.
Warnings and Precautions
Can I take Vortioxetine with other prescription drugs?
Vortioxetine shouldn't be taken with certain other medicines. It's especially dangerous to combine it with MAOIs (a type of antidepressant) – you need to wait at least 21 days after stopping Trintellix before starting an MAOI, and 14 days after stopping an MAOI before starting Vortioxetine. Also avoid linezolid and intravenous methylene blue. Taking Trintellix with blood thinners like aspirin, NSAIDs, or warfarin increases your risk of bleeding. Finally, combining it with some other drugs (like other antidepressants, pain relievers, certain supplements, and St. John's Wort) raises the chance of a serious reaction called serotonin syndrome.
Can I take Vortioxetine with vitamins or supplements?
Be cautious with supplements like St. John’s Wort or tryptophan, as they may increase serotonin syndrome risk. Consult your healthcare provider.
Can Vortioxetine be taken safely while breastfeeding?
It's not known if the medicine Vortioxetine passes into breast milk. Studies in rats showed a high dose of the medicine's active ingredient did appear in their milk, but the amount changed over time. Because of this uncertainty, you should talk to your doctor about the safest way to feed your baby while taking Vortioxetine.
Can Vortioxetine be taken safely while pregnant?
Taking Trintellix while pregnant might hurt the baby. There's a slightly higher chance of heavy bleeding after delivery if you take this type of medicine near the end of pregnancy. Doctors are keeping track of how Trintellix affects babies born to mothers who took it.
Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Vortioxetine?
Alcohol may enhance certain side effects like dizziness. Limit alcohol consumption while on Vortioxetine.
Is it safe to exercise while taking Vortioxetine?
Exercise is safe but monitor for dizziness or nausea, especially during intense activities.
Is Vortioxetine safe for the elderly?
This medicine works the same way in older adults as it does in younger adults, and it's just as safe. However, older people have a slightly higher chance of developing low sodium levels in their blood (hyponatremia) while taking it.
Who should avoid taking Vortioxetine?
- Patients with MAOI use within 14 days.
- Individuals allergic to Vortioxetine or its components.
- Those at risk of serotonin syndrome
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