Vortioxetine: How it is taken, interactions, side effects

antidepressant used to treat major depression.

Shutterstock Vortioxetine - Chemical Structure

In order to exert its therapeutic action, vortioxetine must be administered orally. In fact, it is found - in different concentrations - in medicines formulated as tablets or oral drops with the trade name Brintellix®. In order to be dispensed, these medicines require a repeatable medical prescription (RR); however, being some of they are classified as class A drugs, their cost can be reimbursed by the National Health System (NHS). Some variants, on the other hand, are classified as class C drugs, therefore, their cost is fully borne by the citizen.

, such as: sadness, feeling of worthlessness and / or slowing down, lack of interest in favorite activities, feeling of anxiety, sleep disturbances, difficulty concentrating, decreased appetite.

and the triptans;

There have been convulsions;

Manic episodes have occurred;

There is a tendency for bleeding or bruising;

You have low blood levels of sodium;

You suffer from severe kidney disease;

You suffer from severe liver disease, including cirrhosis;

You suffer - or have suffered in the past - from increased intraocular pressure or glaucoma;

You are 65 years of age or older.

Also, before starting to take vortioxetine it is important to know that when you are being treated with drugs of this type, it is possible to develop states of aggression, agitation, anger and irritability. If this happens, it is very important to talk to your doctor right away.

Suicidal Thoughts and Worsening of Depression

Suicidal thoughts can sometimes increase at the start of treatment with vortioxetine, as well as with other antidepressants, as these drugs need at least two weeks or more before they have therapeutic effect.

The likelihood of having suicidal thoughts is increased if you are a young adult and / or if you have previously had thoughts about harming or killing yourself.

If at any time such thoughts arise, it is important to contact your doctor immediately or go to the nearest hospital. In this regard, it may be useful to talk to friends, family or close people about your depression or any anxiety disorders, also inviting them to read the package leaflet of the antidepressant medicines they are taking.