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Vortioxetine

Vortioxetine is an antidepressant supplied as an oral tablet. It is used to treat major depressive episodes in adults. Its effect builds over 2 to 4 weeks, so the early days of treatment do not show the full picture.

Medicine containing Vortioxetine

Trintellix

Major Depressive Disorder

5 · 10 · 20mg

For major depressive disorder, Trintellix tablets contain vortioxetine. Vortioxetine is a multimodal antidepressant, not a plain SSRI. It comes in several strengths. You can compare the price per tablet across options.

FromUS$0.91/ tabletView

Key points

  • Vortioxetine is a multimodal antidepressant: it blocks serotonin reuptake and also binds to several serotonin receptor subtypes.
  • Antidepressants of this kind can increase suicidal thoughts and actions in people under 24, particularly in the first months of treatment or after a dose increase.
  • Vortioxetine must not be taken with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).

What vortioxetine is used for

Vortioxetine treats major depressive disorder in adults. It is not recommended for children or adolescents under 18. Reviews of progress are usually arranged with a doctor, who can change the plan if the response is limited.

How it works

Vortioxetine acts on serotonin signalling in the brain in two ways. It inhibits the transporter that takes serotonin back into the cell, so more remains available. It also binds to several serotonin receptor subtypes, modulating their activity. Medicines that only block reuptake act through a single route; the receptor activity is what makes vortioxetine multimodal.

Forms and brands

Trintellix is a tablet containing vortioxetine, made in 5 mg, 10 mg and 20 mg strengths. Vortioxetine sits in the antidepressant group. Pharmacy partners in India ship orders to Malaysia in discreet packaging.

Safety and warnings

Vortioxetine is not for anyone with a hypersensitivity to it. It is contraindicated with nonselective monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or selective MAO-A inhibitors. Suicidal thoughts and behaviour need watching for during treatment, especially in younger adults, and the medicine should not be stopped abruptly. In pregnancy it should be used only if clearly needed; during breastfeeding it is used with caution, because a risk to the infant cannot be excluded.

Side effects and interactions

Nausea, constipation and vomiting are the common early complaints. Some people also report dizziness, itching or night sweats. Serotonin syndrome and neuroleptic malignant syndrome are potentially life-threatening and need immediate medical attention; the risk rises when vortioxetine is taken with other serotonergic substances, MAOIs, antipsychotics or dopamine antagonists. Hyponatraemia also requires immediate medical attention. Vortioxetine interacts with MAO inhibitors, SSRIs and alcohol.

What the sources say

  • The summary of product characteristics states that vortioxetine is indicated for major depressive episodes in adults (SmPC).
  • Vortioxetine belongs to a class of medicines called serotonin modulators (MedlinePlus).
  • The medicine works mainly by increasing serotonin, a natural substance in the brain that helps maintain mental balance (MedlinePlus).

Further reading

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