Brintellix (Vortioxetine 20mg)

Brintellix general information

What is Brintellix used for?

Brintellix tablets 20mg are used to treat major depressive disorder to relieve symptoms of depressive illness, including anxiety, loss of interest in usual activities, disturbed sleep, change in appetite, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, difficulty thinking or concentrating, and recurrent thoughts of suicide.  Brintellix tablets 20mg are also used to prevent relapse of depression and recurrence of further depressive episodes.  Brintellix tablets 20mg can be used for first line therapy and for maintenance therapy for major depressive disorder.

How does Brintellix work?

Brintellix tablets 20mg contain vortioxetine, an antidepressant belonging to the class of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI), as it works by blocking serotonin reuptake, but is pharmacologically different to other SSRIs as it works through a different mechanism to other SSRIs.  Vortioxetine in Brintellix tablets 20mg act directly on brain cells to correct the chemical imbalance that is thought to be one of the major causes of depression and other mood disorders, particularly a lack of serotonin (a neurotransmitter or brain chemical that allows nerve cells to communicate), which controls many body activities, including regulating mood.  Vortioxetine in Brintellix tablets 20mg is a serotonergic agent (serotonin agonist) and works by direct modulation of various serotonin receptors on the presynaptic neuron.  This blocks the reuptake into nerve cells (neurones) of serotonin from the synapse, or gap between neurones across which chemical messages are sent from one neurone to another.  Vortioxetine in Brintellix tablets 20mg also binds to the serotonin transporter that transports serotonin across the neurone membrane, which also blocks serotonin reuptake.  If the re-uptake of serotonin by the pre-synaptic neurone is blocked, this means that there is more serotonin remaining for the post-synaptic neurone or receiving neurone, which allows nerve cells to communicate with each other for longer.  Brintellix tablets 20mg help correct the chemical imbalance caused by a lack of serotonin that is thought to be one of the major causes of depression and other mood disorders.

What does Brintellix contain?

Brintellix tablets 20mg contain the active ingredient vortioxetine a serotonergic antidepressant that is used to treat major depression.  They also contain, mannitol, microcrystalline cellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, sodium starch glycolate (type a), magnesium stearate, Hypromellose, macrogol 400, titanium dioxide (E171), iron oxide red (E172)

Treating major depression with Brintellix

Brintellix tablets 20mg contain vortioxetine, a serotonergic antidepressant that is used to treat major depressive disorder to relieve symptoms of depressive illness, including anxiety, loss of interest in usual activities, disturbed sleep, change in appetite, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, difficulty thinking or concentrating, and recurrent thoughts of suicide; also, to prevent relapse of depression and recurrence of further depressive episodes.  One of the major causes of depression is thought to be a lack of serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter, or brain chemical that allows nerve cells to communicate, which controls many body activities, including regulating mood.  Vortioxetine in Brintellix tablets 20mg act directly on brain cells and works by binding to several serotonin receptors in brain cells, which blocks the reuptake of serotonin from the synapse, or gap between nerve cells across which chemical messages are sent to allow nerve cell to communicate with each other.  By blocking the reuptake of serotonin from the synapse back into the pre-synaptic neurone there is more serotonin remaining for the post-synaptic neurone or receiving neurone.  This allows nerve cells to communicate with each other for longer to regulate mood.  Brintellix tablets 20mg help correct the chemical imbalance caused by a lack of serotonin that is thought to be one of the major causes of depression and other mood disorders.

What are the side effects of Brintellix?

The most commonly reported side effects when taking Brintellix tablets 20mg include nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, constipation, dizziness, unusual dreams, pruritus (skin itch).

When should Brintellix not be used?

You should not use Brintellix tablets 20mg, without discussion with your doctor, if you:

• are allergic to vortioxetine or any ingredients in Brintellix
• are pregnant or are breastfeeding
• have kidney or liver disease
• bleed or bruise easily
• have epilepsy or a history of seizures
• have mania or are entering a manic phase
• are taking any irreversible monoamine oxidase inhibitor like phenelzine as these can cause serious reactions if taken with Brintellix or within 14 days of taking Brintellix
• taking other medication that interact with Brintellix, including: monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) like moclobemide and selegiline for depression, the analgesic tramadol, sumatriptan for migraine, the antibiotic linezolid, herbal remedies containing St. John´s Wort

What medications interact with Brintellix?

Several medications interact with Brintellix tablets 20mg and should either not be taken while you are taking Brintellix or only after discussion and instruction from your doctor:

• Drugs that cause a serious reaction with Brintellix: monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) for depression; serotonergic drugs like tryptophan and phentermine (mood alteration), the analgesic tramadol, herbal remedies containing St. John´s Wort, as these may increase risk of serotonin syndrome
• Drugs that affect Brintellix: monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) like moclobemide and selegiline for depression, the analgesic tramadol, sumatriptan for migraine, the antibiotic linezolid

How should Brintellix be taken?

You should take your Brintellix tablets 20mg with a glass of water, swallowed whole and with or without food once a day, at the same time each day.  Your doctor may increase or decrease your dose, depending on how you respond.  You should continue to take your Brintellix tablets 20mg regularly for several weeks or months, usually for 6 months, depending on your condition and your doctor’s recommendations. 

How long should you take Brintellix?

You should continue to take your Brintellix tablets 20mg regularly for several weeks or months, usually for 6 months, depending on your condition and your doctor’s recommendations. 

Missed dose of Brintellix

If you miss a dose of Brintellix tablets 20mg take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose.  Do not take a double dose.

How should Brintellix be stored?

You should store your Brintellix tablets 20mg below 25°C in a cool dry place.