Do you have questions about the antidepressant Vortioxetine (Trintellix)? Let's find out.

Has your doctor prescribed you Vortioxetine for depression? Or are you about to start taking it? It's normal to have a lot of questions about a new medication. "What will happen with this?", "Are there any side effects?", "How long will it take to get better?" You may be wondering the same thing. So today, let's talk about these questions that are on your mind, as if you were talking to a friend.

What is Vortioxetine (Trintellix) used for?

Simply put, Vortioxetine is a medication that doctors prescribe to treat Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) , a condition we commonly call "depression". It usually comes as a pill that is taken once a day. It can be taken with or without food. It is available in Sri Lanka and abroad under the brand name Trintellix.

Is this an SSRI type of medication?

Yes, this medication belongs to a group of antidepressants called SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) .

SSRI medications mainly help improve our mood. They are particularly effective for moderate to severe depression. They are also said to have relatively fewer side effects than other types of antidepressants.

However, Vortioxetine is a little different from other SSRIs. Like other SSRIs, it works with a chemical in our brain called serotonin. But in addition, this drug also changes several serotonin receptors. That means it "modulates" serotonin, which other SSRIs don't. Because of this, it can sometimes work a little differently.

How does Vortioxetine work in the body?

Okay, let's understand this a little more simply.

There is a chemical messenger in our brain that transmits messages between nerve cells, and its name is serotonin . This is what helps control many things, such as our happiness, calmness, and sleep. The level of this serotonin in the brain of a person with depression can be reduced.

Normally, after sending a message, serotonin is reabsorbed by the nerve cells. But an SSRI drug like Vortioxetine blocks that reabsorption. This leaves more serotonin in the nerve cells. This allows the brain cells to communicate better, and the symptoms of depression gradually begin to subside.

Increasing serotonin levels in this way also helps increase the success of other treatments for depression, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) .

How long does it take to see the results of the medicine?

This is a question that many people ask. This medicine doesn't work like magic right away. It takes some time for the body to get used to it.

• Within 1-2 weeks: You may notice some improvement in your energy, sleep, and appetite. This is a good sign that the medication is working for you.
• After about 6-8 weeks: Your mood and interest in daily activities will gradually begin to improve.

But remember, this time can vary from person to person. Some people may see results faster, while others may take longer. So it's very important to be patient.

What are the side effects of Vortioxetine?

Like any medicine, this one can cause side effects in some people. But not everyone gets them. Let's see what these side effects are.

If you experience any of these serious side effects, call your doctor immediately or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU).

Does this medicine cause weight gain?

This is something that many people fear when talking about antidepressants. Some people say that this medication has caused them to gain weight.

However, the company that makes this drug and the research that has been done say that there is no clear link between vortioxetine and weight gain. In fact, some studies have shown that this drug may reduce the risk of weight gain when compared to other antidepressants.

Does Vortioxetine also relieve anxiety?

This medication is primarily approved to treat major depressive disorder (MDD). However, some studies have shown that it may also help with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) . This medication has been shown to help people with GAD function more easily, reduce symptoms, and improve their quality of life.

It has also been found to be particularly helpful for people who have both depression and anxiety. However, since this is not an official treatment for anxiety itself, it is best to talk to your doctor about the best treatment for your condition.

Is it okay to take more than 20mg per day?

Vortioxetine tablets come in 5mg, 10mg, and 20mg doses. It is extremely important to take only the dose prescribed by your doctor.

Usually, adults start treatment with 10mg per day. If necessary, your doctor may increase this to 20mg. However, doses higher than 20mg are rarely prescribed. Do not try to change the dose by breaking the tablet, as this will not give you the exact dose you are receiving. If you need to change the dose, talk to your doctor about it.

Vortioxetine, Trintellix, depression, antidepressant, SSRI, Serotonin, side effects, mental health