Do you also feel a lot of weight on your heart, sadness, or a lack of interest in anything? This could be a condition we call depression . At times like this, your doctor may prescribe various medications to help you. One such medication is Vortioxetine. Today, let's learn about this medication in simple terms, just like talking to a friend.
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How do you use this medicine Vortioxetine (Trintellix)?
This is very easy to use. It comes in pill form.
- When to take: Take by mouth once a day. If possible, try to take it at the same time every day . This will help maintain the same effectiveness of the medicine.
- With or without food: You can take this medicine with or without food. That doesn't matter.
- Dose: Usually, an adult starts with a 10 milligram (10mg) tablet. Then, depending on your condition, your doctor will adjust the dose if necessary. However, the dose is usually not more than 20 milligrams (20mg) per day.
The most important thing is to definitely talk to your doctor about how you feel after starting the medication, whether there is a change in your mental state, or if there are any side effects .
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose as usual. Never take two pills at once.
Store the medicine in a tightly closed container at room temperature. Avoid heat, moisture, and direct sunlight .
How does this medicine work on the body?
Simply put, Vortioxetine is a medication used to treat depression. It belongs to the class of drugs called SSRI '' or Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors''.
Imagine that our brain has a chemical called serotonin that controls our mood , that is, our happiness and calmness. This serotonin level can decrease when we are depressed.
SSRI class of drugs works by increasing the amount of serotonin in the brain and increasing its activity. Vortioxetine also does this. However, this drug changes several serotonin receptors in the brain in a slightly different way than other SSRI. Therefore, it is also called a Serotonin Modulator. Because of this, sometimes it can have different results than other drugs.
What are the side effects of this medicine?
Like any medicine, this can cause side effects in some people, but not everyone.
Common side effects
These are side effects that many people may experience, but are not serious.
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Decreased sexual interest
- Delayed orgasm
- Men have difficulty achieving erections.
If these things are bothering you, talk to your doctor.
Serious side effects that require immediate attention
These are very rare, but if you experience any of these symptoms, you should inform your doctor immediately.
| List of serious side effects |
|---|
| Blood in the urine or stool |
| Chest tightness or difficulty breathing |
| Difficulty swallowing |
| Fever without a reason |
| Irregular or rapid heartbeat |
| Swelling of the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, legs, and feet |
| Having a fit (seizures) |
| Vomiting blood |
More serious conditions
- Serotonin Syndrome: This can occur when the amount of serotonin in the body increases excessively. Symptoms include confusion, coma, changes in blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, and dizziness. This can be life-threatening, so if you have these symptoms, see a doctor immediately or go to a hospital's emergency department (ETU).
- Hypomania: This is a hyperactive mental state. If you have bipolar disorder, this condition may occur when you take this medication.
- Eye problems: Some people may develop a condition called Angle-closure Glaucoma'', which is an increase in eye pressure. It is a good idea to have an eye exam before starting the medication to see if there is a risk.
- Suicidal thoughts: There is a small risk of increased suicidal thoughts, especially in young people under the age of 24, when taking this medicine. If you or someone you know is having these thoughts while taking this medicine, don't be afraid to talk about it. Tell your doctor or a trusted adult right away.
More warnings and safety information about the medicine
Do not stop taking the medication suddenly for any reason without consulting your doctor. Doing so may cause withdrawal symptoms.
If the doctor stops the medication, he will gradually reduce the dose and stop it after the body gets used to it. If you stop suddenly, these things can happen:
- Dizziness
- Restlessness and irritability
- Headache
- Frequent mood swings
- Muscle tightness
- Nausea
- Sotu
- Sweating
- Sudden anger
If you are going to have any medical tests, tell the doctor that you are taking this medicine. This medicine may affect the results of some tests. Also, tell your doctor about any other medicines you are taking (including vitamins, herbal remedies, and Ayurvedic medicines).
Who should not take this medicine?
This medicine may not be suitable for some people. If you have any of the following conditions, you should definitely tell your doctor before starting Vortioxetine.
| Conditions to be aware of when taking the medicine | Other medications to avoid |
|---|---|
| Bleeding issues | If you have taken a medicine in the (MAO inhibitor) group within the last 14 days (e.g. Marplan, Nardil) |
| Glaucoma | Linezolid (an antibiotic) |
| Bipolar disorder or its risk | Methylene blue vaccine |
| Low sodium in the blood (Hyponatremia) | Note: Avoid taking MAO inhibitors for 21 days after stopping Vortioxetine. |
| If you have had a state of mania or hypomania | |
| A history of seizures |
If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, it is very important to talk to your doctor before taking this medicine.
💡 Take-Home Message
- Vortioxetine is an effective medication for depression, but it should only be taken with a doctor's prescription.
- Try to take your medicine at the same time every day. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for your next dose. Never take two doses at once.
- Watch out for serious side effects (difficulty breathing, swelling, fits). If you notice any of these , seek medical advice immediately.
- Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without consulting your doctor. Doing so may cause complications.
- Tell your doctor about any other medications, vitamins, or herbal products you are taking.
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