WHAT IS THIS MEDICINE AND
WHAT IS IT USED FOR?
Brintellix 10 mg contains vortioxetine
and is the standard recommended dose for treating major depressive disorder
(clinical depression) in adults. It is also the maximum recommended dose for
patients aged 65 and over. Vortioxetine works differently from standard SSRIs
by combining serotonin reuptake inhibition with activity at multiple serotonin
receptors — an approach that benefits both emotional symptoms of depression and
cognitive symptoms like poor concentration and brain fog.
3. HOW TO TAKE THIS MEDICINE
Take one 10 mg tablet once a day at any
time of day, with or without food. Take at the same time each day. Your doctor
may increase the dose to 20 mg after a few weeks if needed, or reduce to 5 mg
if you experience side effects. Continue treatment for at least 6 months after
you feel well to prevent relapse.
|
💡
PATIENT TIP: For patients over 65 years: 10 mg is the maximum dose. CYP2D6
inhibitors (bupropion, paroxetine, fluoxetine): reduce dose to 5 mg. CYP2D6
inducers (rifampin, carbamazepine): consider increasing dose up to 20 mg
under medical supervision. No renal adjustment needed. |
4. POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS
|
How Common? |
Side Effects to Know About |
|
Common (>1 in 10) |
Nausea (dose-dependent,
usually temporary), headache, diarrhoea, constipation, dry mouth, dizziness,
itching |
|
Less Common |
Vomiting, sweating,
abnormal dreams, sexual side effects (low rate) |
|
Seek Medical Help |
Serotonin syndrome (with
concurrent serotonergic drugs — emergency), hyponatraemia (low sodium —
especially in elderly), suicidal thoughts (monitor in under-25s), increased
bleeding risk, mania activation. |
5. WHO SHOULD NOT TAKE THIS
MEDICINE
Current or recent (within 14 days) MAOI
use. Allergy to vortioxetine.
|
⚠
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: SUICIDALITY: Monitor
closely in younger adults when starting. SEROTONIN SYNDROME: Avoid
with other serotonergic drugs. TAPERING: Reduce dose
gradually when stopping. BIPOLAR DISORDER: Screen
for history of mania before prescribing. |
6. MEDICINES THAT INTERACT
WITH THIS TREATMENT
MAOIs: contraindicated. CYP2D6
inhibitors (bupropion, paroxetine, fluoxetine): dose reduction to 5 mg
required. Serotonergic drugs (tramadol, triptans, St John's Wort, lithium,
linezolid): serotonin syndrome risk. NSAIDs/anticoagulants: increased bleeding
risk.
7. HOW TO STORE THIS
MEDICINE
Store below 30°C. Original packaging.
Protect from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
8. PRESCRIPTION REQUIREMENT
|
Status |
Prescription Only Medicine
(POM) |
9. GUIDANCE FOR PATIENTS
& CAREGIVERS
Take once daily with or without food.
Nausea is common in the first 1–2 weeks but usually passes. Give the medicine
at least 2–4 weeks before deciding if it is working. Do not stop suddenly —
always taper with medical guidance. Tell your doctor immediately if you feel
more anxious, agitated, or have thoughts of self-harm when starting. Avoid St
John's Wort. Limit alcohol.
10. PHARMACIST &
PRESCRIBER NOTES
|
Clinical Dispensing Notes |
10 mg is the standard
therapeutic and maximum elderly dose. Counsel on temporary nausea, expected
onset of action (2–4 weeks), and adherence. Check CYP2D6 inhibitor
co-prescriptions — reduce to 5 mg if applicable. MAOIs are an absolute
contraindication. Tapering plan essential before discontinuation. |
11.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: Is 10 mg of Brintellix enough to
treat depression?
A: For many patients, 10 mg is effective
as a full therapeutic dose. However, your doctor may increase to 20 mg if 10 mg
does not provide sufficient benefit after several weeks. The right dose depends
on your individual response and tolerability.
Q: Can Brintellix help with brain fog
and memory problems from depression?
A: Yes — one of the recognised benefits
of vortioxetine is that it can improve cognitive symptoms of depression,
including concentration, memory, and mental processing speed. This sets it
apart from standard SSRIs, which primarily address mood.
Q: How do I know if Brintellix is
working?
A: Look for gradual improvements in your
mood, sleep, energy, and ability to concentrate over the first 4–6 weeks.
Keeping a simple daily mood diary can help you and your doctor assess progress.
Partial improvement at 10 mg may prompt a dose increase to 20 mg.
Q: What medicines must I avoid while
taking Brintellix?
A: The most important interactions are:
MAOIs (phenelzine, tranylcypromine) — never combine; St John's Wort — risk of
serotonin syndrome; bupropion, fluoxetine, paroxetine — these increase
vortioxetine levels (dose reduction needed); tramadol and triptans — serotonin
syndrome risk. Always tell your doctor and pharmacist about all medicines you
take.
Q: Can I stop taking Brintellix if I
feel better?
A: Not abruptly. Even if you feel
significantly better, stopping antidepressants suddenly can cause
discontinuation symptoms and increases the risk of depression returning. Always
discuss stopping with your doctor first — they will advise a gradual dose reduction.