WHAT IS THIS MEDICINE AND
WHAT IS IT USED FOR?
Brintellix 5 mg contains vortioxetine at
its lowest available dose. It is typically used as a starting dose for patients
who are new to antidepressants or who are known to be sensitive to medications
(such as those who experience significant nausea on standard doses). It is also
the dose used when vortioxetine levels need to be reduced due to medicines that
interact with the CYP2D6 enzyme, or as a step-down dose during gradual
discontinuation. Vortioxetine treats major depressive disorder (MDD) by modulating
multiple serotonin pathways in the brain.
3. HOW TO TAKE THIS MEDICINE
Take one 5 mg tablet once daily at any
time with or without food. Your doctor will likely increase to 10 mg after a
few weeks once the 5 mg is well tolerated. Take at the same time each day. Even
at this low dose, continue treatment for the full prescribed duration —
stopping too early risks a return of depression.
|
💡
PATIENT TIP: This dose is often prescribed as a starting dose, to be
increased to 10 mg after 1–2 weeks. It is also the target maintenance dose
for patients on CYP2D6-inhibiting medicines (bupropion, fluoxetine,
paroxetine) while on 10 mg vortioxetine. May serve as a tapering step before
discontinuation. |
4. POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS
|
How Common? |
Side Effects to Know About |
|
Common (>1 in 10) |
Nausea (lower than at
higher doses but still possible), headache, dizziness, dry mouth,
constipation |
|
Less Common |
Itching (pruritus),
abnormal dreams, GI discomfort |
|
Seek Medical Help |
Same class risks apply:
suicidal ideation (monitor in under-25s), serotonin syndrome (with concurrent
serotonergic drugs), hyponatraemia (especially in elderly), increased
bleeding risk. |
5. WHO SHOULD NOT TAKE THIS
MEDICINE
MAOI co-administration or within 14-day
washout period. Known hypersensitivity to vortioxetine.
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⚠
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: SUICIDALITY: Even at 5 mg,
monitoring for suicidal thoughts is required in younger patients when
starting treatment. TAPERING: Do not stop
abruptly even at this lower dose — taper as directed. BIPOLAR: Same screening
requirements apply. |
6. MEDICINES THAT INTERACT
WITH THIS TREATMENT
CYP2D6 inhibitors (bupropion,
fluoxetine, paroxetine): even at 5 mg these medicines increase vortioxetine
exposure. MAOIs: contraindicated. Serotonergic drugs: serotonin syndrome risk
at any dose. NSAIDs/anticoagulants: bleeding risk.
7. HOW TO STORE THIS
MEDICINE
Store below 30°C in original packaging.
Protect from light. Keep out of reach of children.
8. PRESCRIPTION REQUIREMENT
|
Status |
Prescription Only Medicine
(POM) |
9. GUIDANCE FOR PATIENTS
& CAREGIVERS
This is the lowest dose of Brintellix.
Take once daily at any time of day. Your doctor will likely increase the dose
to 10 mg after a few weeks if the 5 mg is tolerated well. Nausea is less likely
than at higher doses but may still occur briefly. Allow at least 2–4 weeks
before judging whether the medicine is working. Do not stop without medical
advice — always taper the dose gradually. Report any thoughts of self-harm or
unusual mood changes promptly.
10. PHARMACIST &
PRESCRIBER NOTES
|
Clinical Dispensing Notes |
5 mg is a starting,
low-tolerance, or dose-reduction/tapering dose. Counsel patient that this is
likely to be increased to 10 mg unless used as a maintenance dose with CYP2D6
inhibitor co-prescription. Same MAOI and serotonergic interaction counselling
applies. Remind patient that efficacy is dose-related and improvement may be
more noticeable at 10–20 mg. |
11.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: Why might my doctor start me on the 5
mg dose?
A: Doctors often start with 5 mg for
patients who are sensitive to new medicines, have had side effects on other
antidepressants, or are starting antidepressants for the first time. Starting
low and going slow reduces early side effects like nausea and dizziness.
Q: Can 5 mg vortioxetine cause nausea?
A: Nausea is less common at 5 mg than at
higher doses, but it can still occur. If it does, it is usually mild and
temporary. Taking the tablet with a small amount of food can help reduce it.
Q: When will my doctor increase my dose
from 5 mg to 10 mg?
A: Usually after 1–2 weeks, if you are
tolerating the 5 mg dose well. Your doctor will discuss when and whether to
increase based on your response to treatment and any side effects you
experience.
Q: Can I stay on 5 mg of vortioxetine
permanently?
A: Yes, in some cases — particularly if
you are on a CYP2D6-inhibiting medicine (which raises vortioxetine levels) or
if the 5 mg dose is proving effective and well-tolerated. Your doctor will
decide the best long-term maintenance dose for you.
Q: How do I stop taking Brintellix 5 mg
safely?
A: Even at 5 mg, stopping abruptly is
not advised. Your doctor may ask you to take it every other day for a week
before stopping completely, or simply discontinue it given the low dose — they
will guide the process. Never stop any antidepressant without talking to your
doctor first.