Psychiatric or psychological medication, like all other drug treatments, is not perfect. Therefore, research in the field of pharmaceuticals is essential in order to achieve new advances that guarantee not only more effective but also safer medicines.

One of the most representative examples is the appearance on the market of vortioxetine, commercially known as Brintellix . This is a highly effective antidepressant drug that we will discuss throughout this article. We will also discuss its functions, side effects and precautions during its use.

What is vortioxetine and what is it for?

Vortioxetine is a relatively new drug catalogued within the medicines known as serotonin modulators and whose main task is to increase the flow of this neurotransmitter, favouring mental or psychological stability. For this reason its main field of action is related to the treatment of depressive disorders.

This drug was launched on the market in 2016 by the pharmaceutical company Lundbeck and its importance lies in the fact that it has been described as the first drug, within a new concept of antidepressants , with multimodal action mechanisms.

In addition to having demonstrated great and extensive efficacy in the treatment of depression, it is also distinguished by being a drug with a magnificent tolerability profile. As for its multimodal action, vortioxetine has shown not only to be an effective antidepressant, but also to be very effective in reducing the cognitive symptoms of depression, as well as in achieving an overall improvement in major depressive disorder.

Similarly, it has also been shown to be an effective alternative to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) treatments and serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) for patients who do not respond well to treatment with these. Another of vortioxetine’s many benefits is its outstanding effectiveness as a maintenance treatment in preventing the recurrence of symptoms or relapses in adult and elderly patients with depression.

The main difference between this drug and the traditional SSRI and SNRI antidepressants is that vortioxetine, in addition to inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin, has the ability to regulate the activity of some serotonin receptors.

Therefore, it is hypothesized that this multimodal action is responsible for producing the antidepressant, anxiolytic and cognitive symptom reduction effects so characteristic of this drug; without, in addition, generating a large number of unwanted side effects.

How is this antidepressant administered?

Vorthioxetine is marketed in tablet form for oral administration . It is usually recommended to take a dose of between 5 and 10 milligrams daily, depending on the patient’s condition. In other words, one tablet a day, preferably always at the same time.

However, it is necessary to specify that these are only general indications for administration, so it is of vital importance that the patient follows to the letter the indications given by the medical professional . This means that the patient should never modify the recommended dose of vortioxetine, either in excess or undercut. On the contrary, it is very likely that the patient will experience serious side effects such as severe mood swings or strong outbursts of anger.

Because vortioxetine is a psychiatric drug, it is quite possible that drug treatment will be started gradually, starting with lower doses that increase as the first few weeks of treatment pass.

The therapeutic effects of vortioxetine may take several weeks to be perceived. Therefore, whether the patient does not feel any improvement or experiences any kind of side effect that may be troublesome, under no circumstances should he or she stop taking the medication, but should go to his or her doctor and have it readjusted.

The side effects of abrupt withdrawal of vortioxetine may include severe headaches, increased muscle stiffness, mood swings, dizziness or runny nose.

What side effects can it have?

As with the vast majority of psychiatric medication, vortioxetine can lead to a number of side effects which, depending on the intensity and duration with which they appear, can be really annoying for the patient.

These consequences can be divided into those side effects that are not serious, so they do not require medical attention, and those more serious or severe ones in which it will be necessary to go to the specialist’s office as soon as possible.

1. Non-serious side effects

Among the side effects that do not pose a serious health risk, we find the following:

  • Nausea .
  • Vomiting.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Constipation .
  • Flatulence.
  • Dry mouth.
  • Dizziness or vertigo .
  • Unusual dreams.
  • Alterations in sexual desire and/or ability or performance.

2. Serious side effects

In the event that the patient experiences any of the following side effects, he/she should not discontinue the medication but it is necessary to inform the relevant professional in order to adjust it.

  • Skin alterations such as rashes, hives or itching
  • Inflation of the eyes, face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • Hoarseness.
  • Breathing or swallowing problems .
  • Bruises, bleeding, or bleeding with no apparent or known cause.
  • Nosebleeds.
  • Headaches .
  • Concentration problems.
  • Memory alterations .
  • Sense of confusion.
  • Muscle weakness.
  • Imbalance.
  • Hallucinations.
  • Seizures.
  • Fainting or loss of consciousness for a period of time (coma).

What precautions should be taken with its consumption?

Before starting treatment with vortioxetine, the patient should report any special health conditions in which he or she is, as well as whether he or she is taking any type of medication, with or without a prescription. This is particularly the case for monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor drugs, as they can cause serious interference with treatment.

In the same way, before starting the treatment the patient should inform the medical specialist if he or she suffers from any allergies or if he or she is taking any type of vitamin supplement or even a natural herbal complex, since these can also cause interference with the action of vortioxetine.

As for pregnant patients, it has been observed that vortioxetine can cause a range of problems in newborns, especially if it is administered in the last months of pregnancy. Therefore, the patient should inform if she is pregnant or if she plans to become pregnant in order to adjust or modify the medication.

Finally, vortioxetine can affect the capacity for reasoning as well as the accuracy of movements, so those patients whose daily routine includes driving or operating heavy machinery should pay special attention to these symptoms and, as far as possible, stop these activities during treatment.