What Is Brintellix Used For?

Brintellix contains vortioxetine and is prescribed to treat major depression in adults. It works differently from other antidepressants by affecting multiple brain chemicals.

Primary Uses

Brintellix is used to treat major depression in adults. Depression is more than just feeling low – it’s a longer-lasting condition that affects your whole body and can cause emotional, physical and thinking problems like feeling low in spirit, reduced ability to think or concentrate, loss of interest in activities, poor appetite, disturbed sleep, loss of energy and feeling guilty.

How It Works

Brintellix works by affecting multiple brain chemicals including serotonin, noradrenaline, dopamine, histamine and acetylcholine. These chemicals are thought to control mood and related mental processes. Depression is believed to be caused by a chemical imbalance in parts of the brain.

How to Take Brintellix

Take Brintellix exactly as your doctor prescribes. Swallow the tablets whole with a full glass of water, and take them at the same time each day.

Dosage Instructions

For adults under 65: The usual starting dose is 10 mg once daily. Your doctor may increase this to a maximum of 20 mg per day or lower it to 5 mg per day based on how you respond. For people 65 and older: The starting dose is 5 mg once daily. Take as a single dose either morning or evening. It doesn’t matter if you take it with or without food. Continue taking even if it takes time to feel better – it may take two weeks or longer before you notice improvement.

What If You Miss a Dose?

If you forget a dose, take your next dose at the usual time. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed one, as this increases the risk of side effects.

Available Tablet Strengths

Side Effects

Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.

Common Side Effects

These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Vomiting
• Dizziness
• Itching of the whole body

Important Warnings

There are several important warnings to be aware of before taking Brintellix. Some people should not take this medication, and others need special monitoring.

Who Should Not Take Brintellix

Do not take Brintellix if you are allergic to vortioxetine or any ingredients in the tablets. Do not take with MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors) like phenelzine, tranylcypromine, selegiline, rasagiline, moclobemide, or linezolid. Wait at least 14 days after stopping MAOIs before starting Brintellix (1 day for moclobemide). After stopping Brintellix, wait at least 14 days before taking any MAOI.

Medical Conditions to Discuss

Tell your doctor if you have: bleeding problems or bruise easily, low sodium levels, seizures or fits, history of suicide-related thoughts, history of mania or bipolar disorder, other brain or psychiatric conditions, heart disease, stroke, severe liver or kidney disease, glaucoma or eye pressure problems. Also tell your doctor if you’re 65 or older, receiving electroconvulsive therapy, or taking any other medications.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Brintellix should not be used during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks. It may increase risk of postpartum bleeding and can cause serious problems in newborns including breathing difficulties, fits, feeding problems, and persistent pulmonary hypertension. When taken in the last three months of pregnancy, babies may have withdrawal symptoms. Do not breastfeed while taking Brintellix as it may pass into breast milk.

Drug Interactions

Many medications can interact with Brintellix and affect how it works. Always tell your doctor about all medicines you’re taking.

• MAOIs (phenelzine, tranylcypromine, selegiline, rasagiline, moclobemide, linezolid)
• Rifampicin (antibiotic)
• St. John’s Wort
• Triptan medications for migraines (sumatriptan)
• Lithium
• Tryptophan
• Tramadol and other opioid pain killers
• Mefloquine (anti-malaria)
• Bupropion
• Blood thinners (warfarin, aspirin, NSAIDs)
• Antipsychotics (risperidone, olanzapine, quetiapine)
• Tricyclic antidepressants (imipramine, desipramine)
• Other depression/anxiety medications

Alcohol & Driving

Brintellix can affect your ability to drive and may interact with alcohol. Take precautions to stay safe.

Alcohol

Avoid alcohol while taking Brintellix. Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol regularly.

Driving and Operating Machinery

Be careful before driving or using machines until you know how Brintellix affects you. The medication may cause dizziness or other effects that could impair your ability to operate vehicles or machinery safely.

Storage

Keep Brintellix tablets in their original blister pack until you’re ready to take them. Store in a cool, dry place below 30°C, away from moisture, heat, and sunlight. Don’t store in the bathroom, car, or on windowsills. Keep out of reach of children – a locked cupboard at least 1.5 meters above ground is ideal. Don’t use after the expiry date.

Overdose Information

If you think you’ve taken too much Brintellix, seek immediate medical help even if you feel fine. Call the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26 in Australia or 0800 764 766 in New Zealand), contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department. Overdose symptoms may include dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, stomach discomfort, itching, sleepiness, and flushing. Very high doses can cause seizures and serotonin syndrome.

Frequently Asked Questions