Pronunciation: VOR-tye-OX-e-teen
Drug Class: Miscellaneous Antidepressants

Dosage Forms:

• Tablets: 5 mg, 10 mg, 15mg, 20 mg

Uses:

• Primary Use: Treats major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults.
• Mechanism of Action: Vortioxetine increases serotonin levels in the brain by inhibiting serotonin reuptake and has additional activities including 5-HT3 receptor antagonism and 5-HT1A receptor agonism.

Administration:

Dosage:

• Initial Dose: 10 mg once daily.
• Maintenance Dose: 5 to 20 mg once daily.
• Maximum Dose: 20 mg/day.
• Discontinuation: For doses of 15 mg/day or 20 mg/day, reduce the dose to 10 mg/day for one week before full discontinuation if possible.

How to Take: Take once daily, with or without food. Follow all directions on your prescription label.

Side Effects:

• Common: Nausea, constipation, vomiting.
• Serious: Signs of an allergic reaction, mood or behavior changes, vision changes, bleeding issues, serotonin syndrome (agitation, hallucinations, fever, etc.), sexual dysfunction.
• Warning Signs: Seek emergency help for symptoms like racing thoughts, decreased need for sleep, unusual behavior, or severe vision problems.

Warnings:

• Suicidal Thoughts: Monitor for any changes in mood or symptoms, especially in young people.
• Serotonin Syndrome: Avoid combining with MAO inhibitors and serotonergic drugs.
• Increased Bleeding Risk: Watch for bleeding issues if taking other anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs.
• Discontinuation Syndrome: Gradually reduce the dose if stopping the medication.
• Mania/Hypomania Risk: Screen for bipolar disorder before starting treatment.
• Angle Closure Glaucoma: Monitor for symptoms of glaucoma.
• Hyponatremia: Be cautious in elderly patients and those taking diuretics.

Precautions:

• Allergies: Do not use if hypersensitive to vortioxetine.
• Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor if taking other antidepressants, opioids, blood thinners, or medications that affect serotonin levels.
• Pregnancy: May harm the unborn baby; discuss with your doctor before starting or stopping the medication.
• Breastfeeding: Consult with your healthcare provider as it is not known if vortioxetine passes into breast milk.

Missed Dose:

• Action: Take as soon as you remember, but skip if it’s close to the next dose. Do not double up on doses.

Overdose:

• Action: Seek emergency medical attention or contact Poison Helpline.

What to Avoid:

• Activities: Avoid driving or hazardous activities until you know how vortioxetine affects you.

Drug Interactions:

• Caution: May interact with other antidepressants, opioids, blood thinners, migraine medications, and drugs affecting serotonin. Inform your doctor about all current medications.

Storage:

• Conditions: Store at room temperature (68°F to 77°F or 20°C to 25°C).

Ingredients:

• Active: Vortioxetine hydrobromide
• Inactive: Mannitol, microcrystalline cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, sodium starch glycolate, magnesium stearate, hypromellose, titanium dioxide, polyethylene glycol 400, iron oxides.

Note: 

The brand name displayed above is specific to this product. Brand names can vary depending on the manufacturer.