Brintellix (vortioxetine) is an antidepressant in a group of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Vortioxetine affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced.
Brintellix is used to treat major depressive disorder in adults.
Brintellix may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Important information
You should not use Brintellix if you are being treated with linezolid or methylene blue injection.
Do not use an MAO inhibitor within 14 days before you take Brintellix. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others. After you stop taking this medicine you must wait at least 21 days before you start taking an MAO inhibitor.
Some young people have thoughts about suicide when first taking an antidepressant. Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using Brintellix. Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms.
Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor, such as: mood or behavior changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), more depressed, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.
Do not give Brintellix to anyone younger than 18 years old without the advice of a doctor. Vortioxetine is not approved for use in children.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Brintellix if you are allergic to vortioxetine, or if you are being treated with linezolid or methylene blue injection.
Do not use an MAO inhibitor within 14 days before you take Brintellix. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others. After you stop taking this medicine you must wait at least 21 days before you start taking an MAO inhibitor.
Do not give Brintellix to anyone younger than 18 years old without the advice of a doctor. Vortioxetine is not approved for use in children.
To make sure Brintellix is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
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bipolar disorder (manic depression), or a history of drug abuse or suicidal thoughts;
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liver disease;
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narrow-angle glaucoma;
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seizures or epilepsy;
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bleeding or blood clotting disorder;
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low levels of sodium in your blood;
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if you take aspirin or a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven); or
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if you use a "triptan" migraine headache medicine.
Some young people have thoughts about suicide when first taking an antidepressant. Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using Brintellix. Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms.
FDA pregnancy category C. Taking an SSRI antidepressant during pregnancy may cause heart defects, serious lung problems, or other complications in the baby. However, you may have withdrawal symptoms or a relapse of depression if you stop taking your antidepressant. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant while taking Brintellix. Do not start or stop taking this medicine during pregnancy without your doctor"s advice.
See also: Pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)
It is not known whether vortioxetine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.
How should I take Brintellix?
Take Brintellix exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
You may take this medicine with or without food.
Do not stop using Brintellix suddenly, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Ask your doctor how to safely stop using this medicine.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Brintellix dosing information
Usual Adult Dose for Depression:
Initial dose: 10 mg orally once a day
Maintenance dose: 20 mg orally once a day
Maximum dose: 20 mg orally once a day
Comments: 5 mg orally once a day may be considered for patients who do not tolerate higher doses
Approved indication: For the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD)
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while taking Brintellix?
Brintellix may impair your thinking or reactions. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you.
Ask your doctor before taking a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) for pain, arthritis, fever, or swelling. This includes aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib (Celebrex), diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others. Using an NSAID with Brintellix may cause you to bruise or bleed easily.
Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this mediicne.
Brintellix side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Brintellix: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor, such as: mood or behavior changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), more depressed, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.
Stop using Brintellix and call your doctor at once if you have:
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blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights;
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racing thoughts, decreased need for sleep, unusual risk-taking behavior, feelings of extreme happiness or sadness, being more talkative than usual;
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easy bruising, unusual bleeding (nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum), coughing up blood;
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high levels of serotonin in the body - agitation, hallucinations, fever, fast heart rate, muscle stiffness, overactive reflexes, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of coordination, fainting; or
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low levels of sodium in the body (may be more likely in older adults) - headache, confusion, slurred speech, severe weakness, vomiting, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady.
Common Brintellix side effects may include:
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nausea;
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vision changes;
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occasional vomiting; or
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constipation.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
What other drugs will affect Brintellix?
Taking Brintellix with other drugs that make you sleepy can worsen this effect. Ask your doctor before taking vortioxetine with a sleeping pill, narcotic pain medicine, muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety, depression, or seizures.
Many drugs can interact with vortioxetine. Not all possible interactions are listed here. Tell your doctor about all your medications and any you start or stop using during treatment with Brintellix, especially:
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any other antidepressant;
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a diuretic or "water pill";
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fentanyl, tramadol;
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quinidine;
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rifampin;
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St. John"s wort, tryptophan (sometimes called L-tryptophan);
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medicine to treat mental illness - buspirone, lithium, and others; or
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seizure medicine - carbamazepine, phenytoin.
This list is not complete and many other drugs can interact with vortioxetine. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Give a list of all your medicines to any healthcare provider who treats you.
