Vortioxetine

Antidepressant Drug

Drug class: Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor

Vortioxetine (BRINTELLIX)（中文：沃替西汀）

Common Strengths of Vortioxetine

Vortioxetine are available in the following strengths:

• 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg tablets

Drug Trade Names of Vortioxetine

Brintellix

Drug Usage

Treatment of major depressive disorder in adults

Mechanism of Action

Vortioxetine has a miltimodal mechanism of action:

• Serotonin reuptake inhibitor
• 5-HT_1A receptor agonist
• 5-HT_1B receptor partial agonist
• 5-HT₃, 5-HT_1D and 5-HT₇ receptor antagonist

Route of Administration

Oral

Dosages

• Starting dose: 10 mg once daily
• Maintenance dose: 5 - 20 mg once daily
• Maximum dose: 20 mg/day

Side Effects

Frequency	Adverse reactions
Common
	Nausea: This is the most frequently reported side effect, occurring in up to 42% of patients
	Constipation or diarrhoea: Reported in up to 15% of patients
	Vomiting
	Dry Mouth: Using sugar-free gum or candy can help alleviate dry mouth
	Dizziness: Moving slowly when changing positions can help reduce dizziness
	Headache: Drinking plenty of fluids and resting can help; avoid excessive alcohol consumption
Sexual Dysfunction: This includes decreased libido and difficulty achieving orgasm
Serious	Serious side effects are less common but require immediate medical attention.
	Suicidal Thoughts or Actions: especially in the first few months of treatment or when the dose is changed. Symptoms include new or worsening depression, anxiety, or unusual changes in mood or behavior.
	Serotonin Syndrome: This potentially life-threatening condition can occur when there is too much serotonin in the body. Symptoms include agitation, hallucinations, rapid heart rate, fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and muscle twitching
	Severe Allergic Reactions: These include symptoms like difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, and severe rash or hives
	Abnormal Bleeding: Can manifest as unusual bruising or bleeding
	Low Sodium Levels: Particularly in older adults, symptoms include headache, confusion, weakness, and difficulty concentrating
	Mania: Symptoms include excessively high energy, severe trouble sleeping, racing thoughts, reckless behavior, and unusually grand ideas
	Angle-closure glaucoma (eye pain, vision changes)
	Withdrawal Symptoms: If the medication is abruptly stopped, symptoms may include anxiety, irritability, mood swings, restlessness, changes in sleep habits, headache, sweating, shaking, nausea, dizziness, and electric shock-like sensations.