Vortioxetine is used to treat depression. It relieves depressive symptoms including sadness, feeling of worthlessness, feeling anxious, sleep disturbances, loss of interest or hobby and difficulty in concentrating.
Take Vortioxetine exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Vortioxetine must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Do not take Vortioxetine if you are currently taking or have taken a medicine that is used to treat depression known as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid, phenelzine and tranylcypromine in the last 14 days.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- history of suicide-related events or pre-existing suicidal thoughts or behaviour
- mood disorders including bipolar disorder (mania and hypomania)
- epilepsy (fits or seizure)
- bleeding disorders
- narrow-angle glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye) without undergoing eye surgery
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving this medicine to the elderly. Elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
A certain enzyme called CYP2D6 is involved in the breakdown of this medicine in the body. Individuals who are known as poor metabolisers of CYP2D6 may require a lower dose of this medicine. If you know you have this gene type, inform your doctor.
Medicines for depression such as Vortioxetine may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviour. As depression and some psychiatric disorders are themselves associated with an increased risk of suicide, it is important for you or your family members to monitor your condition especially at the start of treatment and if your dosage is still being adjusted. If you experience new or sudden changes in mood, behaviour, thoughts or feelings or a worsening of your depression with suicidal thoughts or attempts, harm to self or harm to others, contact your doctor immediately.
What lifestyle changes should I make to cope with depression?
Regular exercise and eating a healthy diet will help increase energy and hormones in the body such as serotonin, endorphins and other feel-good chemicals that minimise mood swings. Get enough sleep, as lack of sleep may cause irritability, moodiness, sadness, and tiredness.
Vortioxetine may cause dizziness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects include any of the following: nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, vomiting, stomach wind, dry mouth, abnormal dreams, and itching.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- hallucination, involuntary twitching, rapid heartbeat, fever
- having thoughts of self-harm
- mood changes between feeling very high (mania) and very low (depression)
- pass out bloody or black as tar stools and vomiting blood or ground coffee-like material
- weakness, confusion, unusual tiredness, fainting
- excessive or unusual bleeding of the nose, bruising
- fits or seizure
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Do not take Vortioxetine if you are currently taking or have taken a medicine to treat depression known as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid, phenelzine and tranylcypromine in the last 14 days.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines for mood disorders e.g. lithium, phenothiazine, haloperidol, tryptophan
- medicines for migraine e.g. sumatriptan
- blood-thinning medicines e.g. warfarin, aspirin
- NSAID (medicines for pain and inflammation) e.g. ibuprofen
- medicines to treat fungal infection e.g. fluconazole, ketoconazole
- strong painkillers e.g. fentanyl, tramadol
- medicines for depression e.g. amitriptyline, duloxetine, fluoxetine, paroxetine, bupropion
- buspirone (medicine for anxiety)
- quinidine (medicine for irregular heartbeat)
- mefloquine (medicine for malaria)
- St. John’s wort (herbal medicine)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Vortioxetine.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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