Vortioxetine

• Vortioxetine is used to manage depression.

When should one not use Vortioxetine

• Severe allergy to Vortioxetine is an absolute contraindication. So do not forget to tell your doctor if you ever had an allergy to any medicine in the past.

Common side effects of this drug are:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Sexual dysfunction
• Suicidal tendencies
• Aggression
• Sleeplessness
• Dry mouth

Other General Warnings

• You are young and get strong thoughts of self-harm or suicide. Vortioxetine increases the risk of suicidal thoughts in young adults.
• You have liver or kidney problems.
• You have glaucoma (a condition of the eye where the fluid production in the eye increases which can lead to eventual loss of vision)
• You have a seizure disorder. You must inform your doctor in such a case.
• You want to stop the medicine. You must not stop using this medicine abruptly as this can lead to some undesirable effects like headache, so stop it gradually over a period of a few weeks.
• You are undergoing any treatment with anticoagulants as Vortioxetine increases the risk of bleeding.
• You are elderly, as the risk of serious side effects is more in such cases.
• You had hives, rashes, wheeze, difficulty breathing following the use of any medication in the past.
• You must get blood sodium levels done before starting treatment with Vortioxetine because it may decrease even further and can produce serious side effects.
• You have a history of suicidal thoughts or sexual dysfunction.

How Does It Work?

Interactions with other medicines

• The metabolism of Vortioxetine is decreased when combined with paracetamol (used in case of fever and pain).
• Using Vortioxetine concomitantly with aspirin may increase the risk of bleeding. Close monitoring is needed in such cases.
• Using Vortioxetine concomitantly with diclofenac increases the risk of side effects.
• Ampicillin (antibiotic) decreases the excretion of Vortioxetine.
• The concomitant use of Vortioxetine with atenolol increases the risk of side effects of both medicines.
• Bacitracin may decrease the excretion of Vortioxetine and may lead to toxicity, so their concomitant use must be avoided.
• Using Vortioxetine with linezolid can cause very high levels of serotonin leading to a syndrome called serotonin syndrome, which is a life-threatening condition. Use them with caution.
• Other medicines which can interact with Vortioxetine are,
• Warfarin
• Rifampicin
• Phenytoin

Overdose

Missed a Dose