Brintellix is an antidepressant characterized by direct modulation of receptor activity, inhibiting serotonin transporters. Vortioxetine is the active ingredient of the drug. It is an antagonist for receptors 5-HT3, 5-HT7 and 5-HT1D. For 5-HT1B, 5-HT1A receptors it has an agonist effect. It is characterized by inhibition of 5-HT transporters. It acts on serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine, histamine, acetylcholine, GABA and glutamate. For these systems the active substance is a modulator of neurotransmission.
Pharmacological effect, pharmacokinetics, indications
Brintellix 10 mg due to the peculiarities of the active substance has the following effects:
- antidepressant;
- anxiolytic;
- improves cognitive function, memory.
A study involving 6,700 patients proved the effectiveness of the drug. While taking the drug, the risk of relapse of depression was halved in the group that took the drug compared to placebo. The drug improves the condition of patients who have depressive disorders of more than 30 points on the MADRS scale. It is effective in treating anxiety disorders with more than 20 points on the HAM-A scale. Despite its antidepressant effect, there is no drowsiness or insomnia while taking it.
After oral intake, the drug is well absorbed. The full effect develops 7-10 hours after ingestion. It has a bioavailability of 75%. Food intake does not influence the effect. The active substance 97% is bound to plasma proteins. Metabolism occurs in the liver. The half-life is long and lasts for 33-66 hours.
Brintellix medication is prescribed to treat depression and prevent relapses. In addition to eliminating the acute condition, it is used for maintenance therapy.
Contraindications
- Brintellix 10 mg tablets should not be used if the patient has any sensitivity to the active ingredient or the individual components of the formulation.
- Non-selective monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or selective MAO-A inhibitors must not be combined with the drug.
- Do not drink alcohol while taking this medicine.
- It is not recommended to treat children less than 18 years of age due to the lack of a pronounced therapeutic effect and a high risk of increased adverse reactions.
- It is not recommended to use during pregnancy due to toxic effects on the fetus.
Dosage of Brintellix
Medication Brintellix is taken in a dose of 10 mg. To get the desired effect, it is enough to take once a day. The treatment should be prescribed by a doctor and strictly monitor the condition of the patient. Depending on the course of the disease, the dose may be reduced to 5 mg or increased to 20 mg.
When the patient's condition improves, the treatment should be carried out for another 6 months to avoid a relapse. It is possible to stop taking it abruptly. There is no need to gradually reduce the amount of the drug.
Treatment of patients older than 65 years should be started with a dose of 5 mg. The amounts of drug for this group of patients should not exceed 10 mg. Patients with impaired renal and hepatic function do not need to change the dose.
Brintellix side effects
- New antidepressants brintellix may cause nausea
- Abnormal dreams
- Dizziness
- Diarrhea, constipation, vomiting
- Itching
- Mydriasis
- Hyperemia of the face
Brintellix for depression
Patients with a severe course of depression may be at risk of suicidal thoughts, so at the beginning of treatment the patient's condition should be monitored. In the middle of treatment, the condition improves and by the end of therapy, suicidal thoughts disappear. The duration of treatment is prescribed only by a doctor on the basis of a full examination and evaluation of the condition, the body's reaction to the drug and its effectiveness. The standard dose of 10 mg is adjusted depending on the condition.
Brintellix for anxiety
The drug is effective for all symptoms that occur during depression. The state of anxiety will decrease dramatically after the start of treatment and will completely disappear by the end of the course. The drug is used to treat depression and all accompanying conditions. If anxiety is one of the symptoms, in order to prescribe the drug, it is necessary to undergo a comprehensive study to identify the cause of the condition. Anxiety is treated with a standard dose of 10 mg once a day. It is possible to change the dose depending on the patient's condition, but only with a comprehensive analysis of the condition.
How long does Brintellix work?
The drug is characterized by its long action and its slow development. The concentration in blood plasma reaches a peak after 7-10 after intake. Long-term therapy with the drug reduces the risk of acute reappearance of depression. Therefore, to achieve the maximum effect after improvement, the drug is taken for another 6 months.
Brintellix drug interaction
The drug should be taken with caution together with anticoagulants and antiaggregants because of the risk of bleeding. Lithium, tryptophan is also not recommended to combine with an antidepressant. It is forbidden to combine the drug with monoamine inhibitors. A pause of 14 days should be observed between the two groups of drugs. It is not advisable to combine with moclobemide, linezolid, selegiline, rasagiline, but if there is such a need, strictly monitor the patient's condition. Combination with St. John's wort may increase the negative reaction of the body. CYP2D6 metabolizers do not affect the action of the drug. Before starting treatment, be sure to tell the doctor about all the drugs taken by the patient to avoid adverse reactions.