Vortioxetine: Uses And Side Effects Of The Psychotropic Drug
Psychiatric or psychological medication, like other pharmacological treatments, are not perfect. Therefore, research in the pharmaceutical field is essential to achieve new advances that guarantee not only more effective medications, but also safer ones.
One of the most representative examples is the appearance on the market of vortioxetine, commercially known under the name Brintellix It is a highly effective antidepressant drug that we will talk about throughout this article. As well as its functions, side effects and precautions during consumption.
Vortioxetine is a relatively new drug listed within medications known as serotonin modulators and whose main purpose is to increase the flow of this neurotransmitter, promoting mental or psychological stability. For this reason, its main field of action is related to the treatment of depressive disorders.
This drug was launched on the market in 2016 by the pharmaceutical company Lundbeck and its importance lies in the fact that it has been described as the first medicine, within a new conception of antidepressants with multimodal action mechanisms.
In addition to having demonstrated great and extensive effectiveness in the treatment of depression, it is also distinguished by being a drug with a magnificent tolerability profile. Regarding its multimodal action, vortioxetine has shown not only an effective antidepressant effect, but it also turns out to be very effective in reducing the cognitive symptoms of depression, as well as in achieving a general improvement in major depressive disorder..
In the same way, it has also been revealed as an effective alternative to treatments with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) for those patients who do not respond well to treatment with these. Another of the many benefits of vortioxetine is its outstanding effectiveness as a maintenance treatment in preventing the reappearance of symptoms or relapses in adult and elderly depression patients.
The main difference between this drug and traditional SSRI and SNRI antidepressants is that vortioxetine, in addition to inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin, has the ability to regulate the activity of some serotonin receptors.
Therefore, it is hypothesized that this multimodal action is responsible for producing the antidepressant, anxiolytic and the decrease in cognitive symptoms so characteristic of this medicine; without also generating a large number of unwanted side effects.
How is this antidepressant administered?
Vortioxetine is marketed in tablet format for oral administration Usually, it is recommended to take a dose of between 5 and 10 milligrams daily, depending on the patient’s condition. That is, one tablet daily, preferably always at the same time.
However, it is necessary to specify that these are only general indications for administration, so it is of vital importance that the patient follow the instructions given by the medical professional to the letter This means that the patient should never modify the recommended dose of vortioxetine, neither by excess nor by deficiency. On the contrary, it is very likely that he will experience serious side effects such as severe mood disturbances or strong outbursts of anger.
Because vortioxetine is a psychiatric medication, it is likely that drug treatment will be initiated gradually, starting with lower doses which increase as the first weeks of treatment pass.
The therapeutic effects of vortioxetine may take several weeks in being perceived. Therefore, whether the patient does not feel any improvement or if they experience some type of side effect that may be bothersome, under no circumstances should they stop taking the medication, but rather go to their doctor and have them readjust it.
Side effects that come with abrupt withdrawal of vortioxetine may include severe headaches, increased muscle stiffness, mood disturbances, dizziness, dizziness, or runny nose.
What side effects can it have?
As with the vast majority of psychiatric medications, vortioxetine can lead to a series of side effects which, depending on the intensity and duration with which they appear, can be really annoying for the patient.
These consequences can be divided between those side effects that are not serious, so they do not require medical attention, and those that are more serious or serious in which it will be necessary to see a specialist as soon as possible.
1. Non-serious side effects
Among the side effects that do not pose a serious risk to health, we find the following:
2. Serious side effects
In the event that the patient experiences any of the following side effects, they should not abandon the medication but it is necessary to inform the relevant professional so that it can be adjusted.
What precautions should be taken with its consumption?
Before starting treatment with vortioxetine, The patient must report any special health conditions where you are, as well as if you are taking any type of medication, with or without a prescription. Especially if they are monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor medications, since they can cause serious interference with the treatment.
In the same way, before starting treatment the patient must Inform your medical specialist if you suffer from any allergies or if you are taking any type of vitamin supplement or even a complex of natural herbs, since these can also cause interference with the action of vortioxetine.
As for pregnant patients, it has been observed that vortioxetine can cause a whole series of problems in newborns, especially if administered in the last months of pregnancy. Therefore, the patient must inform if she is pregnant or if she plans to be pregnant to adjust or modify the medication.
Finally, vortioxetine can affect reasoning ability as well as the accuracy of movements, so those patients whose daily routine includes driving or operating heavy machinery They should pay special attention to these symptoms and, to the extent possible, cease these activities during treatment.
