Brintellix (Vortioxetine) is a prescription SSRI used to treat forms of depression. Brintellix helps regulate mood and treat symptoms of depression and anxiety.
What Is Brintellix (Vortioxetine)?
Brintellix, also known by the name Vortioxetine, is a medication prescribed to treat forms of depression. Vortioxetine is classified as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressant or SSRI. This type of medication helps to alleviate symptoms of major depressive disorder as well as anxiety, by creating a balance between the chemicals that occur naturally in your brain.
SSRIs ease depression symptoms by increasing the amount of serotonin present in your brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that directly affects your mood, appetite, memory, digestion and sexual function. Taking Brintellix helps to ensure your serotonin levels are high enough to properly regulate your mood and treat symptoms of depression and anxiety.
How Is Brintellix (Vortioxetine) Used?
Vortioxetine is an oral medication used to treat depression and other mood disorders. Brintellix may also increase your energy levels, appetite and even improve your sleep if taken as prescribed. It may take a few weeks for the medication to take effect and impact your symptoms, making it important to continue taking Brintellix as directed by your doctor.
Brintellix is usually taken once a day with or without food, and your doctor may adjust your dosage as necessary to best treat your depression. Your physician may start you on a low dose of vortioxetine to avoid negative side effects, while gradually increasing the dosage to best combat symptoms of depression and anxiety. It is recommended that you take this medication at the same time every day to avoid forgetting a dose.
Brintellix (Vortioxetine) Addiction
You should always take your vortioxetine exactly as directed by your doctor. Never increase your dosage or take more medication than directed, as this can lead to serious and sometimes fatal side effects. Not taking Brintellix as prescribed or abruptly stopping your medication can lead to severe side effects such as tremors, overwhelming restlessness, numbness, a sudden change in memory, confusion, seizures, eye pain or vision changes. If you experience any of these side effects, contact your physician immediately.
Vortioxetine rarely causes a condition called serotonin syndrome, especially when used in combination with other antidepressant medications. Seek medical attention immediately if you experience rapid heartbeat, hallucinations, severe nausea or vomiting, extreme dizziness or fever.
If you believe you or someone you love is dealing with a substance use disorder, find help today. Your Brintellix prescription should never come before living a sober, healthy existence.
The Importance Of Aftercare
You run the risk of experiencing side effects with any medication you take. While on vortioxetine, you may experience minor side effects such as constipation, nausea, decreased sex drive or dizziness. Because of the chance of dizziness, it is advised to avoid using alcohol or operating machinery while on this medication.
Never take any MAO inhibitors while on Brintellix, as this can sometimes cause a fatal reaction. Always report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor, as your dosage may need to be modified. Contact your doctor right away if you experience extreme mood swings or thoughts of suicide. Inform your doctor of any other medications you are taking to avoid side effects or even overdose.
Misuse of your Brintellix prescription should be taken extremely seriously. Don’t let a substance misuse disorder stop you from enjoying life. Visit our website www.TheRecoveryVillage.com for more information or give us a call toll-free at 855-548-9825 — anytime, day or night. We are here to help you change your life and assist you in leaving addiction in the past.
FAQs
Vortioxetine is an oral medication used to treat depression and other mood disorders. Brintellix may also increase your energy levels, appetite and even improve your sleep if taken as prescribed.
Brintellix is usually taken once a day with or without food, and your doctor may adjust your dosage as necessary to best treat your depression. Your physician may start you on a low dose of vortioxetine to avoid negative side effects, while gradually increasing the dosage to best combat symptoms of depression and anxiety. It is recommended that you take this medication at the same time every day to avoid forgetting a dose.
It may take a few weeks for the medication to take effect and impact your symptoms, making it important to continue taking Brintellix as directed by your doctor.
Some common vortioxetine withdrawal symptoms are:
- Brain zaps (zapping/shocking sensation that may cause dizziness, pain and discomfort)
- Anxiety
- Worsened depression
- Fatigue
- Depersonalization
- Flu-like symptoms (muscle aching, vomiting, headaches)
- Insomnia
- Irritability (mood swings, angry outbursts)
- Suicidal thoughts
Brintellix, also known by the name Vortioxetine, is a medication prescribed to treat forms of depression. Vortioxetine is classified as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressant or SSRI. This type of medication helps to alleviate symptoms of major depressive disorder as well as anxiety, by creating a balance between the chemicals that occur naturally in your brain.
The Recovery Village aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.