vortioxetine hydrobromide at a glance
Medicine class
A multimodal serotonergic antidepressant.
Licensed use
Major depressive episodes in adults.
How it is taken
Swallow the film-coated tablet with water, with or without food.
Age group
The selected product is licensed for adults and should not be used for major depressive disorder in people under 18 because efficacy has not been demonstrated.
What is vortioxetine hydrobromide used for?
The selected product is licensed for:
Treatment of major depressive episodes in adults.
How does vortioxetine hydrobromide work?
Vortioxetine inhibits the serotonin transporter and directly affects several serotonin receptors. This changes serotonergic signalling and may indirectly influence other neurotransmitter systems; the contribution of each action to its antidepressant effect is not fully established.
vortioxetine hydrobromide preparations and strengths
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg
How to take vortioxetine hydrobromide
Follow the prescriber's instructions and do not alter or stop treatment without discussing it with them.
Swallow the tablet with a glass of water.
It can be taken with or without food.
Alcohol is not advised during antidepressant treatment.
If dizziness occurs, take care when driving or using machinery.
vortioxetine hydrobromide side effects
Common or expected effects
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea or constipation
- Vomiting or indigestion
- Dizziness
- Abnormal dreams
- Itching
- Increased sweating
Get urgent medical advice
- Suicidal thoughts or marked worsening of depression
- Serotonin syndrome
- Seizure
- Severe allergic reaction or angioedema
- Unexplained or excessive bleeding
- Severe confusion, fainting or seizure suggesting low blood sodium
- Eye pain with blurred vision suggesting acute angle-closure glaucoma
- New manic symptoms, severe agitation or aggression
vortioxetine hydrobromide in pregnancy
Pregnancy experience remains limited. Vortioxetine may be considered when recommended by a specialist after weighing the benefits of treating depression against possible risks. Exposure later in pregnancy may be associated with short-term newborn symptoms; precautions also include observation for breathing problems and awareness of a possible small increase in bleeding after birth. Do not stop established treatment without discussing it with the prescriber.
vortioxetine hydrobromide while breastfeeding
Small amounts of vortioxetine enter breast milk, but published clinical experience is limited and risk to the infant cannot be excluded. The product information calls for an individual decision about breastfeeding and treatment, balancing their respective benefits; seek specialist or prescriber advice.
vortioxetine hydrobromide interactions
Check all prescribed, over-the-counter and herbal products with a pharmacist or prescriber. Important examples include:
Non-selective MAOIs and selective MAO-A inhibitors
Concomitant use is contraindicated because of the risk of serotonin syndrome.
Linezolid
This MAOI-like antibiotic can cause serotonin syndrome with vortioxetine and requires specialist management.
Tramadol, other serotonergic opioids and triptans
Combined serotonergic effects increase the risk of serotonin syndrome.
Common questions about vortioxetine hydrobromide
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is vortioxetine hydrobromide an SSRI?
It inhibits serotonin reuptake like an SSRI but also acts directly at several serotonin receptors, so it is commonly described as a multimodal serotonergic antidepressant.
Why is vortioxetine hydrobromide monitored closely after starting treatment?
Depression and suicidal thoughts may worsen before meaningful improvement occurs. Patients at higher risk need particularly close monitoring for mood or behavioural changes.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.