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When depression gets in the way of your day-to-day life, the key is to regain balance with a tailored and safe plan. Vortioxetine is used in major depressive disorder to improve mood and some cognitive symptoms through serotonin modulation, prescribed by specialists after assessing risks and benefits.
How does Vortioxetine work in the brain?
It works by modulating several serotonin circuits: it inhibits its reuptake and also modulates receptors (5-HT1A agonist, 5-HT3 and 5-HT7 antagonist, among others). This combination can improve mood and certain cognitive symptoms (attention, processing speed).
It is taken once a day, with or without food; the usual dose ranges from 10 to 20 mg depending on response and medical tolerance. It is not recommended to combine it with MAOIs or to start/resume treatment without respecting the washout periods indicated by the healthcare professional.
What common side effects can be expected?
The most common side effect is mild and transient nausea, especially at the beginning. Dizziness, insomnia or drowsiness, constipation, and itching may also occur; these usually lessen over time. Compared to other antidepressants, the risk of sexual dysfunction may be lower, although not zero.
Signs that require urgent consultation include: intense agitation, fever, sweating, and rigidity (possible serotonin syndrome), suicidal thoughts in the first few weeks, or sudden changes in behavior. If the patient is pregnant, breastfeeding, has liver disease, or is taking anticoagulants, treatment should be individualized in consultation with a doctor.
When do its effects begin to be noticed?
The first changes are usually noticeable within 1 to 2 weeks, with significant clinical improvement occurring after 4โ6 weeks of continued treatment. Maintaining daily intake and attending follow-up appointments allows for dose adjustments and management of adverse effects.
After remission, it's advisable to continue for several months to consolidate recovery and prevent relapses, always under supervision. If you don't notice progress or the side effects bother you, don't stop on your own: talk to the professional to discuss adjustments or alternatives. Your plan should be safe, gradual, and focused on your well-being.
