Brintellix

Brintellix (vortioxetine) is a prescription antidepressant medication for the treatment of MDD (major depressive disorder) in adults. It works by helping restore balance to certain brain chemicals that affect mood and emotional well-being. Brintellix should be used only under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional. As with all prescription antidepressants, proper medical supervision is important to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Important Information: In 2016, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) approved a brand-name change for Brintellix to Trintellix in the U.S. This change was made to prevent prescription and dispensing errors caused by confusion with another drug, Brilinta (ticagrelor), which has a similar-sounding name. The active ingredient (vortioxetine) remains the same. FDA approval, indications, and safety profile are unchanged.

Brintellix is FDA-approved for treating:

• Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in adults

Brintellix (vortioxetine) works as a multimodal antidepressant, meaning it affects serotonin in more than one way. According to FDA information, it:

• Inhibits serotonin reuptake (SSRI action), increasing serotonin levels in the brain
• Modulates multiple serotonin receptors, acting as:
  • a partial agonist at 5-HT1B receptors
  • an agonist at 5-HT1A receptors
  • an antagonist at 5-HT3, 5-HT1D, & 5-HT7 receptors

Through this combined action, Brintellix can help improve mood, focus, and emotional well-being in adults with major depressive disorder (MDD). This mechanism is distinct from traditional SSRIs and is believed to contribute to both antidepressant and cognitive benefits seen in some patients.

Brintellix (vortioxetine) can be taken once daily, at any time of day, with or without food, as prescribed by your doctor. Many patients choose to take it at the same time each day to maintain consistent levels in the body.

Some people prefer taking Brintellix in the morning if it causes nausea or sleep disturbances. Others may take it in the evening if it makes them feel drowsy. The best time depends on how your body responds, so follow your healthcare provider’s guidance and adjust timing only if advised. Do not change the timing or dose without medical advice.

• If you miss a dose of Brintellix (vortioxetine), take it as soon as you remember.
• If it is almost time for your next scheduled one, skip the missed dose.
• Do not take two Brintellix doses at the same time to make up for a missed dose.

Taking more Brintellix than prescribed may increase the risk of side effects. Symptoms of overdose may include:

• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Agitation or confusion
• Headache
• Tremor
• Muscle stiffness

If a Brintellix overdose is suspected, seek medical attention or contact a poison control center. Always take Brintellix exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider to reduce the risk of overdose.

Brintellix (vortioxetine) may cause side effects in some people. Most side effects are mild to moderate and often improve as your body adjusts to the medication. This is not a complete list, and reactions may vary depending on the patient's health factors and treatment response.

Brintellix Common Side Effects

• Nausea
• Constipation
• Vomiting
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth

Less Common but Serious Side Effects of Brintellix

• Suicidal thoughts or worsening depression, especially in young adults
• Serotonin syndrome (symptoms may include agitation, fever, fast heartbeat, or muscle stiffness)
• Abnormal bleeding, especially when taken with blood thinners or NSAIDs
• Low sodium levels (hyponatremia), particularly in older adults

Seek medical attention if you experience severe or unusual symptoms. Always discuss Brintellix side effects with your provider to ensure it is appropriate for you and to determine if adjustments are needed.

When you consider the Brintellix dose for major depressive disorder, follow this table:

• Brintellix may increase the risk of having suicidal thoughts and behaviors. This risk is particularly higher in teenagers, children, and young adults under 24 years of age.
• Do not use Brintellix with MAOIs or within 14 days of stopping an MAOI. Concomitant use with pimozide is not recommended due to the risk of serious adverse reactions.
• It may cause serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition, particularly when used with other serotonergic drugs (such as SSRIs, SNRIs, triptans, or certain supplements). Seek immediate medical attention if symptoms occur.
• Use Brintellix cautiously in patients with a history of bipolar disorder, as antidepressants may trigger manic or hypomanic episodes.
• This medication may increase the risk of bleeding, especially when taken with NSAIDs, aspirin, or anticoagulants.
• Patients should avoid driving, operating heavy machinery, or performing other potentially hazardous activities until they know how Brintellix (vortioxetine) affects them.
• Abrupt stopping may cause withdrawal‑like symptoms (mood changes, irritability, dizziness). Always taper gradually under medical supervision.
• Risk of low sodium levels, especially in the elderly or those on diuretics. Monitor electrolytes if symptomatic.
• No dosage adjustment is generally required for mild to moderate hepatic or renal impairment. Use in severe hepatic impairment has not been adequately studied.
• Safety in pregnant women not established, so use only if the benefits outweigh the potential risks to the fetus. Late pregnancy use may cause newborn complications such as respiratory issues, tremors, or feeding difficulties.
• It is not known whether vortioxetine is excreted in human breast milk. Discuss with your provider to determine the safest option.

• Store Brintellix tablets at room temperature 20-25°C (68-77°F).
• You should keep these tablets away from heat, moisture, and direct sunlight.
• Do not freeze. Protect from excessive heat and moisture.
• Keep tablets in their original container until use.
• Store out of reach of children and pets.
• Do not use tablets that are damaged, discolored, or past their expiration date.

Brintellix (vortioxetine) may interact with certain medications. Some of them are as follows:

If Brintellix is unsuitable or unavailable, the following alternatives may be considered under medical supervision:

The cost of Brintellix in the U.S. can be high, especially for patients needing long-term treatment for major depressive disorder. At Polar Bear Meds, we help make Brintellix more accessible by offering a safe and affordable way to buy it online from Canada without compromising quality.

By partnering with licensed Canadian pharmacies, we provide Brintellix at significantly lower prices, often up to 70–80% less than U.S. pharmacy costs. No insurance is required, and there are no hidden fees. All Brintellix orders are dispensed with a valid prescription and meet strict safety and quality standards.

New customers may save even more using our Brintellix coupon code “WELCOMEPB10” for an additional 10% off their first purchase. Orders are shipped securely and discreetly, typically within 3–5 business days via Xpress Post, making it simple and reliable to continue your treatment.

• https://www.fda.gov/media/86743/download
• https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a614003.html
• https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/product-information/brintellix-epar-product-information_en.pdf
• https://www.medsafe.govt.nz/Consumers/cmi/b/brintellix.pdf
• https://www.drugs.com/uk/brintellix.html
• https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/vortioxetine-oral-route/description/drg-20061387