Vortioxétine pour la dépression

About vortioxetine

Vortioxetine is prescribed for dépression that has not been helped by treatment with other antidepressant medicines. Depression can develop for no apparent reason, or it can be triggered by a life event such as a relationship problem, bereavement, or an illness. Depression is caused by an imbalance of certain chemicals in the brain. Altering the levels of the chemicals in the brain can help ease symptoms of depression.

Brain cells, called neurons, release a number of chemicals which go on to stimulate other neurons. This leads to electrical impulses which control the functions of the brain and body. Serotonin is one such important chemical in the brain. It is also called 5-HT. Once released, serotonin stimulates other neurons before being taken back up and recycled. Vortioxetine stops serotonin being taken back up by the neurons and so increases the amount of circulating serotonin available in your brain.

Vortioxetine also works in other ways. Serotonin stimulates neurons by attaching to small 'receptors' on the surface of the cells. There are different types of serotonin, or 5-HT, receptor, leading to the release of chemicals with different effects in the brain. Vortioxetine blocks some 5-HT receptors and stimulates others in order to re-balance the brain's chemistry and ease symptoms.

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking vortioxetine it is important that your doctor knows:

• Si vous êtes enceinte, essayez d'avoir un bébé ou allaitez.

• If you are under 18 or over 65 years of age.

• Si vous avez des problèmes avec le fonctionnement de votre foie ou de vos reins.

• If you have epilepsy or have had a fit (seizure) in the past.

• Si vous avez déjà eu un trouble de la coagulation.

• If you have a condition which causes increased pressure in your eyes, such as glaucoma.

• If you have been told you have low levels of sodium in your blood.

• Si vous avez déjà eu des humeurs anormalement 'élevées', appelées manie.

• Si vous êtes traité par électroconvulsivothérapie (ECT).

• Si vous avez déjà eu une réaction allergique à un médicament.

• Si vous avez pris un antidépresseur connu sous le nom d'inhibiteur de la monoamine-oxydase (IMAO) au cours des deux dernières semaines.

• Si vous prenez d'autres médicaments. Cela inclut tous les médicaments que vous prenez et qui sont disponibles à l'achat sans ordonnance, ainsi que les médicaments à base de plantes et les médecines complémentaires.

• Before you start this treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside your pack. The manufacturer's leaflet will give you more information about vortioxetine and a full list of side-effects which you may experience from taking it.

• Take vortioxetine tablets exactly as your doctor tells you to - the directions will be printed on the label of the pack to remind you of what your doctor said. The usual starting dose is 10 mg taken once daily. Depending on how you respond to the medicine it may be increased to 20 mg or reduced to 5 mg once daily.

• You can generally take vortioxetine at a time to suit you, but try to take your dose at the same time of day, each day.

• You can take vortioxetine before or after food. Swallow the tablet with a glass of water.

• Si vous oubliez de prendre une dose, prenez-la dès que vous vous en souvenez. Si vous ne vous en souvenez que le lendemain, sautez la dose oubliée. Ne prenez pas deux doses ensemble pour compenser une dose oubliée.

• It is important to keep your regular appointments with your doctor. This is so your doctor can check on your progress and adjust your dose if necessary.

• You may feel that vortioxetine is not working for you straightaway. It may take a week or two after starting this treatment before the effect begins to build up, and 4-6 weeks before you feel the full benefit. Do not stop taking it after a week or two, feeling it is not helping.

• While you are taking vortioxetine you may have thoughts about harming yourself or ending your life. These thoughts may also be associated with your depression. It is very important that you tell your doctor about this if it happens.

• Do not stop taking vortioxetine unless your doctor tells you to do so. You should expect that a course of treatment will last for several months. This is normal and helps to prevent your symptoms from recurring. You should continue to take vortioxetine for at least six months after you feel well again.

• If you drink alcohol, ask your doctor for advice. Your doctor is likely to recommend that you do not drink alcohol while you are on vortioxetine.

• If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with vortioxetine. This is because several medicines which are available from general retail outlets can interfere with this treatment. In particular, do not take the herbal remedy St John's wort, and ask for advice before buying any anti-inflammatory painkillers.

• If you are having an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment that you are taking vortioxetine for depression.

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects, although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the most common ones associated with vortioxetine. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine. The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

Dans de rares occasions, les médicaments qui affectent le niveau de sérotonine dans le cerveau peuvent le faire monter trop haut et causer des problèmes. Le risque est plus élevé si vous prenez plus d'un médicament ayant cet effet. Consultez un médecin si vous développez une combinaison des symptômes suivants :

• Muscles raides ou mouvements 'saccadés'.

• Rythme cardiaque inhabituellement rapide.

• High temperature (fever), feeling or being sick, diarrhoea.

• Se sentir délirant ou voir des visions (halluciner).

Si vous ressentez d'autres symptômes que vous pensez être dus à ce médicament, parlez-en à votre médecin ou à votre pharmacien.

• Gardez tous les médicaments hors de la portée et de la vue des enfants.

• Conserver dans un endroit frais et sec, à l'abri de la chaleur et de la lumière directes.