Major depressive disorder (MDD), also known as clinical depression, affects a large number of people. In fact, in the United States, it’s been estimated that more than 30 million people have suffered from MDD over a lifetime. Symptoms of MDD include saddened mood, loss of interest or pleasure, significant changes in weight or appetite, trouble sleeping or sleeping too much, lack of energy, restlessness or slowed thinking or movements, feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt, difficulty concentrating, or indecisiveness, and recurrent suicidal thoughts or actions.

MDD is a complex and often chronic disorder that can be difficult to diagnose and manage. If you have clinical depression, it may be extremely difficult to take action to help yourself, but as you recognize your depression symptoms and begin treatment, you can start to feel better. If you have been diagnosed with MDD, or know someone who has been, here are suggested steps that may help manage the disorder – from making healthy life choices with exercise and diet, to building a supportive environment, to seeing a professional for a diagnosis of MDD and to find an appropriate treatment approach that works for you.

Exercise and be active.
Physical activity is a good means of improving overall health. You may see some improvement in your depression symptoms if you engage in aerobic exercise or resistance training. Speak with your physician to identify an exercise regimen that works for you and pledge to remain consistent in your routine.

Consider adjusting your diet.
Maintaining a balanced diet and eating healthy foods also can contribute to overall wellbeing. Research has shown a correlation between dietary patterns and depressive symptoms, which is why it is important to maintain a healthy diet. Talk to your healthcare provider about healthy food choices for you and look for opportunities to maintain a balanced diet.

Take small steps to build a positive environment.
It’s important to build a supportive environment when you’re living with symptoms of MDD. Remember, as depression responds to treatment, your thinking may become more positive. Overall depression symptoms may improve gradually, not immediately. Do not expect to suddenly “snap out of” your depression. Try to spend time with other people and confide in a trusted friend or relative. Try not to isolate yourself, and let others help you. If you have a friend or relative experiencing MDD symptoms, talk to him or her, and listen carefully. Invite your loved one out for walks, outings, and other activities. Keep trying if he or she declines, but don’t push him or her to take on too much too soon.

Reach out for help and talk to a doctor about treatment options.
If you have MDD or know of someone who may be living with the condition, it is important to talk to a doctor about your treatment approach.

“MDD is treatable with proper medical care and there are effective prescription medications, like Brintellix? (vortioxetine), available,” stated Dr. Rakesh Jain, MD, MPH, Clinical Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Texas Tech Health Sciences Center Medical School. “If you are experiencing symptoms of MDD, talk with a doctor about steps you can take to help manage the condition and a treatment approach that works for you.”

INDICATION for BRINTELLIX [(vortioxetine) 5 mg, 10 mg and 20 mg Tablets]
BRINTELLIX is a prescription medicine used to treat Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in adults.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

• Are allergic to vortioxetine or any of the ingredients in BRINTELLIX
• Take a Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI). Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you are not sure if you take an MAOI, including the antibiotic linezolid; do not take an MAOI within 21 days of stopping BRINTELLIX; do not start BRINTELLIX if you stopped taking an MAOI in the last 14 days

BRINTELLIX may cause serious side effects including:
Serotonin Syndrome: A potentially life-threatening problem that can happen when medicines such as BRINTELLIX are taken with certain other medicines. Symptoms may include agitation, hallucinations, coma or other changes in mental status; problems controlling movements or muscle twitching, stiffness or tightness; fast heartbeat, high or low blood pressure; sweating or fever; nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.

Abnormal bleeding or bruising: BRINTELLIX and other serotonergic antidepressant medicines may increase your risk of bleeding or bruising, especially if you take the blood thinner warfarin (Coumadin?, Jantoven?), a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), or aspirin.

Manic episode: Symptoms may include greatly increased energy; severe trouble sleeping; racing thoughts; reckless behavior; unusually grand ideas; excessive happiness or irritability; talking more or faster than usual.

Visual problems: may include eye pain, changes in vision, swelling or redness in or around the eye. Only some people are at risk for these problems. You may want to undergo an eye examination to see if you are at risk and receive preventative treatment if you are.

Low salt (sodium) levels in the blood: Symptoms may include headache; difficulty concentrating, memory changes or confusion; weakness and unsteadiness on your feet; and in severe or sudden cases hallucinations, fainting, seizures or coma. If not treated, severe low sodium levels can cause death.

Before starting BRINTELLIX, tell your healthcare provider if you have or had liver problems, seizures or convulsions, bipolar disorder (manic depression) or mania, low salt (sodium) levels in your blood, bleeding problems, drink alcohol, have any other medical conditions or if you are pregnant, nursing, plan to become pregnant, or plan to nurse.

BRINTELLIX and some medicines may interact with each other, may not work as well, or may cause serious side effects when taken together. Tell your healthcare provider if you plan on or are taking any other prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements including medicines for migraine headaches, such as triptans; medicines used to treat mood, anxiety, psychotic or thought disorders such as tricyclics, lithium, SSRIs, SNRIs, bupropion, buspirone or antipsychotics; MAOIs including linezolid (a specific antibiotic); over-the-counter supplements such as tryptophan or St. John’s wort; and the following medicines: aspirin, NSAIDs, warfarin (Coumadin?, Jantoven?), diuretics, rifampicin, carbamazepine, phenytoin, quinidine, tramadol or fentanyl.

Common side effects of BRINTELLIX include: nausea, constipation or vomiting. These are not all the possible side effects of BRINTELLIX.

Do not start or stop taking BRINTELLIX without talking to your healthcare provider first. Suddenly stopping BRINTELLIX when you take higher doses may cause you to have side effects including headache, stiff muscles, mood swings, sudden outbursts of anger, dizziness or feeling lightheaded, or runny nose.

Until you know how BRINTELLIX affects you, do not drive, operate heavy machinery or engage in other dangerous activities.

Avoid drinking alcohol while taking BRINTELLIX.

Talk to your healthcare provider.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Please see accompanying Prescribing Information, including Medication Guide for BRINTELLIX.

# # #