You should never stop taking Brintellix without discussing it with your doctor. If you stop taking Brintellix abruptly, you may have withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, nausea, dizziness, vomiting, nightmares, headache, and/or paresthesias (prickling, tingling sensation on the skin). Continue taking Brintellix for the duration as prescribed by your doctor to get maximum benefit. If you are not able to tolerate a dose or if you have completed your course of treatment, your doctor will reduce your dose gradually before taking you off this medicine completely.

Brintellix belongs to a class of medicines known as serotonin modulator and simulator (SMS). It is used to treat depression. This medicine helps by acting on multiple brain chemicals including serotonin, noradrenaline, dopamine, histamine, and acetylcholine which are thought to be involved in controlling mood and related mental processes.

Brintellix can be taken once a day either in the morning or at night. However, it is usually recommended to take Brintellix once a day in the morning since it can make you feel restless or keep you awake if taken late at night. You can take it with or without food. You should prefer taking it at the same time each day so that you remember to take it.

The most common side effects of Brintellix are nausea, vomiting and constipation. However, these usually resolve and are not bothersome, but if these side effects do not subside and worry you, you must consult your doctor as he/she may suggest ways to prevent or treat them.

Brintellix usually takes around 1-2 weeks to show improvement in the symptoms. Your sleep, appetite and energy levels are among the first physical symptoms to get better and hence signify that the medicine has started having its impact on you. However, remarkable benefits, such as those in your depression, may be seen after about 6-8 weeks of treatment.

Brintellix does not cause significant weight changes according to research reports. However, one study showed only 0.67 kgs of mean weight gain in some individuals who had been treated with Brintellix for a long term.