Fonksera (Vortioxetine 20mg) Tablets

Fonksera tablets 20mg are used to treat major depressive disorder to relieve symptoms of depressive illness, including anxiety, loss of interest in usual activities, disturbed sleep, change in appetite, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, difficulty thinking or concentrating, and recurrent thoughts of suicide.  Fonksera tablets 20mg are also used to prevent relapse of depression and recurrence of further depressive episodes.  Fonksera tablets 20mg can be used for first line therapy and for maintenance therapy for major depressive disorder.

Fonksera tablets 20mg contain vortioxetine, an antidepressant belonging to the class of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI), as it works by blocking serotonin reuptake, but is pharmacologically different to other SSRIs as it works through a different mechanism to other SSRIs.  Vortioxetine in Fonksera tablets 20mg act directly on brain cells to correct the chemical imbalance that is thought to be one of the major causes of depression and other mood disorders, particularly a lack of serotonin (a neurotransmitter or brain chemical that allows nerve cells to communicate), which controls many body activities, including regulating mood.  Vortioxetine in Fonksera tablets 20mg is a serotonergic agent (serotonin agonist) and works by direct modulation of various serotonin receptors on the presynaptic neuron.  This blocks the reuptake into nerve cells (neurones) of serotonin from the synapse, or gap between neurones across which chemical messages are sent from one neurone to another.  Vortioxetine in Fonksera tablets 20mg also binds to the serotonin transporter that transports serotonin across the neurone membrane, which also blocks serotonin reuptake.  If the re-uptake of serotonin by the pre-synaptic neurone is blocked, this means that there is more serotonin remaining for the post-synaptic neurone or receiving neurone, which allows nerve cells to communicate with each other for longer.  Fonksera tablets 20mg help correct the chemical imbalance caused by a lack of serotonin that is thought to be one of the major causes of depression and other mood disorders.

Fonksera tablets 20mg contain the active ingredient vortioxetine a serotonergic antidepressant that is used to treat major depression.  Fonksera also contains the following inactive ingredients: Tablet core: Manitol, Microcrystalline cellulose, Hydroxypropyl Cellulose, sodium starch glycolate (type A) and Magnesium stearate & Tablet coating: Hipromelosa, Macrogolo 400, , Titanium dioxide (E171) and Iron oxide (E172)
 

Fonksera tablets 20mg contain vortioxetine, a serotonergic antidepressant that is used to treat major depressive disorder to relieve symptoms of depressive illness, including anxiety, loss of interest in usual activities, disturbed sleep, change in appetite, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, difficulty thinking or concentrating, and recurrent thoughts of suicide; also, to prevent relapse of depression and recurrence of further depressive episodes.  One of the major causes of depression is thought to be a lack of serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter, or brain chemical that allows nerve cells to communicate, which controls many body activities, including regulating mood.  Vortioxetine in Fonksera tablets 20mg act directly on brain cells and works by binding to several serotonin receptors in brain cells, which blocks the reuptake of serotonin from the synapse, or gap between nerve cells across which chemical messages are sent to allow nerve cell to communicate with each other.  By blocking the reuptake of serotonin from the synapse back into the pre-synaptic neurone there is more serotonin remaining for the post-synaptic neurone or receiving neurone.  This allows nerve cells to communicate with each other for longer to regulate mood.  Fonksera tablets 20mg help correct the chemical imbalance caused by a lack of serotonin that is thought to be one of the major causes of depression and other mood disorders.

The most commonly reported side effects when taking Fonksera tablets 20mg include nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, constipation, dizziness, unusual dreams, pruritus (skin itch).

You should not use Fonksera tablets 20mg, without discussion with your doctor, if you:

• are allergic to vortioxetine or any ingredients in Fonksera
• are pregnant or are breastfeeding
• have kidney or liver disease
• bleed or bruise easily
• have epilepsy or a history of seizures
• have mania or are entering a manic phase
• are taking any irreversible monoamine oxidase inhibitor like phenelzine as these can cause serious reactions if taken with Fonksera or within 14 days of taking Fonksera
• taking other medication that interact with Fonksera, including monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) like moclobemide and selegiline for depression, the analgesic tramadol, sumatriptan for migraine, the antibiotic linezolid, herbal remedies containing St. John´s Wort

Several medications interact with Fonksera tablets 20mg and should either not be taken while you are taking Fonksera or only after discussion and instruction from your doctor:

• Drugs that cause a serious reaction with Fonksera: monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) for depression; serotonergic drugs like tryptophan and phentermine (mood alteration), the analgesic tramadol, herbal remedies containing St. John´s Wort, as these may increase risk of serotonin syndrome
• Drugs that affect Fonksera: monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) like moclobemide and selegiline for depression, the analgesic tramadol, sumatriptan for migraine, the antibiotic linezolid

You should take your Fonksera tablets 20mg with a glass of water, swallowed whole and with or without food once a day, at the same time each day.  Your doctor may increase or decrease your dose, depending on how you respond.  You should continue to take your Fonksera tablets 20mg regularly for several weeks or months, usually for 6 months, depending on your condition and your doctor’s recommendations. 

You should continue to take your Fonksera tablets 20mg regularly for several weeks or months, usually for 6 months, depending on your condition and your doctor’s recommendations. 

If you miss a dose of Fonksera tablets 20mg take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose.  Do not take a double dose.

You should store your Fonksera tablets 20mg below 25°C in a cool dry place, well out of reach of children.