From the FDA Drug Label
The mean terminal half-life is approximately 66 hours, and steady-state plasma concentrations are typically achieved within two weeks of dosing.
The half-life of vortioxetine (Brintellix) is approximately 66 hours. This applies to the 2.5mg dose as the pharmacokinetics of vortioxetine are linear and dose-proportional when administered once daily 1.
From the Research
The half-life of vortioxetine (Brintellix) is approximately 66 hours, regardless of the 2.5mg or any other dosage. This means it takes about 66 hours for half of the medication to be eliminated from the body. This long half-life allows vortioxetine to be taken once daily, as therapeutic levels remain relatively stable in the bloodstream between doses. The extended half-life also means that if the medication is discontinued, it will take about 2 weeks (approximately 5-6 half-lives) for the drug to be almost completely eliminated from the body. This gradual elimination can help reduce potential discontinuation symptoms compared to antidepressants with shorter half-lives.
Key Points
- The half-life is not affected by the specific dose of the medication, so whether taking 2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg, or 20mg, the elimination rate remains consistent 2.
- Vortioxetine is primarily metabolized by the liver through the CYP2D6 enzyme system, which can be affected by other medications that inhibit or induce this enzyme.
- The pharmacokinetics of vortioxetine are linear and dose proportional, with a mean terminal half-life of approximately 66 hours and steady-state plasma concentrations generally achieved within 2 weeks of dosing 2.
- No clinically relevant differences were observed in vortioxetine exposure by sex, age, race, body size, and renal or hepatic function 2.
Clinical Implications
- The long half-life of vortioxetine allows for once-daily dosing and may reduce the risk of discontinuation symptoms compared to antidepressants with shorter half-lives.
- The gradual elimination of vortioxetine can help reduce potential discontinuation symptoms compared to antidepressants with shorter half-lives.
- Vortioxetine can be administered in most populations studied to date without major dose adjustments; however, dose adjustments should be considered on a patient-by-patient basis 2.