Vortioxetine in the treatment of major depressive disorder

Abstract

ABSTRACT Vortioxetine is a novel psychotropic drug, with evidence of efficacy in acute treatment of major depressive episodes and in prevention of relapse in major depressive disorder. It has been described as having a ‘multimodal’ serotonergic mechanism of action, involving reuptake inhibition and a range of effects on presynaptic and postsynaptic receptors. It also has important effects on other neurotransmitters thought to be important in the neurobiology of depression and response to antidepressant treatment. It is efficacious in reducing anxiety symptom severity in depressed patients. The tolerability profile of vortioxetine appears predictable from its pharmacological properties. It may have beneficial effects in improving ‘cognition’ in depression, and a lower incidence of treatment-emergent sexual dysfunction, but these potential benefits require further investigation.