Pharmacokinetic evaluation of vortioxetine for the treatment of major depressive disorder

Introduction: Major depressive disorder (MDD), one of the most common disorders in medical practice and one of the leading causes of disability worldwide, is frequently comorbid with anxiety disorders. Vortioxetine (Lu AA21004) is a new antidepressant that combines a number of neurotransmitter reuptake and receptor effects that have been thought to predict efficacy as a treatment for depressive and anxiety disorders. Areas covered: This review summarizes the pharmacology and neurobiology of vortioxetine. Studies of its efficacy and tolerability in major depression and generalized anxiety disorder are critically reviewed. Expert opinion: Despite the fact that industry-sponsored studies are more likely than other clinical trials to support efficacy of the experimental drug, results have been mixed. Some studies supported that vortioxetine is superior to placebo in the treatment of MDD and some do not. Two studies supported the efficacy of vortioxetine in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder and two do not. The incidence of sexual dysfunction has varied considerably in different studies, but cardiac effects and psychomotor impairment seem to be minimal. Advantages of vortioxetine over existing antidepressants are not yet clear.