Vortioxetine: A multimodal antidepressant or another selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor?

CONCLUSIONS: Vortioxetine is a serotonin reuptake inhibitor with additional serotonergic receptor effects of uncertain significance; hence, its classification as 'multimodal'. The half-life is about 2.75 days and steady state requires about 14 days. Metabolism is hepatic and involves cytochromes 2D6 and 3A4/5. Antidepressant efficacy in major depressive disorder has been established in registration studies, but the effectiveness of vortioxetine in 'real world' patients and in comparison to other antidepressants needs further investigation. The recommended dose range is 5-20 mg. Nausea, constipation and vomiting are the most common side effects. Sexual dysfunction may occur at higher doses but there appears to be low risk of weight gain and sedation. There is still much to learn about this drug, particularly whether it has unique characteristics in comparison to existing antidepressants. At present, vortioxetine can be considered as an antidepressant option in patients with established major depressive disorder who have not responded adequately to other antidepressants. PMID: 25907797 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Australasian Psychiatry - Category: Psychiatry Authors: Tags: Australas Psychiatry Source Type: research