Vortioxetine versus citalopram in treating major depressive disorder (MDD)

Abstract

Introduction

Citalopram is a widely used antidepressant (AD), indicated for the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), with a high and Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitory action (SSRI), good efficacy and safety profile. Vortioxetine is a novel multimodal antidepressant compound, with a mixed action on Serotonin (both 5-HT agonism and antagonism). Its clinical efficacy has been established in several short and long term trials; furthermore it proved effective at mitigating cognitive dysfunction, which is addressed to as one of the main causes of social impairment in MMD patients.

Objectives

To evaluate the relative efficacy and safety of Vortioxetine versus Citalopram, in patients suffering from MDD.

Aims

To assess whether Vortioxetine effectiveness and tolerability are comparable to those observed for previous antidepressants.

Methods

The main outcomes were efficacy (variance from baseline to 1 month) in the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) and Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D) and tolerability (adverse events). Changes in cognitive performance were assessed using the following specifics tools: Digit symbol substitution test (DSST), Trail Making Test A (TMT-A) and Hopkins Verbal Learning Test-Revised (HVLT-R).

Results

Data collection is ongoing. According to Literature we expect to find a significant number of MDD patients on Vortioxetine to achieve a reduction in depressive symptoms from baseline, to report poor adverse events and to increase their cognitive performance.

Conclusion

As shown by recent literature, Vortioxetine might be an effective option in treating MMD with particular focus on cognitive dysfunction.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.