A randomized, double-blind trial of 2.5 mg and 5 mg vortioxetine (Lu AA21004) versus placebo for 8 weeks in adults with major depressive disorder

Systematic review and network meta-analysis of agomelatine for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder in adult patients

This systematic literature review aimed to assess the efficacy and tolerability of agomelatine versus approved medications for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in adult patients. We selected randomized controlled trials on various medications used to treat GAD in adult patients. An existing systematic literature review (Kong et al., 2020) was used to identify relevant studies published before 2020. Outcomes of remission and discontinuation due to adverse events (AEs) were analyzed, following a random-effects network meta-analysis approach. Of 25 identified studies, 20 and 22 studies were included in the network meta-analysis for studying the remission and discontinuation (due to AEs) outcomes, respectively. A statistically significant difference in the remission rate was observed between agomelatine and pregabalin [odds ratio (OR), 2.22; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.19-4.21]. For the other comparators, the results were nonsignificant; however, all the point estimates were in favor of agomelatine. Similarly, for discontinuation because of AEs, the point estimates leaned consistently toward agomelatine suggesting its higher tolerability. The probabilities of agomelatine having the highest remission rate and lowest discontinuation (due to AEs) rate were 67% and 68%, respectively. Based on its demonstrated effectiveness and tolerability, agomelatine can be considered as a drug of choice for the treatment of GAD.

Comparison of methods that combine multiple randomized trials to estimate heterogeneous treatment effects

Individualized treatment decisions can improve health outcomes, but using data to make these decisions in a reliable, precise, and generalizable way is challenging with a single dataset. Leveraging multiple randomized controlled trials allows for the combination of datasets with unconfounded treatment assignment to better estimate heterogeneous treatment effects. This article discusses several nonparametric approaches for estimating heterogeneous treatment effects using data from multiple trials. We extend single-study methods to a scenario with multiple trials and explore their performance through a simulation study, with data generation scenarios that have differing levels of cross-trial heterogeneity. The simulations demonstrate that methods that directly allow for heterogeneity of the treatment effect across trials perform better than methods that do not, and that the choice of single-study method matters based on the functional form of the treatment effect. Finally, we discuss which methods perform well in each setting and then apply them to four randomized controlled trials to examine effect heterogeneity of treatments for major depressive disorder.

Synthesis of anti-depressant molecules via metal-catalyzed reactions: a review

Depression is one of the most mutilating conditions in the world today. It has been difficult to make advancements toward better, more effective therapies since the introduction of antidepressant medicines in the late 1950s. One important field of medicinal chemistry is the synthesis of antidepressant molecules through metal-catalyzed procedures. The important role that different transition metals, including iron, nickel, ruthenium, and others, serve as catalysts in the synthesis of antidepressants is examined in this review. Key structural motifs included in antidepressant drugs such as tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and others can be synthesized in a variety of effective ways using metal-catalyzed steps. This review examines current developments in the catalytic synthesis of antidepressants and their potential application over the previous thirteen years.

The Role of Vortioxetine in the Treatment of Depressive Symptoms in General Hospital Psychiatry: A Case-Series and PRISMA-Compliant Systematic Review of the Literature

Depressive symptoms are a customary finding in hospitalized patients, particularly those who are undergoing long hospitalizations, underwent major surgical procedures or suffer from high levels of multimorbidity and frailty. The patients included in this case series shared high degrees of frailty-complexity and were evaluated within the ordinary consultation and liaison psychiatry service of the University Hospital in Pisa, Italy, from September 2021 to June 2023. Patients were administered at least one follow-up evaluation after a week and before discharge. To relate this case series to the extant literature, a comprehensive systematic review of vortioxetine safety and efficacy was performed. None of the six patients included developed serious safety issues, but one patient complained of mild-to-moderate nausea for some days after the vortioxetine introduction. Five out of six patients exhibited at least a slight clinical benefit as measured by the clinical global impression scale. Of the 858 entries screened via Scopus and Medline/PubMed, a total of 134 papers were included in our review. The present case series provides preliminary evidence for vortioxetine's safety in this healthcare domain. The literature reviewed in this paper seems to endorse a promising safety profile and a very peculiar efficacy niche for vortioxetine in consultation and liaison psychiatry.

The 5-HT7 receptor system as a treatment target for mood and anxiety disorders: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Preclinical animal and preliminary human studies indicate that 5-HT7 antagonists have the potential as a new treatment approach for mood and anxiety disorders. In this systematic review, we aimed to review the relationship between the 5-HT7 receptor system and mood and anxiety disorders, and to explore the pharmacology and therapeutic potential of medications that target the 5-HT7 receptor for their treatment.

METHODS

Medline, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, PsycINFO databases, the National Institute of Health website Clinicaltrials.gov, controlled-trials.com, and relevant grey literature were used to search for original research articles, and reference lists of included articles were then hand searched.

RESULTS

Sixty-four studies were included in the review: 52 animal studies and 12 human studies. Studies used a variety of preclinical paradigms and questionnaires to assess change in mood, and few studies examined sleep or cognition. Forty-four out of 47 (44/47) preclinical 5-HT7 modulation studies identified potential antidepressant effects and 20/23 studies identified potential anxiolytic effects. In clinical studies, 5/7 identified potential antidepressant effects in major depressive disorder, 1/2 identified potential anxiolytic effects in generalized anxiety disorder, and 3/3 identified potential antidepressant effects in bipolar disorders.

CONCLUSION

While there is some evidence that the 5-HT7 receptor system may be a potential target for treating mood and anxiety disorders, many agents included in the review also bind to other receptors. Further research is needed using drugs that bind specifically to 5-HT7 receptors to examine treatment proof of concept further.

Εfficacy and safety of vortioxetine (Lu AA21004) in the treatment of adult patients with major depressive disorder: A systematic review and a meta‑analysis of randomized controlled trials

Vortioxetine is a novel drug for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). It has been reported that vortioxetine exhibits positive effect on the acute stage of MDD, while it can effectively prevent the recurrence of MDD during the maintenance period. Currently, the results of systematic reviews on vortioxetine are insufficient since several efficacy measures, such as the 24-Items Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HADRS-24) total score and other safety factors have not been evaluated. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of different doses of vortioxetine on the treatment of adult patients with MDD via assessing more efficacy and safety indicators. The clinical, double-blind, parallel and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the effect of vortioxetine on MDD were retrieved from PubMed\Medline, EBSCO, Embase, Cochrane Library, OVID, Web of Science and clinical trial registration websites from database inception to November 2022. A total of two investigators independently screened the included references and independently evaluated their quality. The meta-analysis was performed using Revman 5.0 software. The present systematic review was registered in PROSPERO (registration no. CRD42018106343). In the present study 11 RCTs were included, with a total of 4,908 adult patients with MDD. More specifically, 1,158 patients were included in the 5-mg vortioxetine group, 736 in the 10-mg group, 298 in the 15-mg group, 864 in the 20-mg group and 1,852 in the placebo group. All 11 studies were randomized, double-blinded and parallel control trials, and all publications were evaluated as high quality. The meta-analysis results showed that patients in the 5-, 10- and 20-mg vortioxetine groups exhibited significantly higher Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) response (≥50%) and remission (≤10%) rates compared with the placebo group (P<0.05). The pooled analysis also revealed a statistically significant change in the total score of HADRS-24, MADRS, Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS), Clinical Global Impression Scale-Improvement (CGI-I) and HADRS-24 response rate in the 10- and 20-mg vortioxetine groups compared with the placebo group (P<0.05). However, no statistically significant changes in the total score of HADRS-24, MADRS, SDS, CGI-I and HADRS-24 response rate were obtained in the 5-mg group compared with the placebo group (P>0.05). Furthermore, the most common adverse events were nausea, hyperhidrosis, insomnia and vomiting, the incidence of which was increased with higher doses of vortioxetine. Overall, the results suggested that vortioxetine administration at doses of 5-20 mg was significantly effective and safe compared with placebo in the treatment of MDD. However, 5 mg vortioxetine displayed no difference in the HADRS-24, MADRS, SDS and CGI-I total scores, and HADRS-24 response rate. Furthermore, patient treatment with increasing vortioxetine doses was associated with good tolerance and high safety. Nevertheless, more multi-center, high-quality and long-term RCTs are still needed to support the aforementioned findings.

Antidepressants and Social Functioning in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled RCTs

INTRODUCTION

Social functioning (SF) is the ability to fulfil one's social obligations and a key outcome in treatment.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to estimate the effects of antidepressants on SF in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD).

METHODS

This meta-analysis and its reporting are based on Cochrane Collaboration's Handbook of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses and PRISMA guidelines (protocol registration at OSF). We systematically searched CENTRAL, Medline, PubMed Central, and PsycINFO for double-blind RCTs comparing antidepressants with placebo and reporting on SF. We computed standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% CIs and prediction intervals.

RESULTS

We selected 40 RCTs out of 1,188 records screened, including 16,586 patients (mean age 46.8 years, 64.2% women). In 27 studies investigating patients with MDD (primary depression), antidepressants resulted in a SMD of 0.25 compared to placebo ([95% CI: 0.21; 0.30] I2: 39%). In 13 trials with patients suffering from MDD comorbid with physical conditions or disorders, the summary estimate was 0.24 ([0.10; 0.37] I2: 75%). In comorbid depression, studies with high/uncertain risk of bias had higher SMDs than low-risk studies: 0.29 [0.13; 0.44] versus 0.04 [-0.16; 0.24]; no such effect was evident in primary depression. There was no indication of sizeable reporting bias. SF efficacy correlated with efficacy on depression scores, Spearman's rho 0.67 (p < 0.001), and QoL, 0.63 (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The effect of antidepressants on SF is small, similar to its effect on depressive symptoms in primary MDD, and doubtful in comorbid depression. Strong correlations with both antidepressive and QoL effects suggest overlap among domains.

Long-term safety and efficacy, including anhedonia, of vortioxetine for major depressive disorder: findings from two open-label studies

OBJECTIVE

Evaluate the long-term safety and efficacy of vortioxetine in the management of major depressive disorder (MDD) in two open-label one-year studies, including a post-hoc analysis of its effects on symptoms related to anhedonia.

METHODS

Both studies were 52-week, open-label, flexible-dose extension studies to evaluate the safety and efficacy of vortioxetine in adult patients with MDD following prior double-blind studies. Patients in the first study (NCT00761306) were flexibly treated with vortioxetine 5 or 10 mg/day (N = 74), and patients in the second study (NCT01323478) received vortioxetine 15 or 20 mg/day (N = 71).

RESULTS

The safety and tolerability profile of vortioxetine was similar between the two studies; treatment-emergent adverse events with the highest incidence were nausea, dizziness, headache, and nasopharyngitis. Across both studies, improvements achieved during the preceding double-blind studies period were maintained, and additional improvements were observed with open-label treatment. Patients showed a mean ± SD reduction (improvement) in Montgomery and Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) total score from open-label baseline to Week 52 of 4.3 ± 9.2 points in the 5-10 mg study, and 10.9 ± 10.0 in the 15-20 mg study. Post-hoc MMRM analyses of MADRS anhedonia factor scores also showed continued improvements over long-term treatment; patients showed a mean ± SE reduction from an open-label baseline to Week 52 of 3.10 ± 0.57 points in the 5-10 mg study, and 5.62 ± 0.60 in the 15-20 mg study.

CONCLUSIONS

Data from both studies confirm the safety and efficacy of flexibly dosed vortioxetine over 52 weeks of treatment and demonstrate that MADRS anhedonia factor scores continue to improve with long-term maintenance treatment.

Vortioxetine Improves Depressive Symptoms and Cognition in Parkinson's Disease Patients with Major Depression: An Open-Label Prospective Study

Depression is frequent in Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients, but the evidence for many antidepressant agents to treat it in PD is insufficient. The aim of the present prospective open-label single-arm study (VOPARK, an open-label study of the effectiveness and safety of VOrtioxetine in PARKinson’s disease patients with depression) was to analyze the effectiveness of vortioxetine on depressive symptoms in PD patients with major depression. The primary efficacy outcome was the change from baseline (VB) at the end of the observational period (12 weeks ± 14 days; V12w) in the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D17) total score. At VB, all patients had a HAM-D17 total score ≥16. A total of 30 patients (age 66.23 ± 10.27; 73.3% males) were included between February 2021 (first patient, 12/FEB/21) and March 2022 (last patient, 14/MAR/22). At 12 weeks, 27 patients completed the follow-up (90%). The total HAM-D17 total score was reduced by 52.7% (from 21.5 ± 4.75 at VB to 10.44 ± 7.54 at V12w; Cohen’s effect size = −2.5; p < 0.0001) and the response and remission rates were 50% and 43.3%, respectively. Apathy (Apathy Scale; p < 0.0001), cognition (PD-Cognitive Rating Scale; p = 0.007), fatigue (Fatigue Severity Scale; p = 0.014), and quality of life (PDQ-39 (p = 0.001) and EUROHIS-QOL8 (p < 0.0001)) improved at 3 weeks as well. A total of 11 adverse events in 10 patients (33.3%) were reported, one of which was severe (vomiting related to vortioxetine with full recovery after drug withdrawal). Vortioxetine was safe and well tolerated and improved depressive symptoms and other non-motor symptoms in PD patients.

The clinical utility of newer antidepressant agents: Understanding the role in management of MDD

Whereas MDD is characterized in part by changes in mood, other symptoms can also cause significant impairment, including sexual dysfunction, cognitive impairment, and fatigue. Newer antidepressants are explored with the goal of more optimally treating these non–mood-related symptoms of MDD. The 3 oral antidepressants that have been FDA-approved most recently include vortioxetine, vilazodone, and levomilnacipran. Unique features of these antidepressants are explored through 3 patient cases.

Efficacy and safety of vortioxetine in treatment of patients with major depressive disorder and common co-morbid physical illness

BACKGROUND

The multimodal antidepressant vortioxetine is effective in reducing somatic symptoms in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD), but little is known about its effects in reducing depressive symptoms in patients with common comorbid physical illnesses.

METHODS

This was a pooled analysis of 13 randomized, placebo-controlled trials which evaluated the efficacy (using the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale [MADRS]) and safety of vortioxetine (5-20 mg/day) in adult patients with MDD. We evaluated stable somatic comorbid conditions that were verified by a diagnosis and had sufficient database representation.

RESULTS

Of the 5982 patients included in the database, 963 (16.1%) patients had a diagnosis of cardiovascular disease, 152 (2.5%) had diabetes mellitus and 26 (0.4%) had chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD). At Week 8, adjusted mean[95%CI] treatment differences (vortioxetine vs. placebo) on MADRS total scores were -2.7[-4.2, -1.3] (p = 0.0002) points for the cardiovascular disease, -4.0[-7.7, -0.4] (p = 0.03) for the diabetes, and -6.2[-21.3, 8.9] (p = 0.36) for the COPD groups. The rate and pattern of adverse events were similar across the sub-groups with comorbidities and was consistent with that expected for vortioxetine treatment.

LIMITATIONS

The primary studies were not designed to investigate the relationship between vortioxetine and comorbidities, nor were the post hoc analyses powered to detect group differences.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with MDD and comorbid cardiovascular disease or diabetes respond to vortioxetine in a similar way to the broader MDD population. Vortioxetine was generally safe and well tolerated and without unexpected adverse events in these subpopulations, most of whom are taking multiple concomitant medications.

Toxicity of waterborne vortioxetine, a new antidepressant, in non-target aquatic organisms: From wonder to concern drugs?

Vortioxetine is increasing in popularity as a treatment for major depressive disorder and has been detected in wastewater effluent. However, information on the toxicity and environmental risk of vortioxetine in non-target organisms is scarce. Here, embryonic and juvenile zebrafish (Danio rerio) were used to assess the toxicity of vortioxetine (0, 1, 10, 30, 100, 300, and 1000 μg/L) after 120 h and 7 d of exposure, respectively. Vortioxetine induced significant toxicity during embryonic development, including effects on survival, hatching, basal heart rate, spontaneous tail coiling and developmental abnormalities, and inhibited larval locomotor activity at concentrations higher than 30 μg/L. Additionally, vortioxetine evoked anxiolytic-like behavior and caused histopathological changes to multiple organs (gills, heart, liver and intestine) in juvenile zebrafish. Significant increase in 5-HT content was observed in whole zebrafish larvae and juvenile brain tissues from animals treated with 1 or 100 μg/L vortioxetine. Notably, the lowest effective concentrations of vortioxetine for zebrafish were mainly in the range of 10-30 μg/L, which were slightly lower than the vortioxetine therapeutic concentrations. Risk quotients assuming conservative exposure assessments were above one in European countries indicating moderate risk for the behavioral endpoints assessed. We believe that these results highlight the adverse effects of vortioxetine on non-target organisms and that further investigations will be required to provide a higher confidence.

Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Vortioxetine for the Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder in Adults

Objective

We aimed to compare the efficacy, acceptability, and tolerability of vortioxetine in the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in adults.

Method

We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Clinical Trials (CENTRAL), and www.ClinicalTrials.gov for randomized controlled trials that examined vortioxetine vs. placebo or other antidepressants for the treatment of MDD from database inception to August 30, 2021, using keywords Vortioxetine, Brintellix, Trintellix, LuAA21004, major depressive disorder, mood disorder, affective disorder, and MDD. We identified 789 publications after removing duplicates. After screening, 20 eligible randomized controlled trials were identified, of which 19 were included in the final meta-analysis. We included adults (aged 18 years and older) with a primary diagnosis of MDD. Two review authors independently selected the studies and extracted data. We extracted data on study characteristics, participant characteristics, intervention details and outcome measures in terms of efficacy, acceptability, and tolerability. Analyses were performed using random-effects models, and outcomes were pooled as risk ratios (RRs) and standardized mean differences (SMDs).

Results

In total, 20 studies (8,547 participants) met the inclusion criteria. Vortioxetine outperformed the placebo in efficacy outcomes, including response (RR 1.35, 95% CI 1.23-1.48; P < 0.001), remission (RR 1.33, 95% CI 1.17-1.52; P < 0.001), and cognitive function (SMD 0.34, 95% CI 0.16-0.52; P = 0.0003). Compared with the serotonin noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), vortioxetine had better tolerability (RR 0.90, 95% CI 0.86-0.94; P < 0.001) but no significant difference in response (RR 0.91, 95%CI 0.82-1.00; P = 0.06) or remission (RR: 0.99, 95% CI 0.81-1.20, P = 0.88). Vortioxetine had no difference in response (RR 1.08, 95% CI 0.88-1.32; P = 0.46), remission (RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.41-2.44; P = 1.00) comparing with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

Conclusions

Vortioxetine is more advantageous over placebo in treating MDD among adults, but no significant difference compared to SNRIs and SSRIs in general.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?ID=CRD42021278355, identifier: CRD42021278355.

Case Report: Vortioxetine in the Treatment of Depressive Symptoms in Patients With Epilepsy-Case Series

Epilepsy and depression are both serious and potentially disabling conditions which often coexist-bidirectional relationship between the two disorders has been observed. Comorbidity between depression and epilepsy can be attributed to: underlying common pathophysiological mechanisms, psychiatric side effect of antiepileptic medications and psychological response to stress in people with chronic, neurological condition. Despite high prevalence of depressive symptoms in patients with epilepsy, current evidence of the effectiveness of antidepressant therapy in this group of patients is very limited. Vortioxetine is an antidepressant with multimodal activity, very good treatment tolerability, low risk of inducing pharmacokinetic interactions, relative safety of treatment in patients with somatic comorbidities, low risk of causing: sedation, sexual dysfunctions and metabolic side effects. Vortioxetine seems to be a promising treatment option for depressed patients with cognitive dysfunctions, anhedonia and anxiety. In this case series, we report nine cases of patients with epilepsy and depressive symptoms treated with vortioxetine. Seven cases are patients with secondary focal and generalized epilepsy and two with unclassified epilepsy. Three patients presented with depressive episode in the course of bipolar disorder and six patients had depressive symptoms due to organic mood disorder. The dose range of vortioxetine was between 10 and 20 mg. In all of the presented cases effectiveness and tolerability of treatment were very good. Remission of depressive symptoms was achieved in all patients. No epilepsy seizures after switch to vortioxetine were observed in seven cases. In two patients seizures occurred during the first months of vortioxetine treatment but this most probably was due to suboptimal antiepileptic treatment-satisfactory seizure control was achieved after optimization of antiepileptic pharmacotherapy. Vortioxetine was discontinued in two of the presented cases due to pregnancy planning. The duration of observation period during vortioxetine therapy ranged from 2 to 48 months. In conclusion, vortioxetine can be a promising treatment option in patients with epilepsy and comorbid depressive symptoms.

Selective publication of antidepressant trials and its influence on apparent efficacy: Updated comparisons and meta-analyses of newer versus older trials

BACKGROUND

Valid assessment of drug efficacy and safety requires an evidence base free of reporting bias. Using trial reports in Food and Drug Administration (FDA) drug approval packages as a gold standard, we previously found that the published literature inflated the apparent efficacy of antidepressant drugs. The objective of the current study was to determine whether this has improved with recently approved drugs.

METHODS AND FINDINGS

Using medical and statistical reviews in FDA drug approval packages, we identified 30 Phase II/III double-blind placebo-controlled acute monotherapy trials, involving 13,747 patients, of desvenlafaxine, vilazodone, levomilnacipran, and vortioxetine; we then identified corresponding published reports. We compared the data from this newer cohort of antidepressants (approved February 2008 to September 2013) with the previously published dataset on 74 trials of 12 older antidepressants (approved December 1987 to August 2002). Using logistic regression, we examined the effects of trial outcome and trial cohort (newer versus older) on transparent reporting (whether published and FDA conclusions agreed). Among newer antidepressants, transparent publication occurred more with positive (15/15 = 100%) than negative (7/15 = 47%) trials (OR 35.1, CI95% 1.8 to 693). Controlling for trial outcome, transparent publication occurred more with newer than older trials (OR 6.6, CI95% 1.6 to 26.4). Within negative trials, transparent reporting increased from 11% to 47%. We also conducted and contrasted FDA- and journal-based meta-analyses. For newer antidepressants, FDA-based effect size (ESFDA) was 0.24 (CI95% 0.18 to 0.30), while journal-based effect size (ESJournals) was 0.29 (CI95% 0.23 to 0.36). Thus, effect size inflation, presumably due to reporting bias, was 0.05, less than for older antidepressants (0.10). Limitations of this study include a small number of trials and drugs-belonging to a single class-and a focus on efficacy (versus safety).

CONCLUSIONS

Reporting bias persists but appears to have diminished for newer, compared to older, antidepressants. Continued efforts are needed to further improve transparency in the scientific literature.

A Feasibility Study of Patients with Major Depression and Substance Use Disorders: Vortioxetine as Maintenance Treatment

BACKGROUND

Limited studies have evaluated the effectiveness of vortioxetine in real-world settings, and none of them has involved patients with dual depression (major depressive disorder [MDD] and substance use disorder [SUD]). The objective of the study was to describe the effectiveness of vortioxetine in clinical practice and determine its effect on affective symptoms, cognitive function, quality of life, and substance use in patients with MDD and SUD.

METHODS

Post-authorization, retrospective, multicenter, descriptive, and observational study in 80 patients with MDD and SUD receiving a maintenance treatment with vortioxetine for six months between January 2017 and April 2021.

RESULTS

Compared with baseline, scores significantly decreased after 3 and 6 months of treatment in the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale total (from 28.9 to 17.7 and 12.0), and global functional impairment of the Sheehan Disability Inventory (from 26.3 to 19.1 and 16.7). The number of correct answers in the symbol digit modalities test significantly improved during vortioxetine treatment (from 40.4 to 43.8 and 48.4). Regarding the clinical global impression scale, the score for disease severity significantly decreased from 3.8 to 3.0 and 2.4. Compared with baseline, there was a significant reduction in consumption of practically all substances, especially of alcohol, cannabis, and cocaine.

CONCLUSION

Vortioxetine was effective in clinical practice for alleviating depressive symptoms and functional impairment, and in improving cognitive and executive functions and disease severity in patients with MDD and SUD. Moreover, the treatment with vortioxetine favored a reduction in substance use and the severity of the SUDs.

Systematic review of gender bias in vortioxetine clinical trials

This paper evaluates gender bias in the published clinical trials of Vortioxetine. We conducted a systematic review of controlled clinical trials of Vortioxetine for the treatment of depression. The literature search was performed using MEDLINE and following the corresponding international recommendations. We identified 42 articles, of which 23 were included. The proportion of women ranged from 47%-75% and the percentage of women included in the 10,404 total patients sample was 65%. The separate analysis of the main variable between the subpopulations of men and women was only carried out in 3/23 publications included. In contrast, 6/23 trials analyzed secondary variables separated by sex. No trials discussed the results separately by sex. The proportion of women included was slightly higher than that in clinical trials of other antidepressants. However, the analysis of the main result or secondary variables by sex, as well as discussing the results separately by sex, are scarce. This gives rise to gender bias in these works.

Is Obesity A Determinant Of Success With Pharmacological Treatment For Depression? A Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis And Meta-Regression

BACKGROUND

The bidirectional association between Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and obesity suggests that body mass index (BMI) at the baseline could influence remission rates (RR) with pharmacological treatment. We evaluated the influence of baseline BMI on the chances of remission among patients with MDD administered antidepressants.

METHODS

Based on the guidelines of the PRISMA statement, we conducted a systematic review on PubMed, Cochrane and Embase databases with subsequent meta-analysis and meta-regression. We included only randomized controlled trials evaluating the efficacy of antidepressants of different classes (monotherapy and combined therapies) that evidenced baseline BMI assessment. We created a model to describe the linear relationship between baseline BMI and RR.

RESULTS

Our systematic review yielded 70 studies with a total of 9,779 patients in the active group and 7,136 patients in the placebo group. In placebo controlled studies, BMI influenced the RR of patients randomized to active treatment. The RR for antidepressants in monotherapy was higher in normal weight to overweight patients rather than obese patients (33% vs 12%, respectively). Also in monotherapy, the RR is higher when the study is conducted on patients with a lower baseline BMI (p=0.029). For combined therapies, the pooled RR was higher in obese patients rather than in normal weight to overweight patients (75% vs 17%, respectively).

LIMITATIONS

BMI provides no information about body composition and obesity can be related to several potential confounders that potentially influence RR.

CONCLUSION

The RR with antidepressant therapy seems to be associated with baseline BMI in patients with MDD, although this simple variable was insufficiently explored so far.

Conditional power of antidepressant network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Conditional power of network meta-analysis (NMA) can support the planning of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing medical interventions. Conditional power is the probability that updating existing inconclusive evidence in NMA with additional trial(s) will result in conclusive evidence, given assumptions regarding trial design, anticipated effect sizes, or event probabilities.

METHODS

The present work aimed to estimate conditional power for potential future trials on antidepressant treatments. Existing evidence was based on a published network of 502 RCTs conducted between 1979-2018 assessing acute antidepressant treatment in major depressive disorder (MDD). Primary outcomes were efficacy in terms of the symptom change on the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) and tolerability in terms of the dropout rate due to adverse events. The network compares 21 antidepressants consisting of 231 relative treatment comparisons, 164 (efficacy) and 127 (tolerability) of which are currently assumed to have inconclusive evidence.

RESULTS

Required sample sizes to achieve new conclusive evidence with at least 80% conditional power were estimated to range between N = 894 - 4190 (efficacy) and N = 521 - 1246 (tolerability). Otherwise, sample sizes ranging between N = 49 - 485 (efficacy) and N = 40 - 320 (tolerability) may require stopping for futility based on a boundary at 20% conditional power. Optimizing trial designs by considering multiple trials that contribute both direct and indirect evidence, anticipating alternative effect sizes or alternative event probabilities, may increase conditional power but required sample sizes remain high. Antidepressants having the greatest conditional power associated with smallest required sample sizes were identified as those on which current evidence is low, i.e., clomipramine, levomilnacipran, milnacipran, nefazodone, and vilazodone, with respect to both outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

The present results suggest that conditional power to achieve new conclusive evidence in ongoing or future trials on antidepressant treatments is low. Limiting the use of the presented conditional power analysis are primarily due to the estimated large sample sizes which would be required in future trials as well as due to the well-known small effect sizes in antidepressant treatments. These findings may inform researchers and decision-makers regarding the clinical relevance and justification of research in ongoing or future antidepressant RCTs in MDD.

Efficacy of Vortioxetine on Anhedonia: Results from a Pooled Analysis of Short-Term Studies in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder

PURPOSE

Anhedonia is a core symptom of major depressive disorder (MDD), which has important functional consequences for the patient. This post hoc analysis investigated the relationship between anhedonia and functioning in patients with MDD treated with vortioxetine.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We conducted a pooled analysis of all 11 short-term, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled studies of vortioxetine (fixed dose, 5-20 mg/day) in patients with MDD which included Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) and Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS) assessments. A short-term, randomized, active-controlled trial of flexible-dose treatment with vortioxetine (10-20 mg/day) versus agomelatine (25-50 mg/day) was also analyzed. Mean changes from baseline to study endpoint in MADRS total, MADRS anhedonia subscale, SDS total, and SDS social-functioning scores were analyzed by a mixed model for repeated measures. The relationship between treatment effects on anhedonia and functioning was investigated using path analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 4988 patients with MDD were included in the placebo-controlled studies and 495 in the active-comparator study. Significant dose-dependent improvements in overall depressive symptoms, anhedonia, and measures of functioning were seen in vortioxetine-treated patients compared with those who received placebo or agomelatine. Results of the path analysis for the placebo-controlled studies suggested that the effect on functioning was mostly driven by the effect of treatment on MADRS anhedonia factors.

CONCLUSION

Vortioxetine showed significant short-term efficacy against anhedonia in this large population of patients with MDD. In the placebo-controlled studies, improvements in functioning associated with vortioxetine appeared to be mostly driven by the effect of treatment on MADRS anhedonia factors.

Vortioxetine as a new frontier in the treatment of chronic neuropathic pain: a review and update

Chronic neuropathic pain (CNP) is a disabling medical condition that impairs the health-related quality-of-life of affected patients. A high prevalence of anxiety, depression, sleep disturbance and cognitive impairment has frequently been reported in association with CNP, making the management of this disease complex and often multidisciplinary. Dual-acting agents such as selective serotonin and noradrenalin reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are considered particularly useful in the modulation of pain and in treatment of the mood disorders frequently associated with CNP. Recent evidence suggests that the top-down inhibitory control of pain involves the engagement and enhancement of descending endogenous opioidergic, cannabinoid and serotonergic systems, with the effect of serotonin being particularly related to the receptor subtypes that are preferentially activated; indeed serotonin induces analgesia via activation of 5-HT7 receptors and hyperalgesia via activation of 5-HT3 receptors. Vortioxetine (VO) is a novel multimodal serotonergic antidepressant with a unique mechanism of action. It has been demonstrated recently in experimental and clinical studies to have efficacy on pain hypersensitivity and on mood disorders. This drug inhibits the serotonin transporter with a high affinity, antagonises the 5-HT3, 5-HT1D and 5HT7 serotonin receptors, and activates the 5-HT1A and 5-HT1B receptors. In clinical studies, VO has proved effective at a dose of 10-20 mg/daily in short- and long-term treatment of patients with chronic orofacial pain, demonstrating a higher rate of clinical response and remission, a better acceptability, safety rate and tolerability, and a lower latency of action compared with other antidepressants. In the light of these recent findings, VO may be considered as a new pharmacological treatment also in relation to various types of CNP, particularly in elderly patients with concomitant mood disorders and cognitive impairment. The purpose of this review is to provide an up-to-date overview of the pharmacology and clinical applications of VO and to highlight its potential therapeutic properties and advantages in the management of CNP.

Effectiveness, tolerability, and dropout rates of vortioxetine in comorbid depression: A naturalistic study

OBJECTIVE

Vortioxetine is a novel antidepressant whose safety, tolerability, and therapeutic action have been supported by several studies. The present naturalistic study aimed to characterize its effectiveness, tolerability, and dropout rate in the real world.

METHODS

Total sample consisted of 66 outpatients with major depressive episode, treated with vortioxetine, whose clinical variables were evaluated over three time points.

RESULTS

Most common primary diagnoses were major depressive disorder (45.5%) and bipolar disorder (33.4%), with an overall comorbidity rate of 48.5% and concomitant medications in the 89.4%. The mean vortioxetine daily dosage was 12.90 ± 5.65 mg. Effectiveness of vortioxetine through a significant improvement on specific psychometric scales emerged, while only a nonsignificant trend of association between higher dosage and effectiveness was found. In the total sample, 51.5% were classified as responders and 36.4% as remitters. Two-thirds of subjects did not report side effects, while in the remaining patients, gastrointestinal ones were the most frequent (72.7%). Almost two-thirds of the sample could complete the follow-up, while 36.4% dropped out; the main reasons for dropout were side effects (37.5%) and lack of efficacy (29.2%).

CONCLUSIONS

Larger sample studies are warranted to better characterize vortioxetine effectiveness and tolerability in the real world.

Canadian economic impact of improved workplace productivity in patients with major depressive disorder treated with vortioxetine

OBJECTIVE

The AtWoRC study is an interventional, open-label Canadian study that demonstrated significant improvements in cognitive function and workplace productivity in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) treated with vortioxetine for a current major depressive episode. The objective of the present analysis was to assess the Canadian economic impact of improved workplace productivity based on the AtWoRC study results.

METHODS

The economic impact of improved productivity in patients with MDD treated with vortioxetine was assessed over a 52-week period considering productivity loss due to absenteeism and presenteeism using the standard human capital approach and an employer's perspective. Absenteeism was measured with the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment questionnaire; and presenteeism with the Work Limitation Questionnaire. Productivity gains following treatment initiation with vortioxetine were estimated using the difference from baseline.

RESULTS

In the AtWoRC study, patients at baseline reportedly missed, in the past 7 days, an average of 8.1 h due to absenteeism and 3.0 h due to presenteeism. Following 52 weeks of treatment with vortioxetine, patients reportedly missed an average of 4.9 h due to absenteeism and 2.0 h due to presenteeism. This improved workplace productivity translated into savings of C$110.64 for 1 week of work following 52 weeks of treatment. The cumulative 52-week economic impact showed potential savings of C$4,550 when factoring in the cost of therapy.

CONCLUSION

This study suggested that workplace productivity gain due to an improvement in symptoms of MDD following treatment with vortioxetine will lead to substantial cost savings for the Canadian economy.

Suicidal ideation and behavior in adults with major depressive disorder treated with vortioxetine: post hoc pooled analyses of randomized, placebo-controlled, short-term and open-label, long-term extension trials

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to evaluate the risk of suicidal ideation and behavior associated with vortioxetine treatment in adults with major depressive disorder (MDD).

METHODS

Suicide-related events were evaluated post hoc using 2 study pools: one short-term pool of 10 randomized, placebo-controlled studies (6-8 weeks) and another long-term pool that included 3 open-label extension studies (52 weeks). Evaluation of suicide-related events was performed using Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) scores and treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) data.

RESULTS

At baseline, the percentage of patients reporting any C-SSRS ideation or behavior events in short-term studies was similar between placebo (14.7%), vortioxetine (19.8%, 13.0%, 11.2%, and 13.7% for 5-, 10-, 15-, and 20-mg groups, respectively), and duloxetine active reference (13.2%) and did not change throughout the 6- to 8-week treatment period for placebo (17.0%), vortioxetine (19.3%, 13.5%, 12.6%, and 15% for 5-, 10-, 15-, and 20-mg groups, respectively), or duloxetine (11.3%). The incidence of suicide-related events for TEAEs in the short-term pool was 0.4% for placebo, 0.2% or 1.0% for vortioxetine 5 mg or 10 mg, and 0.7% each for vortioxetine 15 mg and 20 mg, as well as duloxetine. After 52-week treatment with vortioxetine, suicidal ideation based on C-SSRS was 9.8%, C-SSRS suicidal behavior was 0.2%, and the incidence of suicide-related events based on TEAEs was <1%. There were no completed suicides in any study.

CONCLUSIONS

Vortioxetine is not associated with increased risk of suicidal ideation or behavior in MDD patients.

Structured review of the use of the Arizona sexual experiences scale in clinical settings

BACKGROUND

Approximately 40% of women and 30% of men describe sexual dysfunction, although recognition in medical settings is suboptimal, due to problems in reporting and eliciting concerns relating to sexual function and satisfaction. Screening questionnaires may help to support this aspect of clinical practice. The Arizona sexual experiences scale (ASEX) includes items that quantify sex drive, arousal, vaginal lubrication or penile erection, ability to reach orgasm, and satisfaction from orgasm.

METHOD

We investigated the validity and other psychometric properties of the ASEX, and the findings from the populations in which it has been employed, by searching MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Google Scholar using the terms, Arizona sexual experiences scale, Arizona Sexual Experience Questionnaire, and ASEX. We eliminated duplications, letters, and papers not available in English, and grouped the remaining papers into the categories of psychometric, epidemiological, and outcome-based studies.

RESULTS

After elimination of letters and duplicates, papers not in English, and preclinical and irrelevant studies, 104 papers were analyzed. The ASEX has excellent internal consistency, scale reliability and strong test-retest reliability. Analyses of variance reveal significant differences in total ASEX scores between patients and controls and between females and males. ASEX appears to be useful in a range of clinical situations including patients with primary sexual dysfunction, specific psychiatric disorders, specific physical illnesses, and treatment emergent sexual dysfunction.

DISCUSSION

The ASEX appears to be a reliable instrument for identifying and quantifying sexual dysfunction across a range of populations in various clinical settings. Little is known about its utility in patients with anxiety disorders or relationships between ASEX scores and biological parameters.

Meta-analysis of placebo group dropout in adult antidepressant trials

BACKGROUND

Minimizing dropouts across antidepressant, placebo-controlled trials remains a major opportunity to improve the efficiency of trials. This meta-analysis investigated placebo dropout rate and its predictors in second generation antidepressant (SGA) for anxiety, depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

METHODS

A random-effects meta-analysis was performed to examine placebo group dropout rate in SGA trials for depression, anxiety and OCD using Freeman - Tukey transformation. Stratified subgroup analysis by diagnostic indication was performed to examine the dropout rate across disorders. Meta-regression was performed to identify correlates between placebo dropout rate and trial and subject characteristics.

RESULTS

Meta-analysis included 148 trials with 18,016 participants receiving placebo. Across antidepressant trials the overall placebo dropout rate was 25% (dropout rate ± standard error (SE) = 0.25 ± 0.01, 95% CI: 0.23-0.27, z = 23.95, p < .001) and was similar across disorders (χ2 = 1.09, df = 2, p = .58). The placebo group dropout rate was 26% in depressive disorders, 25% in anxiety disorders and 22% in OCD. Across all diagnostic indications, earlier publication year, placebo lead-in, studies conducted in a single country (instead of internationally), longer trial duration, fewer study sites, more study visits and less baseline illness severity were associated with higher placebo dropout rate. Significant predictors of placebo dropout did not replicate across disorders.

CONCLUSION

No significant difference was found in placebo dropout rate between internalizing disorders with overall dropout rate for placebo groups in antidepressant trials being around 25%. Placebo dropouts in trials can be minimized by reducing subject burden in trials, enrolling more severely affected subjects and foregoing placebo lead-in periods.

Clinical implications of directly switching antidepressants in well-treated depressed patients with treatment-emergent sexual dysfunction: a comparison between vortioxetine and escitalopram

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this work was to describe treatment-emergent sexual dysfunction (TESD) and tolerability following a switch from selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI: citalopram, paroxetine, or sertraline) monotherapy to vortioxetine or escitalopram monotherapy in adults with well-treated major depressive disorder (MDD) and SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction.

METHODS

Data were analyzed from the primary study, an 8-week, randomized, double-blind, head-to-head study in which participants with well-treated depressive symptoms but experiencing TESD with SSRIs were directly switched to flexible doses (10/20 mg) of vortioxetine or escitalopram. Sexual functioning was assessed by the Changes in Sexual Functioning Questionnaire-14 (CSFQ-14), efficacy by the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale scores (MADRS) and Clinicians Global Impression of Severity/Improvement (CGI-S/CGI-I), and tolerability by adverse events. Efficacy and tolerability were assessed by pre-switch SSRI therapy where possible, and by participant characteristics.

RESULTS

Greater improvements in TESD were seen in the vortioxetine compared with escitalopram groups based on: participant demographics (≤45 years, women; P = 0.045), prior SSRI treatment (P = 0.044), number of prior major depressive episodes (MDEs) (1-3; P = 0.001), and duration of prior SSRI therapy (>1 year; P = 0.001). Prior SSRI treatment did not appear to influence the incidence or severity of TEAEs, except for nausea. Regardless of prior SSRI, both treatments maintained antidepressant efficacy after 8 weeks.

CONCLUSION

Results suggest that vortioxetine is a safe and effective switch therapy for treating SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction in adults with well-treated MDD. Also, improvement in sexual dysfunction with vortioxetine or escitalopram may be influenced by prior SSRI usage, sex, age, and history of MDEs.

Applying the inclusion/exclusion criteria in placebo-controlled studies to a clinical sample: A comparison of medications

BACKGROUND

We previously compared the inclusion/exclusion criteria in the studies of vortioxetine to other antidepressants and found that they were significantly more restrictive in the vortioxetine studies. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that the differences in psychiatric inclusion/exclusion criteria used in the studies of some antidepressants resulted in differences in generalizability to clinical samples.

METHODS

We applied the inclusion and exclusion criteria used in 161 antidepressant efficacy trials to 1,271 patients presenting to an outpatient practice who received a principal diagnosis of major depressive disorder. The patients underwent a thorough diagnostic evaluation. We compared the percentage of patients that would be excluded in studies of different medications.

RESULTS

The percentage of patients that would have been excluded was significantly higher in the vortioxetine studies than other medications. For the 15 medications that were included in at least 5 trials, we computed the mean percentage of patients that would be excluded. The values ranged from 76.0% (for fluoxetine) to 99.1% (for quetiapine).

LIMITATIONS

While our calculations were based on the exclusion criteria stated in the published articles, we have no way of knowing how these criteria were actually applied.

CONCLUSION

Studies of different medications vary in how representative the samples are of patients in clinical practice. The variability in the inclusion/exclusion criteria used to select samples for antidepressant efficacy trials, and the evidence that studies of different medications vary in their generalizability, makes it more difficult to interpret network analyses comparing the relative efficacy of medications.

The effect of vortioxetine on penicillin-induced epileptiform activity in rats

Vortioxetine is a multimodal antidepressant agent that modulates 5-HT receptors and inhibits the serotonin transporter. It is indicated especially in cases of major depressive disorder related to cognitive dysfunction. There are many studies investigating the effects of antidepressants on the seizure threshold and short-term epileptic activity. However, the effect of vortioxetine on epileptic seizures is not exactly known. Our aim was to investigate the effects of vortioxetine on penicillin-induced epileptiform activity. Twenty-seven Wistar rats were divided into three groups: sham-control group, positive control group (diazepam), and vortioxetine group. After a penicillin-induced epilepsy model was formed in each of the three groups of animals, 0.1 ml of saline was administered to the control group, 0.1 ml (10 mg/kg) vortioxetine was administered in the vortioxetine group, and 0.1 mL (5 mg/kg) of diazepam was administered in the positive control group, intraperitoneally. The epileptic activity records were obtained for 120 minutes after the onset of seizure. There was no significant difference in spike wave activity between the vortioxetine and diazepam groups, whereas this was significantly reduced in the vortioxetine group compared with the controls. The administration of vortioxetine at a dose of 10 mg/kg immediately after the seizure induction significantly decreased the spike frequencies of epileptiform activity compared with the control group. No significant difference was found between the vortioxetine and positive controls. This study showed that vortioxetine reduces the number of acutely-induced epileptic discharges. Vortioxetine may be an important alternative for epileptic patients with major depressive disorder-related cognitive dysfunction.

A Review of Novel Antidepressants: A Guide for Clinicians

This review article aims to provide insight into the mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy, safety and tolerability of four novel antidepressants including desvenlafaxine, vortioxetine, vilazodone, and levomilnacipran. Following keywords are used in PubMed and Scopus to search for relevant articles: (depression) AND (psychopharmacology OR desvenlafaxine OR levomilnacipran OR vortioxetine OR vilazodone). Patients with a lack of effectiveness or tolerability to certain antidepressants may get benefit from selecting a new antidepressant with different mechanism of action. These medications can be an option in the selection of newer antidepressants. Depression may not be caused by the simple deficiency of serotonin in the brain, but rather a complex interplay of various neurotransmitters including serotonin, norepinephrine, glutamate, and histamine at certain brain areas. The above-mentioned novel antidepressants exert their therapeutic benefits by acting on multiple neurotransmitters. The complexity of underlying the neurobiological mechanism should be considered while formulating a plan of care.

The efficacy and safety of 10 mg/day vortioxetine compared to placebo for adult major depressive disorder: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

There is a growing interest in vortioxetine in major depressive disorder (MDD).

OBJECTIVES

This meta-analysis aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of 10 mg/day (mg/d) vortioxetine compared to placebo for MDD in adult.

METHODS

Eight randomly controlled trials (RCTs) about the treatment of 10 mg/d vortioxetine in adult patients with MDD were identified and 2354 patients were included in meta-analysis.

RESULTS

According to the results, 10 mg/d vortioxetine showed significant differences in response rates (OR=1.88, 95% CI=1.40-2.53, P<0.0001), remission rates (OR=1.54, 95% CI=1.27-1.86, P<0.00001), change from baseline in Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) total score (SMD=-3.50, 95%CI=-4.83 to -2.17, P<0.00001), clinical global Impression-Global Improvement (CGI-I) total score (SMD=-3.40, 95% CI=-4.69 to -2.11, P<0.00001), and change from baseline in Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS) total score (SMD=-2.09, 95% CI=-2.64 to -1.55, P<0.00001). But 10 mg/d vortioxetine was easier induced nausea (OR=4.18, 95% CI=3.21-5.44, P<0.00001) and constipation (OR=1.88, 95% CI=1.14 to 3.09, P=0.01).

CONCLUSION

10 mg/d vortioxetine was more effective, but easily induced nausea and constipation when compared to placebo for MDD in adult.

Efficacy of vortioxetine on the physical symptoms of major depressive disorder

BACKGROUND

Efficacy has been proven for vortioxetine in short-term and long-term treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD), with broad beneficial effects on emotional, physical and cognitive symptoms. Limited specific data on the effects of vortioxetine on depression-related physical symptoms have been published.

METHODS

A meta-analysis was carried out of five short-term multinational, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies. These studies were conducted in a total of 2105 adult MDD outpatients (18-75 years) with a major depressive episode of ⩾3 months' duration. Only patients treated with a dose of 5 or 10 mg vortioxetine (therapeutic doses) or placebo were included in this analysis. Efficacy assessment of vortioxetine on the physical symptoms of depression included all items of the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAM-D) assessing physical symptoms, and all somatic items in the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAM-A). A subgroup analysis in MDD patients with coexisting anxiety symptoms (i.e. those with a HAM-A ⩾20 at baseline) was also performed.

RESULTS

A significant improvement ( p<0.05) of vortioxetine versus placebo was observed on all HAM-D items measuring physical symptoms, except for the somatic gastrointestinal symptoms and loss of weight items. Significant effects were also observed on the HAM-A somatic items: general somatic symptoms, gastrointestinal symptoms, and autonomic symptoms. In patients with a high baseline level of anxiety, a significant effect of vortioxetine was also observed on the physical symptoms of depression.

CONCLUSIONS

These analyses indicate that patients with MDD, including those with a high level of anxiety symptoms, have significant improvements in MDD-associated physical symptoms when treated with vortioxetine.

Variation in analytic transparency in recent efficacy studies of antidepressant medication

The validity of clinical trial results is influenced by researchers' decisions regarding the management of missing data. Inadequate management of missing data has been identified as a significant source of bias that can result in an overestimation of drug efficacy. Transparency related to the management of missing data is essential to assess the strength of evidence reported in publications. In a subset of 17 randomised clinical trials for two new antidepressant medications, we present a case study in which we examined investigators' decisions regarding how to handle missing data and if their chosen method took into account, possible violations of analytic requirements that could affect results. The majority of trials (76%) concluded that there was a benefit of antidepressant treatment and in 94% the methodology for handling missing data was identifiable. Of these, 50% imputed data using the last observation carried forward and half used a mixed-effects model repeated measure approach. Most reports did not provide a rationale for the method used, and no trials described analyses regarding differences between completers and dropouts. Sensitivity analysis was inconsistently reported and correction for multiple comparisons was not uniformly applied. Lack of transparency for analytic choices related to handling of missing data testing was common in this subset of RCTs. Because management of missing data can directly influence the quality of study results, it is critical that journal editors develop and enforce standards for methodological transparency.

Meta-analysis: Second generation antidepressants and headache

BACKGROUND

To assess the risk of headache associated with commonly prescribed antidepressant medications and to examine the impact of medication class, pharmacodynamics and dosage on risk of headache.

METHODS

We searched PubMed to identify all randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials examining the efficacy of second generation antidepressant medications in the treatment of adults with depression, anxiety or obsessive-compulsive disorders. We used a fixed-effect meta-analysis to examine the pooled risk ratio of headache reported as a side-effect in adults treated with second generation antidepressants compared to placebo. We used stratified subgroup analysis and meta-regression to examine the effects of medication type, class, dosage, indication, and receptor affinity profile on the measured risk of headache.

RESULTS

SSRIs were associated with a significantly increased risk of headache (RR = 1.06, 95%CI = 1.00-1.13, z = 2.0, p = 0.045) when compared to placebo. There was no significant difference (test for subgroup differences χ² = 2.2, df = 1, p = 0.14) in the risk of headache between SSRIs and SNRIs (RR = 0.97, 95%CI = 0.88-1.06, p = 0.63). There was no significant difference in the relative risk of headache with second generation antidepressants based on diagnostic indication, pharmacological properties and dosage of medications. The only antidepressants that were found to be significantly associated with increased risk of headache compared to placebo were bupropion (RR = 1.22, 95%CI = 1.06-1.41, z = 2.73, p = 0.006) and escitalopram (RR = 1.18, 95%CI = 1.01-1.37, z = 2.11, p = 0.04).

LIMITATIONS

The small number of studies that examined side effects within fixed-dose trials may have limited the power to examine the association between medication dosing and risk of headache. Additionally, reporting bias could potentially occur non-randomly across agents and therefore effect meta-analysis results.

CONCLUSIONS

Headaches reported after the initiation of second generation antidepressant medications are more likely to be coincidental than a treatment-emergent side effect of these medications.

Efficacy and safety of levomilnacipran, vilazodone and vortioxetine compared with other second-generation antidepressants for major depressive disorder in adults: A systematic review and network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Second-generation antidepressants dominate the medical management of major depressive disorder (MDD). Levomilnacipran, vilazodone and vortioxetine are the latest therapeutic options approved for the treatment of MDD. This systematic review aims to compare the benefits and harms of vilazodone, levomilnacipran, and vortioxetine with one another and other second-generation antidepressants.

METHODS

We searched electronic databases up to September 2017 and reviewed reference lists and pharmaceutical dossiers to detect published and unpublished studies. Two reviewers independently screened abstracts and full text articles, and rated the risk of bias of included studies. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and controlled observational studies including adult outpatients with MDD were eligible for inclusion. We conducted network meta-analyses on response to treatment using frequentist multivariate meta-analyses models. Placebo- and active-controlled trials were eligible for network meta-analyses.

RESULTS

Twenty-four studies met our inclusion criteria. Direct comparisons were limited to vilazodone versus citalopram, and vortioxetine versus duloxetine, paroxetine, or venlafaxine XR (extended release). Results of head-to-head trials and network meta-analyses, overall, indicated similar efficacy among levomilnacipran, vilazodone, or vortioxetine and other second-generation antidepressants. Although rates of overall adverse events and discontinuation due to adverse events were similar, RCTs reported several differences in specific adverse events. For most outcomes the strength of evidence was low.

LIMITATIONS

Limitations are the focus of literature searches on studies published in English, possible reporting biases, and general methodological limitations of network meta-analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, the available evidence does not indicate greater benefits or fewer harms of levomilnacipran, vilazodone, and vortioxetine compared with other second-generation antidepressants.

Efficacy and tolerability of different doses of three new antidepressants for treating major depressive disorder: A PRISMA-compliant meta-analysis

In last decade, the US FDA has approved three new antidepressants: vortioxetine, levomilnacipran, and vilazodone. Many studies have researched the effects of these antidepressants on major depressive disorder (MDD), but they have not determined the optimum dosage. This meta-analysis investigated the efficacies of these three drugs at different dosages in the treatment of MDD. The PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, psycINFO, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases were searched to identify relevant literature. The primary outcomes were efficacy [quantified as the change from baseline in total score on the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS)] and tolerability (discontinuations due to adverse events). The effect size was quantified as the weighted mean difference for continuous data and the risk ratio (RR) for dichotomous data. Overall 22 studies were included. The changes in the MADRS total score were significantly higher for vortioxetine at 5, 10, 20, and 10-20 mg/day than for placebo. The tolerability was significantly worse for 20 mg/day vortioxetine than for placebo (RR = 1.84, 95% confidence interval = 1.13 to 3.02). In addition, increasing the dosage improved the efficacy of vortioxetine but worsened the tolerability. Levomilnacipran and vilazodone at any dosage produced a significantly higher mean change from baseline in the MADRS total score and a worse tolerability than for placebo. In conclusion, considering both efficacy and tolerability, 10 mg/day vortioxetine might be optimal for the treatment of MDD. The long-term efficacy and safety of vortioxetine needed to be investigated, and more studies of levomilnacipran and vilazodone are needed to define their optimal dosages.

Meta-analysis: Risk of hyperhidrosis with second-generation antidepressants

BACKGROUND

Our goal was to quantify the risk of hyperhidrosis associated with commonly used antidepressant agents and examine the impact of medication class, pharmacodynamics, and dose on risk of hyperhidrosis.

METHODS

We conducted a PubMed search to identify all double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trials examining the efficacy of second-generation antidepressant medications in the treatment of adults with a depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, or obsessive-compulsive disorder. We used a random-effects meta-analysis to examine the pooled risk ratio of hyperhidrosis reported as a side effect in adults treated with second-generation antidepressants compared to placebo. We used stratified subgroup analysis and metaregression to examine the effects of medication type, class, dosage, indication, and receptor affinity profile on the measured risk of hyperhidrosis.

RESULTS

We identified 76 trials involving 28,544 subjects. There was no significant difference in the risk of hyperhidrosis between serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRI) [risk ratio (RR) = 3.17, 95% CI: 2.63-3.82] and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) (RR = 2.93, 95% CI: 2.46-3.47) medications compared to placebo. All antidepressant medications were associated with a significantly increased risk of hyperhidrosis except fluvoxamine (RR = 0.56, 95% CI: 0.12-2.53), bupropion (RR = 1.23, 95% CI: 0.57-2.67), and vortioxetine (RR = 1.35, 95% CI: 0.79-2.33). The dose of SSRI/SNRI medications was not significantly associated with the risk of hyperhidrosis. Increased risk of hyperhidrosis was associated with increased affinity of SSRI/SNRI medications to the dopamine transporter.

CONCLUSION

Risk of hyperhidrosis was significantly increased with most antidepressant medications but was associated with dopamine transporter affinity.

Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Tolerability of Vortioxetine Following Single- and Multiple-Dose Administration in Healthy Japanese Adults

Three phase 1 randomized single-center studies assessed the pharmacokinetics, safety, and tolerability of vortioxetine after single- and multiple-dose administration in healthy Japanese adults. Study 1 assessed the pharmacokinetics of vortioxetine after administration of single rising doses to men and multiple doses to men and women; study 2 evaluated vortioxetine pharmacokinetics in elderly adults; and study 3 assessed food effects on vortioxetine pharmacokinetics in healthy men. The primary end points included pharmacokinetic parameters of vortioxetine and incidence of adverse events (AEs). Across all studies, 130 participants were randomized and 128 participants completed the studies. Vortioxetine was absorbed and eliminated from plasma slowly, and exposure to vortioxetine increased in an almost dose-proportional manner. No clinically significant differences in the pharmacokinetics of vortioxetine or its metabolites were observed between the sexes in young and elderly adults. Study 3 demonstrated that vortioxetine and its metabolites had similar pharmacokinetics when administered in the fasted and fed states. Importantly, vortioxetine was safe and tolerated, with incidence of AEs comparable to that of placebo. No deaths or serious AEs leading to trial discontinuation were observed. Overall, vortioxetine pharmacokinetics, safety, and tolerability in Japanese adults were comparable to reports in non-Japanese populations.

Vortioxetine: A new alternative for the treatment of major depressive disorder

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a serious psychiatric condition. Its treatment remains a challenge nowadays. Vortioxetine is a novel antidepressant with a unique profile, as it acts as a multimodal serotoninergic agent. Its efficacy in MDD has been established in many short- and long-term studies, with 7 positive, 4 negative and 1 failed randomized controlled trials. Moreover, its ability to modulate a wide range of neurotransmitters (serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, histamine, glutamate or GABA) confers vortioxetine pro-cognitive effects. Side effects are also different from conventional antidepressants, according to its low incidence of sexual dysfunction, weight gain or cardiovascular alterations. The aim of this systematic review is to describe the pharmacology, clinical efficacy and safety profile of vortioxetine, as well as its potential effectiveness in improving cognitive symptoms.

Comparative evaluation of vortioxetine as a switch therapy in patients with major depressive disorder

Switching antidepressant therapy is a recommended strategy for depressed patients who neither respond to nor tolerate an initial pharmacotherapy course. This paper reviews the efficacy and tolerability of switching to vortioxetine. All three published studies of patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) switched from SSRI/SNRI therapy to vortioxetine due to lack of efficacy or tolerability were selected. Vortioxetine was evaluated versus agomelatine directly (REVIVE) and versus sertraline, venlafaxine, bupropion, and citalopram in an indirect treatment comparison (ITC) from switch studies retrieved in a literature review. Vortioxetine׳s impact on SSRI-induced treatment-emergent sexual dysfunction (TESD) was assessed directly versus escitalopram (NCT01364649) in stable patients with MDD. Vortioxetine׳s tolerability in the switch population was compared to the overall MDD population. Vortioxetine showed significant benefits over agomelatine on efficacy, functioning, and quality-of-life outcomes, with fewer withdrawals due to adverse events (AEs) (REVIVE). Vortioxetine had numerically higher remission rates versus all therapies included (ITC). Withdrawal rates due to AEs were significantly lower for vortioxetine versus sertraline, venlafaxine, and bupropion, and numerically lower versus citalopram. Switching to vortioxetine was statistically superior to escitalopram in improving TESD (NCT01364649). Tolerability was similar in the switch and overall MDD populations. These findings suggest that vortioxetine is an effective switch therapy for patients with MDD whose response to SSRI/SNRI therapy is inadequate. Vortioxetine was well tolerated and, for patients with a history of TESD, showed significant advantages versus escitalopram. Vortioxetine appears to be a valid option for patients with MDD who have not been effectively treated with first-line pharmacotherapies.

Efficacy, safety, and tolerability of vortioxetine for the treatment of major depressive disorder in patients aged 55 years or older

OBJECTIVE

These post hoc analyses evaluate the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of vortioxetine versus placebo in patients aged ≥55 years with major depressive disorder (MDD).

METHODS

Study-level efficacy data from 12 short-term, fixed-dose, randomized, placebo-controlled trials of vortioxetine 5-20 mg/day were assessed using a random-effects meta-analysis. Adverse events (AEs), vital signs, ECG values, liver enzymes, and body weight were pooled from the same studies. Patients had baseline Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) total scores ranging from 22-30.

RESULTS

1508 patients (mean age=62.4 years; range, 55-88 years) were included. Mean differences from placebo in change from baseline to study end (6/8 weeks) in MADRS were -2.56 (5 mg, n=324, P=0.035), -2.87 (10 mg, n=222, P=0.007), -1.32 (15 mg, n=90, P=NS), and -4.65 (20 mg, n=165, P=0.012). Odds ratios for response versus placebo were 1.6 (5 mg, P=NS), 1.8 (10 mg, P=0.002), 1.2 (15 mg, P=NS), and 2.5 (20 mg, P<0.001), and for remission versus placebo were 1.5 (5 mg, P=NS), 1.5 (10 mg, P=NS), 1.4 (15 mg, P=NS), and 2.7 (20 mg, P=0.001). The proportion of patients with AEs for placebo and vortioxetine 5-20 mg was 61.5% and 62.3%, respectively, with no increase at increased doses. Vortioxetine demonstrated a placebo-level incidence of serious AEs (1.2%). AEs occurring in ≥5% of any treatment group were nausea, headache, diarrhea, dizziness, dry mouth, constipation, fatigue, vomiting, and anxiety. No clinically significant mean changes in vital signs, ECG values, liver enzymes, or body weight emerged during treatment.

CONCLUSION

Vortioxetine 5-20 mg/day is efficacious and well tolerated in MDD patients aged ≥55 years, a group that is often comorbid with other conditions and treated with other medications.

Vortioxetine for depression in adults

BACKGROUND

Major depressive disorder is a common mental disorder affecting a person's mind, behaviour and body. It is expressed as a variety of symptoms and is associated with substantial impairment. Despite a range of pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment options, there is still room for improvement of the pharmacological treatment of depression in terms of efficacy and tolerability. The latest available antidepressant is vortioxetine. It is assumed that vortioxetine's antidepressant action is related to a direct modulation of serotonergic receptor activity and inhibition of the serotonin transporter. The mechanism of action is not fully understood, but it is claimed to be novel. Vortioxetine was placed in the category of "Other" antidepressants and may therefore provide an alternative to existing antidepressant drugs.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the efficacy and acceptability of vortioxetine compared with placebo and other antidepressant drugs in the treatment of acute depression in adults.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched Cochrane's Depression, Anxiety and Neurosis Review Group's Specialised Register to May 2016 without applying any restrictions to date, language or publication status. We checked reference lists of relevant studies and reviews, regulatory agency reports and trial databases.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials comparing the efficacy, tolerability, or both of vortioxetine versus placebo or any other antidepressant agent in the treatment of acute depression in adults.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently selected the studies and extracted data. We extracted data on study characteristics, participant characteristics, intervention details and outcome measures in terms of efficacy, acceptability and tolerability. We analysed intention-to-treat (ITT) data only and used risk ratios (RR) as effect sizes for dichotomous data and mean differences (MD) for continuous data with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Meta-analyses used random-effects models.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 15 studies (7746 participants) in this review. Seven studies were placebo controlled; eight studies compared vortioxetine to serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). We were unable to identify any study that compared vortioxetine to antidepressant drugs from other classes, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).Vortioxetine may be more effective than placebo across the three efficacy outcomes: response (Mantel-Haenszel RR 1.35, 95% CI 1.22 to 1.49; 14 studies, 6220 participants), remission (RR 1.32, 95% CI 1.15 to 1.53; 14 studies, 6220 participants) and depressive symptoms measured using the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Scale (MADRS) (score range: 0 to 34; higher score means worse outcome: MD -2.94, 95% CI -4.07 to -1.80; 14 studies, 5566 participants). The quality of the evidence was low for response and remission and very low for depressive symptoms. We found no evidence of a difference in total dropout rates (RR 1.05, 95% CI 0.93 to 1.19; 14 studies, 6220 participants). More participants discontinued vortioxetine than placebo because of adverse effects (RR 1.41, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.81; 14 studies, 6220 participants) but fewer discontinued due to inefficacy (RR 0.56, 95% CI 0.34 to 0.90, P = 0.02; 14 studies, 6220 participants). The quality of the evidence for dropouts was moderate.The subgroup and sensitivity analyses did not reveal factors that significantly influenced the results.In comparison with other antidepressants, very low-quality evidence from eight studies showed no clinically significant difference between vortioxetine and SNRIs as a class for response (RR 0.91, 95% CI 0.82 to 1.00; 3159 participants) or remission (RR 0.89, 95% CI 0.77 to 1.03; 3155 participants). There was a small difference favouring SNRIs for depressive symptom scores on the MADRS (MD 1.52, 95% CI 0.50 to 2.53; 8 studies, 2807 participants). Very low quality evidence from eight studies (3159 participants) showed no significant differences between vortioxetine and the SNRIs as a class for total dropout rates (RR 0.89, 95% CI 0.73 to 1.08), dropouts due to adverse events (RR 0.74, 95% CI 0.51 to 1.08) and dropouts due to inefficacy (RR 1.52, 95% CI 0.70 to 3.30).Against individual antidepressants, analyses suggested that vortioxetine may be less effective than duloxetine in terms of response rates (RR 0.86, 95% CI 0.79 to 0.94; 6 studies, 2392 participants) and depressive symptoms scores on the MADRS scale (MD 1.99, 95% CI 1.15 to 2.83; 6 studies; 2106 participants). Against venlafaxine, meta-analysis of two studies found no statistically significant differences (response: RR 1.03, 95% CI 0.85 to 1.25; 767 participants; depressive symptom scores: MD 0.02, 95% CI -2.49 to 2.54; 701 participants). In terms of number of participants reporting at least one adverse effect (tolerability), vortioxetine was better than the SNRIs as a class (RR 0.90, 95% CI 0.86 to 0.94; 8 studies, 3134 participants) and duloxetine (RR 0.89, 95% CI 0.84 to 0.95; 6 studies; 2376 participants). However, the sensitivity analysis casts some doubts on this result, as only two studies used comparable dosing.We judged none of the studies to have a high risk of bias for any domain, but we rated all studies to have an unclear risk of bias of selective reporting and other biases.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

The place of vortioxetine in the treatment of acute depression is unclear. Our analyses showed vortioxetine may be more effective than placebo in terms of response, remission and depressive symptoms, but the clinical relevance of these effects is uncertain. Furthermore, the quality of evidence to support these findings was generally low. In comparison to SNRIs, we found no advantage for vortioxetine. Vortioxetine was less effective than duloxetine, but fewer people reported adverse effects when treated with vortioxetine compared to duloxetine. However, these findings are uncertain and not well supported by evidence. A major limitation of the current evidence is the lack of comparisons with the SSRIs, which are usually recommended as first-line treatments for acute depression. Studies with direct comparisons to SSRIs are needed to address this gap and may be supplemented by network meta-analyses to define the role of vortioxetine in the treatment of depression.

The impact of antidepressant treatments on family functioning in adults with major depressive disorder: a post hoc comparison of vortioxetine and agomelatine

OBJECTIVE

There is limited research on the impact of antidepressant treatment on family functioning. This study examines the impact of vortioxetine and agomelatine on family functioning using the Depression and Family Functioning Scale (DFFS).

METHODS

The DFFS was included in REVIVE, a randomized, double-blind study of adults with major depressive disorder with inadequate response to antidepressant treatment who switched to vortioxetine or agomelatine. The prespecified DFFS analyses were performed using change from baseline to weeks 8 and 12, analyzed by mixed models for repeated measurements by treatment groups. Post hoc analyses compared DFFS scores for remitters and nonremitters. Patients were stratified into quartiles using DFFS scores, and scores on other clinical outcome assessments were compared.

RESULTS

Sizeable improvements in DFFS scores were observed from baseline to week 8 (-10.8, -7.9 for vortioxetine and agomelatine, respectively), with further improvements at week 12 (-13.5, -11.0). Vortioxetine (n = 189) was superior to agomelatine (n = 187) by 2.9 DFFS points at week 8 (p < .01) and 2.5 points at week 12 (p < .05), and DFFS item-level improvements were also significantly greater for vortioxetine for 8 of 15 DFFS items at week 8 and 7 items at week 12. At week 8, remitters (n = 142) and nonremitters (n = 233) differed by 11 DFFS points; at week 12, remitters (n = 183) and nonremitters (n = 121) differed by almost 12 DFFS points. Patients stratified into baseline DFFS quartiles showed trends on clinical outcomes such that better family functioning was associated with better functional status and depressive symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Vortioxetine was significantly superior to agomelatine in terms of family functioning and partner relationships, as well as social functioning, health status, and depression symptoms at weeks 8 and 12. Depressed patients with impaired family functioning showed worse overall functioning, health status, and depression symptoms, suggesting that more attention should be given to family functioning of depressed patients.

The effect of vortioxetine on overall patient functioning in patients with major depressive disorder

BACKGROUND

The objectives of this meta-analysis of data from randomized, placebo-controlled studies were to assess the effect of vortioxetine on overall functioning (primary) and functional remission (secondary) using the Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS) in adults with major depressive disorder (MDD).

METHODS

Data from nine short-term (6/8 weeks) pivotal studies that included patient functioning assessments were included in this random-effects meta-analysis, which used aggregated study-level data for all therapeutic vortioxetine doses and a mixed-effect model for repeated measures using the full analysis set.

RESULTS

A total of 4,216 patients received ≥1 dose of study treatment (1,522 placebo, 2,694 vortioxetine 5-20 mg/day). At study end, the meta-analysis showed improvement for vortioxetine versus placebo (n = 911) in SDS total score (vortioxetine 5 mg, n = 564, change from baseline versus placebo [Δ] -0.24, p = NS; 10 mg, n = 445, Δ -1.68, p ≤ .001; 15 mg, n = 204, Δ -0.91, p = NS; 20 mg, n = 340, Δ -1.94, p ≤ .01). Functional remission (SDS total score ≤6) was observed with vortioxetine 10 mg (n = 170/573; odds ratio [OR] relative to placebo 1.7, p < .001) and 20 mg (n = 144/447; OR 1.6, p < .05), but not 5 mg (n = 207/757; OR 1.1, p = NS) or 15 mg (n = 92/295; OR 1.3, p = NS).

CONCLUSION

Vortioxetine 5-20 mg for 6/8 weeks improved overall patient functioning in patients with MDD. Relative to placebo, vortioxetine 10 and 20 mg demonstrated significant improvement in SDS total score and functional remission.

A meta-analysis of the efficacy of vortioxetine in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) and high levels of anxiety symptoms

BACKGROUND

Coexisting anxiety is common in major depressive disorder (MDD) and more difficult to treat than depression without anxiety. This analysis assessed the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of vortioxetine in MDD patients with high levels of anxiety (baseline Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale [HAM-A] total score ≥20).

METHODS

Efficacy was assessed using an aggregated, study-level meta-analysis of 10 randomized, placebo-controlled, 6/8-week trials of vortioxetine 5-20mg/day in adults (18-75 years), with a study in elderly patients (≥65 years) analyzed separately. Outcome measures included mean differences from placebo in change from baseline to endpoint (Δ) in the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), HAM-A total, and HAM-A subscales. Safety and tolerability were assessed by treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs).

RESULTS

A total of 1497 (48.6%) vortioxetine-treated and 860 (49.1%) placebo-treated patients had baseline HAM-A≥20. There were significant differences from placebo in MADRS (vortioxetine 5mg/day, n=415, Δ-2.68, P=0.005; 10mg/day, n=373, Δ-3.59, P<0.001; 20mg/day, n=207, Δ-4.30, P=0.005) and HAM-A total (5mg/day, n=419, Δ-1.64, P=0.022; 10mg/day, n=373, Δ-2.04, P=0.003; 20mg/day, n=207, Δ-2.19, P=0.027). There were significantly greater improvements versus placebo on the HAM-A psychic subscale for all doses. The most common TEAEs (≥5.0%) were nausea, headache, dizziness, dry mouth, diarrhea, nasopharyngitis, constipation, and vomiting. Incidence of serious TEAEs was 1.3% (placebo) and ≤1.3% (vortioxetine, across doses).

LIMITATIONS

Study heterogeneity limits this analysis. Patients with baseline HAM-A≥20 were not directly compared to baseline HAM-A<20 or total MDD population.

CONCLUSIONS

Vortioxetine was efficacious in reducing depressive and anxiety symptoms in patients with MDD and high levels of anxiety.

Treatment-emergent sexual dysfunction in randomized trials of vortioxetine for major depressive disorder or generalized anxiety disorder: a pooled analysis

OBJECTIVE

Antidepressants are frequently associated with treatment-emergent sexual dysfunction (TESD). Vortioxetine, which was approved for patients with major depressive disorder (MDD), has a receptor profile that suggests limited impact on sexual functioning.

METHODS

Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale (ASEX) patient-level data were pooled from 7 short-term vortioxetine trials (6 in MDD, 1 in generalized anxiety disorder) and analyzed for incidence of TESD at any post-baseline visit in patients without sexual dysfunction at baseline (defined as ASEX total score ≥19; individual ASEX item score ≥5; or a score ≥4 on any 3 ASEX items). The primary objective was to confirm the non-inferiority of vortioxetine 5-20 mg/day to placebo on the incidence of TESD. Comparisons were based on the common risk difference (95% confidence interval). Additional analyses compared vortioxetine to duloxetine and duloxetine to placebo. A sensitivity analysis, defined as TESD at 2 consecutive post-baseline visits, was conducted.

RESULTS

TESD incidence, relative to placebo, generally increased with vortioxetine dose with vortioxetine 5 mg non-inferior to placebo. Vortioxetine 10, 15, and 20 mg did not meet the non-inferiority criterion, but no dose had a significantly higher risk of developing TESD versus placebo. Changes in ASEX individual item scores supported the similarity of vortioxetine doses to placebo. Significantly higher TESD risk occurred with duloxetine 60 mg/day versus placebo and versus vortioxetine 5 or 10 mg. The sensitivity analysis was generally consistent with the primary analysis. Rates of spontaneously reported sexual adverse events were low.

CONCLUSIONS

Vortioxetine was associated with rates of TESD that were not significantly different from placebo in short-term clinical trials.

Review of a New Multimodal Antidepressant Vortioxetine

Vortioxetine is a novel antidepressant with two mechanisms of action – direct effect on several serotonin receptors and serotonin re-uptake inhibition. It shows antidepressant, anxiolytic and cognitive effects during the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). The aim of this article was to summarize the use of vortioxetine in clinical studies and assess the efficacy and tolerability. Most of the studies reported a statistically significant efficacy for vortioxetine versus placebo. In addition, vortioxetine showed efficacy in patients with an inadequate response to selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRI) or serotonin-noradrenaline re-uptake inhibitors (SNRI) monotherapy and improved cognitive function in patients with MDD. In these studies, vortioxetine was well tolerated – most common observed adverse effect was nausea – and it was not associated with clinically important changes in laboratory test results or vital signs. Vortioxetine showed a relatively low incidence of sexual dysfunction.