Vortioxetine versus placebo for treatment of major depressive disorder

Major depressive disorder is a common mental condition associated with substantial morbidity and economic burden. Approved by the FDA in September 2013 for treatment of episodes of major depressive disorder, Vortioxetine is one of the newer options available in this important area of therapeutics.

A comprehensive literature search (PubMed, the Cochrane library, Scopus, CRD and HTA Database in January 2015) was performed, containing controlled clinical trials that vortioxetine 10 mg/d versus placebo in adults with major depressive disorder.

Six controlled clinical trials were included in this meta-analysis. There was a significant difference between the vortioxetine 10 mg/d versus placebo in the Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) (P value <0.00001). The results of pooled analysis for diarrhea, dry mouth, dizziness, headache and nausea were also significant (P value <0.00001). Vortioxetine 10 mg/d versus placebo showed a significant difference for nausea, but no significant differences were observed for the other five adverse effects.

Therapy with vortioxetine was significantly associated with reduction in depression symptoms from baseline compared to placebo.