Abstract
Vortioxetine is a novel antidepressant with multimodal mechanism of action, acting as 5-HT3A, 5-HT7, and 5-HT1D receptor antagonist, 5-HT1A agonist, 5-HT1B partial agonist, and serotonin transporter inhibitor. Antidepressant efficacy of vortioxetine 10-20 mg daily has been shown in the total of 13 acute short-term and 1 relapse-prevention controlled trials.
Moreover, in 3 placebo-controlled trials vortioxetine improved cognitive functions, independent of antidepressive effects. Vortioxetine was well-tolerated, with low incidence of sexual dysfunction.
Most frequently reported side effects were transient and dose-dependent nausea and vomiting. Initial and recommended therapeutic dose is 10 mg of vortioxetine once a day, the dosing range, according to response, tolerability, and age, is 5-20 mg daily.