Vortioxetine, a novel antidepressant with multimodal activity: Review of preclinical and clinical data

Vortioxetine demonstrates clinical efficacy in major depressive disorder (MDD) across 11 placebo-controlled studies.

• Vortioxetine functions as a 5-HT3, 5-HT7, and 5-HT1D receptor antagonist, while also acting as a partial agonist and agonist at various serotonin receptors.
• Increased neurotransmission of serotonin, noradrenaline, dopamine, and other neurotransmitters occurs in brain areas linked to MDD.
• Blockade of 5-HT3 receptors may enhance neuronal activity and augment the effects of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
• Preclinical studies indicate vortioxetine may differ from traditional SSRIs and SNRIs by promoting antidepressant-like activity, enhancing synaptic plasticity, and improving cognitive function.
• The effective dose range of vortioxetine is 5-20 mg/day, with higher doses likely occupying all relevant targets.
• The side-effect profile is similar to SSRIs, with gastrointestinal issues being the most frequent and a low incidence of sexual dysfunction.

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