J Psychopharmacol

Vortioxetine effective, well-tolerated for MDD

October 14, 2025

Study details: This meta-analysis of 16 randomized trials evaluated the efficacy and safety of vortioxetine, a multimodal serotonergic antidepressant, in adults with major depressive disorder (MDD). The study included 3,127 patients treated with vortioxetine and 3,102 controls. Primary outcomes: changes in Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), Clinical Global Impression–Improvement (CGI-I), and Clinical Global Impression–Severity (CGI-S) scores. Cognitive effects were assessed using the Digit Symbol Substitution Test.

Results: Vortioxetine significantly improved depressive symptoms compared with placebo, with higher response and remission rates. Relative to other antidepressants, vortioxetine showed similar efficacy but was associated with a lower incidence of certain adverse effects, particularly sexual dysfunction and weight gain. Nausea was the most commonly reported side effect but was generally mild and transient.

Clinical impact: Vortioxetine offers a clinically meaningful option for patients with MDD, particularly those concerned about cognitive symptoms or adverse effects like sexual dysfunction. Further research into dose-specific efficacy and cognitive outcomes is warranted to optimize individualized treatment strategies.

Source:

Vijayan S, et al. (2025, October 7). J Psychopharmacol. Efficacy and adverse effect profile of vortioxetine in major depressive disorder: A meta-analysis. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41058029/