Vortioxetine - pharmacological properties and use in mood disorders. The current state of knowledge

Vortioxetine is an antidepressant with a unique profile of receptor activity. The pharmacodynamic spectrum of vortioxetine activity is linked to the modulation of not only serotoninergic but also noradrenergic and dopaminergic transmission. At the same time, its pharmacokinetic properties determine good tolerance and safety, which are also observed in elderly patients and those burdened with somatic comorbidity. This work aims to sum up the knowledge coming from the most recent studies assessing the efficacy of vortioxetine. The efficacy of vortioxetine in the treatment of depression was confirmed in a large number of open studies, randomized controlled studies with placebo control, and meta-analyses thereof. What is more, the latest research shows that this drug allows depressed patients to achieve not only symptomatic remission but also an improvement of anhedonia and recovery in cognitive and occupational function. Furthermore, there are studies showing that vortioxetine is efficacious in the treatment of elderly patients, as well as subjects who have experienced trauma or suffer from bipolar depression. Vortioxetine is characterized by a good tolerance profile and safety; rarely does it cause severe adverse effects.