Use of vortioxetine in different neurological fields: a systematic review and future perspectives

Vortioxetine is a multimodal antidepressant with a high tolerability profile. Recent evidence suggests a role for vortioxetine in improving cognitive function and reducing functional disability linked to depression. We conducted a systematic review on the use of vortioxetine in different neurological disorders.

PubMed was searched for articles published from inception until June 2024. Article reference lists were screened, and relevant articles were retrieved for consultation. Clinical trials focused on the use of vortioxetine in cerebrovascular diseases, movement disorders and cognitive impairments were included. The systematic review protocol was developed using guidance from the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement.

Our search identified 236 citations, 8 of which ultimately met the criteria for inclusion in the synthesis. The included studies consisted of 3 randomized controlled trials, 1 nonrandomized clinical trial and 4 single-arm observational studies. Subsequently, we grouped these articles into three sections of neurological interest (cerebrovascular diseases, movement disorders and cognitive dysfunction).

Through its multimodal mechanism of action, the antidepressant vortioxetine shows potential benefit in improving depressive symptoms in patients with depression and different, comorbid neurological condition. In addition, the pro-cognitive effect of this agent may represent a possible indication for its use in the treatment of adults with depression and/or neurological cognitive impairment. Future research is needed to explore and clarify other possible implications for a rational administration of this molecule in other neurological fields.