OBJECTIVE: The treatment of depressive disorders remains unsatisfactory for many 
patients with regard to efficacy and tolerability. Vortioxetine has been 
registered by regulatory authorities for the treatment of major depressive 
disorder. This paper aims to provide clinicians with a brief overview of 
vortioxetine and its place in treatment.
CONCLUSIONS: Vortioxetine is a serotonin reuptake inhibitor with additional 
serotonergic receptor effects of uncertain significance; hence, its 
classification as 'multimodal'. The half-life is about 2.75 days and steady 
state requires about 14 days. Metabolism is hepatic and involves cytochromes 2D6 
and 3A4/5. Antidepressant efficacy in major depressive disorder has been 
established in registration studies, but the effectiveness of vortioxetine in 
'real world' patients and in comparison to other antidepressants needs further 
investigation. The recommended dose range is 5-20 mg. Nausea, constipation and 
vomiting are the most common side effects. Sexual dysfunction may occur at 
higher doses but there appears to be low risk of weight gain and sedation. There 
is still much to learn about this drug, particularly whether it has unique 
characteristics in comparison to existing antidepressants. At present, 
vortioxetine can be considered as an antidepressant option in patients with 
established major depressive disorder who have not responded adequately to other 
antidepressants.