OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical literature and potential clinical role of 
vortioxetine (Brintellix) for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD).
DATA SOURCES: A MEDLINE search (1966-February 2014) was conducted using the 
search terms vortioxetine, Lu AA21004, and depression. Bibliographies of all 
articles retrieved were also reviewed. All references included were published 
between 1999 and 2014.
STUDY SELECTION/DATA EXTRACTION: All studies that included humans and were 
published in English, with data describing vortioxetine for the treatment of 
MDD, were reviewed.
DATA SYNTHESIS: Vortioxetine is a novel multimodal antidepressant agent, which 
inhibits the 5-HT transporter protein, acts as a 5-HT3 antagonist, 5-HT1A 
receptor agonist, 5-HT7 receptor antagonist, and a partial agonist of the 5-HT1B 
receptor. It has been studied in 10 short-term (6-8 weeks), 1 
relapse-prevention, and 3 long-term extension trials. Vortioxetine demonstrated 
efficacy in reducing Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale or Hamilton 
Rating Scale for Depression scores in 6 of the short-term trials. The proportion 
of individuals who responded to treatment and achieved remission increased over 
time in all 3 long-term trials. The most common adverse effects, consistently 
reported by >10% of individuals in the clinical trials include nausea and 
headache.
CONCLUSIONS: Vortioxetine is an effective agent for the treatment of MDD, but it 
does not have any clear advantages over other available treatment options.