Vortioxetine effectively reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety

In patients with severe comorbid major depressive disorder (MDD) and comorbid generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), 8 weeks of treatment with vortioxetine resulted in clinically and significantly reduced symptoms of both depression and anxiety. Additionally, overall functioning and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) broadly improved in the RECONNECT study [1].

The RECONNECT study (NCT04220996), a multicentre, open-label study, assessed the effectiveness of vortioxetine 10–20 mg/day in adult outpatients with MDD with comorbid GAD. Participants had a DSM-5 diagnosis of MDD and GAD, a current major depressive episode (MDE) of <12 months, a total score of ≥22 on the Montgomery-�
sberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), and a total score of ≥20 on the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A). The starting dose of vortioxetine was 10 mg/day, which was doubled after a week. The study's primary endpoint was change in the MADRS. Other endpoints were the HAM-A, Clinical Global Impression (CGI) scale, and Functioning Assessment Short Test (FAST). Participants evaluated their symptoms by means of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and the Quality-of-Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire long-form (Q-LES-Q). Dr Michael Christensen (H. Lundbeck A/S, Denmark) presented the results.

A total of 100 patients received 8 weeks of study treatment with vortioxetine, 77 of whom were switching from prior therapy, mostly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (n=58). Statistically and clinically significant improvements in symptoms of depression and anxiety, functioning, and HRQoL were observed (all P<0.0001 vs baseline). Statistically significant improvements already occurred in the first week (P<0.0001). After 8 weeks, 60.8% of patients were MADRS responders (≥50% decrease in total MADRS score) and 35.1% were in remission (total MADRS score ≤10). The rate of HAM-A responders (≥50% decrease in total HAM-A score) was 54.6%, while 42.3% were in remission (total HAM-A score ≤10). Rates of patients achieving response and remission on both scales were 50% and 30%, respectively. HAM-A and MADRS scores were significantly correlated with FAST total score and Q-LES-Q General Activities score (all P<0.0001).

Vortioxetine was well tolerated. The most common treatment-emergent adverse event was nausea (21%), and 2 participants withdrew from treatment due to adverse events.

1. Christensen MC, et al. The RECONNECT study: effectiveness of vortioxetine (10–20 mg/day) in patients with major depressive disorder comorbid with generalised anxiety disorder. P.0073, ECNP 2021 Congress, 2–5 October.

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Posted on 26 November, 202127 March, 2024