Vol. 7, Issue 2, Part A (2025)

Background: Major depressive disorder (MDD) affects over 300 million people globally, significantly contributing to disability. Escitalopram, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), is a standard treatment, but vortioxetine, a multimodal antidepressant, may offer improved efficacy and tolerability. Comparative studies in Indian populations are limited. This study evaluates the efficacy and safety of vortioxetine versus escitalopram in MDD patients.
Methods: In a six-week, randomized, open-label, rater-blinded trial, 80 patients with DSM-5-diagnosed MDD received either vortioxetine (10 mg/day) or escitalopram (10 mg/day). The primary outcome was the change in Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) scores, assessed at baseline and weeks 1, 2, 4, and 6. Secondary outcomes included Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) score changes and adverse effect profiles. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA, independent t-tests, and frequency distributions.
Results: Both treatments significantly reduced HAM-D and MADRS scores over six weeks (p<0.05), with no significant between-group differences. Vortioxetine showed faster symptom relief by week 1. Adverse effect rates were similar (35% vortioxetine, 37.5% escitalopram), but vortioxetine had lower rates of sexual dysfunction and weight gain.
Conclusions: Vortioxetine is as effective as escitalopram in treating MDD, with potential advantages in onset speed and tolerability. Larger, longer-term studies are needed to confirm these findings.