A meta-analysis of the efficacy of vortioxetine in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) and high levels of anxiety symptoms

Abstract Background Comorbid anxiety is common in major depressive disorder (MDD) and more difficult to treat than depression without anxiety. This analysis assessed the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of vortioxetine in MDD patients with high levels of anxiety (baseline Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale [HAM-A] total score ≥20). Methods Efficacy was assessed using an aggregated, study-level meta-analysis of 10 randomized, placebo-controlled, 6/8-week trials of vortioxetine 5-20 mg/day in adults (18-75 years), with a study in elderly patients (≥65 years) analyzed separately. Outcome measures included mean differences from placebo in change from baseline to endpoint (∆) in the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), HAM-A total, and HAM-A subscales. Safety and tolerability were assessed by treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs). Results A total of 1497 (48.6%) vortioxetine-treated and 860 (49.1%) placebo-treated patients had baseline HAM-A≥20. There were significant differences from placebo in MADRS (vortioxetine 5 mg/day, n =415, ∆−2.68, P =0.005; 10 mg/day, n =373, ∆−3.59, P