Efficacy of vortioxetine for patients with dual pathology

Abstract

Introduction

Patients with dual pathology have worse clinical evolution and worse therapeutic response. Drugs modify the functioning of certain neurocerebral transmission systems, producing cognitive, emotional and behavioral changes. Vortioxetine (Brintellix^®) is used as a treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD) and it is considered a new multimodal antidepressant. Preclinical data suggest that the effects on numerous serotonin receptors result in regional increases in noradrenaline and dopamine as well as glutamatergic transmission.

Objectives

This analysis assessed the efficacy of vortioxetine (Brintellix^®) in patients with affective disorders and abuse drugs (dual pathology).

Methods

Efficacy was assessed with a study of patients who were recruited in a qualitative and observational study. They were treated with vortioxetine (Brintellix^®). Outcome measures included changes from baseline to endpoint in Hamilton Depresion Rating Scale (HDRS). They were also interviewed weekly about craving and substance use. Urine test controls were done to corroborate results.

Results

A total of 11 vortioxetine-treated patients improved their depressive and anxiety symptomatology. Seven of them (64%) were males and four of them (36%) were women. Cocaine was the main drug of abuse (n = 9, 82%). The doses were between 5 and 20 mg/day. After the clinical evaluation and 12 weeks of treatment, they achieved to reduce significantly the drug use and verbalized a decrease in craving. Two patients dropped out of the study.

Conclusions

Vortioxetine (Brintellix^®) was shown as efficacious in reducing depressive and anxiety symptoms in patients with dual pathology.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.