A comparative analysis of vortioxetine vs. escitalopram on the clinical profile of patients with major depressive disorder

A BSTRACT Background: Major depressive disorder (MDD) remains a leading cause of disability worldwide, necessitating effective pharmacological treatments. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like escitalopram and newer antidepressants like vortioxetine are commonly prescribed for managing MDD. Although both medications are widely used, comparative data on their clinical and cognitive efficacy remains limited. Objective: This study aims to compare the clinical effectiveness of escitalopram and vortioxetine in alleviating depressive symptoms, with a particular focus on symptom reduction over a 4-week treatment period. Methods: This was a prospective, randomized, open-label study conducted at a tertiary care center from October 2023 to October 2024. A total of 100 patients diagnosed with MDD were randomly assigned to receive either escitalopram (10 mg/day, n = 50) or vortioxetine (10 mg/day, n = 50). Symptom severity was assessed using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) at baseline, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks. Statistical significance was evaluated using appropriate tests. Results: Both Escitalopram and Vortioxetine produced significant reductions in HAM-D scores over the 4-week period. By Week 4, escitalopram demonstrated a statistically significant superior effect in symptom reduction compared to vortioxetine (mean HAM-D score: 14.22 vs. 16.32, P = 0.04). Conclusion: Both escitalopram and vortioxetine effectively reduce depressive symptoms in patients with MDD, with escitalopram showing a more rapid onset of symptom relief. Further long-term studies are warranted to assess the sustained efficacy and cognitive benefits of both medications in diverse patient populations.