Comparative efficacy and safety of vortioxetine versus escitalopram in major depressive disorder: A randomized, open-label, rater-blinded study

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