Vortioxetine is an antidepressant for the treatment of major depressive disorder. Vortioxetine’s mechanism of action is not fully understood. Vortioxetine binds with high affinity to the serotonin transporter and its antidepressant actions are believed to be secondary to enhancing serotonin in the central nervous system through inhibition of reuptake. Vortioxetine also displays binding affinities to other serotonin (5-HT) receptors, including 5-HT3, 5-HT1A, and 5-HT7. Due to multimodal neurotransmitter enhancer profile, it has been suggested that it might need lesser receptor occupancy rate for clinical trials than other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. Since vortioxetine is an agonist and antagonist of multiple serotonin receptors, potential interactions may occur with other medications that alter the serotonergic pathways. There is an increased risk of serotonin syndrome when vortioxetine is used in combination with other serotonergic agents.

Vilazodone is a serotonergic antidepressant. The mechanism of the antidepressant effect of vilazodone is not fully understood but is thought to be related to its inhancement of serotonergic activity in the CNS through selective inhibition of serotonin reuptake. Vilazodone is also a partial agonist at serotonergic 5-HT1A receptors; however, the net result of this action on serotonergic transmission and its role in vilazodone’s antidepressant effect are unknown. The side effects include activation of mania/hypomania in patients with bipolar disorder, seizures can occur with treatment in patients with a seizure disorder.

Lurasidone is a novel antipsychotic agent approved for the treatment of schizophrenia in a number of countries including the UK and is also approved in the USA and Canada for the treatment of bipolar depression as either a monotherapy or adjunctive therapy with lithium or valproate. In addition, lurasidone is in phase III of a clinical trial for the treatment patient with major depressive disorder and for the treatment of irritability associated with autistic disorder. The mechanism of action of lurasidone, as with other drugs having efficacy in schizophrenia, is unknown but is known, that lurasidone has a high affinity for dopamine D2, serotonin 5-HT2A and serotonin 5-HT7 receptors where it has antagonist effects. In addition, lurasidone is a partial agonist at the serotonin 5-HT1A receptor and has no appreciable affinity for histamine or muscarinic receptors.

Levomilnacipran (1S, 2R/F2695) is an enantiomer of milnacipran, a serotonin/norepinephrine (5-HT/NE) reuptake inhibitor. Levomilnacipran is pharmacologically more active as compared with racemic mixture and dextromilnacipran (1R, 2S/F2696). The safety of the drug is also higher than the safety of a racemate, resulting in a beneficial impact on the therapeutic effect. Pierre Fabre and Forest Laboratories are developing levomilnacipran extended release (ER) [FETZIMA™], an enantiomer of milnacipran, for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). In addition, Pierre Fabre (the originator of the compound) is developing the drug to improve recovery in patients with ischaemic stroke.

Icosapent is an important polyunsaturated fatty acid found in fish oils. It serves as the precursor for the prostaglandin-3 and thromboxane-3 families. A diet rich in eicosapentaenoic acid lowers serum lipid concentration, reduces incidence of cardiovascular disorders, prevents platelet aggregation, and inhibits arachidonic acid conversion into the thromboxane-2 and prostaglandin-2 families. EPA can be used for lowering elevated triglycerides in those who are hyperglyceridemic. In addition, EPA may play a therapeutic role in patients with cystic fibrosis by reducing disease severity and may play a similar role in type 2 diabetics in slowing the progression of diabetic nephropathy.

Desvenlafaxine is a dual serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor in vitro and in vivo that demonstrates good brain-to-plasma ratios. Desvenlafaxine has demonstrated antidepressant effects in preclinical studies. Pfizer is developing an oral, extended-release formulation of desvenlafaxine for the treatment of major depressive disorder. Desvenlafaxine has been registered and is available on the market for the treatment of major depressive disorder in adults.

Desvenlafaxine is a dual serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor in vitro and in vivo that demonstrates good brain-to-plasma ratios. Desvenlafaxine has demonstrated antidepressant effects in preclinical studies. Pfizer is developing an oral, extended-release formulation of desvenlafaxine for the treatment of major depressive disorder. Desvenlafaxine has been registered and is available on the market for the treatment of major depressive disorder in adults.

Desvenlafaxine is a dual serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor in vitro and in vivo that demonstrates good brain-to-plasma ratios. Desvenlafaxine has demonstrated antidepressant effects in preclinical studies. Pfizer is developing an oral, extended-release formulation of desvenlafaxine for the treatment of major depressive disorder. Desvenlafaxine has been registered and is available on the market for the treatment of major depressive disorder in adults.

Desvenlafaxine is a dual serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor in vitro and in vivo that demonstrates good brain-to-plasma ratios. Desvenlafaxine has demonstrated antidepressant effects in preclinical studies. Pfizer is developing an oral, extended-release formulation of desvenlafaxine for the treatment of major depressive disorder. Desvenlafaxine has been registered and is available on the market for the treatment of major depressive disorder in adults.

Desvenlafaxine is a dual serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor in vitro and in vivo that demonstrates good brain-to-plasma ratios. Desvenlafaxine has demonstrated antidepressant effects in preclinical studies. Pfizer is developing an oral, extended-release formulation of desvenlafaxine for the treatment of major depressive disorder. Desvenlafaxine has been registered and is available on the market for the treatment of major depressive disorder in adults.