A comparative study to assess the efficacy and safety of Vortioxetine versus sertraline in patients suffering from Anxiety Disorder

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is prevalent (12-month and lifetime prevalence of 3.1 and 5.1%, respectively) and associated with significant impairment in psychosocial functioning, including work functioning. It is a persistent condition characterized by chronic anxiety, exaggerated worry and tension, mainly comorbid with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).  It includes excessive, uncontrollable and often irrational worry, that is, apprehensive expectation about events or activities. This excessive worry often interferes with daily functioning. A condition marked by excessive worry and feelings of fear, dread, and uneasiness that last six months or longer. Other symptoms of GAD include being restless, being tired or irritable, muscle tension, not being able to concentrate or sleep well, shortness of breath, fast heartbeat, sweating, and dizziness. currently, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors are recommended as first-line treatment of GAD. However, some patients may not respond to the treatment or discontinue due to adverse effects. Vortioxetine (VRX) is a multimodal antidepressant with a unique mechanism of action, by acting as 5-HT3A, 5-HT1D and 5-HT7 receptor antagonist, partial agonist at the 5-HT1A and 5-HT1B receptors and inhibitor at the 5-HT transporter. Sertraline is a naphthalenamine derivative with the predominant pharmacological action of inhibiting presynaptic reuptake of serotonin from the synaptic cleft. It was initially marketed for the treatment of major depressive disorder and is now approved for the management of panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder.