Can Vortioxetine Help with “Brain Fog” in Post-COVID Depression?
📌 Background
Cognitive dysfunction—including poor memory, attention, and processing speed—has emerged as a hallmark of post-COVID syndrome, especially in patients with comorbid depression. With limited treatment options available, this new prospective, open-label, study evaluated vortioxetine’s efficacy for improving both mood and cognitive function in this unique patient population.
- Published in The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, July 2025
🧪 Study Design
Population: 140 adults with new-onset MDD as PCS (post-COVID syndrome) outcome
Setting: Prospective, open-label, carried out in 1 clinical site
Intervention: Vortioxetine at 10–20 mg/d (n = 70), Escitalopram 10–20 mg/d (n = 36), or Sertraline 50–200 mg/d (n = 34)
Duration: 8 weeks
Outcomes measured:
Depression: Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS)
Cognitive function: Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST), Patient Reported Outcome Measurement Information System Fatigue Short Form 7a (PROMIS 7a)
📊 Key Results
Cognitive performance
- Participants assigned to vortioxetine exhibited significant changes in DSST scores from baseline to end point compared to escitalopram or sertraline.
Depression symptoms:
- Participants in the vortioxetine treatment group reported significantly greater changes in total MADRS scores from baseline to end point compared to escitalopram or sertraline.
💬 Clinical Commentary
This study adds to the growing evidence that vortioxetine, a multimodal antidepressant, may offer unique cognitive benefits, particularly in patients experiencing post-COVID cognitive and emotional symptoms.
These findings align with earlier trials (e.g., CONNECT and FOCUS) showing vortioxetine’s pro-cognitive effects across various patient populations—even beyond depressive symptoms.
✅ Clinical Takeaway
For patients with MDD and post-COVID syndrome, vortioxetine may offer a meaningful option to target both depressive and cognitive symptoms. While further controlled studies are needed, this study supports its use in outpatient settings where cognitive complaints are prominent.
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