New draft guidance from the National Institute of Care Excellence (NICE) recommends vortioxetine (Brintellix) as a cost-effective treatment for major depressive episodes.
In the UK it is estimated between 5% and 10% of people seen in primary care have major depressive disorder, also referred to as clinical depression, major depression, unipolar depression, and depression.
It often has a remitting and relapsing course and is characterised by a low mood and loss of interest usually accompanied by symptoms including low energy, change in appetite, weight or sleep pattern, poor concentration, feelings of guilt or worthlessness and suicidal ideas.
Commenting on the draft guidance, Professor Carole Longson, director of the Centre for Health Technology Evaluation Centre at NICE, said: “The Committee acknowledged that having access to a range of treatments is important for people with major depressive disorder.”
“The Committee concluded… that vortioxetine could be recommended as a cost effective option for treating major depressive episodes in adults whose condition has responded inadequately to two antidepressants within the current episode.”
