Vortioxetine versus other antidepressants in the treatment of burning mouth syndrome: An open-label randomized trial

Objectives: This randomized open-label trial compared the efficacy and tolerability of vortioxetine (15 mg/daily) with different antidepressants in the treatment of patients with burning mouth syndrome (BMS). Methods: One and hundred fifty BMS patients were randomized into five groups and treated with either vortioxetine, paroxetine (20 mg/daily), sertraline (50 mg/daily), escitalopram (10 mg/daily) or duloxetine (60 mg/daily). The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Total Pain Rating Index (T-PRI), Hamilton Rating Scales for Depression (HAM-D) and Anxiety (HAM-A), and Clinical Global Impression Improvement (CGI-I) and Efficacy scales (CGI-E) were performed at baseline and after 2, 4, 6, and 12 months of treatment. Any adverse events (AEs) were tabulated for each group. Descriptive statistics, including the Kruskal–Wallis non-parametric test and the Friedman non-parametric test for median comparisons between different times, were used. Results: All the antidepressants (AD) were associated with a significant decrease in the VAS, T-PRI, HAM-A, HAM-D, CGI-I, and CGI-E scores in the long-term (p <.001). However, the response rate of the vortioxetine group showed a significant reduction after six months. The medians, after 6 months, were as follows: VAS 0.0; T-PRI 2.0; HAM-A 7.0; HAM-D 7.0; CGI-I 1.0; and CGI-E 1.0 with a lower incidence of AEs (p <.019). Conclusion: Vortioxetine was efficacious with a shorter latency of action and fewer AEs compared with other ADs.