Vilazodone

1 medicine

Vilazodone is an antidepressant for major depressive disorder: it carries a warning for increased suicidal thoughts in people under 25, must never be combined with an MAOI due to the risk of serotonin syndrome, and should be taken with food.

Viibryd

Vilazodone

20/40mg

Viibryd is a antidepressants medication containing Vilazodone, available as 20/40mg tablets.

from $1.09 / tablet View

Key facts

  • Vilazodone is an antidepressant that combines serotonin reuptake inhibition with partial activation of a serotonin receptor, and it is used to treat major depressive disorder in adults.
  • It is taken once daily with food; without food, less of the drug is absorbed and it may not work as well.
  • Antidepressants, including vilazodone, can increase suicidal thoughts and behavior in children, teenagers and young adults up to age 24, especially in the first weeks of treatment or after a dose change. It must never be combined with an MAOI (monoamine oxidase inhibitor), because the combination can cause a life-threatening reaction called serotonin syndrome.
  • Seek urgent care for new or worsening suicidal thoughts, agitation, or signs of serotonin syndrome such as high fever, muscle rigidity, rapid heartbeat, or confusion.

What vilazodone treats

Vilazodone is used to treat major depressive disorder in adults, helping to improve low mood, loss of interest, and other symptoms of depression over several weeks of treatment.

How vilazodone works

Vilazodone acts on the brain's serotonin system in two ways: it blocks the transporter that normally clears serotonin from the space between nerve cells, similar to an SSRI, and it also partially activates a serotonin receptor called 5-HT1A. Together these actions increase serotonin signaling, though the full antidepressant effect still generally takes several weeks to build.

Before you take it

  • Do not take vilazodone within 14 days of stopping an MAOI, and do not start an MAOI within 14 days of stopping vilazodone. Combining them can cause serotonin syndrome, which can be fatal.
  • Tell your prescriber about bipolar disorder, since antidepressants can trigger an episode of mania, and about any bleeding disorder or use of blood thinners or NSAIDs, since these raise the risk of bleeding.
  • Tell your prescriber about other serotonergic medicines you take, including triptans, tramadol, St John's wort, and other antidepressants, since combining them raises the risk of serotonin syndrome.
  • Do not stop vilazodone abruptly. Stopping suddenly can cause dizziness, nausea and irritability. Taper the dose under medical guidance.

Side effects

Common effects include nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, insomnia and dry mouth. Sexual side effects, such as reduced libido or delayed orgasm, can also occur.

Seek urgent care for:

  • Suicidal thoughts or self-harm.
  • Unusual bleeding or bruising.
  • Agitation, hallucinations, rapid heartbeat, fever, muscle twitching or stiffness, or loss of coordination, which can signal serotonin syndrome.
  • Racing thoughts, little need for sleep, or reckless behavior, which can signal mania.

Safety essentials

  • The under-25 suicidality warning applies to all antidepressants. Anyone starting vilazodone or changing the dose needs close monitoring for worsening mood or new suicidal thoughts, particularly in the first few weeks.
  • Never combine vilazodone with an MAOI, and wait at least 14 days between stopping one and starting the other, to avoid serotonin syndrome.
  • Take it with food every day for reliable absorption, and never stop it abruptly.

This page is educational and does not replace advice from a doctor or pharmacist who knows your health history.