What To Know About Viibryd (Vilazodone)

Viibryd (the generic form is called vilazodone) is an antidepressant commonly used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD). It belongs to a class of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Viibryd is available in the form of oral tablets.

The exact way Viibryd helps to treat depression is unclear, but it's believed to help regulate the serotonin levels in your brain, which can help manage depressive symptoms.

Viibryd Uses 

Viibryd is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of depression. It is specifically used to treat symptoms of major depressive disorder.

Major Depressive Disorder

Major depressive disorder is a condition that causes a person to persistently experience low moods and feelings of sadness and despair.

Those dealing with MDD could also feel a decreased interest in activities they used to enjoy, a lack of energy, insomnia, guilt, and in severe cases, suicidal thoughts.

Before Taking Viibryd 

The active ingredient in Viibryd is vilazodone. Before taking Viibryd, you should let your doctor know if you have any allergic reactions to it.

Also, go through the list of inactive ingredients with your doctor to make sure that you aren’t allergic to any of them. Signs of an allergic reaction include:

• Hives
• Difficulty breathing
• Swelling of the tongue, throat, or Face

Viibryd is typically not prescribed to children under the age of 18 because of potential to develop adverse effects. However, in some cases, your doctor might decide that that’s the best course of treatment for your child. 

Before taking, tell your doctor if you are on any other medication. Taking medications like monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), alongside or shortly before starting Viibryd could cause some serious adverse effects.

Precautions and Contraindications 

Teenagers and young adults under the age of 24 have been reported to experience an increase in suicidal thoughts when using antidepressants like Viibryd.

• For Those With Bipolar Disorder: For people who are also living with bipolar disorder, using Viibryd might increase the likelihood of a manic episode occurring. Viibryd should be used with caution by people who are prone to seizures. While extensive research hasn’t been conducted into how the medication might affect them, some antidepressants have been linked to worsened seizures.
• For Those With Methemoglobinemia: Methemoglobinemia is a disorder which causes high levels of methemoglobin in your blood. This results in a reduction in the amount of oxygen being delivered to your cells. Viibryd is contraindicated with intravenous (IV) methylene blue (used to treat methemoglobinemia) and causes an increased risk of developing serotonin syndrome.
• Other Medications: Other drugs such as stimulant medication, herbal products, other antidepressants, medications for Parkinson’s disease, headaches, and serious infections might contraindicate with Viibryd and cause serotonin syndrome.

Viibryd Dosage

Your doctor will consider a couple of things before deciding on which dosage of Viibryd is best for you. They will consider the severity of your condition and symptoms, your response to and tolerance to the medication, your medical history, and other medications, vitamins, and supplements you might be taking. 

Most people are likely to be started on a low dose, which is gradually increased as your doctor observes your tolerance for the medication and the rate of improvement of your condition. According to the manufacturer, Viibryd comes in varying milligram (mg) strengths:

• 10 mg
• 20 mg
• 40 mg

The manufacturer does recommend a standard dosage for treating major depressive disorder: 10 mg a day is recommended for 7 days, after which your dosage might be increased to 20 milligrams a day. As your progress is monitored, your dosage might be increased to 40 mg a day or maintained at 20 mg per day.

Modifications 

People who are also taking CYP3A4 inhibitors like ketoconazole should not be given a dosage that exceeds 20 milligrams a day. CYP3A4 is an enzyme in your body which is responsible for the efficient metabolism of many medications. CYP3A4 inhibitors block their metabolic activities.

Also, people on medications like erythromycin, which is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections and inhibits CYP3A4 receptors, might experience more severe side effects when using Viibryd. If this occurs, the dose is typically reduced to 20 milligrams a day.

How to Take and Store 

Viibryd is typically prescribed to be taken once a day with food. You should try to take Viibryd at the same time every day to form a habit so that you don’t miss a dose.

Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you are unsure about what to do, then read your prescription label or reach out to your doctor.

Store this medication at room temperature and keep it away from excessive heat or moisture. 

Viibryd Side Effects

You might feel some side effects while using Viibryd. While they are typically mild, they could sometimes be severe. If they are severe, your doctor may prescribe a lower dose or discontinue your use of the medication.

Common

Some common side effects people who use Viibryd might experience include: 

• Dizziness 
• Insomnia
• Nausea 
• Diarrhea 
• Decreased libido 
• Dry mouth 
• Flatulence 
• Changes in appetite 

In most cases, these side effects will reduce with time. If you have any worries about the side effects you are experiencing or think they might be worsening, speak to your doctor. 

Severe

In rare cases, people using Viibryd might experience more severe side effects such as: 

• Tremors 
• Numbness
• Extreme fatigue 
• Confusion 
• Irregular heartbeats 
• Heartburn 
• Pain or tingling in the hands or feet 
• Seizures 
• Nosebleeds 
• Memory problems 

Warnings and Interactions 

If you are asked to stop taking Viibryd and begin feeling any withdrawal symptoms, bring it to the attention of your doctor. 

You shouldn’t drive or use heavy machinery after using this drug as in some cases it might make you feel dizzy and drowsy and alter the way you think. You should also avoid drinking alcohol when using this medication. Alcohol might make you feel dizzy, and drowsy.

In certain cases, Viibryd might cause a condition known as angle-closure glaucoma. This causes the fluid coming out of your eyes to become blocked and increases the pressure in your eyes, which might cause a loss of vision. 

Studies show that Viibryd, can cause an increase in suicidal thoughts and actions in children and young adults who are below 24. Any signs of anxiety, restlessness, sudden mood changes and insomnia could be indicative of suicidal feelings. If you suspect you or a loved one is experiencing suicidal thoughts, speak to your healthcare provider about it.