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Compare Viibryd vs. Celexa

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Viibryd (vilazodone) and Celexa (citalopram) are both medications used to treat depression in adults, but they have some key differences. Viibryd is a combination of a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and a serotonin (5HT1A) receptor partial agonist, while Celexa is a traditional SSRI. This means Viibryd not only increases serotonin levels but also directly acts on serotonin receptors, whereas Celexa solely increases serotonin levels. However, SSRIs like Celexa are considered a first-choice option for treating depression, while Viibryd is not. Unlike Celexa, Viibryd must be taken with food to be effective. Viibryd is less likely to cause sexual side effects compared to Celexa. Both medications have a low risk of weight gain, and both can cause withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly. Additionally, Celexa has a risk of causing a serious heart rhythm problem called QT prolongation, while Viibryd does not.

  • Vilazodone (Viibryd)
    Citalopram (Celexa)
  • Vilazodone (Viibryd)
    Citalopram (Celexa)

  • Summary of Viibryd vs. Celexa

    Summary for SSRI/ 5HT1A receptor partial agonist
    Prescription only

    Vilazodone (Viibryd) helps treat depression in adults. It works in a similar way to the drug class called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). You take vilazodone (Viibryd) by mouth once a day. Some common side effects are diarrhea, nausea, and headache. Research suggests that it might be less likely to cause weight gain and sexual side effects than some other antidepressants. But it can have many drug interactions. It's important not to stop taking this medication all of a sudden because it can lead to withdrawal symptoms. Vilazodone (Viibryd) comes as both a brand-name and generic version.

    Summary for SSRI
    Prescription only

    Citalopram (Celexa) is a first-choice medication for treating depression in adults. This antidepressant belongs to the drug class called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Citalopram (Celexa) is typically taken by mouth once daily. It typically takes a few weeks or longer of consistent treatment to notice an improvement to your mood. Common side effects include nausea and dry mouth. There's a low risk for weight gain, but suddenly stopping the medication can lead to withdrawal symptoms (e.g., upset stomach, trouble sleeping, anxiety).

  • Indications of Viibryd vs. Celexa

    Indications for
    •Major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults
    Indications for
    •Depression

  • Pros and Cons of Viibryd vs. Celexa

    Pros and Const for SSRI/ 5HT1A receptor partial agonist
    Pros
    •Taken once a day
    •Might have a lower risk of weight gain and sexual side effects than other antidepressants
    •Okay for older adults (65 years of age or older) to take
    Cons
    •Might take several weeks before you feel a noticeable difference in your mood
    •Must take with food
    •Not approved for children
    Pros and Const for SSRI
    Pros
    •A first-choice option for treating depression
    •One of the safest antidepressants for older adults
    •Available as a tablet, capsule, and a mint-flavored liquid
    •Taken by mouth once daily
    Cons
    •Can take a couple months before you feel the full effects of this medication
    •Can interact with other medications, especially those affecting serotonin levels or heart rhythm
    •Can cause withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop taking it
    •Not FDA-approved for children

  • Common Side Effects of Viibryd vs. Celexa

    Common Side Effects for
    •Diarrhea (26-29%)
    •Nausea (22-24%)
    •Headache (14-15%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea (21%)
    •Dry mouth (20%)
    •Sleepiness (18%)
    •Trouble sleeping (15%)
    •Sweating (11%)
    •Tremor (8%)
    •Diarrhea (8%)
    •Ejaculation problems (6%)

  • Warnings of Viibryd vs. Celexa

    Common Side Effects for
    •Suicidal thoughts or behavior
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Higher risk of bleeding
    •Manic or hypomanic episode in people with bipolar disorder
    •Withdrawal symptoms
    •Worsening of glaucoma in certain people
    •Low sodium levels
    •Sexual side effects
    Common Side Effects for
    •Worsening depression, suicidal thoughts, and unusual behavior
    •Life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation)
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Withdrawal
    •Risk factors: Stopping citalopram (Celexa) suddenly
    •Higher risk of bleeding
    •Not for use in bipolar disorder by itself
    •Glaucoma
    •Low sodium levels

  • Prices with our coupons for Viibryd vs. Celexa

    Learn more about Vilazodone
    Learn more about Citalopram

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