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Compare Viibryd vs. Effexor XR

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

Key takeaways

Viibryd (vilazodone) and Effexor (venlafaxine) are both medications used to treat depression, but they belong to different drug classes and have some key differences. Viibryd is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and a serotonin (5HT1A) receptor partial agonist, while Effexor is a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). Effexor is available in both immediate-release and extended-release (XR) forms, with the XR form being taken once daily. Viibryd is typically taken once daily with food and is less likely to cause weight gain and sexual side effects compared to other antidepressants. Viibryd is primarily used to treat depression. Effexor XR, on the other hand, can treat not only depression but also anxiety, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder. Both medications can raise the risk of bleeding when taken with blood thinners, and both may cause withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly. Additionally, Effexor may raise your blood pressure, especially at higher doses. Both medications are available in generic forms.

  • Vilazodone (Viibryd)
    Venlafaxine
  • Vilazodone (Viibryd)
    Venlafaxine

  • Summary of Viibryd vs. Effexor XR

    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 SNRI
    Prescription only

    Venlafaxine is an antidepressant used to treat mental health conditions like depression, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder. It comes in two forms: extended-release, which is taken once a day, and immediate-release, which is taken in split doses throughout the day. This medication can interact with many things, including other medications and alcohol. Possible side effects can include nausea, weight changes, and sexual problems. It can also cause withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking it suddenly.

  • Indications of Viibryd vs. Effexor XR

    Indications for
    •Major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults
    Indications for
    •Depression
    •Generalized anxiety disorder - extended-release capsules only
    •Social anxiety disorder - extended-release capsules and tablets only
    •Panic disorder - extended-release capsules only

  • Pros and Cons of Viibryd vs. Effexor XR

    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 SNRI
    Pros
    •Can treat multiple mental health conditions
    •Affects two chemicals in the brain that impact your mood
    •Lower risk of weight gain compared to other antidepressants
    •Comes in both immediate-release and extended-release versions
    Cons
    •Might raise your blood pressure, especially at higher doses
    •Interacts with many medications
    •Can take up to 4 to 8 weeks before you feel the full effect
    •High risk of causing withdrawal symptoms if suddenly stopped

  • Common Side Effects of Viibryd vs. Effexor XR

    Common Side Effects for
    •Diarrhea (26-29%)
    •Nausea (22-24%)
    •Headache (14-15%)
    Common Side Effects for

    Extended-release:

    •Nausea (29-31%)
    •Trouble sleeping (17-23%)
    •Dizziness (16-20%)
    •Loss of appetite (10-20%)
    •Drowsiness (15-17%)
    •Dry mouth (12-17%)
    •Abnormal ejaculation (10-16%)
    •Sweating (11-14%)
    •Weakness (8-13%)

    Immediate-release:

    •Nausea (37%)
    •Headache (25%)
    •Drowsiness (23%)
    •Dry mouth (22%)
    •Dizziness (19%)
    •Trouble sleeping (18%)
    •Constipation (15%)
    •Nervousness (13%)
    •Weakness (12%)
    •Sweating (12%)
    •Abnormal ejaculation (12%)
    •Loss of appetite (11%)

  • Warnings of Viibryd vs. Effexor XR

    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
    •Suicidal thoughts and behavior
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •High blood pressure
    •Higher bleeding risk
    •Mania
    •Glaucoma
    •Withdrawal
    •Seizures
    •Low sodium levels
    •Lung problems and pneumonia
    •Sexual problems

  • Prices with our coupons for Viibryd vs. Effexor XR

    Learn more about Vilazodone
    Learn more about Venlafaxine

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