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.
