Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Viibryd vs. Lexapro

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

Key takeaways

Vilazodone (Viibryd) and escitalopram (Lexapro) are both medications used to treat depression, but they have some key differences. Vilazodone is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and a serotonin (5HT1A) receptor partial agonist, while escitalopram is solely an SSRI. This means that vilazodone not only increases serotonin levels in the brain but also directly acts on serotonin receptors. Escitalopram is also approved to treat generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), whereas vilazodone is not. Vilazodone is less likely to cause weight gain and sexual side effects compared to other antidepressants. Both medications can cause nausea and headaches, but vilazodone is more likely to cause diarrhea. Escitalopram can be taken with or without food, while vilazodone must be taken with food. Both medications are available in generic forms and are taken once daily.

  • Vilazodone (Viibryd)
    Escitalopram (Lexapro)
  • Vilazodone (Viibryd)
    Escitalopram (Lexapro)

  • Summary of Viibryd vs. Lexapro

    Summary for SSRI / 5HT1A receptor partial agonist
    Prescription only

    Vilazodone (Viibryd) is a medication that treats depression in adults. It's taken by mouth, typically just once daily. As with most antidepressants, you should never stop this medication all of a sudden because doing so can lead to withdrawal symptoms. Some of the more common side effects of vilazodone (Viibryd) include diarrhea, nausea, and headache. Research suggests it's less likely to cause weight gain and sexual side effects compared to some other antidepressants. Vilazodone (Viibryd) is available as both brand and generics.

    Summary for SSRI
    Prescription only

    Escitalopram, also known by its brand name, Lexapro, is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It's a first-choice antidepressant to treat depression and anxiety in adults and children. The medication is available as a tablet and oral solution, in both brand and generic forms. A dose is typically taken by mouth once per day. Some common side effects include nausea, trouble sleeping (insomnia), and dizziness.

  • Indications of Viibryd vs. Lexapro

    Indications for
    •Major depressive disorder (MDD)
    Indications for
    •Depression in people ages 12 years and older
    •Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in people ages 7 years and older

  • Pros and Cons of Viibryd vs. Lexapro

    Pros and Const for SSRI / 5HT1A receptor partial agonist
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth
    •Taken once daily
    •Compared to other antidepressants, vilazodone (Viibryd) has a lower risk of weight gain and sexual side effects
    •Can be used in older adults (65 years of age or older)
    Cons
    •Might take several weeks before you feel the full benefits of vilazodone (Viibryd)
    •Not FDA-approved for children
    •Must be taken with food
    •Can cause stomach-related side effects, like nausea and diarrhea
    Pros and Const for SSRI
    Pros
    •First-choice medication for anxiety and depression
    •Only need to take it once a day
    •Generally has fewer side effects compared to other antidepressants
    •Can be taken with or without food
    Cons
    •Can take up to 2 months before you feel the the full benefits
    •Risk of certain sexual problems
    •Can raise your risk for bleeds
    •Can cause withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop taking it

  • Common Side Effects of Viibryd vs. Lexapro

    Common Side Effects for
    •Diarrhea (26-29%)
    •Nausea (22-24%)
    •Headache (14-15%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (24%)
    •Nausea (15-18%)
    •Ejaculation problems (9-14%)
    •Sleepiness (6-13%)
    •Trouble sleeping (9-12%)
    •Dry mouth (6-9%)
    •Diarrhea (8%)
    •Tiredness (5-8%)

  • Warnings of Viibryd vs. Lexapro

    Common Side Effects for
    •Suicidal thoughts or behavior
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Serious bleeding
    •Low sodium levels in the blood
    •Eye problems
    •Worsening of mania or hypomania
    •Sexual problems
    Common Side Effects for
    •Worsening depression, suicidal thoughts, and unusual behavior
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Stopping escitalopram (Lexapro) too suddenly
    •Risk of bleeding
    •Not for use alone in bipolar disorder
    •Glaucoma
    •Life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation)
    •Low blood sodium levels
    •Sexual problems

  • Prices with our coupons for Viibryd vs. Lexapro

    Learn more about Vilazodone
    Learn more about Escitalopram

Compare other Depression drugs

Cymbalta vs ViibrydTrintellix vs ViibrydViibryd vs CelexaViibryd vs Drizalma SprinkleViibryd vs EffexorViibryd vs LexaproViibryd vs OleptroViibryd vs PristiqViibryd vs ProzacViibryd vs WellbutrinViibryd vs ZoloftBuspar vs EffexorEffexor vs FioricetEffexor vs LyricaEffexor vs NefazodoneEffexor vs WellbutrinElavil vs EffexorImitrex vs EffexorLexapro vs EffexorLuvox vs EffexorNeurontin vs EffexorPamelor vs EffexorPaxil vs EffexorPristiq vs EffexorPropranolol vs EffexorRemeron vs EffexorTofranil vs EffexorTopamax vs EffexorTrintellix vs EffexorZoloft vs Effexor
View More

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.