Key takeaways
Vilazodone (Viibryd) and trazodone are both medications used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults, but they have some key differences. Vilazodone (Viibryd) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and a serotonin (5HT1A) receptor partial agonist, while trazodone is an atypical antidepressant known as a serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor (SARI). Vilazodone is typically taken once daily with food, whereas trazodone can be taken once or several times a day, depending on your condition. Trazodone is sometimes used off-label to help with sleep, but vilazodone is not. Common side effects of vilazodone include diarrhea, nausea, and headache, while trazodone often causes sleepiness, dry mouth, and dizziness. Both medications can cause withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly, so it's important to follow your healthcare provider's instructions when discontinuing them. Additionally, vilazodone is available in both brand and generic forms, whereas the brand name for trazodone, Desyrel, has been discontinued, leaving only the generic version available.
