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Compare Viibryd vs. Prozac

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

Key takeaways

Viibryd (vilazodone) and fluoxetine (Prozac) are both medications used to treat depression, but they have some key differences. Viibryd is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and a serotonin (5HT1A) receptor partial agonist, while fluoxetine is solely an SSRI. This means that Viibryd not only increases serotonin levels but also directly acts on serotonin receptors. Fluoxetine is used to treat a wider range of conditions in adults and some children, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), bulimia, panic disorder, and depression from bipolar 1 disorder, whereas Viibryd is only approved for depression in adults. Viibryd is typically taken once daily with food, while fluoxetine can be taken once daily or once weekly, depending on the form. Both medications are available in both brand and generic forms. Common side effects of Viibryd include diarrhea, nausea, and headache, whereas fluoxetine can cause difficulty sleeping, headaches, and tiredness. Both medications can cause withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly and have a risk of suicidal thoughts, especially in younger individuals.

  • Vilazodone (Viibryd)
    Fluoxetine (Prozac)
  • Vilazodone (Viibryd)
    Fluoxetine (Prozac)

  • Summary of Viibryd vs. Prozac

    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

    Fluoxetine (Prozac) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It's used to treat several mental health conditions, including depression and panic disorder. The immediate-release pill and liquid are taken by mouth, typically once or twice daily. The delayed-release capsule is taken weekly, but it's approved only for depression. Some common side effects of fluoxetine (Prozac) include headaches, difficulty sleeping, and tiredness. Don't suddenly stop this medication if you've been taking it for a while; doing so can lead to symptoms of withdrawal.

  • Indications of Viibryd vs. Prozac

    Indications for
    •Major depressive disorder (MDD)
    Indications for
    •Major depressive disorder (MDD)
    •Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
    •Bulimia
    •Panic disorder
    •Depression from bipolar 1 disorder
    •Treatment resistant depression

  • Pros and Cons of Viibryd vs. Prozac

    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
    •Good choice for treating depression, OCD, and panic disorder
    •Less likely to make you sleepy compared to some other antidepressants, such as paroxetine (Paxil)
    •Taken by mouth, typically once daily (IR capsules and liquid) or once weekly (DR capsules, for depression only)
    •Can be taken with or without food
    Cons
    •Can take up to 2 months for you to feel the full effects of the medication
    •Can raise the risk of suicidal thoughts and/or behavior in those age 24 or younger
    •Can interact with other medications, especially those affecting serotonin levels
    •Can cause withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop taking it

  • Common Side Effects of Viibryd vs. Prozac

    Common Side Effects for
    •Diarrhea (26-29%)
    •Nausea (22-24%)
    •Headache (14-15%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Difficulty falling asleep (up to 33%)
    •Nausea (up to 29%)
    •Headache (21%)
    •Weakness (up to 21%)
    •Diarrhea (up to 18%)
    •Low appetite (up to 17%)
    •Drowsiness (up to 17%)
    •Anxiety (up to 15%)
    •Nervousness (up to 14%)
    •Tremor (up to 13%)
    •Dry mouth (up to 12%)
    •Throat pain (up to 11%)
    •Yawning (up to 11%)
    •Low sex drive (up to 11%)

  • Warnings of Viibryd vs. Prozac

    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 behavior
    •Anxiety and trouble sleeping
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Severe allergic reactions
    •Not for use alone in bipolar disorder
    •Risk of bleeding
    •Glaucoma
    •Low blood sodium levels
    •Life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation)

  • Prices with our coupons for Viibryd vs. Prozac

    Learn more about Vilazodone
    Learn more about Fluoxetine

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