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.
