How Is Viibryd Different From SSRIs? Plus, 5 More Viibryd FAQs
Key takeaways:
Viibryd (vilazodone) is used to treat depression. It isn’t a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). But it works in a similar way to treat depression, with an added benefit of causing less weight gain and fewer sexual side effects.
In most cases, you’ll take Viibryd for at least 4 to 12 months, but long-term treatment is also possible. It isn’t safe to stop taking Viibryd on your own. Your prescriber can give you directions for slowly lowering your dose once you’ve decided it’s time to stop taking it.
Viibryd may start working in 1 to 2 weeks, but typically takes up to 8 weeks to reach its full effects. Side effects should go away after a few weeks once your body adjusts to the medication.
Viibryd is available as a lower-cost generic. GoodRx can help you save over 80% off the average retail price at certain pharmacies.
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Table of contents
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to treating depression. But a combination of therapy and an antidepressant medication is often a good place to start. Viibryd (vilazodone) is one medication option to consider.
It’s helpful to review the basics, such as side effects and drug interactions, before starting Viibryd. But you may still have questions, such as how is Viibryd different from SSRIs and other antidepressants? And how long does it take for your depression symptoms to improve once you start taking it?
Here, we’ll provide expert answers to these questions and more to help you better understand your treatment.
1. How is Viibryd different from SSRIs?
Most antidepressants work by increasing the levels of chemical messengers known as neurotransmitters in your brain. These chemicals include serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) include popular antidepressants such as Zoloft (sertraline) and Prozac (fluoxetine). They block serotonin from being “taken up,” or reabsorbed, into your cells. This increases the amount of serotonin in the brain.
Viibryd isn’t an SSRI, but it works in a similar way. Like SSRIs, Viibryd increases serotonin levels in the brain by blocking it from being reabsorbed. But unlike SSRIs, Viibryd also binds to a specific serotonin receptor in the brain called 5HT1A. It’s not clear exactly what role this plays in how Viibryd treats depression. But it’s possible that this action makes Viibryd less likely to cause the sexual side effects that can occur with SSRIs.
Is Viibryd a controlled substance?
No, Viibryd isn’t a controlled substance. It doesn’t carry a risk for dependence or misuse. This is true for most antidepressant medications. However, if you suddenly stop taking Viibryd, you may develop withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal is a term often associated with a substance use disorder. But it can also happen with noncontrolled medications. We’ll talk more about stopping Viibryd treatment safety in a later section.
2. How long does it take Viibryd to work?
You may notice an improvement in your depression symptoms within 1 to 2 weeks of starting Viibryd. But it can take up to 8 weeks for the medication to reach its full effects. Most antidepressants take about 4 to 8 weeks to work, so this isn’t out of the ordinary. Patience is key — don’t be discouraged if you don’t feel better right away.
Let your prescriber know if your symptoms haven’t improved after a few weeks. They may decide to increase your dose to help Viibryd work better for you.
Antidepressants 101: Learn more about the different types of antidepressants and how they compare.
Looking for a therapist? Here’s how to find a therapist that fits your needs and goals.
Viibryd side effects: Read about common and rare Viibryd side effects and how to manage them.
Keep in mind that medications are just one part of a plan to care for your mental health. Support your mind and body by getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, and exercising regularly. You can also talk to your healthcare team about psychotherapy options.
3. How does Viibryd compare to other antidepressants?
Viibryd hasn’t been directly compared with other antidepressants in high-quality clinical studies. Based on the information we have, it seems to be similarly effective to other common antidepressants. Some small, low-quality studies found that Viibryd may be more effective than Lexapro (escitalopram) and amitriptyline. But more studies are needed to know for sure.
But there do seem to be some advantages when it comes to taking Viibryd. First, it has a low risk of causing weight gain or sexual side effects, unlike many other antidepressants. Second, it seems to help improve anxiety symptoms. Viibryd isn’t FDA approved for anxiety, but this added benefit may be useful if you have symptoms of depression and anxiety at the same time. That being said, other antidepressants are approved for both depression and anxiety.
Your prescriber can help you find the best treatment option for your needs.
4. How long do you have to take Viibryd?
It depends on your individual needs. If you’re treating depression for the first time, experts recommend at least 4 to 12 months of treatment. If depression returns, long-term treatment may be a better option. It’s a good idea to check in with your prescriber every few months or so to determine if your Viibryd treatment should continue.
5. How do you stop taking Viibryd?
As mentioned, it’s important not to suddenly stop taking Viibryd. Doing so can lead to uncomfortable symptoms, such as upset stomach, anxiety, and headache. In severe cases, manic behavior and seizures are possible.
If you want to stop taking Viibryd, talk with your prescriber first. They can make sure it’s a safe choice for you and give you directions for slowly reducing your dose over time. The manufacturer recommends lowering your dosage over the course of at least 1 week. But it may take longer in some cases, depending on what dosage you’re taking and how you respond.
6. What should you do if Viibryd causes side effects?
Diarrhea, nausea, and insomnia are the most common Viibryd side effects. For most people these side effects are mild and usually go away as your body gets used to the medication.
It’s best to start with a low dose of Viibryd and slowly increase it over time to help reduce side effects. Taking Viibryd in the morning with food is also recommended. If side effects continue or worsen despite these steps, reach out to your healthcare team for guidance.
How to save on Viibryd
There are several ways to save on Viibryd, which is available as both a brand-name and generic medication.
Save with GoodRx. GoodRx can help you save over 80% off the average retail price of the generic version. Generic Viibryd’s price at certain pharmacies is less than $34.00 with a free GoodRx discount.
Save with a copay savings card. If you have commercial insurance, you may be eligible to pay as little as $15 for a 30- or 90-day supply of brand-name Viibryd using a savings card from the manufacturer.
Save with patient assistance programs. If you’re uninsured or underinsured, you may be eligible for Viibryd’s patient assistance program, which offers the medication free of cost.
The bottom line
Viibryd (vilazodone) is a medication that treats depression in adults. It isn’t a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). But it works in a similar way to treat depression. Unlike SSRIs, Viibryd stimulates a specific serotonin receptor (binding site) in the brain. This may be why it’s less likely to cause weight gain or sexual side effects than SSRIs and some other antidepressants.
Viibryd may start improving depression symptoms within 1 to 2 weeks. But it typically takes up to 8 weeks to reach its full effects. In most cases, you’ll take Viibryd for at least 4 to 12 months. Long-term treatment is also common if depression persists.
Common Viibryd side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and insomnia. In most cases, side effects will go away after a few weeks. If they don’t improve or worsen, talk to your prescriber for guidance. It isn’t safe to suddenly stop taking Viibryd on your own. Your prescriber can give you directions for lowering your dose slowly over time to prevent unwanted side effects.
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References
Allergan, Inc. (2023). Viibryd- vilazodone hydrochloride tablet [package insert].
Bathla, M., et al. (2018). A 12-week comparative prospective open-label randomized controlled study in depression patients treated with vilazodone and escitalopram in a tertiary care hospital in north India. Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine.
Chauhan, M., et al. (2022). Vilazodone for major depression in adults: Pharmacological profile and an updated review for clinical practice. Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment.
Kadam, R. L., et al. (2020). Comparative evaluation of efficacy and tolerability of vilazodone, escitalopram, and amitriptyline in patients of major depressive disorder: A randomized, parallel, open-label clinical study. Indian Journal of Pharmacology.
Kovich, H., et al. (2015). Common questions about the pharmacologic management of depression in adults. American Family Physician.
Sahli, Z. T., et al. (2016). The preclinical and clinical effects of vilazodone for the treatment of major depressive disorder. Expert Opinion on Drug Discovery.
Smith, M. D., et al. (2023). Norepinephrine. StatPearls.
Thase, M. E., et al. (2014). Efficacy of vilazodone on anxiety symptoms in patients with major depressive disorder. International Clinical Psychopharmacology.
Wagner, J., et al. (2018). Efficacy and safety of levomilnacipran, vilazodone and vortioxetine compared with other second-generation antidepressants for major depressive disorder in adults: A systematic review and network meta-analysis. Journal of Affective Disorders.
Zareifopoulos, N., et al. (2017). Efficacy and tolerability of vilazodone for the acute treatment of generalized anxiety disorder: A meta-analysis. Asian Journal of Psychiatry.
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