10 Viibryd Side Effects You Should Know About

Viibryd (vilazodone) is a medication that treats depression in adults. It’s a unique antidepressant that works similarly to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as sertraline (Zoloft). It can take several weeks for Viibryd to reach its full effect. But side effects can start right away, then improve over time. Knowing what to expect when you start taking Viibryd can help you get the most from your medication.    

Viibryd side effects at a glance

Common and rare Viibryd side effects are listed below. Keep in mind that other side effects are possible when taking Viibryd. So it’s best to bring any questions or concerns to a healthcare professional. 

Common Viibryd side effects include:

• Diarrhea

• Nausea

• Headache

• Dizziness

• Trouble sleeping

• Dry mouth

• Stomach pain, gas, and bloating

• Drowsiness

• Fatigue

• Decreased sex drive

• Erectile dysfunction

• Strange dreams

• Restlessness

• Heart palpitations

• Tremor

• Increased appetite

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Rare but serious Viibryd side effects include:

• Increased bleeding risk

• Low sodium levels

• Serotonin syndrome

Viibryd also has a boxed warning, the FDA’s most serious warning for medications. There’s an increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors in people under the age of 25 who take an antidepressant medication.

Next, we’ll take a closer look at 10 Viibryd side effects and how to manage them.

1. Diarrhea

Diarrhea was the most common Viibryd side effect reported in clinical studies. Fortunately, it’s usually mild and typically goes away within the first 2 weeks of treatment. 

In the meantime, drink plenty of fluids to avoid getting dehydrated. It may also help to avoid fried or spicy foods. If needed, you can try an over-the-counter (OTC) antidiarrheal medication such as loperamide (Imodium A-D). But let your prescriber know if your diarrhea is severe or doesn’t improve.

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2. Nausea and vomiting

Nausea is another common Viibryd side effect. Stomach pain, gas, and bloating are also possible. Vomiting is less common but can happen in rare cases. Like diarrhea, nausea is usually a mild side effect that goes away on its own within a couple of weeks.

It’s recommended to take Viibryd with food. This can help prevent or lessen nausea. You can also try eating smaller, more frequent meals. Natural remedies, such as ginger or peppermint, may also help. If your symptoms persist or feel severe, reach out to your prescriber for guidance. 

3. Insomnia

Another Viibryd side effect is trouble sleeping (insomnia). It can also cause strange dreams when you do fall asleep. 

Insomnia can happen with antidepressants that raise serotonin levels. Serotonin is a chemical associated with your mood, but it also plays a role in the sleep-wake cycle. Taking Viibryd in the morning may help reduce your sleep issues if your prescriber OKs doing so. 

Your sleep may improve as your body adjusts to Viibryd. It can also help to avoid caffeine late in the day and keep a consistent bedtime. If you continue to experience insomnia with Viibryd, tell your prescriber. They may want to adjust your dose or recommend a different antidepressant. 

4. Dizziness

Viibryd may cause dizziness.This side effect isn’t as common as diarrhea or nausea, but it’s still something to keep an eye out for. Dizziness may go away on its own as your body adjusts to the medication. 

To be safe, it’s a good idea to avoid driving or activities that require alertness until you see how Viibryd affects you. If you feel dizzy or unsteady, sit or lie down if possible, and avoid standing up too quickly. If your dizziness persists or leads to fainting, let your prescriber know.

Good to know: Dizziness can also be a sign of dehydration. So be sure you’re drinking enough fluids, especially if Viibryd is causing diarrhea for you. 

5. Dry mouth

Dry mouth is another possible Viibryd side effect. Whileuncomfortable, it usually isn’t a serious problem. And it may improve over time. 

The following tips can help relieve dry mouth:

• Sip on water or sugar-free drinks throughout the day.

• Limit caffeine.

• Chew sugar-free gum or suck on sugar-free hard candy.

• Use a humidifier in your bedroom at night to moisturize the air. 

OTC saliva substitutes can also help, if needed. It’s also important to keep up with regular dental care, because dry mouth can contribute to tooth decay. If dry mouth becomes bothersome while you’re taking Viibryd, let your prescriber know.

6. Restlessness

While less common, restlessness is a possible side effect of Viibryd. You may feel a constant urge to fidget, or move your body. Restless leg syndrome is also possible, which can contribute to insomnia. 

Regular exercise may help manage restlessness. It may also improve over time. But if your symptoms feel severe or interfere with your daily life, talk to your prescriber. They may want to make changes to your medication regimen to lessen this side effect. 

7. Sexual side effects

Viibryd is less likely to cause sexual side effects than many other antidepressants. But they’re still possible. Sexual side effects can include trouble orgasming, erectile dysfunction, or decreased sex drive.They’re slightly more common in men than in women, although they were only reported by 1% to 4% of people taking Viibryd in studies. 

Talk with your prescriber if you’re experiencing sexual side effects while taking Viibryd. They can make a change in your dosage or medication to help. It may feel uncomfortable to discuss, but remember that your prescriber can’t make recommendations to improve your symptoms if they aren’t aware of them. 

8. Increased bleeding risk

Some antidepressants, including Viibryd, can raise your risk of bleeding. The risk is higher if you combine Viibryd with other medications that affect your blood’s ability to clot. Examples include:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn)

• Antiplatelet medications, such as aspirin and clopidogrel (Plavix)

• Anticoagulants, such as rivaroxaban (Xarelto) or warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven)

To help lower this risk, be sure to review your current medication list with your healthcare team before starting Viibryd. And check with your pharmacist before taking any OTC pain relievers. Let your prescriber know if you have unusual bruising or bleeding while taking Viibryd. Seek emergency care for severe bleeding or blood in your urine, stool, or vomit.

9. Serotonin syndrome

Serotonin syndrome is a rare but serious side effect that’s caused by too much serotonin in the body. The risk is higher if you take Viibryd with other medications that raise serotonin levels. These include:

• Other antidepressant medications, such as sertraline (Zoloft) or venlafaxine (Effexor XR)

• St. John’s wort

• Triptan migraine medications, such as sumatriptan

• Some anti-nausea medications, such as ondansetron

• OTC cold and cough ingredients, such as dextromethorphan and chlorpheniramine

It’s best to avoid these combinations unless your prescriber OKs them. Symptoms of serotonin syndrome include sweating, high fever, and rapid heartbeat. Severe symptoms may involve agitation, confusion, and seizures. If you think you’re experiencing any symptoms of serotonin syndrome, call 911 or seek medical help right away.

10. Suicidal thoughts or behaviors

As mentioned, all antidepressant medications carry a warning about an increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors while taking them. This risk is higher for people under the age of 25, when first starting Viibryd, or after a dosage change. But it can happen at any time during treatment.

If you notice changes in your mood or behavior while taking Viibryd, let your prescriber know or seek help from a trusted friend or family member.

If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, you’re not alone, and help is available. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988, or text “HOME” to 741-741 to reach the Crisis Text Line. 

Does Viibryd cause weight gain?

Not in most cases. A small number of people (about 1% to 2%) reported weight gain while taking Viibryd in clinical studies. But the average weight gain for those who experienced it was small — less than 1 pound. Overall, Viibryd is considered a weight-neutral antidepressant. It seems less likely to cause weight gain than many other antidepressant medications.

Keep in mind that many factors can contribute to weight changes. Your healthcare team can answer any questions you have about managing your weight while taking Viibryd.

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Written by:

Patricia Weiser, PharmD

Patricia has 16 years of pharmacist experience. She previously held positions as a community pharmacist, pharmacy manager, and hospital pharmacist.

Edited by:

Stacia Woodcock, PharmD

Stacia Woodcock, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Kentucky and is licensed in New York and Massachusetts.

Reviewed by:

Renad Abu-Sawwa, PharmD, BCPPS

Renad Abu-Sawwa, PharmD, BCPPS, is an associate professor and associate discipline director of clinical pharmacology at Rush Medical College with a practice site as a clinical pharmacy specialist practitioner at RUSH Children's Hospital in the Pediatric Epilepsy Clinic.

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