vilazodone
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.
What is Vilazodone (Viibryd)?
What is Vilazodone (Viibryd) used for?
How Vilazodone (Viibryd) works
Vilazodone (Viibryd) is considered both a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and a serotonin (5HT1A) receptor partial agonist. While the exact way it works to treat depression isn't well-understood, it's thought to work by boosting the amount of serotonin circulating in your brain, and also directly acting on serotonin receptors. Serotonin is a chemical in your brain that seems to play a role in mood, anxiety, and overall well-being.
Drug Facts
More on Vilazodone (Viibryd) essentials
Get your GoodRx coupon
What are the side effects of Vilazodone (Viibryd)?
Common Side Effects
- Diarrhea (26-29%)
- Nausea (22-24%)
- Headache (14-15%)
Other Side Effects
- Vomiting
- Problems falling asleep or staying asleep (insomnia)
- Sleepiness
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
Serious Side Effects
- Suicidal thoughts and behaviors
- Serotonin syndrome: high fever, seizures, irregular heartbeat, confusion, loss of consciousness
- Serious bleeding: bleeding that won't stop, bruising that doesn't go away, blood in the urine, dark or tarry stools
Source: DailyMed
More on Vilazodone (Viibryd) side effects
The following side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Bleeding—bloody or black, tar-like stools, vomiting blood or brown material that looks like coffee grounds, red or dark brown urine, small red or purple spots on skin, unusual bruising or bleeding
- Irritability, confusion, fast or irregular heartbeat, muscle stiffness, twitching muscles, sweating, high fever, seizure, chills, vomiting, diarrhea, which may be signs of serotonin syndrome
- Low sodium level—muscle weakness, fatigue, dizziness, headache, confusion
- Seizures
- Sudden eye pain or change in vision such as blurry vision, seeing halos around lights, vision loss
- Thoughts of suicide or self-harm, worsening mood, feelings of depression
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
Pros and cons of Vilazodone (Viibryd)
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
Pharmacist tips for Vilazodone (Viibryd)
Make sure to take vilazodone (Viibryd) with food, preferably at the same time every day. If you take vilazodone (Viibryd) without food, your body might not absorb enough medication. This means that it might not work as well for you.
It can take up to 2 months before you experience the full effects of vilazodone (Viibryd). Just because you don't notice a difference in your mood right when you start, it doesn't mean vilazodone (Viibryd) won't work well for you.
Don't stop taking vilazodone (Viibryd) suddenly. Doing so could lead to withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, irritability, headache, and dizziness. If you'd like to stop taking this medication, your provider will help you lower your dose slowly over a period of time.
Tell your provider right away if you notice sudden mood changes or suicidal thoughts. Sometimes, people experience worsening moods even though they're taking vilazodone (Viibryd) or other antidepressants.
There's a chance vilazodone (Viibryd) can cause you to be very sleepy or affect your ability to react quickly, so don't drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how vilazodone (Viibryd) affects you. On a similar note, avoid drinking alcohol with vilazodone (Viibryd).
If you miss your vilazodone (Viibryd) dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it's almost time for your next dose, just skip the missed dose and take your next scheduled dose. Don't double up to make up for the missed dose.
More on Vilazodone (Viibryd) tips
Frequently asked questions about Vilazodone (Viibryd)
How to save using GoodRx
What are the risks and warnings for Vilazodone (Viibryd)?
Vilazodone (Viibryd) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Suicidal thoughts or behavior
Risk factors: Age 24 years or younger | Early in treatment | Shortly after a dose change
Vilazodone (Viibryd) may raise your risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior. Watch out for worsening depression or any unusual changes in your mood or behavior, especially during the first few months of treatment or when the dose changes. Tell your provider about anything concerning right away.
Serotonin syndrome
Risk factors: Use with other serotonergic drugs | Use with drugs that affect that way serotonin is broken down in the body
Serotonin syndrome is a rare, but potentially life-threatening, condition caused by too much serotonin circulating in your body. This is more likely if you're also taking other medications that affect serotonin. Symptoms include fast heart rate, sweating, muscle stiffness or spasms, fever, and confusion. Go to the emergency room right away if you have any concerning symptoms.
Serious bleeding
Risk factors: Taking vilazodone (Viibryd) with other medications that raise the risk of bleeds
Vilazodone (Viibryd) can raise your risk of bleeds, especially if you're also taking other medications that also carry a risk of bleeding, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, aspirin, and [warfarin (Coumadin)]. Let your provider know if you notice symptoms of serious bleeding, such as bruises that don't go away, bleeding that's hard to stop, blood in your urine, and dark or tarry stool.
Low sodium levels in the blood
Risk factors: Older age | Taking with diuretic medications
Vilazodone (Viibryd) can cause low sodium levels in your blood (hyponatremia). Watch out for symptoms like headache, trouble focusing, memory problems, confusion, weakness, and unsteadiness, which can lead to falls. Talk to your provider right away if you have concerns, as low sodium can lead to serious complications like hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren't there).
Eye problems
Risk factors: Glaucoma
Vilazodone (Viibryd) can cause your pupils to dilate (widen). In some people with an underlying eye condition like angle-closure glaucoma, vilazodone (Viibryd) can lead to eye pain, swelling or redness, and changes in vision. Your provider might want you to have an eye exam to see if you have a higher chance of these eye problems. Let your provider know if you have any eye problems before taking vilazodone (Viibryd).
Worsening of mania or hypomania
Risk factors: History of bipolar disorder (mixed/mania)
In people who have bipolar disorder, medications like vilazodone (Viibryd) can trigger a manic episode or a mixed episode. Let your provider know if you've had any manic episodes in the past or were treated for bipolar disorder before taking vilazodone (Viibryd).
Sexual problems
There's a chance that vilazodone (Viibryd) can cause sexual problems. In males, it can cause delayed ejaculation, low libido, or erectile dysfunction. In females, it can cause low libido or delayed orgasm. Your provider will likely ask you if you're already struggling with these symptoms before starting you on vilazodone (Viibryd). If you are, they might not recommend vilazodone (Viibryd) for you.
Vilazodone (Viibryd) dosage forms
Typical dosing for Vilazodone (Viibryd)
The typical starting dose for vilazodone (Viibryd) is 10 mg by mouth daily with food for a week. After that, your provider might raise your dose to 20 mg daily. The maximum dose is 40 mg daily.
More on Vilazodone (Viibryd) dosage forms
How much does Vilazodone (Viibryd) cost?
Vilazodone (Viibryd) contraindications
If you're taking (or have just stopped taking within the past 2 weeks) a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI).
What are alternatives to Vilazodone (Viibryd)?
Major depressive disorder in adults
Generalized anxiety disorder in people age 7 years and older
Diabetic neuropathy (nerve pain caused by high blood sugar) in adults
Fibromyalgia in people age 13 years and older
Long-term pain in the muscles, bones, joints, or tendons in adults
Depression in people ages 12 years and older
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in people ages 7 years and older
What is the latest news about Vilazodone (Viibryd)?
Vilazodone (Viibryd) images
Get savings updates for Vilazodone (Viibryd)
Receive price alerts, news, and other messages from GoodRx about Vilazodone (Viibryd) and other healthcare topics and relevant savings offers.By providing your email, you consent to receive marketing communications from GoodRx, which may include content and/or data related to men’s health, women's health, reproductive care, or sexual health. You agree to the GoodRx Terms of Use and acknowledge the Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time.
References
Best studies we foundAlembic Pharmaceuticals Limited. (2023). Vilazodone hydrochloride tablet, film coated [package insert]. DailyMed.
Glaucoma Research Foundation. (n.d.). What is angle-closure glaucoma?
Gommoll, C., et al. (2015). Vilazodone in patients with generalized anxiety disorder: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, flexible-dose study. International Clinical Psychopharmacology.
Liebowitz, M., et al. (2011). The Safety and Tolerability Profile of Vilazodone, A Novel Antidepressant for the Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder. Psychopharmacology Bulletin.
Schwartz, T. L., et al. (2011). Vilazodone: A brief pharmacological and clinical review of the novel serotonin partial agonist and reuptake inhibitor. Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology.
Compare other Depression drugs
Browse medications
View AllResearch prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.