Viibryd Tablet: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Viibryd Tablet (vilazodone) is a prescription antidepressant belonging to the SSRI class, specifically acting as a serotonin partial agonist and reuptake inhibitor. It is used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults. Viibryd works by increasing serotonin activity in the brain and is available in tablet form.

What is Viibryd Tablet

Viibryd is a prescription antidepressant used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults. It works like other SSRIs but also acts on a specific serotonin receptor, making it a unique type of antidepressant.

Viibryd Tablet uses

• Treats major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults.
• Helps manage persistent depressive symptoms.
• Used for depression associated with ongoing sadness.
• Used when depression affects daily activities.
• Helps manage depressive episodes under medical supervision.

Benefits of Viibryd Tablet

• May improve emotional well-being.
• May help restore interest in daily activities.
• May improve motivation.
• May help reduce distressing negative thoughts.
• May support better daily functioning over time.

How Viibryd Tablet works

Viibryd increases serotonin activity in the brain by blocking the reuptake of serotonin and also directly stimulating a serotonin receptor called 5-HT1A. Serotonin is a brain chemical linked to mood regulation.

Viibryd Tablet dosage

Take Viibryd exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Take Viibryd with food, since taking it on an empty stomach may make it not work as well. Your symptoms may not improve for up to several weeks. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, but skip it if it is almost time for your next dose — do not take two doses at once. Do not stop taking Viibryd suddenly without talking to your doctor first, as this can cause unpleasant withdrawal-like symptoms. Viibryd is not approved for use in children.

Available forms and strengths

• Tablet

Side effects of Viibryd Tablet

Common

• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Trouble sleeping (insomnia)
• Dry mouth
• Stomach pain, gas, and bloating
• Drowsiness
• Fatigue
• Decreased sex drive
• Erectile dysfunction
• Strange dreams
• Restlessness
• Heart palpitations
• Tremor
• Increased appetite
• Weight gain
• Joint pain

Serious

• Increased bleeding risk
• Low sodium levels in the blood
• Serotonin syndrome
• Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
• Seizures
• Mania or hypomania
• Angle-closure glaucoma (eye pain, vision changes)
• Allergic reaction (rash, hives, swelling of face/lips/tongue/throat, difficulty breathing)
• Discontinuation (withdrawal) symptoms if stopped suddenly

Warnings and precautions

• Do not take Viibryd if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days, or if you have had a methylene blue injection, because a dangerous drug interaction could occur.
•  Viibryd carries the FDA's most serious warning: an increased risk of suicidal thoughts or actions in people 24 years of age and younger, especially in the first few months of treatment or after a dose change. 
• Combining Viibryd with other medications that raise serotonin levels can cause serotonin syndrome, a rare but serious condition. 
• Viibryd can increase the risk of bleeding, especially when combined with blood thinners, NSAIDs, or aspirin. 
• Do not stop taking Viibryd suddenly, since this can cause serious withdrawal-like symptoms; your doctor should slowly lower your dose instead. Viibryd is not approved for anyone younger than 18 years old.
• Taking Viibryd during pregnancy could harm the baby, but stopping the medicine may not be safe for you either. Do not start or stop without talking to your doctor.
• It is not known if Viibryd passes into breast milk. Talk with your doctor about whether to take it while breastfeeding.
• Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease before starting Viibryd.
• Tell your doctor if you have liver disease before starting Viibryd.
• Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Viibryd, as it can cause side effects.
• Avoid driving or doing anything that requires alertness until you know how Viibryd affects you, since it can cause sleepiness or affect your ability to think clearly or react quickly.

Storage

• Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
• Store VIIBRYD at room temperature (68°F to 77°F or 20°C to 25°C).
• Keep VIIBRYD and all medicines out of the reach of children.

When to see a doctor

• Get emergency help right away for signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as rash or hives, trouble breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Seek medical help right away if you notice symptoms of serotonin syndrome, such as agitation, hallucinations, fever, sweating, fast heart rate, muscle stiffness, twitching, loss of coordination, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
• Call your doctor right away if you have new or worsening mood or behavior changes, thoughts of suicide, unusual bleeding or bruising, a seizure, vision changes or eye pain, or symptoms of low sodium like confusion or severe weakness.
• If you think you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, reach out for help immediately from a crisis line, emergency services, or a trusted person.
• Get emergency medical help if you suspect an overdose, since an overdose of vilazodone can be fatal.

Alternatives

• Paroxetine
• Escitalopram
• Sertraline