Viibryd (Vilazodone)

Viibryd (vilazodone hydrochloride) is a prescription antidepressant used to treat major depressive disorder in adults. It helps increase serotonin, a brain chemical that affects mood. Viibryd works in two ways: it helps keep more serotonin available and also affects a serotonin receptor linked to mood. As a result, Viibryd may help reduce symptoms such as sadness, loss of interest, tiredness, sleep problems, and appetite changes.

Directions

Take Viibryd by mouth once per day with food. Taking it without food could make your body absorb less medicine, so it may not work as well. The usual starting dose is 10 mg once daily for 7 days, then 20 mg once daily. Your healthcare provider may increase the dosage to 40 mg once daily after at least 7 more days, depending on how well it works and whether side effects arise. Do not stop Viibryd suddenly. Your healthcare provider should help you lower the dose slowly.

Ingredients

The active ingredient in Viibryd is vilazodone hydrochloride. The inactive ingredients may include colloidal silicon dioxide, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, polyvinyl alcohol, talc, and titanium dioxide.

Cautions

Before using this medication, you may want to consult a healthcare provider about the following:

• Any existing health conditions
• Any allergies
• A list of all medications currently being taken

Viibryd carries a boxed warning about suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Antidepressants may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, adolescents, and young adults aged up to 24, especially during the first few months of treatment or after dose changes.

Serotonin syndrome may occur with Viibryd, especially when it is taken with other serotonergic medicines, such as other antidepressants, triptans, tramadol, fentanyl, lithium, buspirone, linezolid, methylene blue, tryptophan, or St. John’s wort. Symptoms can include restlessness, hallucinations, confusion, a fast heart rate, fever, and sweating.

Viibryd may increase the risk of bleeding, especially when it is taken with aspirin, NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen or naproxen), other antiplatelet drugs, warfarin, or other blood thinners.

Viibryd may trigger manic or hypomanic episodes in people with undiagnosed bipolar disorder.

Stopping Viibryd suddenly can lead to withdrawal symptoms such as dizziness, headache, nausea, irritability, and mood changes. Always taper the dose gradually under medical supervision.

Use with caution if you have a history of seizures. Tell your provider about any seizure disorder before starting Viibryd.

Antidepressants like Viibryd may cause angle-closure glaucoma in people with anatomically narrow eye angles.

Viibryd can cause low sodium (hyponatremia), especially in older adults, people taking diuretics, and those who are dehydrated.

Viibryd may cause symptoms of sexual dysfunction, such as decreased libido, difficulty with arousal, or delayed orgasm.

Use during pregnancy may carry risks. Antidepressants used in the third trimester have been linked to a higher risk of persistent pulmonary hypertension and withdrawal-like symptoms in newborns.

Viibryd has not been studied in patients with severe liver problems. Tell your provider about any liver or kidney problems before starting treatment.

Contraindications

Avoid taking or using this medication if any of the following apply:

• Use of a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as phenelzine, tranylcypromine, selegiline, isocarboxazid, or linezolid right now or within the past 14 days. Combining Viibryd with an MAOI may cause serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening reaction.
• Hypersensitivity or allergy to Viibryd, vilazodone, or any of its ingredients.

Side Effects

Common side effects of Viibryd include:

• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Trouble sleeping (insomnia)
• Dry mouth
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Decreased appetite
• Sexual side effects in men and women, including decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and delayed orgasm

Get medical help immediately for signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, trouble breathing, or a severe rash.

Stop Viibryd and contact your healthcare provider for signs of serotonin syndrome, such as agitation, hallucinations, fast or irregular heartbeat, fever, sweating, muscle stiffness or twitching, loss of coordination, severe nausea or vomiting.

Other serious problems include new or worsening suicidal thoughts or behavior, manic or hypomanic episodes, seizures, unusual bleeding or bruising, sudden eye pain or vision changes, and symptoms of low sodium such as headache, weakness, and confusion.

References

• Viibryd Highlights of Prescribing Information. North Chicago, IL: AbbVie Inc.; 2023.
• Viibryd Drug Label Information. North Chicago, IL: AbbVie Inc.; 2023.