Viibryd (Vilazodone) 20mg

Vilazodone, Viibryd
Description: Antidepressant, Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor/5-HT1A Receptor Partial Agonist

“ALERT: US Boxed Warning

​Suicidal thoughts and behavior:

Antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in pediatric and young adult patients in short-term studies. Closely monitor all antidepressant-treated patients for clinical worsening and for emergence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Vilazodone is not approved for use in pediatric patients.”

CSA NA – FDA Approved – REMS (N) – Can Ship

Vilazodone inhibits CNS neuron serotonin reuptake with minimal or no effect on norepinephrine or dopamine. It binds selectively with high affinity to 5-HT1A receptors and is a 5-HT1A receptor partial agonist. 5-HT1A receptor activity may be altered in depression and anxiety.

Vilazodone, Viibryd is officially indicated for major depressive disorder.

Before starting Vilazodone, Viibryd make sure your physician is aware of any allergies or medications you currently take, if you have liver disease, if you have bipolar disorder, kidney disease, a seizure disorder, or are pregnant or breastfeeding.  Vilazodone, Viibryd use has been associated with rare but serious adverse events such as increased bleeding risk, bone fractures, ocular effects, serotonin syndrome, sexual dysfunction, and SIADH/hyponatremia.

10-40mg once daily

How to Take: Follow instructions provided by physician/pharmacy label, take consistently at same times each day with food unless otherwise directed, store at room temperature
You Need to Avoid: Do not stop this medication without tapering dose down over time to prevent withdrawal symptoms (nausea, diarrhea, sweating, headaches, agitation, insomnia, anxiety, tremor, vertigo, dizziness)

Headache, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, insomnia, drowsiness, fatigue, abnormal dreams, xerostomia (dry mouth), abdominal pain 

Note this is not a complete list of side effects, only common ones

1. What do I do if side effects are intolerable?
   If you are just starting this medication or just had a dosage increase, then it is common to have more prominent side effects for 2 weeks or so and if any remain at that point they will likely remain.  If the symptoms are causing a lot of distress speak to your physician as soon as possible to discuss how to come off the medication.
2. What do I do if my mood worsens on Vilazodone, Viibryd and I feel much worse?
   Contact your physician immediately, it is rare however antidepressant medications can cause suicidal ideation, generally in those under the age of 24.
3. What is serotonin syndrome?
   Serotonin syndrome is a rare, but potentially life-threatening condition of serotonin toxicity from too much of it in your system generally from the use of certain medications and supplements.  Usually multiple agents are at play or very high doses are involved.  The signs and symptoms include agitation, hallucinations, delirium, coma, tachycardia (rapid heart rate), diaphoresis (excessive sweating), tremor, muscle rigidity, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and/or seizures.  If serotonin syndrome is suspected, discontinue any serotonergic medications, and seek immediate medical attention.