Viibryd (Vilazodone): Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, & More

What Is Viibryd?

Viibryd is an antidepressant FDA-approved to treat major depressive disorder in adults.¹ FDA approval means the FDA has reviewed clinical studies and deemed the medication safe and effective enough to treat MDD. It is important to remember that this does not mean there are zero risks when taking Viibryd. It is important to spend significant time reviewing your health history with your prescriber prior to taking VIibryd.

Viibryd is in a medication class of its own but is very similar to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) medications like Zoloft (sertraline) and Lexapro (escitalopram). Viibryd works to reduce the severity of overall depressive symptoms like sadness, sleep, appetite, and negative thoughts.¹

How Does Viibryd Work?

Viibryd is a relatively new antidepressant that is similar to other medications used to treat major depression called SSRIs. Viibryd works in the CNS system to increase the amount of active serotonin.¹ This action improves symptoms of depression over time.

How Is Viibryd Different from Other Antidepressants?

Viibryd is a unique antidepressant medication because it works in the body in two different ways. The main method to reduce depression symptoms is similar to SSRIs by increasing the amount of active serotonin in the CNS. The second method to reduce depression symptoms is similar to buspirone by activating serotonin receptors in the CNS as well.² This combination of actions in the CNS is what makes Viibryd different from other medications used to treat MDD.

What Is Viibryd Used to Treat?

Viibryd is only FDA-approved to treat major depressive disorder in adults. This FDA approval happens only after extensive studies of the safety and effectiveness of its use as a depression treatment.¹

Viibryd can also be used in certain cases for the treatment of other diseases besides MDD, like general anxiety disorder. This is considered off-label use and is not approved by the FDA. If your provider would like you to use Viibryd off-label, they should spend significant time reviewing reasons why this is the decision and studies that back up its safe use.

Common Side Effects of Viibryd

Viibryd can cause any number of side effects, and the specific side effects felt by each person will differ. Common side effects of Viibryd often include gastrointestinal upset and headaches or dizziness. Many common side effects happen when starting Viibryd and will decrease or go away on their own. If side effects persist or become worse, it is important to follow up with your provider. This could be a sign that the dose is not correct for you, or Viibryd may not be a good treatment option for you.

Common side effects of Viibryd include:¹

• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Dry mouth
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Trouble sleeping (insomnia)
• Sexual dysfunction

*All medications, including Viibryd, can cause side effects which can be mild or serious. This is not a comprehensive list of all possible side effects. You should talk with your doctor about any questions you have and to understand the potential side effects and benefits of any medication.

Serious Side Effects of Viibryd

Taking Viibryd can put you at risk for certain rare but serious side effects. It is important to understand what these side effects are and what symptoms may look like. If you are experiencing one of these side effects, seek help right away. Serious side effects from Viibryd can be life-threatening if not treated right away.

Serious side effects of Viibryd include:*¹

• Suicidal thoughts and behaviors (Viibryd has a black box warning for this side effect)
• Serotonin syndrome
• Increased risk of bleeding
• Activation of manic episodes
• Seizures
• Hyponatremia (low sodium levels)
• Angle closure glaucoma

*All medications, including Viibryd, can cause side effects which can be mild or serious. This is not a comprehensive list of all possible side effects. You should talk with your doctor about any questions you have and to understand the potential side effects and benefits of any medication.

Viibryd Warnings & Precautions

It is important that before you start taking Viibryd, you review your health history completely with your provider. Certain pre existing conditions can make taking Viibryd more risky for some people to take. If any of the warnings below apply to you, Viibry may not be the right choice for you, or your doctor should change the dose accordingly. Identifying risk factors before you begin treatment with Viibryd is very important to staying safe and reducing the risk of experiencing severe side effects.

Avoid taking Viibryd if you:¹

• Have a history of thoughts of self-harm: Taking Viibryd or any other antidepressant can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior. This risk is highest in young adults aged 24 and younger.
• Are taking any MAOIs or recently stopped them: Taking Viibryd with another type of antidepressant called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) can cause dangerous interactions. Follow your prescriber’s instructions on stopping MAOIs at least two weeks before starting Viibryd.
• Have a history of bleeding disorders: Taking Viibryd can cause an increased risk of bleeding. Special care should be taken to avoid any other medications that increase the risk of bleeding, including NSAIDs, aspirin, and other blood thinners.
• Are diagnosed with bipolar disorder: A person diagnosed with bipolar disorder can be at risk for activation of mania or hypomania from taking Viibryd. It is important to be screened for bipolar disorder before you start taking Viibryd.
• Have seizures or a seizure disorder: Taking Viibryd can cause an increased risk for seizures. You should not take Viibryd if you have a history of seizures.
• Have certain eye disorders: Taking Viibryd if you have narrow angles in your eyes can cause angle closure glaucoma. Talk to your doctor about any issues you’ve had with your eyes before starting Viibryd.
• Have a history of hyponatremia: Taking Viibryd can cause dangerously low levels of sodium in the body. If you take diuretics, have kidney disease, or are elderly, taking Viibryd can put you at increased risk for experiencing hyponatremia.

Viibryd Dosages for FDA-Approved Treatment

Viibryd is available as an oral tablet that is available in several different strengths. Most patients will begin with the lowest dose and increase as instructed over a period of a few weeks. Each patient is different, and the final dose will vary based on patient-specific details. This can include patient side effects and any other medications that a patient is taking at the same time.¹

Take Viibryd only as prescribed, especially when starting or stopping treatment. The medication must be increased or decreased gradually to prevent undesired side effects.¹

Viibryd Forms & Strengths

Viibryd is only available as an oral tablet. It comes in just a few strengths and is intended to be taken once per day. Every person will start treatment with the lowest dose of 10 mg once daily with food for at least 7 days. After a week has passed, most will increase to a dose of 20 mg once daily with food. After an additional 7 days, the dose may be increased again to 40 mg once daily with food if needed to control symptoms.¹

The final dose can range between 20 mg and 80 mg once daily, depending on if a patient is taking other medications that interact with Viibryd. Some medications cause Viibryd to last longer and be more effective in the body or cause Viibryd to be eliminated more quickly. Your dose may need to be modified if you are taking any medications that affect Viibryd.¹ Changes in dose should only be made under the supervision of your healthcare provider. Changing the dose on your own can lead to dangerous side effects.

Viibryd is available in the following forms and strengths:

• 10 milligrams (mg) oral tablet
• 20 milligrams (mg) oral tablet
• 40 milligrams (mg) oral tablet

How Quickly Does Viibryd Take Effect?

The effects of Viibryd can usually be felt after 1 to 2 weeks. However, with most antidepressants, the full effects will be felt 4 to 6 weeks after starting treatment. This can vary from person to person.

If you have questions about how long it will take Viibryd to work for you, talk with your healthcare professional.

How to Take Viibryd

Viibyrd is only to be taken by mouth once each day with food. It is best to take the medication as close to the same time each day. Taking Viibryd with food is extremely important for two reasons. The first is that taking Viibryd without food causes much less of the medication to enter your body. The second is that taking the medication with food can sometimes help reduce some of the digestion-related side effects.¹

What Happens If I Miss a Dose of Viibryd?

If you miss a dose of Viibryd, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time to take the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your normally prescribed dose. It is important to never double up on a dose of Viibryd. If you are unsure about what to do, please contact your provider or a pharmacist for help.¹

Can You Overdose on Viibryd?

Yes, it is possible to overdose on Viibryd. Taking too much Viibryd at one time can cause severe side effects that can be life-threatening. Symptoms can include serotonin syndrome, lethargy, and hallucinations. If you or someone you know has taken too much Viibryd, it is important to get professional medical help as soon as possible.¹

What Should You Do If You Take Too Much Viibryd?

If you take too much Viibryd, call 911 and seek medical care. You may also follow up by contacting poison control at 800-222-1222.

What to Avoid When Taking Viibryd

There are many medications that should not be taken while taking Viibryd. Under no circumstances should you ever take an MAOI medication at the same time as Viibryd. This can be very dangerous and is contraindicated. Other medications that interact with Viibryd may still be taken, but only with the approval and guidance of your provider. Many medications can change the effectiveness or safety of Viibryd, and special care should be taken.¹

Substances you should avoid while taking Viibryd include:

• MAOIs: Never take an MAOI medication while taking Viibryd, as the combination can cause a life-threatening interaction. MAOIs include some antidepressants, an antibiotic called linezolid, and IV methylene blue.
• Serotonergic drugs: Taking Viibryd along with other drugs that affect serotonin in the body can cause dangerous interactions. It is important to always check with a healthcare professional before starting a new medication, including over-the-counter products.
• Digoxin: Digoxin is a medication with a very narrow optimal dose. If taken with Viibyrd, digoxin can increase toxic levels in the body.
• Blood thinners: Viibryd should not be taken with medications used to prevent clotting. Viibryd can cause the risk of bleeding to increase and cause dangerous bleeding.
• Drugs that affect medication metabolism: Many medications change how Viibryd acts in the body. Depending on the medication, the dose of Viibryd may need to be decreased to avoid risks or be increased to ensure proper MDD treatment.

This is not a comprehensive list of possible interactions with Viibryd. Talk with your healthcare professional about all prescription and over-the-counter medications, herbs, and supplements you are taking or plan to take before starting Viibryd.

Viibryd Antidepressant Discontinuation

Just as it is important to increase the dose of Viibryd slowly over time when starting treatment, it is important to decrease the dose slowly upon termination of treatment. Stopping the medication too quickly or all at once (cold turkey) can lead to symptoms of antidepressant discontinuation. If you would like to stop taking Viibryd, alert your prescriber and follow any tapering directions exactly.¹ Symptoms of antidepressant discontinuation syndrome can include flu-like symptoms, insomnia, nausea, sensory disturbances, and hyperarousal.³

How to Get a Prescription for Viibryd

Viibryd is a prescription-only medication in the US and should only be taken if prescribed by a licensed healthcare professional. It is important to find a provider that you can comfortably talk about health concerns with. Treatment with Viibryd should include follow-up appointments to adjust doses and regular check-ins to ensure treatment is effective and safe. If in-person providers are not a good fit for you, be sure to explore online psychiatry options.

How Much Does Viibryd Cost?

The cost of Viibryd will be determined by insurance (if you have it), where you fill the medication, and how many pills you receive. It is important to discuss the cost with your provider before you start treatment to ensure that taking Viibryd can be sustainable. Viibryd recently became available as a generic medication which almost always lowers the cost of the medication. If you do not have insurance, be sure to bring a coupon to the pharmacy.

Questions to Ask Your Healthcare Provider About Viibryd

It is important to spend significant time asking questions and discussing your health history with your doctor, psychiatrist, and therapist before you take Viibryd. This time can help adjust your expectations for treatment, prevent dangerous drug interactions, and better understand your treatment plan. Open communication is key to safe and effective treatment with VIibryd.

Questions to ask your care team about Viibryd include:

• How safe is Viibryd?
• How is Viibryd different from other antidepressants?
• Can I take Viibryd with my other medications?
• Should I take Viibryd with food?
• How long will it take for me to adjust to taking Viibryd?
• Am I at risk for more serious symptoms if I am already taking other medications?
• What is the best dosage to ensure fewer side effects?
• What if I want to stop taking Viibryd?
• What should I do if I experience sexual side effects while taking Viibryd?