Viibryd 10mg Tablets

Manufacturer ACTAVIS Active Ingredient Vilazodone(vil AZ oh done) Pronunciation VYE-brid (for brand name); vil-AZ-oh-done (for generic)
WARNING: Drugs like this one have raised the chance of suicidal thoughts or actions in children and young adults. The risk may be greater in people who have had these thoughts or actions in the past. All people who take this drug need to be watched closely. Call the doctor right away if signs like depression, nervousness, restlessness, grouchiness, panic attacks, or changes in mood or actions are new or worse. Call the doctor right away if any thoughts or actions of suicide occur.This drug is not approved for use in children. Talk with the doctor. @ COMMON USES: It is used to treat depression.
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Drug Class
Antidepressant
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Pharmacologic Class
Serotonin Partial Agonist/Reuptake Inhibitor (SPARI)
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Pregnancy Category
C
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FDA Approved
Jan 2011
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DEA Schedule
Not Controlled

Overview

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What is this medicine?

Viibryd is a medication used to treat depression. It works by affecting certain natural substances in the brain, particularly serotonin, to help improve mood and feelings of well-being. It's important to take it exactly as prescribed, especially with food.
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How to Use This Medicine

Taking Your Medication

To use this medication correctly, follow your doctor's instructions and read all the information provided. Take this medication with food as directed. Continue taking the medication as prescribed by your doctor or healthcare provider, even if you start to feel better.

Storing and Disposing of Your Medication

Store this medication at room temperature in a dry location, avoiding the bathroom. Keep all medications in a safe place, out of the reach of children and pets. Dispose of unused or expired medications properly. Do not flush them down the toilet or pour them down the drain unless instructed to do so. If you have questions about disposing of medications, consult your pharmacist. You may also want to check if there are drug take-back programs available in your area.

Missing a Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it's close to the time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time or take extra doses to make up for a missed one.
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Lifestyle & Tips

  • Always take Viibryd with food. Taking it without food can significantly reduce how much medication your body absorbs, making it less effective.
  • Do not stop taking Viibryd suddenly without talking to your doctor, as this can cause withdrawal symptoms.
  • Avoid alcohol while taking Viibryd, as it can worsen side effects.
  • Be cautious when driving or operating machinery until you know how Viibryd affects you, as it may cause dizziness or drowsiness.
  • Inform your doctor about all other medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking, especially St. John's Wort, as interactions can occur.
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Available Forms & Alternatives

Dosing & Administration

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Adult Dosing

Standard Dose: Initial: 10 mg orally once daily for 7 days, then increase to 20 mg orally once daily. May increase to 40 mg orally once daily after 7 days, if tolerated and needed. Always take with food.
Dose Range: 10 - 40 mg

Condition-Specific Dosing:

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): Initial: 10 mg once daily for 7 days, then 20 mg once daily. May increase to 40 mg once daily. Always take with food.
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Pediatric Dosing

Neonatal: Not established
Infant: Not established
Child: Not established
Adolescent: Not established
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Dose Adjustments

Renal Impairment:

Mild: No dosage adjustment necessary.
Moderate: No dosage adjustment necessary.
Severe: No dosage adjustment necessary.
Dialysis: Not studied. Use with caution.

Hepatic Impairment:

Mild: No dosage adjustment necessary.
Moderate: Maximum recommended dose is 20 mg once daily. Use with caution.
Severe: Not studied. Use with caution.

Pharmacology

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Mechanism of Action

Vilazodone is an antidepressant that acts as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and a 5-HT1A receptor partial agonist. The precise mechanism of the antidepressant action of vilazodone is unknown, but is believed to be related to its enhancement of serotonergic activity in the central nervous system through these dual actions.
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Pharmacokinetics

Absorption:

Bioavailability: Not available (highly variable, food-dependent)
Tmax: 4-5 hours
FoodEffect: Food increases Cmax by 147% and AUC by 72%. Must be taken with food.

Distribution:

Vd: 21 L/kg
ProteinBinding: 96-99%
CnssPenetration: Yes

Elimination:

HalfLife: 10 hours
Clearance: Not available
ExcretionRoute: Feces (60%), Urine (36%)
Unchanged: 1% (urine), 2% (feces)
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Pharmacodynamics

OnsetOfAction: Typically 1-2 weeks for initial therapeutic effects, full effect may take 4-6 weeks.
PeakEffect: 4-6 weeks
DurationOfAction: 24 hours (due to once-daily dosing and half-life)

Safety & Warnings

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BLACK BOX WARNING

Antidepressants increased the risk compared to placebo of suicidal thinking and behavior (suicidality) in children, adolescents, and young adults in short-term studies of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and other psychiatric disorders. Anyone considering the use of Viibryd or any other antidepressant in a child, adolescent, or young adult must balance this risk with the clinical need. Short-term studies did not show an increase in the risk of suicidality with antidepressants compared to placebo in adults beyond age 24; there was a reduction in risk with antidepressants compared to placebo in adults aged 65 and older. Depression and certain other psychiatric disorders are themselves associated with increases in the risk of suicide. Patients of all ages who are started on antidepressant therapy should be monitored appropriately and observed closely for clinical worsening, suicidality, or unusual changes in behavior. Families and caregivers should be advised of the need for close observation and communication with the prescriber. Viibryd is not approved for use in pediatric patients.
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Side Effects

Urgent Side Effects: Seek Medical Help Right Away

Although rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects while taking this medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek immediate medical attention:

Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash or hives
+ Itching or red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever)
+ Wheezing or tightness in the chest or throat
+ Difficulty breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Signs of low sodium levels, including:
+ Headache
+ Trouble focusing or memory problems
+ Feeling confused or weak
+ Seizures or changes in balance
Signs of bleeding, such as:
+ Vomiting or coughing up blood
+ Vomit that resembles coffee grounds
+ Blood in the urine
+ Black, red, or tarry stools
+ Bleeding from the gums
+ Abnormal vaginal bleeding
+ Unexplained bruises or bruises that enlarge
+ Uncontrollable bleeding
Seizures
Sex problems, including:
+ Decreased interest in sex
+ Difficulty having an orgasm
+ Ejaculation problems or trouble getting or maintaining an erection
Serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition, which may be more likely if you take certain other medications. Call your doctor immediately if you experience:
+ Agitation
+ Changes in balance
+ Confusion
+ Hallucinations
+ Fever
+ Abnormal or rapid heartbeat
+ Flushing
+ Muscle twitching or stiffness
+ Seizures
+ Shivering or shaking
+ Excessive sweating
+ Severe diarrhea, stomach upset, or vomiting
+ Severe headache

Other Possible Side Effects

Most people do not experience severe side effects, and some may have only minor or no side effects at all. However, if you notice any of the following side effects or if they persist or bother you, contact your doctor:

Difficulty sleeping
Diarrhea, stomach pain, upset stomach, or vomiting
Dry mouth
Dizziness or headache
* Feeling sleepy

This is not an exhaustive list of possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, consult your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
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Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:

  • Worsening depression or suicidal thoughts
  • Unusual changes in behavior (e.g., agitation, restlessness, panic attacks, irritability, aggression, impulsivity, severe insomnia, mania/hypomania)
  • Signs of Serotonin Syndrome: agitation, hallucinations, confusion, fast heart rate, fever, sweating, shivering, muscle stiffness or twitching, loss of coordination, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.
  • Unusual bleeding or bruising
  • Seizures
  • Eye pain, changes in vision, or swelling or redness in or around the eye (may indicate angle-closure glaucoma)
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Before Using This Medicine

Before Taking This Medication: Important Information to Share with Your Doctor

It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:

Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the allergic reaction you experienced.
If you have been diagnosed with glaucoma.
If you are currently taking or have recently taken certain medications, including:
+ Linezolid or methylene blue.
+ Certain antidepressants or Parkinson's disease medications within the last 14 days, such as isocarboxazid, phenelzine, tranylcypromine, selegiline, or rasagiline, as this may increase the risk of very high blood pressure.
Other health problems or medications that may interact with this drug, as this is not an exhaustive list.

To ensure your safety, it is crucial to discuss all of your medications, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, natural products, and vitamins, with your doctor and pharmacist. This will help determine whether it is safe to take this medication with your other medications and health conditions. Never start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without first consulting your doctor.
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Precautions & Cautions

It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication. Before engaging in activities that require your full attention, such as driving, wait until you understand how this drug affects you. Additionally, avoid consuming alcohol while on this medication.

Before using marijuana, other cannabis products, or prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications that may cause drowsiness, consult with your doctor. It may take several weeks to experience the full effects of this medication.

Do not abruptly stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor, as this may increase your risk of side effects. If you need to discontinue this medication, your doctor will instruct you on how to gradually stop taking it to minimize potential risks.

This medication may increase your risk of bleeding, which can be life-threatening in some cases. Discuss this risk with your doctor. Certain individuals may be more prone to eye problems while taking this medication. Your doctor may recommend an eye exam to assess your risk. If you experience eye pain, changes in vision, or swelling and redness in or around the eye, contact your doctor immediately.

Low blood sodium levels (hyponatremia) can occur with this medication, and in severe cases, this can be fatal. Discuss this risk with your doctor. If you are 65 years or older, use this medication with caution, as you may be more susceptible to side effects.

If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or may be pregnant, inform your doctor. You and your doctor will need to discuss the benefits and risks of taking this medication during pregnancy. Taking this medication during the third trimester may increase your risk of bleeding after delivery and potentially cause health problems in the newborn.

If you are breastfeeding, inform your doctor, and discuss any potential risks to your baby.
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Overdose Information

Overdose Symptoms:

  • Serotonin syndrome (as described above)
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Lethargy
  • Fatigue
  • Restlessness
  • Hallucinations
  • Disorientation
  • Dizziness
  • Dry mouth
  • Tachycardia
  • Tremor
  • Vomiting

What to Do:

Seek immediate medical attention or call 911. Call 1-800-222-1222 (Poison Control Center). There is no specific antidote for vilazodone overdose. Treatment should be symptomatic and supportive, including maintaining an open airway, monitoring cardiac and vital signs, and managing symptoms.

Drug Interactions

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Contraindicated Interactions

  • Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) (concurrent use or within 14 days of stopping MAOI or starting MAOI after vilazodone)
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Major Interactions

  • Serotonergic drugs (e.g., triptans, tricyclic antidepressants, fentanyl, lithium, tramadol, buspirone, St. John's Wort, other SSRIs/SNRIs) - increased risk of serotonin syndrome.
  • Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, clarithromycin, ritonavir) - may increase vilazodone exposure; reduce vilazodone dose by half.
  • Strong CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampin, carbamazepine, phenytoin) - may decrease vilazodone exposure; consider increasing vilazodone dose up to 80 mg/day if tolerated and needed.
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Moderate Interactions

  • Drugs that interfere with hemostasis (e.g., NSAIDs, aspirin, warfarin) - increased risk of bleeding.
  • Drugs metabolized by CYP2D6 (e.g., tricyclic antidepressants, risperidone, atomoxetine) - vilazodone is a weak inhibitor of CYP2D6, potential for increased exposure of these drugs.
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Minor Interactions

  • Not specifically identified as minor, but caution with any CNS depressants.

Monitoring

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Baseline Monitoring

Depression severity (e.g., HAM-D, PHQ-9)

Rationale: To establish baseline and monitor treatment efficacy.

Timing: Prior to initiation

Suicidal ideation/behavior

Rationale: Antidepressants carry a Black Box Warning for increased risk of suicidality in children, adolescents, and young adults.

Timing: Prior to initiation

Blood pressure, heart rate

Rationale: To establish baseline and monitor for cardiovascular effects.

Timing: Prior to initiation

Weight

Rationale: To establish baseline and monitor for weight changes.

Timing: Prior to initiation

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Routine Monitoring

Depression severity and response to treatment

Frequency: Weekly for first 4-6 weeks, then monthly or as clinically indicated

Target: Reduction in symptom scores, improved mood and function

Action Threshold: Lack of improvement, worsening symptoms, or emergence of new symptoms

Emergence of suicidal ideation/behavior

Frequency: Weekly for first 4-6 weeks, then monthly or as clinically indicated, especially during dose changes

Target: Absence of suicidal thoughts or plans

Action Threshold: Any new or worsening suicidal ideation, agitation, or unusual changes in behavior

Side effects (e.g., nausea, diarrhea, insomnia, sexual dysfunction)

Frequency: Regularly, especially during titration and initial weeks

Target: Tolerable side effect profile

Action Threshold: Intolerable side effects, leading to non-adherence or significant distress

Signs/symptoms of Serotonin Syndrome

Frequency: Regularly, especially when co-administered with other serotonergic drugs

Target: Absence of symptoms (agitation, hallucinations, tachycardia, fever, hyperreflexia, incoordination, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea)

Action Threshold: Any constellation of symptoms suggestive of serotonin syndrome

Blood pressure, heart rate

Frequency: Periodically, as clinically indicated

Target: Within normal limits

Action Threshold: Significant or sustained changes outside normal limits

Weight

Frequency: Periodically, as clinically indicated

Target: Stable or desired weight

Action Threshold: Significant or undesirable weight changes

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Symptom Monitoring

  • Worsening depression
  • Suicidal thoughts or attempts
  • Unusual changes in behavior (e.g., agitation, irritability, anxiety, panic attacks, insomnia, impulsivity, aggression, mania/hypomania)
  • Serotonin Syndrome (agitation, hallucinations, delirium, coma, tachycardia, labile blood pressure, dizziness, diaphoresis, flushing, hyperthermia, tremor, rigidity, myoclonus, hyperreflexia, incoordination, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea)
  • Abnormal bleeding or bruising
  • Hyponatremia (headache, difficulty concentrating, memory impairment, confusion, weakness, unsteadiness, falls)
  • Seizures
  • Visual disturbances (e.g., angle-closure glaucoma)

Special Patient Groups

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Pregnancy

Vilazodone is Pregnancy Category C. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of vilazodone in pregnant women. Use during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Neonates exposed to SSRIs/SNRIs late in the third trimester have developed complications requiring prolonged hospitalization, respiratory support, and tube feeding.

Trimester-Specific Risks:

First Trimester: Limited human data. Animal studies showed developmental toxicity at doses higher than human therapeutic doses.
Second Trimester: Limited human data.
Third Trimester: Risk of persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) and neonatal withdrawal syndrome (e.g., respiratory distress, cyanosis, apnea, seizures, temperature instability, feeding difficulty, vomiting, hypoglycemia, hypotonia, hypertonia, hyperreflexia, tremor, jitteriness, irritability, constant crying).
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Lactation

Vilazodone is excreted in human milk. The decision to breastfeed should consider the developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding, the mother’s clinical need for Viibryd, and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from Viibryd or from the underlying maternal condition. Monitor breastfed infants for sedation, poor feeding, and poor weight gain.

Infant Risk: L3 (Moderate risk - limited data, potential for adverse effects, but benefits may outweigh risks in some cases).
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Pediatric Use

Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established. Viibryd is not approved for use in pediatric patients. Antidepressants increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults.

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Geriatric Use

No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between elderly subjects and younger subjects, but greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot be ruled out. No dosage adjustment is recommended based on age alone, but caution is advised due to potential for comorbidities and polypharmacy. Start at the lower end of the dosing range and monitor closely.

Clinical Information

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Clinical Pearls

  • **Must be taken with food:** This is a critical instruction for vilazodone. Taking it without food significantly reduces its absorption and efficacy. Advise patients to take it with a meal or substantial snack.
  • **Titration is essential:** Vilazodone requires a gradual dose titration (10 mg for 7 days, then 20 mg, potentially to 40 mg) to minimize gastrointestinal side effects like nausea and diarrhea.
  • **GI side effects are common:** Nausea and diarrhea are frequently reported, especially during initiation. Taking with food helps, and these often subside with continued use.
  • **Serotonin Syndrome risk:** Be vigilant for signs of serotonin syndrome, especially when co-prescribing with other serotonergic agents (e.g., triptans, other antidepressants, tramadol, St. John's Wort).
  • **CYP3A4 interactions:** Dose adjustments are necessary when co-administering with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (reduce vilazodone dose by half) or inducers (consider increasing vilazodone dose).
  • **Black Box Warning:** Reinforce the importance of monitoring for worsening depression and suicidality, especially in young adults, and during initial treatment or dose changes.
  • **Discontinuation Syndrome:** Advise patients not to stop abruptly. Tapering the dose gradually is recommended to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
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Alternative Therapies

  • SSRIs (e.g., escitalopram, sertraline, fluoxetine, paroxetine, citalopram)
  • SNRIs (e.g., venlafaxine, duloxetine, desvenlafaxine)
  • Atypical antidepressants (e.g., bupropion, mirtazapine, vortioxetine, levomilnacipran)
  • Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)
  • MAOIs (e.g., phenelzine, tranylcypromine, selegiline)
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Cost & Coverage

Average Cost: $300 - $500 per 30 tablets
Generic Available: Yes
Insurance Coverage: Tier 2 or Tier 3 (preferred brand or non-preferred brand, depending on plan)
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General Drug Facts

If your symptoms or health issues persist or worsen, it is essential to contact your doctor promptly. To ensure safe and effective treatment, never share your medication with others or take someone else's medication.

This medication is accompanied by a Medication Guide, which is a patient fact sheet that provides crucial information. It is vital to read this guide carefully and review it again whenever your prescription is refilled. If you have any questions or concerns about this medication, consult your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider for guidance.

In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately call your local poison control center or seek emergency medical attention. When reporting the incident, be prepared to provide detailed information, including the name of the medication taken, the amount consumed, and the time it occurred.