Viibryd 40mg Tablets
Overview
What is this medicine?
How to Use This Medicine
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 feeling well.
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 the missed one.
Lifestyle & Tips
- Always take vilazodone with food. Taking it without food can significantly reduce its absorption and effectiveness.
- Do not stop taking vilazodone suddenly without talking to your doctor, as this can cause withdrawal symptoms.
- Avoid alcohol while taking this medication, as it can worsen side effects.
- Be cautious when driving or operating machinery until you know how this medication 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, triptans, or other antidepressants, to avoid serious interactions like serotonin syndrome.
- Report any new or worsening symptoms, especially changes in mood, behavior, or suicidal thoughts, to your doctor immediately.
Available Forms & Alternatives
Available Strengths:
Generic Alternatives:
Dosing & Administration
Adult Dosing
Condition-Specific Dosing:
Pediatric Dosing
Dose Adjustments
Renal Impairment:
Hepatic Impairment:
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption:
Distribution:
Elimination:
Pharmacodynamics
Safety & Warnings
BLACK BOX WARNING
Side Effects
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 medical attention right away:
Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash
+ Hives
+ Itching
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever
+ Wheezing
+ Tightness in the chest or throat
+ Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness
+ Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Signs of low sodium levels, including:
+ Headache
+ Trouble focusing
+ Memory problems
+ Feeling confused
+ Weakness
+ Seizures
+ 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-related problems, including:
+ Decreased interest in sex
+ Difficulty having an orgasm
+ Ejaculation problems
+ Trouble getting or maintaining an erection
Serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition, which may be more likely to occur if you are taking certain other medications. Seek medical help immediately if you experience:
+ Agitation
+ Changes in balance
+ Confusion
+ Hallucinations
+ Fever
+ Fast or abnormal heartbeat
+ Flushing
+ Muscle twitching or stiffness
+ Seizures
+ Shivering or shaking
+ Excessive sweating
+ Severe diarrhea
+ Upset stomach
+ Vomiting
+ Severe headache
Other Possible Side Effects
Most people do not experience severe side effects, and some may only have minor side effects. However, if you notice any of the following side effects or any other unusual symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical attention:
Trouble sleeping
Diarrhea
Stomach pain
Upset stomach
Vomiting
Dry mouth
Dizziness
Headache
* Feeling sleepy
Reporting Side Effects
If you have questions or concerns about side effects, contact your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:
- Signs of Serotonin Syndrome: agitation, hallucinations, fever, sweating, shivering, fast heart rate, muscle stiffness or twitching, loss of coordination, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.
- New or worsening depression, anxiety, panic attacks, insomnia, irritability, hostility, aggressiveness, impulsivity, restlessness, or suicidal thoughts/behavior.
- Symptoms of an allergic reaction: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
- Unusual bleeding or bruising.
- Seizures.
- Symptoms of hyponatremia (low sodium): headache, confusion, weakness, unsteadiness, memory problems, severe drowsiness, seizures.
Before Using This Medicine
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 medications for Parkinson's disease within the last 14 days, such as isocarboxazid, phenelzine, tranylcypromine, selegiline, or rasagiline, as this may increase the risk of very high blood pressure.
Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of all potential interactions. To ensure your safety, it is crucial to discuss all of your:
Prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications.
Natural products.
Vitamins.
* Health problems.
with your doctor and pharmacist. They will help determine whether it is safe for you to take this medication in combination with your other medications and health conditions. Never start, stop, or adjust the dosage of any medication without first consulting your doctor.
Precautions & Cautions
Prior to 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.
This medication may increase the 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. Immediately contact your doctor if you experience eye pain, changes in vision, or swelling and redness in or around the eye.
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 will need to discuss the benefits and risks of taking this medication during pregnancy, as it may increase the risk of bleeding after delivery and cause health problems in the newborn, particularly if taken during the third trimester.
If you are breastfeeding, inform your doctor to discuss any potential risks to your baby.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Serotonin syndrome symptoms (see above)
- Sedation
- Lethargy
- Restlessness
- Agitation
- Tachycardia
- Hypertension
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Mydriasis
- Tremor
- Seizures
- Coma
What to Do:
Seek immediate medical attention or call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. Treatment is supportive and symptomatic. There is no specific antidote.
Drug Interactions
Major Interactions
- Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) (e.g., phenelzine, selegiline, linezolid, methylene blue) - risk of serotonin syndrome.
- Pimozide (risk of QT prolongation, though not a direct interaction with vilazodone, generally avoided with drugs affecting serotonin).
Moderate Interactions
- Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, clarithromycin, ritonavir) - may increase vilazodone exposure; consider dose reduction.
- Strong CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampin, carbamazepine, phenytoin) - may decrease vilazodone exposure; consider dose increase.
- Strong CYP2C19 inhibitors (e.g., omeprazole, fluoxetine) - may increase vilazodone exposure; consider dose reduction.
- Serotonergic drugs (e.g., other SSRIs, SNRIs, triptans, fentanyl, lithium, tramadol, St. John's Wort, buspirone) - increased risk of serotonin syndrome.
- Drugs that impair metabolism of serotonin (e.g., dextromethorphan, meperidine) - increased risk of serotonin syndrome.
- Anticoagulants/Antiplatelets (e.g., warfarin, aspirin, NSAIDs) - increased risk of bleeding due to SSRI effect on platelet aggregation.
Monitoring
Baseline Monitoring
Rationale: Confirm appropriate indication for treatment.
Timing: Prior to initiation
Rationale: Antidepressants can increase risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in young adults.
Timing: Prior to initiation
Rationale: To assess risk of mood switching in bipolar disorder.
Timing: Prior to initiation
Rationale: To guide dosing adjustments in patients with moderate to severe hepatic impairment.
Timing: Prior to initiation
Rationale: To assess baseline for hyponatremia risk, especially in elderly.
Timing: Prior to initiation
Routine Monitoring
Frequency: Weekly for first 4-6 weeks, then monthly or as clinically indicated
Target: Reduction in symptom severity
Action Threshold: Lack of improvement or worsening symptoms may require dose adjustment or alternative therapy.
Frequency: Especially during initial treatment and dose changes, then regularly
Target: Absence of new or worsening suicidal thoughts/behaviors
Action Threshold: Immediate clinical evaluation and intervention if observed.
Frequency: Regularly, especially during titration
Target: Tolerable side effect profile
Action Threshold: Significant or intolerable side effects may require dose adjustment or discontinuation.
Frequency: Regularly, especially when co-administered with other serotonergic drugs
Target: Absence of symptoms
Action Threshold: Immediate discontinuation of vilazodone and supportive care if suspected.
Frequency: Periodically
Target: Within normal limits
Action Threshold: Significant changes may warrant investigation.
Frequency: Periodically
Target: Stable or within healthy range
Action Threshold: Significant weight changes may require intervention.
Frequency: Periodically, especially in elderly or those on diuretics
Target: 135-145 mEq/L
Action Threshold: Hyponatremia (Na < 135 mEq/L) requires investigation and management.
Symptom Monitoring
- Worsening depression
- Suicidal thoughts or attempts
- Unusual changes in behavior (e.g., agitation, irritability, anxiety, panic attacks, insomnia, aggression, impulsivity, akathisia, hypomania, mania)
- Symptoms of Serotonin Syndrome (e.g., mental status changes, autonomic instability, neuromuscular abnormalities, gastrointestinal symptoms)
- Abnormal bleeding or bruising
- Seizures
- Hyponatremia symptoms (e.g., headache, difficulty concentrating, memory impairment, confusion, weakness, unsteadiness, falls, severe and more acute symptoms include hallucinations, syncope, seizure, coma, respiratory arrest)
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Use during pregnancy should only be considered 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. These complications can arise immediately upon delivery.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
Lactation
Vilazodone is excreted into breast milk. The decision to breastfeed should consider the developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding, the motherβs clinical need for vilazodone, and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from vilazodone or from the underlying maternal condition.
Pediatric Use
Safety and effectiveness have not been established in pediatric patients for Major Depressive Disorder. Antidepressants increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults.
Geriatric Use
No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between elderly and younger patients, but greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot be ruled out. Elderly patients may be at increased risk for hyponatremia and falls. Use with caution and monitor closely.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- Vilazodone MUST be taken with food. Taking it without food significantly reduces its absorption and effectiveness, leading to treatment failure.
- Titration is crucial: Start with 10 mg for 7 days, then increase to 20 mg. If needed, increase to 40 mg after another 7 days. This helps minimize gastrointestinal side effects.
- Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, insomnia, and vomiting, especially during the initial titration phase. Taking with a substantial meal can help mitigate GI upset.
- As with other serotonergic antidepressants, monitor for serotonin syndrome, especially when co-administered with other serotonergic agents.
- Vilazodone has a low risk of weight gain and sexual dysfunction compared to some other antidepressants, which can be a benefit for some patients.
- Discontinuation syndrome can occur if stopped abruptly; taper dose gradually under medical supervision.
Alternative Therapies
- SSRIs (e.g., escitalopram, sertraline, fluoxetine)
- SNRIs (e.g., venlafaxine, duloxetine)
- Atypical antidepressants (e.g., bupropion, mirtazapine)
- Other SPARI (e.g., vortioxetine)
- Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)
- Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)