Viibryd

Approved Indications

Viibryd is specifically approved for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in adult patients. MDD is a medical condition characterized by a persistent low mood, loss of interest in activities, and other symptoms that interfere with a person's ability to work, sleep, study, and eat.

Typical Use Cases

Healthcare providers prescribe Viibryd to help manage the symptoms of clinical depression. The goal of treatment is typically to:

• Improve overall mood and feelings of well-being.
• Increase energy levels and interest in daily life.
• Help regulate sleep and appetite patterns affected by depression.

This medication is intended for ongoing management of depression rather than as a short-term or as-needed treatment. It is not approved for use in pediatric patients.

Mechanism of Action

Viibryd (vilazodone) is classified as both a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and a partial serotonin agonist. While the exact way it works to treat depression is not fully understood, it is believed to affect the brain's chemical messengers in the following ways:

• Increasing Serotonin Levels: Like other SSRIs, Viibryd prevents the brain from reabsorbing serotonin too quickly. This allows more serotonin to remain available to transmit signals between nerve cells.
• Targeting Specific Receptors: Viibryd also binds to specific serotonin receptors called 5-HT1A receptors. By acting as a partial agonist at these sites, it may help further modulate serotonin activity in the brain.

Serotonin is a natural substance that helps maintain mental balance. By enhancing serotonin activity, Viibryd helps improve mood and reduce the symptoms of major depressive disorder.

Common Side Effects

Many people using Viibryd experience mild side effects. These may include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Dry mouth
• Dizziness
• Trouble sleeping or unusual dreams
• Gas or bloating
• Joint pain
• Changes in sexual desire or function

Serious Side Effects

Contact a healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following serious symptoms:

• Serotonin syndrome: Symptoms include agitation, hallucinations, rapid heartbeat, fever, excessive sweating, shivering, or muscle stiffness.
• Abnormal bleeding: Increased risk of bruising or bleeding, especially if taken with blood thinners or NSAIDs.
• Low sodium levels: Signs include headache, confusion, weakness, or feeling unsteady.
• Seizures: Convulsions or fits.
• Manic episodes: Greatly increased energy, severe trouble sleeping, racing thoughts, or reckless behavior.
• Vision changes: Eye pain, swelling, redness, or blurred vision.

In some cases, antidepressants like Viibryd may increase suicidal thoughts or actions, particularly in children, teenagers, and young adults. Monitor for any sudden changes in mood or behavior.

Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors

Viibryd and other antidepressant medicines may increase suicidal thoughts or actions in some children, teenagers, or young adults, especially within the first few months of treatment or when the dose is changed. Families and caregivers should monitor for new or sudden changes in mood, behavior, thoughts, or feelings.

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)

Viibryd must not be used at the same time as, or within 14 days of stopping, an MAOI. Taking these medications together can cause a serious and potentially life-threatening reaction.

Serotonin Syndrome

A potentially life-threatening condition called serotonin syndrome can occur, particularly when Viibryd is taken with other medicines that affect serotonin levels. Symptoms may include:

• Agitation, hallucinations, or confusion
• Fast heartbeat or changes in blood pressure
• Dizziness or sweating
• Tremors, muscle stiffness, or twitching
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

Increased Risk of Bleeding

Viibryd may increase the risk of bleeding events. This risk is higher if the medication is taken with aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen, warfarin, or other blood thinners.

Mania or Hypomania

In people with bipolar disorder, taking an antidepressant may trigger a mixed or manic episode. It is important to screen for a history of bipolar disorder or mania before starting treatment.

Other Precautions

• Seizures: Viibryd should be used with caution in people with a history of seizure disorders.
• Angle-Closure Glaucoma: This medication may trigger an angle-closure attack in people with certain eye conditions.
• Low Sodium Levels: Hyponatremia (low sodium in the blood) can occur, especially in older adults or those taking diuretics.
• Discontinuation: Stopping Viibryd suddenly can lead to withdrawal symptoms. The dose should be gradually reduced under medical supervision.

Pregnancy

Research regarding the use of Viibryd during pregnancy is limited. Taking similar antidepressant medications during the third trimester may lead to complications in the newborn, such as respiratory distress, jitteriness, feeding difficulties, or seizures. These symptoms may require medical support or prolonged hospitalization. There is also a potential risk of persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) when certain antidepressants are used late in pregnancy.

If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, a healthcare provider can help weigh the risks of the medication against the risks of untreated depression during pregnancy. It is generally advised not to stop taking the medication abruptly without medical guidance.

Breastfeeding

It is not known whether Viibryd passes into human breast milk. While animal studies have shown the drug is present in rat milk, data in humans is lacking. Decisions regarding breastfeeding while taking this medication should involve a discussion with a healthcare professional to consider the health benefits of breastfeeding for the infant and the clinical need for the medication for the mother.

Available Forms

Viibryd is provided as a film-coated tablet intended for oral administration. These tablets are taken by mouth with food.

Generic Availability

Generic versions of vilazodone hydrochloride are also available in tablet form. The appearance of the tablets, including color and shape, may vary between the brand-name product and generic equivalents.

FDA Approval and Indications

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Viibryd (vilazodone hydrochloride) in January 2011. It is indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults. The medication is classified as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and a 5-HT1A receptor partial agonist.

Boxed Warning

Viibryd contains a boxed warning, which is the FDA's most serious safety alert. This warning states that antidepressants may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, adolescents, and young adults up to age 24. Healthcare providers are advised to monitor patients closely for clinical worsening or unusual changes in behavior, especially during the first few months of treatment or after dosage changes. Viibryd is not approved for use in pediatric patients.

Generic Availability

The FDA approved the first generic versions of Viibryd in 2022. These generic vilazodone tablets are required to meet the same quality and safety standards as the brand-name drug. Viibryd is a prescription-only medication and is not classified as a controlled substance.

Withdrawal Symptoms

If you stop taking Viibryd abruptly, you may experience a range of physical and mental symptoms known as discontinuation syndrome. These symptoms can include:

• Mood and mental changes: Irritability, agitation, anxiety, confusion, and hypomania.
• Physical sensations: Dizziness, headache, sweating, nausea, and "electric shock" sensations (paresthesia).
• Sleep and energy: Tiredness and difficulty falling or staying asleep.
• Other effects: Ringing in the ears (tinnitus) and, in rare cases, seizures.

Safe Discontinuation

To avoid or minimize these symptoms, healthcare providers typically recommend gradually reducing your dose over a period of time rather than stopping the medication all at once. This process is known as tapering. Always follow your healthcare provider's specific instructions for ending treatment to ensure your safety and comfort.