Viibryd (Vilazodone): A Newer Option for Anxiety and Depression

If you're struggling with depression and anxiety, you're not alone. Anxiety affects millions of Americans each year, and fortunately, there are effective treatment options available. One such treatment is Viibryd (vilazodone), a newer antidepressant medication that works differently from others.

At Next Step Psychiatry in Lilburn, we help patients throughout Gwinnett County find the right medication for their needs. Here's what you should know about Viibryd.

How Does Viibryd Work?

Vilazodone was approved in the US in 2011 and belongs to a unique class of medications called serotonin partial agonists and reuptake inhibitors (SPARIs). SPARIs work in two ways to boost serotonin levels in the brain:

1. Reuptake inhibition: Like SSRIs, Viibryd prevents serotonin from being reabsorbed by your neurons, so more of it remains available in your brain
2. Receptor stimulation: Viibryd also acts as a partial agonist, meaning it stimulates serotonin receptors to enhance their activity

This dual mechanism may provide benefits that traditional SSRIs don't offer on their own.

What Conditions Does Viibryd Treat?

Viibryd is FDA-approved to treat major depressive disorder (MDD). While it hasn't been officially approved for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), it's often prescribed off-label for anxiety because clinical trials have shown it to be effective for reducing anxiety symptoms.

Potential Benefits of Viibryd

• Lower risk of sexual side effects: Compared to some other antidepressants, Viibryd may cause fewer sexual side effects
• Dual mechanism: The combination of SSRI-like action plus receptor stimulation may provide enhanced effectiveness for some patients
• Well-tolerated: Many patients find Viibryd easier to tolerate than older antidepressants

How to Take Viibryd

Viibryd should be taken orally, with food, once daily. It comes in 10mg, 20mg, and 40mg tablets. Your psychiatrist will typically start you at a lower dose (usually 10mg) and gradually increase based on your response and tolerance.

• Take it at the same time each day for best results
• Always take it with food to improve absorption
• Don't double up if you miss a dose—just take the next scheduled dose
• The maximum recommended dosage is 40mg daily

How Long Does Viibryd Take to Work?

You may notice changes in your sleep, mood, and appetite as early as 1-2 weeks after starting Viibryd. However, the full benefits typically aren't felt until 6-8 weeks of treatment. It's important to continue taking your medication as prescribed, even if you don't notice immediate improvement.

Common Side Effects

Like all medications, Viibryd can cause side effects. Common ones include:

• Nausea (usually improves after the first few weeks)
• Diarrhea
• Insomnia or sleep changes
• Dry mouth
• Headache
• Dizziness

Most side effects are mild and tend to improve as your body adjusts to the medication. If side effects persist or worsen, contact your psychiatrist.

Who Should Not Take Viibryd?

Viibryd may not be appropriate for everyone. Important precautions include:

• Do not take with MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors)
• Use caution with other serotonergic medications due to risk of serotonin syndrome
• Inform your doctor about all medications you're taking, including supplements like St. John's wort
• Anyone who has had an allergic reaction to vilazodone should not take it

Viibryd vs. Other Antidepressants

Viibryd differs from other antidepressants in several ways:

• vs. SSRIs (like Lexapro, Zoloft): Viibryd has the added partial agonist activity and may have fewer sexual side effects
• vs. Wellbutrin: While Wellbutrin affects dopamine and norepinephrine, Viibryd primarily targets serotonin
• vs. Trintellix: Both are newer antidepressants with unique mechanisms, but they work slightly differently

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Viibryd a strong antidepressant?

Viibryd is considered an effective antidepressant, though its "strength" varies depending on the individual and dosage. What works well for one person may not work as well for another.

Does Viibryd cause weight gain?

Viibryd may have a lower risk of weight gain compared to some other antidepressants. However, weight changes can still occur in some individuals.

Can I drink alcohol while taking Viibryd?

It's generally recommended to avoid or limit alcohol while taking any antidepressant. Alcohol can worsen depression and anxiety symptoms and may interact with the medication.

What if Viibryd doesn't work for me?

If Viibryd isn't effective after an adequate trial (typically 6-8 weeks at a therapeutic dose), your psychiatrist can discuss other options. Many effective medications and treatment combinations are available.