Viibryd

The active ingredient in Viibyrd is vilazodone. It works differently from traditional antidepressants, to help treat the emotional and physical symptoms of depression in adults. It is considered both a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and a serotonin (5HT1A) receptor partial agonist. By targeting the neurotransmitter that is involved in mood regulation in multiple ways, Viibryd offers a newer approach in the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD), relieving a variety of depressive symptoms in many patients.

Follow all directions given by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full prescribing information, FDA-approved product labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Viibryd. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Viibryd:

Dosage Instructions:

• Follow the prescribed dosage exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Usually started at a lower dose and gradually increased.
• Do not adjust your dose without consulting your doctor.

Administration:

• Take Viibryd once daily, preferably at the same time each day.
• Take with food to improve absorption and reduce the risk of side effects.
• Swallow the tablet whole; do not crush, chew, or split it.

Missed Dose:

• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember.
• If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose.
• Do not take extra doses to make up for a missed one.

Discontinuation:

• Do not stop taking Viibryd suddenly without consulting your doctor. This may lead to unwanted side effects.
• Gradual dose reduction may be necessary to avoid withdrawal symptoms.

Regular Check-Ups:

• Attend all scheduled appointments with your healthcare provider to monitor your progress and any side effects.
• By following these guidelines, you can use Viibryd effectively and safely. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice.

The most common side effects of Viibryd seen in clinical trials as compared to placebo include:

• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Vomiting
• Sleepiness
• Trouble sleeping or trouble staying asleep
• Rare cases of erectile dysfunction have occurred in clinical studies

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Viibryd. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Serotonin syndrome
• The risk of serotonin syndrome increases if you are taking other drugs on top of Viibryd that increase serotonin.
• Suicidal thoughts and behaviors
• This is especially true in young adults and during the first few months of treatment or when your dose changes. Tell your healthcare provider about any new or worsening depression right away.
• Serious risk of bleeding
• Let your healthcare provider know if you notice symptoms of serious bleeding, such as bruises that do not go away, bleeding that is hard to stop, blood in your urine, and dark or tarry stool.
• Serious allergic reaction
• Symptoms can include hives, swelling of your face, tongue, or throat, and trouble breathing.
• Eye pain
• Let your healthcare provider know if you have any eye problems before taking Viibryd.
• Low sodium levels
• Let your healthcare provider know if you experience symptoms such as headache, trouble focusing, memory problems, confusion, weakness, and unsteadiness, which can lead to falls.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Viibryd. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Viibryd, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

• Bipolar disorder (manic depression)
• Seizures or epilepsy
• Liver or kidney disease
• Hypomania
• A bleeding or blood clotting disorder
• Uncontrolled high blood pressure
• Narrow-angle glaucoma
• Drug addiction or drink alcohol
• Sexual problems

Boxed warnings

Viibryd holds a boxed warning, including an increased risk of self-harm, harm to others, and suicidal thinking and behavior.

All patients taking antidepressants should be closely monitored for any clinical worsening and for the emergence of agitation-type and/or suicidal thoughts and suicidal behavior.

You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

• Patients with known hypersensitivity to vilazodone or any of its incipients of the product.

Some people may begin to feel slight improvements, such as better sleep or reduced anxiety, within 1 to 2 weeks of starting treatment.

For full mood improvement and relief from depressive symptoms, it usually takes about 4 to 6 weeks of consistent use.

When Viibyrd is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) (this is a contraindication with Viibryd), including:
• Linezolid
• Methylene blue injection
• Phenelzine
• Isocarboxazid
• Tranylcypromine
• Lithium
• Triptans (medicines used to treat migraines)
• Tricyclic antidepressant medications
• Fentanyl
• Diuretics (water pills)
• Tramadol
• Buspirone
• Tryptophan
• Amphetamines
• St. John’s Wort
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen
• Warfarin
• SSRIs such as fluoxetine/paroxetine
• This may lead to side effects such as hyponatremia.
• SNRIs such as duloxetine/venlafaxine
• CYP3A4 inhibitors and inducers such as ketoconazole
• Any other serotonergic drugs

Viibryd comes as a tablet in the following strengths:

• 10 mg
• 20 mg
• 40 mg

Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.

Keep out of reach of children and pets.

Viibryd (vilazodone) is manufactured by Sunovion Pharmaceuticals, a global biopharmaceutical company.

There are lower-cost generics available for the brand-name Viibryd.

Talk to your healthcare provider to stop taking Viibyrd, as they can help you create a plan to stop safely.

It is not known if Viibryd is safe to take while pregnant. Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.