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Viibryd Side Effects

Generic name: vilazodone

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Sep 23, 2024.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Viibryd Side Effects associated with vilazodone. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Viibryd.

Applies to vilazodone: oral tablet.

Important warnings This medicine can cause some serious health issues

Oral route (tablet)

Antidepressants can increase the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in pediatric and young adult patients.

Closely monitor patients of all ages for clinical worsening and for emergence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

Vilazodone hydrochloride is not approved for use in pediatric patients.

Precautions

It is important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to allow for changes in your dose and to help prevent any unwanted effects. Blood tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.

Do not take vilazodone (the active ingredient contained in Viibryd) with a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor (eg, isocarboxazid [Marplan®], linezolid [Zyvox®], methylene blue injection, phenelzine [Nardil®], selegiline [Eldepryl®], or tranylcypromine [Parnate®]). Do not start taking vilazodone during the 2 weeks after you stop a MAO inhibitor and wait 2 weeks after stopping vilazodone before you start taking a MAO inhibitor. If you take them together or do not wait 2 weeks, you may develop confusion, agitation, restlessness, stomach or intestinal symptoms, a sudden high body temperature, an extremely high blood pressure, or severe seizures.

Vilazodone may cause some teenagers and young adults to be agitated, irritable, or display other abnormal behaviors. It may also cause some people to have suicidal thoughts and tendencies or to become more depressed. Some people may have trouble sleeping, get upset easily, have a big increase in energy, or start to act reckless. If you or your caregiver notice any of these unwanted effects, tell your doctor right away. Let the doctor know if you or anyone in your family has bipolar disorder (manic-depressive) or has tried to commit suicide.

Vilazodone may cause a serious condition called serotonin syndrome if taken together with some medicines. Do not use vilazodone with buspirone (Buspar®), fentanyl (Abstral®, Duragesic®), lithium (Eskalith®, Lithobid®), tryptophan, St. John's wort, amphetamines, or some pain or migraine medicines (eg, meperidine, methadone, rizatriptan, sumatriptan, tramadol, Demerol®, Methadose®, Frova®, Imitrex®, Maxalt®, Relpax®, Ultram®, Check with your doctor first before taking any other medicines with vilazodone.

This medicine may increase your risk for bleeding problems. Make sure your doctor knows if you are also taking other medicines that thin the blood, including aspirin, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory agents, also called NSAIDs (eg, diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen, Advil®, Aleve®, Celebrex®, Voltaren®), or warfarin (Coumadin®, Jantoven®).

Do not suddenly Stop taking vilazodone without checking first with your doctor. If you have been instructed to stop taking vilazodone, ask your doctor how to slowly decrease the dose. This will decrease your chance of having withdrawal symptoms, including dizziness, nausea, headaches, vomiting, increased sweating, irritability, nightmares, seizures, or prickling or tingling feelings.

Hyponatremia (low sodium in the blood) may occur with this medicine. This is more common in elderly patients, those who are taking diuretic medicines for high blood pressure, or those who have decreased amounts of fluid in the body due to severe diarrhea or vomiting. Check with your doctor right away if you have confusion, difficulty concentrating, headaches, memory problems, weakness, and unsteadiness.

The use of alcohol is not recommended in patients who are taking this medicine.

Vilazodone may cause some people to become dizzy or drowsy. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are dizzy or not alert.

Check with your doctor right away if you have decreased interest in sexual intercourse, delayed or inability to have an orgasm in women, inability to have or keep an erection in men, or loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance. These could be symptoms of sexual dysfunction.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal (eg, St. John's wort) or vitamin supplements.

Common side effects of Viibryd

Some side effects of vilazodone may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common side effects

  • diarrhea
  • dizziness
  • dry mouth
  • nausea
  • trouble sleeping

Less common side effects

  • abnormal dreams
  • aching or discomfort in the lower legs or sensation of crawling in the legs
  • acid or sour stomach
  • belching
  • blindness
  • bloated or full feeling
  • blurred vision
  • change in taste
  • decreased vision
  • difficulty with moving
  • drowsiness
  • dry eyes
  • excess air or gas in the stomach or intestines
  • feeling jittery
  • headache, severe and throbbing
  • heartburn
  • increased or decreased appetite
  • increased sweating
  • indigestion
  • loss of appetite
  • loss of taste
  • muscle pain or stiffness
  • night sweats
  • pain in the joints
  • passing gas
  • relaxed and calm
  • restlessness
  • sleepiness or unusual drowsiness
  • stomach pain, discomfort, or upset
  • unusual tiredness or weakness
  • vomiting
  • weakness

Incidence not known

  • decrease in smell
  • eye pain
  • loss of sense of smell

Serious side effects of Viibryd

Along with its needed effects, vilazodone may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking vilazodone:

Less common side effects

  • actions that are out of control
  • anxiety
  • burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
  • chest pain or discomfort
  • decreased interest in sexual intercourse
  • delayed or inability to have an orgasm
  • extra heartbeat
  • fast, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse
  • inability to have or keep an erection
  • irritability
  • loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance
  • shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, or feet
  • sweating
  • talking, feeling, and acting with excitement
  • trembling or shaking of the hands or feet

For healthcare professionals

Applies to vilazodone: oral kit, oral tablet.

General adverse events

The most commonly observed side effects were: diarrhea, nausea, headache, and dry mouth.[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Nervous system

Psychiatric

Metabolic

Genitourinary

Cardiovascular

Other

Musculoskeletal

Ocular

Dermatologic

Hematologic

See also:

References

1. (2011) "Product Information. Viibryd (vilazodone)." Trovis Pharmaceuticals LLC

Frequently asked questions

Further information

Viibryd side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.