Updated November 21, 2014.

Written or reviewed by a board-certified physician. See About.com's Medical Review Board.

Vilazodone (Viibryd) is a medication which is prescribed by doctors in the treatment of major depressive disorder.

It is available in 10 mg, 20 mg and 40 mg tablets.

As with any prescription drug, vilazodone may cause certain side effects.

Most Common Side Effects

Vilazodone users have most often reported the following side effects:

• Difficulty falling asleep
• Gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea

• Dry mouth
• Dizziness

This is not an all-inclusive list.  Please consult a pharmacist or your personal physician if you require further information about less common side effects.

More Serious Side Effects

While certain side effects are relatively rare, they are more serious if they do occur.  In order to protect yourself from physical harm, or even death, it is important that you speak with a doctor right away if you experience any of the following:

• Suicidal thoughts and actions - During the first few months of treatment or when dosage change are made, children, teens and young adults may be at greater risk for worsening mood symptoms and suicidal thoughts.
• Serotonin syndrome - A cluster of symptoms including agitation, hallucinations, coma or other mental changes; coordination problems or muscle twitching; rapid heartbeat and high or low blood pressure; sweating or fever; nausea, vomiting or diarrhea; and muscle stiffness or tightness are characteristic of this condition.
• Seizures or convulsions

• Mania - During a manic episode, a person may experience symptoms such as high energy, problems with sleep, racing thoughts, grandiose thinking, reckless behavior, irritability, euphoric mood and talking more and faster than usual.
• Low sodium in the blood - Symptoms associated with this condition include headaches, weakness, unsteadiness, confusion and problems with thinking, concentration or memory.

 

What You Should Do If You Experience Side Effects

For most people using vilazodone, the side effects that they experience will be quite manageable and will probably subside over time.  However, if you continue to experience side effects which you find troubling, you should speak with your personal physician for advice.  It is quite likely that she will be able to give you advice that will help reduce or eliminate your symptoms. And, in the event that your side effects cannot be managed, she may opt to prescribe a different medication for you that you will be better able to tolerate.

If you experience any of the more serious side effects mentioned above, it is urgent that you seek professional assistance immediately.  Although these side effects are rare, they can potentially endanger your health if you do not act promptly.

You should never stop taking your antidepressant without first consulting with a doctor.  In addition to the risk that your depression may return or worsen, you also run the risk of developing a cluster of unpleasant symptoms called discontinuation syndrome.  This syndrome includes such symptoms as headache, gastrointestinal distress and unusual neurological sensations.  It can best be avoided by either tapering off your medication gradually or by switching to a different medication.  Your doctor can advise you about how to do this.

<sub>Sources:

Food and Drug Administration. Medication Guide: Viibryd. Accessed: October 28, 2014. http://www.fda.gov/downloads/Drugs/DrugSafety/UCM241524.pdf

"Viibryd (Vilazodone)."." Inform Yourself: About Medications. College of Psychiatric and Neurologic Pharmacists. Revised: January 2013. National Alliance on Mental Illness. Accessed: October 28, 2014. http://www.nami.org/Content/ContentGroups/Helpline1/Viibryd_%28vilazodone%29.htm

"Vilazodone.." AHFS Consumer Medication Information. Bethesda, MD : American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 2013. Revised: April 13, 2012. Accessed: October 28, 2014. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a611020.html</sub>