Why does viibryd have to be taken with food

With input from you, your health care provider will assess how long you will need to take the medicine. Depression is also a part of bipolar illness. People with bipolar disorder who take antidepressants may be at risk for "switching" from depression into mania.

Symptoms of mania include "high" or irritable mood, very high self-esteem, decreased need for sleep, pressure to keep talking, racing thoughts, being easily distracted, frequently involved in activities with a large risk for bad consequences for example, excessive buying sprees.

Medical attention should be sought if serotonin syndrome is suspected. If you are planning on becoming pregnant, notify your health care provider to best manage your medications. People living with MDD who wish to become pregnant face important decisions. Untreated MDD has risks to the fetus, as well as the mother.

It is important to discuss the risks and benefits of treatment with your doctor and caregivers. Typically patients begin at a low dose of medicine and the dose is increased slowly over several weeks.

The dose usually ranges from 20 mg to 40 mg. Only your health care provider can determine the correct dose for you. Consider using a calendar, pillbox, alarm clock, or cell phone alert to help you remember to take your medication. You may also ask a family member or friend to remind you or check in with you to be sure you are taking your medication. If you miss a dose of vilazodone, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is closer to the time of your next dose.

Discuss this with your health care provider. Do not double your next dose or take more than what is prescribed. Avoid drinking alcohol or using illegal drugs while you are taking antidepressant medications. They may decrease the benefits e. If an overdose occurs, call your doctor or You may need urgent medical care. You may also contact the poison control center at Night sweats, decreased appetite, migraine headaches, sleepiness, tremor, blurry vision, dry eyes, abnormal dreams, agitation, restlessness, increased urination, sexual dysfunction, angle closure glaucoma symptoms of angle closure glaucoma may include eye pain, changes in vision, swelling or redness in or around eye , Serotonin syndrome symptoms may include shivering, diarrhea, confusion, severe muscle tightness, fever, seizures, and death , palpitations, irregular heartbeat.

Vilazodone may increase the risk of bleeding events. Combined use of aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs e. This may include gums that bleed more easily, nose bleed, or gastrointestinal bleeding. Some cases have been life threatening.

To date, there are no known problems associated with long term use of vilazodone. It is a safe and effective medication when used as directed. The most common side effects of Lexapro are nausea, headache, diarrhea, increased sweating, and dry mouth. Other possible side effects of Lexapro may include constipation and flu-like symptoms. Viibryd and Lexapro, like other antidepressants , may cause changes in appetite. This could lead to weight gain or weight loss in some people.

Both Viibryd and Lexapro can also cause sexual side effects. The use of either antidepressant may cause a decreased sex drive libido. Viibryd and Lexapro can also cause sexual dysfunction, such as erectile dysfunction, and problems with ejaculation. Because Viibryd also acts as a partial 5-HT1A receptor agonist, it may have a lower risk of sexual side effects than Lexapro. This may not be a complete list of adverse effects that can occur.

Please refer to your doctor or healthcare provider to learn more. Viibryd and Lexapro should be avoided while taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors MAOIs , such as selegiline and phenelzine. Viibryd or Lexapro should not be taken within 14 days of discontinuing an MAOI or there may be an increased risk of serotonin syndrome. Viibryd and Lexapro should also be avoided or monitored with other serotonergic drugs like antidepressants, which can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome. Taking these drugs together may increase the risk of bleeding.

Because Viibryd and Lexapro are primarily metabolized in the liver, their absorption may be affected by drugs that alter certain liver enzymes. Some antifungals and antibiotics can increase the levels of Viibryd and Lexapro in the blood, which can increase the risk of adverse effects. Other drugs like certain anticonvulsants can decrease blood levels of Viibryd and Lexapro, which can decrease their overall effectiveness.

Lexapro is known to potentially cause a heart rhythm disturbance called QT prolongation. Taking Lexapro with certain antipsychotic drugs like aripiprazole or quetiapine may increase the risk of QT prolongation.

Antidepressants like Viibryd or Lexapro may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts, especially in young adult patients. Those taking Viibryd or Lexapro should be monitored for worsening depression and suicidal thoughts. The risk is increased when antidepressants are taken with other serotonergic drugs. Signs and symptoms of serotonin syndrome may include fast heart rate, increased blood pressure, sweating, tremors, and fever.

Some people may be screened for a history of bipolar disorder prior to starting treatment with Viibryd or Lexapro. These antidepressants have the potential to activate mania or hypomania in some individuals with bipolar disorder.

Viibryd and Lexapro should be tapered or discontinued gradually if needed. Abrupt discontinuation of antidepressants could increase the risk of withdrawal symptoms. Viibryd is a brand-name prescription drug used to treat major depressive disorder MDD.

It is the brand name for vilazodone. It is usually taken as a 20 mg tablet once daily with food. It is also approved to treat generalized anxiety disorder GAD. The half-life of vilazodone is 24 hours, which is why it is not provided in an extended-release form. Pay attention — this is important! In order to reduce risk of nausea, I like to say: take it immediately after a meal.

By the way, what are other psychiatric drugs that also must be taken with food, not because they cause nausea, but because their absorption is much less if taken without food? Vilazodone is available in 10 mg, 20 mg, and 40 mg strengths. Please refer to Prescribing Information see link below for a complete discussion of dosage, administration, warnings and precautions, contraindications, etc.

Copyright , Rajnish Mago, MD. All rights reserved. May not be reproduced in any form without express written permission. Disclaimer: The content on this website is provided as general education for medical professionals. It is not intended or recommended for patients or other laypersons, or as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.