Viibryd Side Effects

Summary

The most common side effects of Viibryd (Vilazodone) are nausea, diarrhea, sleep problems, weight gain, vivid or abormal dreams. Common side effects usually do not require medical attention however, if the persist or become bothersome contact your doctor to discuss alternative solutions.

Common Viibryd Side Effects

Commonly reported side effects of Viibryd include the following:

• Mild diarrhea
• Mild nausea
• Sleep problems or Insomnia
• Vivid or Abnormal dreams and nightmares
• Weight gain
• Dizziness or Drowsiness

The side effects listed above usually do not require medical attention as they will commonly diminish when your body adjusts to the medication. Your doctor may also be able to advise you of ways to reduce or prevent these common side effects from occurring. However, if any persist or become bothersome you should notify your doctor to discuss alternative solutions.

Serious Viibryd Side Effects

An allergic reaction can occur while taking Viibryd. If you experience any of the following symptoms indicating an allergic reaction, get emergency medical help right away.

• Difficulty breathing
• Swelling of the lips, face, throat, or tongue
• Skin rash or hives

Many Viibryd side effects are not indicative of an allergic reaction but are still very serious. If you experience any of the following side effects notify a doctor right away.

• Seizures
• Easy bruising or unusual bleeding
• Agitation
• High fever
• Sweating
• Confusion
• Overactive reflexes
• Increased heart rate
• Loss of coordination
• Extreme dizziness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

Other serious side effects that may occur include the following:

• Hallucinations
• Tremors
• Stiff or rigid muscles
• Decreased inhibitions
• Risk taking behaviors
• Feelings of extreme happiness or sadness
• Racing thoughts
• Respiratory depression
• Fainting
• Memory and concentration problems
• Weakness
• Extreme thirst accompanied by headache
• Thoughts of Sucide

Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors

Thoughts of suicide can occur while taking Viibryd; individuals under the age of 24 are especially prone to this side effect. It is important that caregivers and family members are aware of any changes in behavior or mood in a person who has recently started taking Viibryd; mood or mental changes could be indicative of the presence of suicidal thoughts.

Because of the risk for this side effect, doctors typically require frequent visits in the first few months of taking the medication and if any dosage adjustments are made. You should notify your doctor immediately if you experience any thoughts of suicide or if your depression worsens.

Preexisting Conditions

Certain medical conditions may require special tests or dosage adjustments to ensure that you can take this medication safely. If you have any of the following conditions talk to your health care provider before taking vilazodone; bipolar disorder, low sodium in the blood, history of drug abuse, history of suicidal thinking, liver or kidney disease, or a bleeding or blood clotting disorder. These conditions may present certain risks when taking Viibryd and may require you to use a different medication.

Pregnancy

Viibryd can cause serious lung problems and heart defects in newborn children if taken during pregnancy. Though this medication poses a serious risk if taken while pregnant, you should not stop taking Viibryd if pregnant without talking to a doctor first.

Stopping the medication could cause a relapse of depression and create additional dangerous side effects. Talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding as it is not known if this medication passes through breast milk or the potential side effects it may have on a newborn.

Other Medications

There are many dangerous drug interactions associated with taking vilazodone. MAO inhibitors such as Furoxone, Marplan, Nardil, Azilect, Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar, and Parnate, should not be taken 14 days before or after taking Viibryd. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAID’s, should also not be taken with Viibryd as they can cause easy bruising and bleeding. Other medications may cause sleepiness if taken with vilazodone. Talk to your doctor before taking any of the following medications; sleeping pills, sedatives, seizure medication, anti-anxiety medication, muscle relaxants, cold or allergy medications, and narcotic pain medications.

Be sure to inform your doctor of all medication that you are taking. The following medications should be avoided while taking Viibryd as they could cause a dangerous interaction.

• Imatinib
• Buspirone
• Cimetidine
• Conivaptan
• Dexamethosone
• St. John’s Wort
• Isoniazid
• Tryptophan
• Tramadol
• Warfarin
• Diuretics
• Antifungal medications such as Sporanox and Nizoral
• Numerous medications for psychiatric disorders such as Haldol, Thorazine, Abilify, Trilafon, and Mellaril
• AIDS/HIV medications such as Reyataz or Rescriptor
• Heart and blood pressure medications such as Cardene or Quin-G
• Antibiotics such as clarithromycin, erythrocin, rifabutin, telithromycin, and rifampin
• phenobarbitol
• Seizure medications such as Carbatrol, Tegretol, and Dilantin
• Migraine headache medications such as Frova, Treximet, and Amerge

Viibryd is used to treat major depressive disorder; you should never stop taking this medication without consulting with your doctor first. Certain medical conditions may require special tests or dosage adjustments to ensure that you can safely take this drug. Viibryd has been linked to suicidal thinking in young adults, if you experience this side effect or other serious side effects contact your doctor immediately.