Indications
Vilazodone Hydrochloride is an antidepressant used to treat major depressive disorder (clinical depression) in adults.
How It Works
Vilazodone increases the amount of serotonin, a brain chemical that helps regulate mood, by blocking its reuptake into nerve cells, similar to SSRI antidepressants. It also partly stimulates a serotonin receptor called 5-HT1A. Together these effects help improve mood over several weeks.
Dosage and Administration
Take exactly as prescribed. Treatment is started at a low dose and increased gradually over a couple of weeks to the usual effective dose set by your doctor. It must be taken with food, because it is poorly absorbed on an empty stomach. Take it at about the same time each day. It may take 2 to 4 weeks or more to feel the full benefit. Do not stop suddenly; the doctor will reduce the dose slowly.
Interactions
Never take it with or within 14 days of a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as Selegiline, Linezolid or Methylene Blue. Combining with other serotonin medicines such as other antidepressants, Tramadol, Triptans, Lithium, Fentanyl or St John’s Wort can cause serotonin syndrome. Aspirin, NSAIDs such as Ibuprofen, Warfarin and Clopidogrel increase bleeding risk. Strong CYP3A4 blockers such as Ketoconazole or Clarithromycin raise its levels (the dose may need lowering), and Carbamazepine or Rifampicin lower them. Avoid alcohol.
Contraindications
Do not take with MAOIs or within 14 days of stopping one, or if you are allergic to Vilazodone.
Side Effects
Common effects include diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, dizziness, trouble sleeping, unusual dreams, reduced sex drive or sexual problems, and tiredness. These often ease after the first weeks.
Get urgent medical help if you have thoughts of harming yourself or suicide, or worsening mood or agitation; signs of serotonin syndrome (high fever, shaking, muscle stiffness or twitching, confusion, fast heartbeat); unusual bleeding; eye pain or vision changes; a fit; manic behaviour; severe confusion or weakness from low sodium; or a severe allergic reaction.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Use in pregnancy only if the doctor thinks the benefit outweighs the risk; use late in pregnancy may cause problems in the newborn. Do not stop without medical advice. It passes into breast milk in animals; discuss with your doctor before breastfeeding.
Precautions and Warnings
Antidepressants can increase suicidal thoughts in children, teenagers and young adults, especially at the start or after dose changes; family should watch for changes in mood or behaviour. It is not approved for children. Tell your doctor if you have bipolar disorder, epilepsy, glaucoma, bleeding problems, or low sodium. It may affect alertness; do not drive until you know how it affects you.
Overdose
Overdose may cause serotonin syndrome, drowsiness, vomiting, agitation, fits or heart rhythm problems. Seek emergency medical help immediately.
Therapeutic Class
Antidepressant (serotonin reuptake inhibitor and 5-HT1A partial agonist)
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.