Vilazodone Flashcards

Vilazodone Overview

• Vilazodone is marketed under the brand name Viibryd and is classified as an SPARI (Serotonin Partial Agonist and Reuptake Inhibitor).

Indications

• Approved by the FDA for the treatment of major depressive disorder.
• Off-label uses include anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Testing and Monitoring

• No specific tests required for healthy individuals taking Vilazodone.

Side Effects

• Common noticeable side effects include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, insomnia, and dizziness.
• Weight gain and sedation are unusual side effects.

Dosage Information

• The standard dosage range is 40 mg per day.
• Available in tablet forms of 10 mg, 20 mg, and 40 mg.
• Dosage initiation begins at 10 mg/day, increasing to 20 mg after one week, and then to 40 mg after another week; should be taken with food.

Discontinuation

• Tapering off the medication is recommended to prevent withdrawal reactions. Generally, a 50% dose reduction for 3 days followed by another 50% reduction for 3 days is effective.

Special Populations

• Renal Impairment: No dose adjustment necessary.
• Hepatic Impairment: No adjustment needed for mild to moderate impairment; severe impairment has not been specifically studied.
• Cardiac Impairment: Not systematically evaluated; has shown no significant effects on blood pressure, heart rate, or QT intervals in controlled trials.
• Elderly: No dose adjustment required; some may better tolerate lower doses; there is a reduced risk of suicidality with antidepressants compared to placebo in adults aged 65 and older.
• Children: Safety and efficacy not established; use with caution due to potential bipolar disorder and suicidal ideation risks; parents or guardians should be informed of these risks.
• Pregnancy: Classified as Risk C; some animal studies indicate adverse effects, but no controlled human studies are available.