Vilazodone
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Drug Status
Government Approvals
US(FDA)
WHO Essential Medicine
NO
Known Teratogen
NO
Pharmaceutical Class
NA
Controlled Drug Substance
NO
Vilazodone
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Click HereSummary
Vilazodone is used to treat major depressive disorder in adults. It helps improve mood, sleep, appetite, and energy level, and may help restore interest in daily living.
Vilazodone works by increasing serotonin levels in the brain which helps maintain mental balance. It is a serotonin modulator and a partial agonist at 5HT1A receptors.
The usual daily dose for adults is 20 mg to 40 mg, taken orally once daily with food. Vilazodone is not approved for use in children.
Common side effects of Vilazodone include diarrhea, nausea, insomnia, tiredness and dizziness. Serious adverse effects can include serotonin syndrome, suicidal thoughts and increased bleeding risk.
Vilazodone should not be used with MAOIs. It should be used with caution in patients with a history of seizures or bipolar disorder. There is a risk of suicidal thoughts in young adults, serotonin syndrome, and increased bleeding risk.
Indications and Purpose
How does one know if Vilazodone is working?
The benefit of Vilazodone is evaluated through regular follow-up visits with your healthcare provider, who will monitor your symptoms and any side effects. They may adjust your dosage based on your response to the medication and any changes in your condition.
How does Vilazodone work?
Vilazodone works by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, which helps improve mood and mental balance. It acts as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor and a partial agonist at 5-HT1A receptors, enhancing serotonergic activity in the central nervous system.
Is Vilazodone effective?
Vilazodone's effectiveness in treating major depressive disorder was demonstrated in four multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies. It showed superiority over placebo in improving depressive symptoms as measured by the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) and Clinical Global Impression - Severity (CGI-S) scores.
What is Vilazodone?
Vilazodone is used to treat major depressive disorder in adults. It works by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, which helps maintain mental balance. As a serotonin modulator, it selectively inhibits serotonin reuptake and acts as a partial agonist at 5-HT1A receptors.
What is Vilazodone used for?
Vilazodone is indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults. It helps alleviate symptoms of depression by modulating serotonin levels in the brain, contributing to improved mood and mental health.
Directions for Use
For how long do I take Vilazodone?
Vilazodone is used to manage depression, and the duration of use can vary based on individual needs and response to treatment. It may take several weeks to feel the full benefit, and long-term use may be necessary to maintain mental health stability. Always follow your doctor's guidance on duration.
How do I take Vilazodone?
Vilazodone should be taken once daily with food to ensure proper absorption. There are no specific food restrictions, but it is important to take it at the same time each day to maintain consistent blood levels.
How long does it take for Vilazodone to start working?
Vilazodone may take several weeks to show its full effect in treating depression. Some improvement in symptoms may be noticed within 1 to 2 weeks, but it can take up to 6 to 8 weeks to feel the full benefit.
How should I store Vilazodone?
Store Vilazodone at room temperature, between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C), in a tightly closed container, away from excess heat and moisture. Keep it out of reach of children and dispose of it properly through a take-back program if no longer needed.
What is the usual dose of Vilazodone?
For adults, the usual daily dose of Vilazodone is between 20 mg to 40 mg, taken once daily with food. The treatment typically starts with a lower dose of 10 mg for the first 7 days, then increases to 20 mg, and may be increased to 40 mg after a minimum of 7 days. Vilazodone is not approved for use in children.
Warnings and Precautions
Can I take Vilazodone with other prescription drugs?
Significant drug interactions with Vilazodone include MAOIs, other serotonergic drugs, antiplatelet agents, anticoagulants, and strong CYP3A4 inhibitors or inducers. These interactions can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome, bleeding, or alter Vilazodone's effectiveness.
Can Vilazodone be taken safely while breastfeeding?
There is no data on the presence of Vilazodone in human milk or its effects on the breastfed infant. The benefits of breastfeeding should be weighed against the mother's need for Vilazodone and any potential adverse effects on the child.
Can Vilazodone be taken safely while pregnant?
Vilazodone should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. There is a pregnancy registry to monitor outcomes. Human studies have shown an increased risk of postpartum hemorrhage and neonatal complications if used late in pregnancy.
Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Vilazodone?
Drinking alcohol while taking Vilazodone can worsen the side effects of the medication, such as drowsiness and impaired judgment. It is advised to avoid alcohol to ensure the medication's safety and effectiveness.
Is Vilazodone safe for the elderly?
Elderly patients may be at greater risk for hyponatremia (low sodium levels) when taking Vilazodone. It is important to monitor for symptoms like confusion, weakness, and unsteadiness. Dose selection should be conservative, starting at the low end of the dosing range.
Who should avoid taking Vilazodone?
Important warnings for Vilazodone include the risk of suicidal thoughts in young adults, serotonin syndrome, increased bleeding risk, and activation of mania or hypomania. It is contraindicated with MAOIs and in patients with a history of seizures or untreated narrow-angle glaucoma.
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