Vilazodone

Vilazodone Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Vilazodone is a brand name. Its generic name is Vilazodone.

Introduction

Vilazodone is an antidepressant medication used to treat major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. It is a unique drug which acts as both an antidepressant and anxiolytic, combining the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) activity of fluoxetine and the partial serotonin agonist 5-HT1A receptor of trazodone. Vilazodone is sold under the brand name Viibryd.

Uses for

Vilazodone is used to treat major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder in adults. It is also used off label to treat social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and agoraphobia.

Mechanism of Action

Vilazodone works by inhibiting the re-uptake of serotonin in the brain, thereby increasing the amount of serotonin available to the body. Furthermore, by interacting with 5-HT1A receptors, it augments the postsynaptic activation of serotonin, increasing its action both pre- and postsynaptically.

How Long Does it Take to Work?

The effects of Vilazodone can be felt within the first 2 to 4 weeks of starting the medication. During this time period, it is important to keep in regular communication with your physician in order to monitor the efficacy of the drug and any potential unwanted side-effects.

Absorption

Vilazodone is absorbed quickly in the gastrointestinal tract with peak concentrations of the drug occurring in 1-2 hours after ingestion.

Route of Elimination

Vilazodone is eliminated primarily via hepatic metabolism. Approximately 33% of the drug is eliminated unchanged and the remaining is eliminated in the urine and feces.

Dosage

The recommended starting dosage for Vilazodone is 10 mg taken orally once per day. The dosage may be increased in 10 mg increments every 2-4 weeks depending on individual response and tolerability to a maximum daily dose of 40 mg.

Administration

Vilazodone can be taken with food or on an empty stomach, but it should be taken consistently (either with or without food) in order to maintain proper absorption. It should not be crushed, chewed, or split.

Side Effects

Common side effects of Vilazodone include nausea, dry mouth, insomnia, diarrhea, restlessness, and dizziness.

Toxicity

Vilazodone has an acceptable safety profile for its therapeutic indication. However, overdoses of Vilazodone can result in serious toxicity symptoms including seizures, coma, and death.

Precaution

Patients on Vilazodone should be monitored for suicidal thoughts or unusual changes in behavior. Patients with a history of mania or seizure disorder should use Vilazodone with caution.

Interactions

Vilazodone can potentially interact with other medications. It is important to tell your doctor about any medications, supplements, or herbal remedies you are taking before beginning Vilazodone.

Disease Interactions

Vilazodone should be used with caution in patients with a history of mania or seizure disorders as it may worsen the symptoms associated with these conditions.

Drug Interactions

Vilazodone can potentially interact with a number of medications, such as MAO inhibitors, antiarrhythmics, and other SSRIs, so it is important to tell your doctor about any medications, supplements, or herbal remedies you are taking before starting Vilazodone.

Food Interactions

In general, food does not affect the absorption of Vilazodone. However, alcohol should be avoided as it may increase drowsiness and impaired cognition.

Pregnancy and Lactation Use

Vilazodone should be used with caution during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is classified as pregnancy category C for safety, meaning that there is evidence of potential harm to the fetus, with no controlled studies in humans. Therefore, a pregnant woman should only take Vilazodone under the guidance of a health care provider.

Acute Overdose

In the case of an acute overdose of Vilazodone, the patient should be taken to an emergency room immediately. Common symptoms of an overdose include drowsiness, confusion, rapid respiratory rate, sedation, hypotension, coma, and seizures.

Contraindications

Vilazodone should not be used in patients with a history of hypersensitivity or known allergy to Vilazodone, or any of its components.

Use Directions

Vilazodone should be taken as directed by your doctor. It should be taken orally with or without food once per day, usually in the morning. The dosage should not exceed 40 mg per day.

Storage Conditions

Vilazodone should be stored at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and moisture. It should also be kept out of the reach of children.

Volume of Distribution

Vilazodone has a steady-state volume of distribution of approximately 34-41 liters.

Half Life

The elimination half life of Vilazodone is approximately 19–21 hours.

Clearance

Vilazodone has an oral clearance of approximately 20–25 liters/hour.

Here you find in details version of Vilazodone

Some Frequently Asked Questions About Vilazodone