What Is Viibryd (Vilazodone)?

Viibryd, also known by its generic name vilazodone, is an antidepressant medication. Those who take Viibryd can possibly see improved mood, sleep, appetite, energy levels and interest in their daily lives.

Specifically, vilazodone is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and partial serotonin receptor agonist, which means it works by affecting natural substances in the brain.

Like taking any medication, using vilazodone has certain side effects. Although many people who use Viibryd do not experience side effects, some less serious effects include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, trouble sleeping and decreased interest in sex. More serious side effects of using vilazodone are numbness/tingling, tremors, restlessness, inability to keep still, difficulty concentrating, confusion, memory problems, weakness, unsteadiness and pounding heartbeat. If any of these Viibryd side effects mentioned above get worse or persist, contact your doctor.

Very serious side effects of taking Viibryd are unusual or severe mood changes, bloody stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, easy bruising or bleeding, seizures, eye pain/swelling/redness, widened pupils and vision changes. Contact your doctor immediately if you notice any of these after taking vilazodone. Another rare but possible side effect of Viibryd treatment is the development of serotonin syndrome. This risk for serotonin syndrome is increased if you take other medications that affect your serotonin levels, which is why it is important to let all your doctors and pharmacists know which medications you are currently taking. Symptoms of serotonin syndrome are severe nausea, twitching muscles, unexplained fever and unusual agitation.

Viibryd (Vilazodone) Withdrawal And Detox

Never stop your Viibryd treatment abruptly. Talk to your doctor if you are interested in stopping your vilazodone treatment and discuss a plan to gradually lower your Viibryd dose over time. Lowering your dose will help prevent you from experiencing serious or severe vilazodone withdrawal symptoms.

What Are Common Viibryd (Vilazodone) Withdrawal Symptoms?

You may experience certain withdrawal symptoms after discontinuing your Viibryd treatment. These include agitation, anxiety, brain zaps, depression, dizziness, fatigue, headache, insomnia, irritability, itchiness, mood swings, muscle spasms, nausea, panic attacks, sleep changes, suicidal thoughts, vomiting, vivid dreams and weight changes.

Viibryd (Vilazodone) Withdrawal Timeline And Symptom Durations

Viibryd withdrawal timelines and symptom durations vary from person to person. Some factors to consider when thinking about how long these symptoms will last include how long you took Viibryd, how much vilazodone you were prescribed, your body’s unique physiology and the method you quit. Tapering off your Viibryd dose under your doctor’s supervision will produce less harsh effects than stopping your vilazodone treatment cold turkey.

Managing Withdrawal Symptoms Of Viibryd (Vilazodone)

If you are struggling to manage your Viibryd withdrawal symptoms, it may be time to seek a medically assisted detoxification program. Under this type of program, medical professionals can help you safely detox from Viibryd.

Viibryd (Vilazodone) Medications And Detox

Keep a list of all the medications you currently take and share this with your doctor, as some medications have the potential to interact with Viibryd. Some of these include aspirin, ibuprofen and blood thinners such as heparin and warfarin. Using MAO inhibitors while on vilazodone can cause serious and even fatal interactions. Specifically, avoid taking isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, safinamide, selegiline and tranylcypromine while taking Viibryd.

Using Viibryd may produce false tests for certain medical tests, including brain scans for Parkinson’s disease. Notify all appropriate laboratory personnel of your vilazodone use before taking any tests.

How To Choose A Viibryd (Vilazodone) Center

Finding the right Viibryd center for your needs is an important step in recovery. Set up a meeting with your doctor to discuss what you are looking for in a vilazodone center to make an informed choice. Remember to consider factors like how long you have taken Viibryd, how much of the medication you have been using, and your body’s physiology before choosing a vilazodone center. These factors will affect how your body responds to withdrawal and, therefore, what type of treatment you should seek. Recovering and withdrawing from Viibryd may not be easy, but The Recovery Village has many resources to help you in your recovery journey.

If you or someone you love is struggling with substance use disorder, get help right away. Seeking recovery for substance use disorder today will give you a healthier, happier tomorrow.

Medical Disclaimer

The Recovery Village aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.