Drug Reference

Vilazodone

Other antidepressants

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Rx onlyControlled · controlled substance

Fact box

Therapeutic class
Other antidepressants
Habit forming
Yes — controlled substance
Availability
Prescription (Rx)

Brand names

Viibryd

Available as

10 MG · Oral Tablet20 MG · Oral Tablet40 MG · Oral Tablet

FDA label sections are from openFDA and may not reflect the most recent labeling — confirm against the current DailyMed label.

⚠ Boxed warning
WARNING: SUICIDAL THOUGHTS AND BEHAVIORS Antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in pediatric and young adult patients in short-term studies. Closely monitor all antidepressant-treated patients for clinical worsening and for emergence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]. Vilazodone hydrochloride tablets are not approved for use in pediatric patients [see Use in Specific Populations (8.4)]. WARNING: SUICIDAL THOUGHTS AND BEHAVIORS See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. • Antidepressants increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in pediatric and young adult patients (5.1). • Closely monitor all antidepressant-treated patients for clinical worsening and emergence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors (5.1). • Vilazodone hydrochloride tablets are not approved for use in pediatric patients (8.4).
Uses
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Vilazodone hydrochloride tablets are indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults [see Clinical Studies (14)]. Vilazodone hydrochloride tablets are indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults (1).
How it works
12.1 Mechanism of Action The mechanism of action of vilazodone in the treatment of major depressive disorder is not fully understood, but is thought to be related to its enhancement of serotonergic activity in the CNS through selective inhibition of serotonin reuptake. Vilazodone is also a partial agonist at serotonergic 5-HT 1A receptors; however, the net result of this action on serotonergic transmission and its role in vilazodone’s antidepressant effect are unknown.
How to use / dosing
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION • Recommended target dosage: 20 mg to 40 mg once daily with food (2.1, 12.3). • To titrate: start with initial dosage of 10 mg once daily for 7 days, followed by 20 mg once daily. The dose may be increased up to 40 mg once daily after a minimum of 7 days between dosage increases (2.1). • Prior to initiating vilazodone hydrochloride tablets, screen for bipolar disorder (2.2, 5.4). • When discontinuing vilazodone hydrochloride tablets, reduce the dosage gradually (2.4, 5.5). 2.1 Dosage for Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder The recommended target dosage for vilazodone hydrochloride tablet is 20 mg to 40 mg orally once daily with food [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3), Clinical Studies (14)]. To achieve the target dosage, titrate vilazodone hydrochloride tablet as follows: • Start with an initial dosage of 10 mg once daily with food for 7 days, • Then increase to 20 mg once daily with food. • The dose may be increased up to 40 mg once daily with food after a minimum of 7 days between dosage increases. If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as the patient remembers. If it is almost time for the next dose, the patient should skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the regular time. Two doses should not be taken at the same time. 2.2 Screen for Bipolar Disorder Prior to Starting Vilazodone Hydrochloride Tablets Prior to initiating treatment with vilazodone hydrochloride tablet or another antidepressant, screen patients for a personal or family history of bipolar disorder, mania, or hypomania [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)]. 2.3 Switching to or from a Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor Antidepressant At least 14 days must elapse between discontinuation of a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) antidepressant and initiation of vilazodone hydrochloride tablet. In addition, at least 14 days must elapse after stopping vilazodone hydrochloride tablet before starting an MAOI antidepressant [see Contraindications (4), Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]. 2.4 Dosage Adjustments with CYP3A4 Inhibitors or Inducers Patients receiving concomitant CYP3A4 inhibitors : During concomitant use of a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor (e.g., itraconazole, clarithromycin, voriconazole), the vilazodone hydrochloride tablet dose should not exceed 20 mg once daily. The original vilazodone hydrochloride tablet dose level, can be resumed when the CYP3A4 inhibitor is discontinued [see Drug Interactions (7)] . Patients receiving concomitant CYP3A4 inducers : Based on clinical response, consider increasing the dosage of vilazodone hydrochloride tablets by 2-fold, up to a maximum 80 mg once daily, over 1 to 2 weeks in patients taking strong CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., carbamazepine, phenytoin, rifampin) for greater than 14 days. If CYP3A4 inducers are discontinued, gradually reduce the vilazodone hydrochloride tablet dosage to its original level over 1 to 2 weeks [see Drug Interactions (7)] . 2.5 Discontinuing Treatment with Vilazodone Hydrochloride Tablets Adverse reactions may occur upon discontinuation of vilazodone hydrochloride tablet [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)] . A gradual reduction in dosage rather than abrupt cessation is recommended whenever possible. Vilazodone hydrochloride tablet should be down tapered from the 40 mg once daily dose to 20 mg once daily for 4 days, followed by 10 mg once daily for 3 days. Patients taking vilazodone hydrochloride tablet 20 mg once daily should be tapered to 10 mg once daily for 7 days.
Side effects
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the labeling: • Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors in Adolescents and Young Adults [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]. • Serotonin Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]. • Increased Risk of Bleeding [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)]. • Activation of Mania or Hypomania [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)]. • Discontinuation Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)]. • Seizures [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)]. • Angle-Closure Glaucoma [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)]. • Hyponatremia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)]. • Sexual Dysfunction [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9)]. Most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥ 5% and at least twice the rate of placebo): diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and insomnia (6). To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch . 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions and varying lengths of time, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical studies of another drug and may not reflect rates observed in practice. The most commonly observed adverse reactions in vilazodone hydrochloride tablets-treated with major depressive disorder MDD in placebo-controlled studies (incidence ≥ 5% and at least twice the rate of placebo) were diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and insomnia. Patient Exposure The safety of vilazodone hydrochloride tablets were evaluated in 3,007 patients (18 to 70 years of age) diagnosed with MDD who participated in clinical studies, representing 676 patient-years of exposure. In an open-label 52 week study at 40 mg daily, 599 patients were exposed to vilazodone hydrochloride tablets for a total of 348 patient-years. The adverse reaction information presented below was derived from studies of vilazodone hydrochloride tablets 20 mg and 40 mg daily in patients with MDD including: • Four placebo-controlled 8 to 10-week studies in 2,233 patients, including 1,266 vilazodone hydrochloride tablets -treated patients; and • An open-label 52-week study of 599 vilazodone hydrochloride tablets -treated patients. These studies included a titration period of 10 mg daily for 7 days, followed by 20 mg daily for 7 days or to 40 mg daily over 2 weeks. In these clinical trials, vilazodone hydrochloride tablets were administered with food. Adverse reactions reported as reasons for discontinuation of treatment In these studies, 7.3% of the vilazodone hydrochloride tablets-treated patients discontinued treatment due to an adverse reaction, compared with 3.5% of placebo-treated patients. The most common adverse reaction leading to discontinuation in at least 1% of the vilazodone hydrochloride tablets-treated patients in the placebo-controlled studies was nausea (1.4%). Common adverse reactions in placebo-controlled MDD studies Table 2 shows the incidence of common adverse reactions occurring in ≥ 2% of vilazodone hydrochloride tablets-treated patients and greater than the rate of placebo-treated patients in MDD Studies. There were no dose-related adverse reactions between 20 mg and 40 mg reported. Table 2: Common Adverse Reactions Occurring in ≥2% of Vilazodone Hydrochloride Tablets-Treated Patients and Greater than the Rate of Placebo-Treated Patients System Organ Class Preferred Term Placebo N=967 Vilazodone Hydrochloride Tablets 20 mg/day N=288 Vilazodone Hydrochloride Tablets 40 mg/day N=978 Gastrointestinal disorders Diarrhea 10% 26% 29% Nausea 7% 22% 24% Dry mouth 5% 8% 7% Vomiting 2% 4% 5% Abdominal pain 1 3% 7% 4% Dyspepsia 2% 2% 3% Flatulence 1% 3% 3% Gastroenteritis 1% 1% 2% Abdominal distension 1% 2% 1% Nervous system disorders Headache 2 14% 15% 14% Dizziness 5% 6% 8% Somnolence 2% 4% 5% Paresthesia 1% 1% 2% Psychiatric disorders Insomnia 2% 7% 6% Abnormal dreams 2% 2% 3% Restlessness 3 1% 2% 3% General di

Safety advice

Conservative summary derived from FDA labeling — defaults to “consult your doctor” unless the label is explicit. Not a substitute for your clinician’s advice.

PregnancyUnsafe
8.1 Pregnancy Pregnancy Exposure Registry There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to antidepressants during pregnancy. Healthcare providers are encouraged to register patients by calling the National Pregnancy Registry for Antidepressants at 1-844-405-6185 or visiting online at https://womensmentalhealth.org/clinical-and-research-programs/pregnancyregistry/antidepressants/. Risk Summary There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of vilazodone hydrochloride tablets in pregnant women. The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. However, the background risk in the U.S. general population of major birth defects is 2 to 4% and of miscarriage is 15 to 20% of clinically recognized pregnancies. In animal reproduction studies, oral administration of vilazodone during the period of organogenesis at doses up to 48 and 17 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) in rats and rabbits, respectively, resulted in decreased fetal body weight gain and delayed skeletal ossification but no teratogenic effects were observed. Decreased fetal body weight and delayed skeletal ossification were not observed at doses up to 10 and 4 times the MRHD in rats and rabbits, respectively [see Data] . Clinical Considerations Disease-associated maternal and/or embryo/fetal risk A prospective, longitudinal study followed 201 pregnant women with a history of major depressive disorder who were euthymic and taking antidepressants at the beginning of pregnancy. The women who discontinued antidepressants during pregnancy were more likely to experience a relapse of major depression than women who continued antidepressants. Consider the risks of untreated depression when discontinuing or changing treatment with antidepressant medication during pregnancy and postpartum. Fetal/Neonatal adverse reactions Exposure to SSRIs and SNRIs, including vilazodone hydrochloride tablets, in late pregnancy may lead to an increased risk for neonatal complications requiring prolonged hospitalization, respiratory support, and tube feeding, and/or persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN). Monitor neonates who were exposed to vilazodone hydrochloride tablets in the third trimester of pregnancy for PPHN and drug discontinuation syndrome [ see Data]. Data Human Data Third Trimester Exposure Neonates exposed to SSRIs or SNRIs late in the third trimester, have developed complications requiring
BreastfeedingNo information
No specific information in the FDA label. Check LactMed →
AlcoholNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
DrivingNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
KidneyNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
LiverNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
Warnings & precautions
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS • Serotonin Syndrome: Increased risk when co-administered with other serotonergic agents (e.g., SSRI, SNRI, triptans, amphetamines), but also when taken alone. If it occurs, discontinue vilazodone hydrochloride tablets and initiate supportive treatment (5.2). • Increased Risk of Bleeding: Concomitant use of aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), other antiplatelet drugs, warfarin, and other anticoagulants may increase this risk (5.3). • Activation of Mania/Hypomania: Screen patients for bipolar disorder (5.4). • Seizures: Can occur with treatment. Use with caution in patients with a seizure disorder (5.6). • Angle Closure Glaucoma: Avoid use of antidepressants, including vilazodone hydrochloride tablets, in patients with untreated anatomically narrow angles (5.7). • Sexual Dysfunction: Vilazodone hydrochloride tablets may cause symptoms of sexual dysfunction (5.9). 5.1 Suicidal Thoughts and Behavior in Adolescents and Young Adults In pooled analyses of placebo-controlled trials of antidepressant drugs (SSRIs and other antidepressant classes) that included approximately 77,000 adult patients, and over 4,500 pediatric patients, the incidence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in antidepressant-treated patients age 24 years and younger was greater in antidepressant-treated patients than in placebo-treated patients. There was considerable variation in risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors among drugs, but there was an increased risk identified in young patients for most drugs studied. There were differences in absolute risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors across the different indications, with the highest incidence in patients with MDD. The drug-placebo differences in the number of cases of suicidal thoughts and behaviors per 1000 patients treated are provided in Table 1. Table 1: Risk Differences of the Number of Patients with Suicidal Thoughts or Behaviors in the Pooled Placebo-Controlled Trials of Antidepressants in Pediatric and Adult Patients Age Range Drug-Placebo Difference in Number of Patients with Suicidal Thoughts or Behaviors per 1000 Patients Treated Increases Compared to Placebo <18 14 additional patients 18 to 24 5 additional patients Decreases Compared to Placebo 25 to 64 1 fewer patient ≥65 6 fewer patients It is unknown whether the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, adolescents, and young adults extends to longer-term use, i.e., beyond four months. However, there is substantial evidence from placebo-controlled maintenance studies in adults with MDD that antidepressants delay the recurrence of depression and that depression itself is a risk factor for suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Monitor all antidepressant-treated patients for clinical worsening and emergence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, especially during the initial few months of drug therapy and at times of dosage changes. Counsel family members or caregivers of patients to monitor for changes in behavior and to alert the healthcare provider. Consider changing the therapeutic regimen, including possibly discontinuing vilazodone hydrochloride tablets, in patients whose depression is persistently worse, or who are experiencing emergent suicidal thoughts or behaviors. 5.2 Serotonin Syndrome Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRIs), including vilazodone hydrochloride tablets, can precipitate serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition. The risk is increased with concomitant use of other serotonergic drugs (including triptans, tricyclic antidepressants, fentanyl, lithium, tramadol, tryptophan, buspirone, amphetamines, and St. John’s Wort) and with drugs that impair metabolism of serotonin, i.e., MAOIs [see Contraindications (4) and Drug Interactions (7)] . Serotonin syndrome can also occur when these drugs are used alone. Symptoms of serotonin syndrome were noted in 0.1% of MDD patients treated with vilazodo
Contraindications
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Vilazodone hydrochloride tablets are contraindicated in: • Patients taking, or within 14 days of stopping, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), including MAOIs such as linezolid or intravenous methylene blue, because of an increased risk of serotonin syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2), Drug Interactions (7)]. • Concomitant use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), or use within 14 days of stopping MAOIs (4).

Pediatric use

8.4 Pediatric Use The safety and effectiveness of vilazodone hydrochloride tablets have not been established in pediatric patients for the treatment of MDD. Antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in pediatric patients [see Boxed Warning, Warnings and Precautions (5.1), and Adverse Reactions (6.2)] . Juvenile Animal Toxicity Data In a juvenile animal study, male and female rats were treated with vilazadone (10, 50, and 200 mg/kg/day) starting on postnatal day (PND) 21 through 90. A delay in the age of attainment of vaginal patency (i.e., sexual maturation) was observed in females starting at 50 mg/kg/day with a No Observed Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL) of 10 mg/kg/day. Adverse behavioral effects (lack of habituation in an acoustic startle test) were observed in males at 200 mg/kg and females starting at 50 mg/kg both during drug treatment and the recovery periods. The NOAEL for this finding was 50 mg/kg for males and 10 mg/kg for females. An 8% decrease in femur mineral density was observed in female rats at 200 mg/kg, compared to the control group. The NOAEL for this finding was 50 mg/kg. Pediatric information describing a clinical study in which efficacy was not demonstrated is approved for Allergan’s Viibryd (vilazodone hydrochloride) tablets. However, due to Allergan’s marketing exclusivity rights, this drug product is not labeled with that information.

⚑ About half of pediatric medication use is off-label and not described in FDA labels — absence of pediatric information does not mean a medicine is unused or unsafe in children. Confirm with your clinician.

Interactions (label text — not an interaction checker)
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS •CYP3A4 Inhibitors: The vilazodone hydrochloride tablet dose should not exceed 20 mg once daily when co-administered with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (2.4, 7). •CYP3A4 Inducers: Consider increasing vilazodone hydrochloride tablets dosage by 2-fold, up to 80 mg once-daily over 1 to 2 weeks when used concomitantly with strong CYP3A4 inducers for greater than 14 days (2.4, 7). 7.1 Drugs Having Clinically Important Interactions With Vilazodone Hydrochloride Tablets Table 4: Clinically Important Drug Interactions with Vilazodone Hydrochloride Tablets Concomitant Drug Name or Drug Class Clinical Rationale Clinical Recommendation Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) The concomitant use of MAOIs and serotonergic drugs including vilazodone hydrochloride tablets increases the risk of serotonin syndrome. Vilazodone hydrochloride tablets are contraindicated in patients taking MAOIs, including MAOIs such as linezolid or intravenous methylene blue [see Contraindications (4), Dosage and Administration (2.3), and Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]. Other Serotonergic Drugs The concomitant use of serotonergic drugs including vilazodone hydrochloride tablets and other serotonergic drugs increases the risk of serotonin syndrome. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of serotonin syndrome, particularly during vilazodone hydrochloride tablets initiation. If serotonin syndrome occurs, consider discontinuation of vilazodone hydrochloride tablets and/or concomitant serotonergic drugs [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]. Antiplatelet Agents and Anticoagulants Serotonin release by platelets plays an important role in hemostasis. The concurrent use of an antiplatelet agent or anticoagulant with vilazodone hydrochloride tablets may potentiate the risk of bleeding. Inform patients of the increased risk of bleeding with the concomitant use of vilazodone hydrochloride tablets and antiplatelet agents and anticoagulants. For patients taking warfarin, carefully monitor the international normalized ratio (INR) when initiating, titrating, or discontinuing vilazodone hydrochloride tablets [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)]. Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors (e.g., itraconazole, clarithromycin, voriconazole) The concomitant use of vilazodone hydrochloride tablets and strong CYP3A4 inhibitors increased the exposure of vilazodone compared to the use of vilazodone hydrochloride tablets alone [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. The vilazodone hydrochloride tablet dose should not exceed 20 mg once daily with the concomitant use of a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor [see Dosage and Administration (2.4), Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. Strong CYP3A4 Inducers (e.g., carbamazepine, phenytoin, rifampin) The concomitant use of vilazodone hydrochloride tablets and strong CYP3A4 inducers decreased the exposure of vilazodone compared to the use of vilazodone hydrochloride tablets alone [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. Based on clinical response, consider increasing the dosage of vilazodone hydrochloride tablets, over 1 to 2 weeks in patients taking strong CYP3A4 inducers for greater than 14 days [see Dosage and Administration (2.4), Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. Digoxin Digoxin is a narrow therapeutic index drug. Concomitant use of vilazodone hydrochloride tablets increased digoxin concentrations [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)] . Measure serum digoxin concentrations before initiating concomitant use of vilazodone hydrochloride tablets. Continue monitoring and reduce digoxin dose as necessary. 7.2 Drugs Having No Clinically Important Interactions With Vilazodone Hydrochloride Tablets Based on pharmacokinetic studies, no dosage adjustment is required for drugs that are substrates of CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, CYP3A4, and/or P-glycoprotein (except narrow therapeutic index drugs, e.g., digoxin), when vilazodone hydrochloride tablets are administered concomitantly [see Drug Interactions (7.1), Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)] .
Overdose
10 OVERDOSAGE There is limited clinical trial experience regarding human overdose with vilazodone hydrochloride tablets. The adverse reactions associated with overdose of vilazodone hydrochloride tablets at doses of 200 to 280 mg (5 to 7 times the recommended dosage) as observed in clinical trials included serotonin syndrome, lethargy, restlessness, hallucinations, and disorientation. For current information on the management of poisoning or overdose, contact a poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. No specific antidotes for vilazodone are known. Removal of vilazodone by dialysis has not been studied; however, the high volume of distribution of vilazodone suggests that dialysis will not be effective in reducing vilazodone plasma concentrations.
Current FDA labels (DailyMed)

6 marketed products on record (RxNorm)

Reference only — not clinical advice. Verify against current FDA labeling and consult a licensed provider. About half of pediatric drug use is off-label and is not reflected in FDA labels; absence of pediatric information does not mean a medicine is unused or unsafe in children.