Vilazodone is primarily used to treat depression.
What is Vilazodone?
Vilazodone is an antidepressant. It is thought to work by increasing the activity of the neurotransmitter serotonin, which helps elevate mood.
How should Vilazodone be taken?
Vilazodone is administered orally.
Side effects associated with Vilazodone
Vilazodone is associated with the risk of serotonin syndrome. It can also increase the risk of menorrhagia, eye problems and shortage of sodium in the blood.
Among the other possible side effects of vilazodone include the following:
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
- Stomach ache
- Insomnia
- Vomiting
It is important to contact a doctor immediately if you experience:
- Rash
- Urticaria
- Difficulty breathing
- Tightness in the chest
- Swelling of the mouth, face, lips or tongue
- Behavioral changes
- Dark urine
- Loss of coordination
- Sexual problems
- Fainting
- Hallucinations
- Irregular heartbeat
- Emergence of agitation, anxiety, depression, panic attacks, aggressiveness, impulsiveness, irritability, hostility, excitability, restlessness, insomnia, inability to sit still or worsening of pre-existing problems of this type
- Convulsions
- Severe or persistent dizziness
- Suicidal thoughts
- Bleeding
- Tremors
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Vilazodone
Vilazodone is contraindicated in cases where you are taking (or have taken within the previous 14 days) linezolid or MAO inhibitors.
The intake of the drug can impair the ability to drive or operate hazardous machinery. This side effect may be aggravated by alcohol and certain other medications.
Before starting treatment with vilazodone, it is important to tell your doctor if:
- You have any allergies to the active substance, its excipients or to any other drugs, food or various substances
- You are taking any other medications, herbal remedies or supplements. Mentioning in particular: drugs containing methylene blue and medications against allergies, abortion, pain, Cushing's syndrome, depression or other psychological problems, heart disease, hepatitis C, HIV, infections, headache, nausea or vomiting, gastrointestinal problems, bloating or water retention, weight loss pills, anticonvulsants, anticoagulants, herbal teas, coenzyme Q10, garlic, ginseng, gingko or St. John's wort
- You are suffering (or have suffered) from hypovolemia, low blood pressure, low sodium in the blood, dehydration, bipolar disorder or other psychological problems, alcohol or drug abuse, liver or kidney problems, bleeding disorders, increased pressure in the eye , glaucoma or seizures
- You have a family history of bipolar disorder or other psychological problems, suicidal thoughts, alcohol abuse or drug abuse
- You drink alcohol on a regular basis
- You are experiencing (or have experienced) suicidal thoughts
- You are following a low-sodium diet
- You are pregnant or breast-feeding
It is important to inform physicians, surgeons and dentists of any ongoing treatment with vilazodone.
