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Medication

Vilazodone (viibryd)

Vilazodone is a prescription psychiatric medication. The original brand name is Viibryd. It belongs to a medication class described as an SSRI with buspirone-like activity and is used to help treat depression in adults.

Learn About Vilazodone Treatment

Connect with a psychiatric clinician—online or in person—for a comprehensive evaluation. If appropriate, they may discuss whether a treatment like vilazodone (Viibryd) could be considered within a carefully monitored care plan.

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What Conditions Does Vilazodone Treat?

FDA-Approved Uses:

Common Off-Label Uses:

How Psychiatric Medication Prescription Decisions Are Made

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Step 1: Find a psychiatric clinician who meets your needs

Option 1

You can start by searching our psychiatrist directory to find a qualified provider who is accepting patients.

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Option 2

You may also choose to locate a nearby clinic and schedule your first appointment in person.

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Step 2: Meet one-on-one for a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation

During your first session, a psychiatric clinician will evaluate your symptoms, medical history, and treatment goals. If appropriate, they may discuss whether a medication such as vilazodone could be included in your care plan. Treatment decisions always prioritize safety, clinical best practices, and your individual needs.

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Step 3: Begin treatment and ongoing monitoring

After a personalized treatment plan is created, your provider will monitor your progress and adjust the plan as needed. If medication is part of your care, then, if clinically appropriate, your provider may handle prescription renewals online during or after regular follow-ups as clinically appropriate in accordance with LifeStance treatment protocols.

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Struggling with Anxiety or Depression?

Struggling with Anxiety or Depression?

Everyone’s experience with anxiety or depression is different. A psychiatrist may help you find the right treatment path—whether that includes Vilazodone (Viibryd) or another option that fits your needs. Discuss medication options with your treating provider.

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FAQs About Vilazodone

No. Vilazodone is not a controlled substance. It is not known for being addictive when taken as prescribed by a clinician. Do not stop taking it suddenly without medical guidance, since that can cause uncomfortable symptoms.

Vilazodone primarily affects serotonin. It is classified as an SSRI with buspirone-like 5-HT1A activity, which together may help regulate mood in people with depression.

Most SSRIs, such as Prozac, Zoloft, and Lexapro, work by blocking the reuptake of serotonin, allowing more of the neurotransmitter to remain active in the brain. Viibryd does this as well but also partially stimulates the serotonin 5-HT1A receptor, similar to how the anti-anxiety medication buspirone works. This dual action may help regulate mood and anxiety more effectively for some patients. It may also lead to fewer sexual side effects compared to traditional SSRIs, although individual results vary.

Both target serotonin. Lexapro (escitalopram) is an SSRI, while Viibryd (vilazodone) is an SSRI with additional 5-HT1A activity. In comparisons of efficacy, Lexapro has been found to potentially alleviate depression symptoms more effectively and quickly than Viibryd, although individual responses to medication can vary.

Your clinician will consider your symptoms, side effect history, and other medications when recommending one over the other.

Viibryd (vilazodone) and Trintellix (vortioxetine) both affect serotonin beyond the typical SSRI mechanism but through different receptor actions for each. Neither medication is approved for use in pediatric patients. Individual response and tolerability vary, so a clinician’s prescription can depend on your history and treatment goals.

Yes. Zoloft (sertraline) is a traditional SSRI, while Viibryd combines SSRI effects with 5-HT1A activity. Either may be prescribed based on prior response and side effect considerations.

Some people notice early changes within a couple of weeks, but fuller benefits often take several weeks. Keep taking it as prescribed and check in regularly with your clinician.

Commonly reported effects can include nausea, diarrhea, trouble sleeping, or headache. For some individuals, many side effects are mild and improve with time. Contact your clinician if symptoms are severe or persistent.

Clinical studies suggest Viibryd is weight-neutral compared with some other antidepressants. Some patients may gain a small amount of weight, while others may lose weight or remain stable. Weight changes can depend on individual factors such as metabolism, diet, activity level, and whether depression itself was affecting appetite before treatment.

Sexual side effects can occur with many antidepressants. Vilazodone (Viibryd) can cause sexual side effects, including decreased sex drive, erectile dysfunction, and problems with orgasm. However, studies indicate that vilazodone has a lower incidence of sexual dysfunction compared to many other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants. If you notice changes in desire, arousal, or orgasm, let your clinician know. There are strategies to address these side effects, including timing changes or considering alternatives.

Try to avoid alcohol while on vilazodone, as it can significantly worsen side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, and impaired concentration, and may even lead to serious central nervous system (CNS) depression. Alcohol can also interfere with the effectiveness of the medication and potentially exacerbate depression symptoms. Also, vilazodone may cause alcohol to feel more intoxicating than usual, with an associated increase in danger of alcohol use.

Until you know how vilazodone affects you, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery. If you feel sleepy, dizzy, or mentally foggy, wait until you feel fully alert.

Consult your prescribing clinician before starting, stopping, or combining any medications or substances with vilazodone. Certain drugs that affect serotonin or cause sedation can raise the risk of side effects. Share a full list of every medication you take with your clinician.

Do not stop abruptly. According to a 2024 study, one in six to seven patients (~15%) who abruptly discontinue their antidepressant medication experience discontinuation or withdrawal symptoms. Always follow your psychiatric provider’s directions on when to stop taking medications or change dosages.

Vilazodone is approved for adults. Its safety and effectiveness for children and adolescents have not been established.

The cost of vilazodone varies depending on whether you receive the generic or the brand-name version, Viibryd.

  • Generic vilazodone: As of publication date, oral tablets (10 mg, 20 mg, or 40 mg) start at about $78.66 for 30 tablets.
  • Brand-name Viibryd: As of publication date, oral tablets (10 mg, 20 mg, or 40 mg) start at about $364.27 for 30 tablets.

If you have insurance, your out-of-pocket cost will depend on your supporting diagnosis and plan type (e.g., commercial, Medicare, Medicaid) and may include a copay or coinsurance.

photo of LifeStance provider Joshua Nathan, MD

Medically Reviewed By:

Joshua Nathan, MD
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Dr. Joshua Nathan, a Board-Certified Psychiatrist, and a Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, sees stigma – from others and from ourselves - as the biggest challenge in mental illness treatment. He encourages people to not judge themselves on whatever problems they are facing, and he helps them feel safe to open up and allow for healing. Dr. Nathan takes joy in helping people with mental health concerns and values the trust patients place in him. Dr. Nathan treats adults struggling with mood and bipolar disorders, depression, ADHD, anxiety challenges such as panic disorder, agoraphobia, OCD, PTSD, and more. He listens to each person’s story, observes how they are faring, and shares his understanding of what is happening, so there is a basis for starting or continuing treatment. He considers medications as one tool among many for healing and recovery in mental health. During treatment, Dr. Nathan uses an eclectic framework for understanding mental illness and coping. Trained in psychoanalysis, he finds that existential understanding helps many people reduce suffering, but cognitive-behavioral techniques are more practical in helping people move forward. Thus, he typically employs a combination of theories and techniques, guided by the patient's problems, needs, and experiences. He is also an Official ADHD Evaluator for the National Football League. Dr. Nathan earned an undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, a medical doctorate from the University of Illinois at Chicago, and completed postgraduate residency training at Brown University. He works with adults of all ages, but has a special fondness for working with young and middle-age adults.

References

  1. Drugs.com [Internet]. Vilazodone prices, coupons, copay cards & patient assistance; c2000–2025 [updated date unknown; cited 2 Sept 2025]. Available from: https://www.drugs.com/price-guide/vilazodone

  2. Drugs.com [Internet]. Viibryd prices, coupons, copay cards & patient assistance; c2000–2025 [updated date unknown; cited 2 Sept 2025]. Available from: https://www.drugs.com/price-guide/viibryd

  3. Henssler, Jonathan et al. (2024) Incidence of antidepressant discontinuation symptoms: a systematic review and meta-analysis. The Lancet Psychiatry, Volume 11, Issue 7, 526 – 535.

  4. Pfeffer, C. R. (2007). The FDA pediatric advisories and changes in diagnosis and treatment of pediatric depression. American Journal of Psychiatry, 164(6), 843-846. https://doi.org/10.1176/ajp.2007.164.6.843

  5. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. (n.d.). Drugs@FDA database. Retrieved November 21, 2025, from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/daf/index.cfm

In 2007, the FDA released a black box warning that antidepressants were correlated to the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults (ages 18–24) during short-term studies of major depressive disorder (MDD) and other psychiatric conditions. Gibbons et. al (2007) also published a study that found no evidence of antidepressant treatment increasing the risk of suicide attempts among its patients (ages 18-65+). The main message is that there is an inherent relationship between depression and suicidality so close monitoring of antidepressant-treated patients (especially children, adolescents, and young adults) is always necessary. For a comprehensive overview of these medications’ uses and risks, see the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) drug label