Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Viibryd (Vilazodone).
Bleeding: Viibryd (Vilazodone) may increase the risk of bleeding, especially if you are also taking medications such as acetylsalicylic acid (Asa), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs; e.g., Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Ketoprofen), or Warfarin. If you experience easy bruising, pinpoint-sized red spots on the skin, or unusual bleeding while taking Viibryd (Vilazodone), contact your doctor immediately.
Blood pressure: Viibryd (Vilazodone) can increase blood pressure. If you have uncontrolled blood pressure or a medical condition that can be affected by increased blood pressure, discuss with your doctor how Viibryd (Vilazodone) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Viibryd (Vilazodone), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Bones: Medications similar to Viibryd (Vilazodone) have been shown to increase the risk of bone fractures. Viibryd (Vilazodone) may increase the risk of bone fractures, especially if youare a senior or have Osteoporosis or other major risk factors for breaking a bone. Take extra care to avoid falls, especially if you get dizzy or have Low Blood Pressure.
Your doctor may monitor your bones while you are taking Viibryd (Vilazodone).
Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Viibryd (Vilazodone) may cause drowsiness. People taking Viibryd (Vilazodone) should avoid operating hazardous machinery (including cars) until they are certain that the medication does not impair their mental alertness, judgment, or physical coordination.
Glaucoma: Viibryd (Vilazodone) may cause the symptoms of glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye) to become worse. If you have glaucoma, discuss with your doctor how Viibryd (Vilazodone) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Viibryd (Vilazodone), and whether any special monitoring is needed. Report any changes in vision to your doctor as soon as possible while you are taking Viibryd (Vilazodone).
Mental health: Viibryd (Vilazodone) may trigger mania and make behavior and thought disturbances worse for people who have mental health conditions. It may also cause symptoms of psychosis and mania for people who have not had these symptoms before. If you experience symptoms such as hallucinations, mania (feeling unusually over-excited or uninhibited), or delusional thinking, or notice them in a family member who is taking Viibryd (Vilazodone), contact your doctor as soon as possible. If you have mental health concerns, discuss with your doctor how Viibryd (Vilazodone) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Viibryd (Vilazodone), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Serotonin syndrome: Viibryd (Vilazodone) may cause a rare but potentially life-threatening condition called serotonin syndrome, especially when used with other medications that increase serotonin levels (e.g., Sumatriptan, Rizatriptan, Tramadol, St. John's wort). If you experience symptoms such as agitation, confusion, hallucinations, fast heart rate, fever, lack of coordination, increased body temperature, overactive reflexes, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, get immediate medical attention.
Seizure risk: Seizures are a possible side effect of most antidepressant medications. If you are at risk of seizures, discuss with your doctor how Viibryd (Vilazodone) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Viibryd (Vilazodone), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Stopping Viibryd (Vilazodone): Stopping Viibryd (Vilazodone) suddenly can cause uncomfortable and possibly dangerous effects. If you are thinking of stopping Viibryd (Vilazodone), check with your doctor or pharmacist for the best way to gradually reduce the dose before stopping completely.
Suicidal or agitated behaviour, or other behaviour changes: People taking Viibryd (Vilazodone) may feel agitated (restless, anxious, aggressive, emotional, and feeling not like themselves), or they may want to hurt themselves or others. These symptoms may occur within several weeks after people start taking Viibryd (Vilazodone). If you experience these side effects or notice them in a family member who is taking Viibryd (Vilazodone), contact your doctor immediately. Your doctor will monitor you for emotional and behavioural changes while you are taking Viibryd (Vilazodone).
Pregnancy: Viibryd (Vilazodone) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Viibryd (Vilazodone), contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if Viibryd (Vilazodone) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Viibryd (Vilazodone), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Viibryd (Vilazodone) have not been established for children. Safety studies show that people between the ages of 12 and 18 who take other medications similar to Viibryd (Vilazodone) are at increased risk of having thoughts and behavior related to self-harm and suicide. Viibryd (Vilazodone) should not be used by anyone under 18 years old.
