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Indications & Uses
Vilazon is indicated for:
Pharmacology
Doctors use vilazodone for major depressive disorder, but how it works isn't fully understood. It is thought to raise serotonin activity in the CNS by selectively blocking serotonin reuptake. Vilazodone is also a partial agonist at serotonergic 5-HT1A receptors. What this action does to serotonergic transmission, and what part it plays in the antidepressant effect of vilazodone, is not known.
Dosage Reference
Reference Information Only
Dosages shown are general references from official sources. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized dosing.
Adults:
Dosage for major depressive disorder
The recommended target dosage of vilazodone is 20 mg to 40 mg by mouth once daily with food. To reach it, start with 10 mg once daily with food for 7 days, then increase to 20 mg once daily with food. The dose can go up to 40 mg once daily with food, as long as at least 7 days pass between dosage increases.
If a dose is missed, the patient should take it as soon as they remember. If it's almost time for the next dose, they should skip the missed one and take the next dose at the regular time. Two doses should never be taken at the same time.
Prior screening for bipolar disorder
Before starting vilazodone or another antidepressant, screen patients for a personal or family history of bipolar disorder, mania or hypomania.
Switching to or from a monoamine oxidase inhibitor antidepressant
At least 14 days must pass between stopping a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) antidepressant and starting vilazodone. The same gap applies the other way round: at least 14 days must pass after stopping vilazodone before an MAOI antidepressant is started.
Dose adjustments with CYP3A4 inhibitors or inducers
For patients also taking a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor (for example itraconazole, clarithromycin or voriconazole), the vilazodone dose should not go above 20 mg once daily. Once the CYP3A4 inhibitor is stopped, the original vilazodone dose can be resumed.
For patients taking a strong CYP3A4 inducer (for example carbamazepine, phenytoin or rifampin) for more than 14 days, consider increasing the vilazodone dosage by 2-fold, based on clinical response. The increase is made over 1 to 2 weeks, up to a maximum of 80 mg once daily. If the CYP3A4 inducer is stopped, bring the vilazodone dosage back down to its original level gradually, over 1 to 2 weeks.
Stopping treatment with vilazodone
Adverse reactions may occur when vilazodone is stopped. Wherever possible, the dose should be reduced gradually instead of stopping suddenly. From 40 mg once daily, taper to 20 mg once daily for 4 days, followed by 10 mg once daily for 3 days. Patients taking 20 mg once daily should be tapered to 10 mg once daily for 7 days.
Side Effects
Suicidal thoughts and behaviors in adolescents and young adults, serotonin syndrome, increased risk of bleeding, activation of mania or hypomania, discontinuation syndrome, seizures, angle-closure glaucoma, hyponatremia, sexual dysfunction.
Cautions & Contraindications
Warnings & Precautions
Serotonin syndrome can happen with vilazodone. The risk is higher when it is taken together with other serotonergic agents (for example SSRI, SNRI, triptans, amphetamines), but it can also occur when vilazodone is taken alone. If it occurs, stop vilazodone and start supportive treatment. There is an increased risk of bleeding. Using aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), other antiplatelet drugs, warfarin and other anticoagulants at the same time may raise this risk. Vilazodone can cause activation of mania/hypomania, so patients should be screened for bipolar disorder. Seizures can occur with treatment. Use vilazodone with caution in patients who have a seizure disorder. For angle closure glaucoma, avoid antidepressants, including vilazodone, in patients with untreated anatomically narrow angles. Vilazodone may also cause symptoms of sexual dysfunction.
Contraindications
Vilazodone must not be given to anyone who is taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), or who stopped one within the last 14 days. This also covers MAOIs such as linezolid and intravenous methylene blue. The reason is an increased risk of serotonin syndrome.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
A pregnancy exposure registry follows the outcomes of pregnancies in women who took antidepressants while pregnant. As for vilazodone, there are no data on whether it passes into human milk, what it does to a breastfed infant, or whether it affects milk production.
⚠️ Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Use in Special Populations
Pediatric Use: The safety and effectiveness of Vilazodone Hydrochloride have not been established in pediatric patients for the treatment of MDD.
Geriatric Use: No dosage adjustment of Vilazodone Hydrochloride is recommended on the basis of age, and this is based on a pharmacokinetic study. In that study, a single 20 mg dose was given to older subjects (over 65 years old) and to younger subjects (24 to 55 years old). The pharmacokinetics were generally similar between the two age groups.
Storage
Store Vilazodone Hydrochloride below 30°C, and keep it away from light and moisture. Keep it out of the reach of children.
Common questions about Vilazon 20 mg
What is Vilazon 20 mg Tablet?
Vilazon 20 mg Tablet is a medicine that contains Vilazodone Hydrochloride. It is made by Renata PLC. It belongs to the Atypical anti-depressant drugs group of medicines.
What is Vilazon used for?
Vilazon is used for: Depression.
What are the side effects of Vilazon?
Suicidal thoughts and behaviors in adolescents and young adults, serotonin syndrome, increased risk of bleeding, activation of mania or hypomania, discontinuation syndrome, seizures, angle-closure glaucoma, hyponatremia, sexual dysfunction.
Can I take Vilazon during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
A pregnancy exposure registry follows the outcomes of pregnancies in women who took antidepressants while pregnant. As for vilazodone, there are no data on whether it passes into human milk, what it does to a breastfed infant, or whether it affects milk production. Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
How should I store Vilazon?
Store Vilazodone Hydrochloride below 30°C, and keep it away from light and moisture. Keep it out of the reach of children.
Is there a cheaper medicine with the same ingredient?
Vilazon is already among the lowest-priced brands of Vilazodone Hydrochloride at this strength.
Do I need a prescription for Vilazon?
Vilazon is a prescription (Rx) medicine. Take it as your doctor advises.