When your doctor tells you to start taking Vilazodone, a medication that goes by the brand name Viibryd, you may be a little apprehensive. It's normal to wonder, "What will happen? Will there be side effects?" But remember, like all medications, side effects can occur, but not everyone gets them. Some are very minor and go away in a few days. So today, let's find out exactly what the side effects of this medication are and what to do if they occur.
What are the common side effects that most people experience?
There are a few common side effects that you may experience when you first start taking this medication. However, these usually go away on their own as your body adjusts to the medication.
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Insomnia or sleep disturbances
- Dry mouth
If these symptoms bother you or don't improve, talk to your doctor. He or she can advise you on simple things you can do to help.
Commonly seen side effects
Some people may also experience the symptoms below. These are not very common, but they are good to be aware of.
- Feeling tired
- Gas
- Heartburn
- Dizziness
- Joint pain
- Unusual dreams
- Taste changes
- Dry eyes
- Appetite
If you have symptoms like these for a while, talk to your doctor about it. He or she may be able to provide a solution.
Serious side effects to watch out for and what to do
Now we are talking about the side effects that are a little more serious and require immediate medical attention. These are very rare. But if you experience any of these, don't ignore them at all . Let's look at these in a table, so that it is easier to understand.
| Side effect/condition | Main symptoms | What to do immediately |
|---|---|---|
| Mania or Hypomania | Sudden surges of energy, impulsive behavior, rapid flow of thoughts, feelings of extreme happiness or anger, insomnia. | Tell your doctor right away, especially if you have a history of bipolar disorder. |
| Serotonin Syndrome | Hallucinations, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, excessive sweating, vomiting, muscle stiffness or twitching. | This is a serious condition. Seek medical advice immediately. You may need to go to the hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU). |
| Sexual difficulties | Both men and women experience decreased sexual desire, difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection, and inability to reach orgasm or it taking too long. | Don't be shy about talking about this. Talk to your doctor about it openly. There are solutions to this. |
| Risk of bleeding | Easy bruising, nosebleeds, unusual bleeding. | The risk is higher if you are taking aspirin, NSAIDs (e.g., Ibuprofen, Diclofenac), or other blood thinners (such as Warfarin). Tell your doctor about this. |
| Seizures | Sudden loss of consciousness and body tremors. | If a fit lasts less than 5 minutes for the first time in your life, it is not necessary to go to the ETU, but inform the doctor. If the fit lasts more than 5 minutes or is repeated, go to a hospital immediately . |
| Increased pressure in the eyes (Angle-closure Glaucoma) | Eye pain, nausea, headache, seeing rainbow-like rings around lights at night, blurred vision. | This can lead to blindness. See a doctor immediately and have your eyes checked. |
| Decreased sodium in the blood (Hyponatremia) | Headache, memory changes, difficulty concentrating, confusion, stumbling while walking, loss of consciousness. | This can be serious. If you have symptoms, see a doctor immediately. You may need to be hospitalized and treated with saline (IV fluids). |
What happens if you stop taking the medicine suddenly?
Some people think, "I'll never take this again" when they experience side effects from medication. But that can be very dangerous.
The most important thing is not to stop taking this medication suddenly, as this can lead to a condition called "discontinuation syndrome".
You may experience restlessness, nausea, headache, anxiety, dizziness, a feeling of being electrocuted, and ringing in the ears. This condition can occur in about 1 in 5 people who suddenly stop taking this medicine after using it for at least 6 weeks.
What if I want to stop taking the medication?
If the side effects are severe and persist, you may want to stop taking this medication. There's nothing wrong with that. But don't make that decision alone.
Talk to your doctor. He or she will show you how to safely taper off your medication gradually . It is much safer than stopping it suddenly.
Take-Home Message
- Vilazodone is an important medication that helps with mental health. Although side effects are possible, they do not occur in everyone.
- Common side effects, such as stomach upset and insomnia, often go away as the body gets used to the medication.
- If you have serious symptoms like serotonin syndrome, seizures, or extreme mood swings , don't delay. See a doctor immediately.
- Most importantly: Never stop taking your medication suddenly without your doctor's advice. This can cause other problems.
- Talk openly with your doctor about any questions, fears, or discomfort you have about the medication. He or she will help you.
💬 Comments (0)
No comments have been posted yet. Add your comment here for the first time.
Add your comment