We all know that depression is a difficult condition that can be debilitating and life-threatening. At times like these, the best thing to do is to see a psychiatrist and get treatment. So, doctor, one modern drug that you can recommend for depression is Vilazodone. Today, let's talk about this drug, what it does, and what you need to be careful about while using it.
What kind of medicine is this Vilazodone?
Simply put, Vilazodone is a medication used to treat depression. It belongs to a class of drugs called antidepressants. A chemical messenger in the brain helps regulate things like our mood, happiness, and sleep. Its name is serotonin. Many people with depression may have low levels of this serotonin. So, what this Vilazodone pill does is increase the amount of serotonin in the brain and help improve your mood.
Remember, this medication works by balancing a chemical process in the brain, so it may take some time to get the maximum results.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting this medication
Before starting Vilazodone, it is important to give your doctor a complete description of your health condition. This is because this medication may not be compatible with certain medical conditions. These are especially important to tell your doctor about.
- If you or someone in your family has a mental condition called bipolar disorder .
- If you have glaucoma .
- If you have liver disease .
- If you have low sodium levels in your blood.
- If you are receiving electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) .
- If you have had epilepsy or seizures before.
- If you or someone in your family has had suicidal thoughts before.
- If you have allergies to vilazodone or any other medicine, food, or dye.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant .
- If you are a breastfeeding mother .
It is very important for your own safety to talk to the doctor about these things without hiding them.
The medicine should be used in the right way.
To get the most out of this medicine, you need to use it properly.
1. Take with food: This is the most important thing. Vilazodone tablets should always be taken with a meal . If you take them on an empty stomach, the medicine will not be absorbed properly.
2. Take it on time: As your doctor tells you, get into the habit of taking your medicine at the same time every day.
3. Don't stop suddenly: Never stop taking the medication suddenly unless your doctor tells you to. If you do, you may experience withdrawal symptoms. If you do stop, do so as directed by your doctor, gradually reducing the dosage.
4. What if I miss a dose?: If you forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once.
5. What if you overdose?: If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, immediately go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU). Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
Other drugs that may interact with this medicine (Drug Interactions)
This is something to be very careful about. Taking Vilazodone with certain other medications can cause serious problems. So tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (prescribed by other doctors, over-the-counter, herbal, vitamins).
| Drug category | Examples and things to consider |
|---|---|
| Do not take these with anything. | |
| MAOIs (a type of antidepressant) | Taking Vilazodone with these medications can cause a serious, even life-threatening condition called serotonin syndrome . You should not start another MAOI for 2 weeks after stopping an MAOI or for 2 weeks after stopping Vilazodone. |
| Linezolid, Methylene Blue | These also act like MAOIs, so the same risks apply. |
| Be very careful when taking these (be sure to inform the doctor) | |
| Other antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications | Increases the risk of serotonin syndrome. |
| Painkillers (NSAIDS) | Medications such as Ibuprofen, Naproxen, and Aspirin can increase the risk of bleeding . |
| Anticoagulant | The risk of bleeding is very high when taken with medications such as Warfarin and Enoxaparin. |
| Triptans, a type of medication used for migraines | Medications such as sumatriptan and rizatriptan increase the risk of serotonin syndrome. |
| Herbal products | Especially avoid taking products like St. John's Wort . |
Side effects that may occur when taking the medicine
Like any medicine, Vilazodone can have some side effects. Don't be alarmed by these. Most people don't experience them. But it's important to know what they are. Let's break them down into two categories.
| Side effect | Description and what to do |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic Reaction | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, difficulty breathing. Immediate treatment is required. |
| Serotonin Syndrome | Restlessness, muscle stiffness or twitching, excessive sweating, high fever, rapid heartbeat, convulsions, vomiting, diarrhea. This is an emergency. |
| Abnormal bleeding | Black stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, red/dark brown urine, red or purple spots on the skin. |
| Change in mental status | Suicidal thoughts, increased depression, agitation, sudden anger, hyperactivity. Be aware of these, especially during the early stages of treatment. |
| Other severe symptoms | Seizures, sudden eye pain or blurred vision, symptoms of sodium depletion (muscle weakness, extreme fatigue, dizziness). |
| Side effects that usually go away, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Diarrhea | It can occur frequently in the early days. |
| Nausea, vomiting | This can be reduced by taking the medicine with food. |
| Insomnia | For this reason, the doctor may advise taking the medicine in the morning. |
| Dry mouth | Chewing sugar-free gum and drinking water may help. |
| Change in sexual desire or activity | If this continues, talk to your doctor. |
There may be an increased risk of suicidal thoughts or depression, especially in young people and during the first few weeks of treatment. If you or someone in your family notices any of these changes, talk to your doctor immediately.
Some more tips during treatment
- This medicine may make you feel drowsy or dizzy . Therefore, avoid activities that require alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, until your body adjusts to the medicine.
- Avoid drinking alcohol. Alcohol can increase the side effects of the medication.
- If you are an elderly person, avoid getting up from a sitting position or getting out of bed suddenly. This will reduce the risk of dizziness and falling.
Take-Home Message
- Always take Vilazodone tablets with a meal. Do not take them on an empty stomach.
- Avoid stopping the medication suddenly without your doctor's advice.
- Inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking (for other conditions, painkillers, herbal products).
- During the initial stages of treatment, you and your family should be vigilant about your mental health, especially thoughts of suicide. If you notice any changes, tell your doctor immediately.
- If you experience any symptoms of severe side effects such as serotonin syndrome or allergies, seek medical advice immediately.
- This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not share it with others.
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