Vilazodone Is an Antidepressant Used to Treat Major Depressive Disorder in Adults

Vilazodone (sold under the brand name Viibryd) is a prescription antidepressant that works differently from traditional SSRIs. If your doctor has mentioned Vilazodone as a treatment option, or if you're researching it on your own, this guide covers everything you need to know — from what it is and how it's used, to how much it costs and who shouldn't take it.

What Is Vilazodone?

Vilazodone hydrochloride is a prescription antidepressant that belongs to a class called serotonin partial agonist-reuptake inhibitors, or SPARIs. It's also sometimes classified as a serotonin modulator or miscellaneous antidepressant.

Key facts about Vilazodone:

• Brand name: Viibryd (also available as Viibryd Starter kit)
• Generic name: Vilazodone hydrochloride
• Drug class: Serotonin Partial Agonist-Reuptake Inhibitor (SPARI)
• Manufacturer: AbbVie Inc. (marketed by Allergan Sales, LLC, an AbbVie company; originally developed by Forest Laboratories)
• FDA approval: Approved for major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults
• Controlled substance: No — Vilazodone is not a controlled substance
• Generic available: Yes

What makes Vilazodone unique is its dual mechanism. Unlike standard SSRIs that only block serotonin reuptake, Vilazodone also partially activates the serotonin 5-HT1A receptor. This combination may offer certain advantages, including a potentially faster onset of action and fewer sexual side effects. To learn more about how this works, read our guide on how Vilazodone works.

What Is Vilazodone Used For?

Vilazodone is FDA-approved for one condition:

• Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in adults — This is its only approved use.

However, doctors sometimes prescribe Vilazodone off-label for other conditions, including:

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
• Social Anxiety Disorder
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)

Off-label use means the drug is prescribed for a condition not specifically approved by the FDA, but where clinical evidence or a doctor's judgment suggests it may help.

How Is Vilazodone Taken?

Vilazodone comes as an oral tablet in three strengths: 10 mg, 20 mg, and 40 mg.

The standard dosing schedule is:

1. Week 1: 10 mg once daily
2. Week 2: 20 mg once daily
3. Week 3 and beyond: 40 mg once daily (target dose)

Important dosing rules:

• Take it with food — This is not optional. Vilazodone's absorption drops by up to 50% when taken on an empty stomach. A full meal or substantial snack is recommended.
• Swallow the tablet whole — Do not crush, chew, or split the tablets.
• Take it at the same time each day — Consistency helps maintain steady blood levels.
• Do not stop abruptly — If you need to stop Vilazodone, your doctor will gradually reduce your dose to avoid discontinuation symptoms like nausea, dizziness, and irritability.

If your doctor prescribes a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor (like Ketoconazole or Clarithromycin) alongside Vilazodone, the dose may be reduced to 20 mg daily. Conversely, if you're taking a strong CYP3A4 inducer (like Carbamazepine or Rifampin), the dose may need to increase. See our full drug interactions guide for details.

Who Should Not Take Vilazodone?

Vilazodone is not safe for everyone. Do not take Vilazodone if you:

• Are taking an MAO inhibitor — You must wait at least 14 days after stopping an MAO inhibitor (such as Phenelzine, Tranylcypromine, Isocarboxazid, or Selegiline) before starting Vilazodone, and vice versa. Combining them can cause life-threatening serotonin syndrome.
• Are receiving IV Methylene Blue or Linezolid — These medications also increase serotonin syndrome risk when combined with Vilazodone.
• Have a known allergy to Vilazodone — If you've had a hypersensitivity reaction to Vilazodone or any ingredient in the formulation, do not take it.

Use with caution if you:

• Are under 25 (increased risk of suicidal thoughts — see the FDA boxed warning)
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Have liver problems
• Have a history of seizures
• Have a history of mania or bipolar disorder

Vilazodone is not approved for patients under 18.

For a detailed overview of side effects, including what to watch for and when to call your doctor, read our Vilazodone side effects guide.

How Much Does Vilazodone Cost?

The cost of Vilazodone varies significantly depending on whether you use insurance, a discount coupon, or pay the full retail price:

• Generic Vilazodone with a coupon: Approximately $28 to $60 for a 30-day supply (30 tablets of 40 mg)
• Generic retail price (no coupon or insurance): $175 to $383
• Brand-name Viibryd: $175 to $400+

Insurance coverage: Generic Vilazodone is covered by most commercial insurance plans and Medicare Part D, usually at a lower copay tier. Brand-name Viibryd is typically Tier 4 (specialty/non-preferred) and may require prior authorization or step therapy (trying a generic SSRI first).

Savings programs: AbbVie offers a Viibryd Savings Card for commercially insured patients — eligible patients may pay as little as $0 per fill. For uninsured patients, the AbbVie Patient Assistance Foundation provides Viibryd at no cost to qualifying individuals who meet income requirements.

For more ways to reduce your cost, check out our guide on how to save money on Vilazodone.

Final Thoughts

Vilazodone is a unique antidepressant that offers an alternative to traditional SSRIs for adults with major depressive disorder. Its dual mechanism — combining serotonin reuptake inhibition with partial 5-HT1A agonism — sets it apart from older antidepressants and may offer benefits for patients who haven't found relief with other medications or who experienced unwanted side effects.

If you and your doctor decide that Vilazodone is right for you, use Medfinder to find a pharmacy with it in stock near you, and explore our other guides for help with finding a prescriber and saving money on your prescription.