Viibryd for Anxiety: All You Need to Know

Quick summary

• Viibryd (vilazodone) is an antidepressant that works like an SSRI but also activates serotonin receptors, which may ease both depression and anxiety symptoms.
• While it’s not FDA-approved for anxiety, doctors may prescribe it off-label.
• Some people notice improvements in anxiety within 1–2 weeks, though full effects may take up to 6–8 weeks.
• Side effects can include digestive upset, headaches, or insomnia, but Viibryd may cause fewer sexual issues or weight changes compared to other antidepressants.

Anxiety is one of the most common mental health conditions today. According to experts, nearly 20% of the population—over 40 million adults—are living with a type of anxiety disorder. Fortunately, it’s a treatable condition, and for some, Viibryd (vilazodone) can help manage symptoms. Viibryd is an FDA-approved drug used to treat depression that’s sometimes also prescribed off-label for anxiety. 

Because medications affect people differently, finding the right one is a crucial step in developing an effective treatment plan. This comprehensive guide will help you understand how Viibryd works for anxiety, its side effects, what you should know about taking it, and how it compares to other anxiety medications. 

As with any article on mental health, the information here isn’t intended to be used as personalized medical advice. If you or someone you care about is dealing with anxiety and needs help, consult a healthcare professional.

Does Viibryd Help with Anxiety?

If you’ve tried other medications in the past without getting the results you want, you might be wondering if Viibryd can work for you. Although it’s an antidepressant, using Viibryd for anxiety has gained popularity in recent years because it targets symptoms of depression and anxiety. 

Viibryd is in a class of antidepressants known as serotonin partial agonists and reuptake inhibitors (SPARIs). Like SSRIs, it blocks serotonin reuptake, allowing the “feel-good” chemical to stay active in the brain longer. It also stimulates serotonin receptors, which might enhance activity and ease anxiety symptoms.

This dual mechanism creates a calming, mood-stabilizing effect. In clinical trials, participants with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and depression saw a reduction in symptoms when taking Viibryd. Many people noticed reduced worry and panic and a decrease in physical symptoms, such as muscle tension and difficulty sleeping.

If you have anxiety linked to sadness, rumination, or feeling emotionally overwhelmed, Viibryd may offer more relief than other antidepressants. It’s worth noting that while Viibryd might be more effective for anxiety treatment than other drugs, more research is still needed.

How Long Does It Take Viibryd to Help Anxiety?

It’s natural to wonder how long Viibryd takes to work for anxiety. Some research indicates it can take between six and eight weeks to see the full effect of Viibryd, but some symptom relief can be observed earlier than that. For example, improvements like better sleep, sharper focus, or reduced worry often appear within one to two weeks.

Side Effects to Expect When Taking Viibryd for Anxiety

Like any medication, there are possible side effects when taking Viibryd. Most are mild and temporary, and research suggests they can fade as your body adjusts to having the drug in your system.  

Common side effects of Viibryd for anxiety include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Digestive upset
• Difficulty sleeping 
• Insomnia
• Dry mouth
• Tremors
• Excessive thirst
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Strange or vivid dreams
• Headache
• Mild fatigue

You can experience sexual side effects when taking Viibryd, including decreased sex drive, difficulty with orgasm, or erectile dysfunction. However, these effects might be milder with Viibryd than with other SSRIs, according to some research.

Considerations for Taking Viibryd for Anxiety

When you first start taking Viibryd for anxiety, there are some considerations and precautions to be aware of.

• Viibryd should be taken with food. Do not skip meals while taking this medicine, as research shows it can reduce absorption and diminish efficacy. 
• Never stop taking Viibryd abruptly: Even if you feel better, it’s important to taper your dosage slowly to avoid Viibryd withdrawal symptoms. Your doctor or psychiatrist can help you come up with an effective and safe plan for weaning off your dose.
• Talk to your doctor about risks: If you have a history of bipolar disorder, bleeding risk, or liver problems. You should also let them know if you have a history of seizures.
• Consider its adverse effects: If you’re under 25, be aware of the increased risk of suicidal thoughts after starting Viibryd. It’s recommended to do frequent mood checks if you’re in this age group.
• Be cautious of taking multiple medications: Do not combine Viibryd with other antidepressants or any medications that affect serotonin without medical guidance. Taking drugs like triptans, tramadol, and other antidepressants can increase your risk of serotonin syndrome.
• Viibryd has fewer sexual side effects: Viibryd might be an option to consider if other SSRIs have impacted your sexual function or digestive system.
• Discuss with your doctor: Review your complete medical and mental health history with your doctor before starting Viibryd or any other drug for anxiety.

“If a client has failed other SSRI trials to treat their anxiety due to minimal results or side effects, they may be a good candidate to trial Viibryd.”

– Talkspace therapist Svetlana Stuck, PA-C

Viibryd vs. Other Anxiety Treatments

Always compare any medication you’re considering with other options to understand its benefits and limitations. This is true with Viibryd, too. 

“Patients who have not had results from other SSRIs may have more potential benefit from a trial of Viibryd due to its dual mechanism of action compared to other SSRIs.”

– Talkspace therapist Svetlana Stuck, PA-C

So, how is Viibryd different from other SSRIs? Viibryd’s dual mechanism action may offer more relief than other SSRIs, and some studies found similar or better symptom improvement when it’s taken for both anxiety and depression. Keep in mind that while Viibryd can be prescribed off-label for anxiety, it isn’t FDA-approved for this use. Long-term outcomes are still being studied, and not every drug will work the same way for every person who takes it. Be sure to dig deeper into the medications you’re considering on a case by case. Compare Viibryd vs Lexapro and other popular SSRIs, along with options outside of the drug class, like Viibryd vs Trintellix. 

Ultimately, if you take Viibryd for anxiety, you’ll need to be patient and see how it works for you. The “right” drug will always depend on your specific symptoms, treatment goals, medical history, and other individual factors. 

Start Online Anxiety Treatment

If you’re ready to take the first step toward successfully managing your symptoms of anxiety, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed. Working with a mental health professional can help. If you’re curious about Viibryd for anxiety, reach out for support.

Talkspace connects you with licensed and experienced online psychiatrist providers. You don’t have to deal with waiting rooms or need to fit an appointment into your already busy schedule. We make it convenient and simple to discuss your symptoms, health history, and future goals. You’ll work closely with a psychiatric provider to develop a personalized treatment plan that’s tailored to your exact needs. Talkspace providers can help you weigh the pros and cons, decide if Viibryd is a good fit, and monitor your progress.

If you’re ready to start exploring your prescription options for depression and anxiety, including Viibryd, reach out today. You may be able to obtain a Viibryd prescription online through Talkspace.

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