How is Viibryd Different from Other SSRIs?

Viibryd (vilazodone) is an antidepressant prescribed for major depressive disorder (MDD) and anxiety. While it’s similar to the class of antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), Viibryd doesn’t quite work the same as those drugs. 

Starting or changing medications can be overwhelming and scary, which is why it’s so important to understand how Viibryd is different from other SSRIs. This can help you make the best decision about your treatment plan. Keep reading to learn how Viibryd differs from other common SSRIs for depression and anxiety. It could be your first step towards relief. 

What is Viibryd?

Viibryd (generic name vilazodone) is an antidepressant that’s classified as a serotonin partial agonist-reuptake inhibitor (SPARI). It has a dual mechanism that blocks the reuptake of serotonin (just like SSRIs), but it also stimulates 5-HT1A receptors, which are linked to the regulation of mood and anxiety. 

Viibryd is FDA-approved to treat depression, but because of its dual action, research suggests it can also be an effective way to treat generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Thus, doctors might suggest Viibryd off-label for anxiety, especially if you have both depression and anxiety.

How SSRIs Work

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most commonly prescribed antidepressants on the market. These drugs are considered the gold standard in depression treatment today. 

SSRIs like Prozac (fluoxetine), Zoloft (sertraline), and Lexapro (escitalopram) are considered effective and safe, and are often used successfully to treat symptoms of depression and anxiety. These drugs work by blocking serotonin reuptake in the brain, keeping more of the “feel-good hormone” present to help regulate mood. Like any drug, there are side effects to know about before you take a SSRI.

Common side effects of SSRIs include:

• Sexual dysfunction
• Sleep changes
• Nausea
• Headache
• Weight change
• Anxiety 
• Shakiness 

The full effects of SSRIs can typically be felt after 4 to 6 weeks of consistent use. Most of the time, adverse side effects will lessen, or even resolve completely, as your body adjusts to taking a SSRI. 

Some sexual side effects from these drugs, like reduced libido or difficulty achieving orgasm, can impact intimacy and self-esteem. Others, like increased anxiety, cause some people to stop taking their SSRI before it has a chance to fully work.

Often, side effects like sexual dysfunction and weight gain may impact the client’s decision for choosing a particular SSRI, including the choice for Viibryd.

 – Talkspace therapist, Svetlana Stuck, PA-C

What Makes Viibryd Different From Other SSRIs?

So how is Viibryd different from other SSRIs? Because of its dual mechanism of action, Viibryd can be more effective for some users, especially when treating both depression and anxiety.

How it works

It’s true that Viibryd works much the same way as SSRIs. Both drugs block serotonin reuptake, but as noted, Viibryd goes further. It also acts as a partial agonist at 5-HT1A receptors. It’s this second action that really sets Viibryd apart from other SSRIs. The activation of receptors that are linked to regulating mood and anxiety can be the game-changer that makes all the difference in finding an effective, comprehensive treatment plan that addresses more of your symptoms. 

It works like a dimmer switch, offering relief without overwhelming your system. Research suggests that Viibryd has a wider reach in the brain, which might translate to faster and more effective symptom relief.

How quickly it works

A significant drawback to traditional SSRIs is how long they take to work. For many users, it can take up to 4 to 6 weeks (or longer) to feel the full effects of an SSRI antidepressant. When depression and anxiety are disrupting your life, waiting this long is difficult. Viibryd’s dual action often allows for a more rapid onset, substantially shortening the length of time it takes to work. You may even notice improvements as little as one to two weeks after starting this medication. 

When symptoms of depression and anxiety are intense or unbearable, feeling better sooner can be life-changing. It can help you stay motivated to continue treatment, rather than getting discouraged and stopping your medication because the progress feels slow.

Side effects

Like any drug, Viibryd can cause mild to serious side effects you should be aware of. Although many side effects overlap with SSRIs, Viibryd has a slightly different—and potentially more tolerable—profile for some people. 

For example, research shows there may be fewer sexual side effects and a decreased risk of weight gain when taking Viibryd. It also might reduce emotional blunting (the inability to feel emotions or the feeling of numbness or indifference) compared to many SSRIs or SNRIs.

“Some of the main concerns when choosing between Viibryd and other SSRIs include potential for nausea or other gastrointestinal side effects.”

 – Talkspace therapist, Svetlana Stuck, PA-C

Benefits for anxiety

Although it’s not FDA-approved to treat anxiety, Viibryd can be an excellent choice when anxiety presents comorbidly (at the same time) with depression. In clinical studies, participants experienced significant symptom improvement with Viibryd compared to the placebo drug. So, if you have racing thoughts, persistent worrying, or other physical symptoms of anxiety, this antidepressant might be an even better choice than traditional anxiety medications. 

The benefits of Viibryd over SSRIs for anxiety are likely linked to the extra mechanism that engages the 5-HT1A receptors, reducing emotional tension and other physical symptoms.

Finding What’s Best for You 

It’s always smart to compare any medication you’re thinking about taking with other options. When you look at medications like Viibryd vs Lexapro, Zoloft, and other traditional SSRIs, Viibryd’s dual mechanism can provide benefits like quicker onset, a more tolerable side effect profile, and clear advantages in cases where depression is present with anxiety. 

The biggest things to consider as you assess how Viibryd is different from other SSRIs come down to your unique needs, symptoms, and treatment goals. The efficacy of any medication varies from person to person, so it’s important to remember that a drug that offers exceptional relief for one person may not work at all for you.

If you’re trying to decide whether you should start taking Viibryd for anxiety or depression, you’re not alone. You can easily start working with a licensed psychiatric provider through Talkspace’s online platform. We make getting professional help accessible, convenient, and affordable. Understanding more about your condition, symptoms, history, and past experience with medication will help you achieve the best treatment outcome.

If you’re ready to discover more, learn how to get a Viibryd prescription online with an experienced, licensed psychiatric provider who can help you decide your next steps.