Vilazodone

Dosage Forms Available

• Vilazodone is available in oral form, typically as tablets.

Age and Dose Restrictions

• This medication is designed for adults and not recommended for children or adolescents.

Contraindications

• Vilazodone is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to Vilazodone or any of its components. Patients taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs; a class of antidepressants) should not use this medicine.

Other Medications to Avoid

• Vilazodone may interact with MAOIs (e.g., selegiline, linezolid), serotonergic drugs (e.g., triptans, tramadol), CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, clarithromycin), and CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., carbamazepine, phenytoin).

Overdose and Missed Dose

• An overdose of Vilazodone may lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, dizziness, and drowsiness. In case of an overdose, seek immediate medical attention.
• If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as remembered. However, if it's close to the time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule.

Management of Side Effects

Most side effects are temporary and generally harmless and resolve when discontinuing this medicine. However, if you experience any severe side effects or worsening symptoms, please consult your doctor.

• Drinking plenty of water may help manage common side effects like dry mouth and constipation.
• Taking the medication with food may help reduce gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea and diarrhoea.

Use in Driving and Operating Machinery

• Vilazodone may cause dizziness or sleepiness. Therefore, avoiding driving or operating heavy machinery is advised after taking this medicine.

Use in Pregnancy and Lactation

• Vilazodone should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the foetus. It is not known whether Vilazodone passes into breast milk. Therefore, it is advised to consult your doctor before using during breastfeeding.

Caution in Other Conditions

• Patients with a history of seizures, bipolar disorder, angle-closure glaucoma, and liver or kidney problems should use Vilazodone with caution.

Special Dietary and Lifestyle Recommendations

• Regular counselling or psychiatric sessions can help in managing the symptoms of depression.
• Limiting caffeine intake can help manage symptoms of anxiety and insomnia.