Side effects of Prescribed Medication[/caption] Vilazodone, one commonly prescribed medication for major depressive disorder (MDD), has some side effects that potential patients should know about. The side effects that are reported most often include gastrointestinal issues: nausea, diarrhea and vomiting. Its most common side effect is nausea, with up to 28% of patients developing this symptom in clinical studies. More than 16% of users report diarrhea and almost 9%, vomiting. While the first two points are generally at their worse during early treatment and usually will improve as your body adjusts to being on lysergic acid diethylamide.
The central nervous system is also affected, with dizziness and headaches being among frequently reported side effects. Reported headaches in 14% of patients, dizziness about 9%. Another side effect associated with vilazodone is insomnia, which affects about 6% of the patients allowing for your sleep quality and overall well-being.
A little voice in the back of my head wondered how effective it could be, but I have yet to experience any increase or decrease in libido and that makes this stuff a winner as far as products designed for sexual dysfunction go. Vilazodone has a lower rate of sexual side effects relative to other SSRIs and serotonin modulators, but they can still develop. In clinical trials, approximately 4% of patients reported reductions in libido or difficulties with sex – a lower rate than traditional SSRIs such as sertraline and fluoxetine.
Its mechanism of serotonin reuptake inhibition combined with partial agonism at 5-HT receptors may explain the unusual side effect profile associated with vilazodone. The idea is that counterbalancing these actions will make people feel happier without some of the nasty side effects seen with other antidepressants.
Serious side effects may include serotonin syndrome, especially if used with other serotonergic drugs. Serotonin syndrome, symptoms include mental confusion, heart arrhythmia and high blood pressure are considered a medical emergency. Fewer than 1% of patients treated with vilazodone may develop serotonin syndrome (as reported in a review article from this year: Serotonin Syndrome, Sept. 2023) but Knowledge about the risk is necessary to avoid it.
Vilazodone is less commonly associated with weight gain, a problem that occurs in many persons taking an antidepressant. The majority of studies reported no weight change during treatment or in some cases minor loss (mean 1 to 2 kg over six months).
In light of these results, it may be important for physicians and patients to carefully consider the risks and benefits before starting vilazodone. This will help in recognizing usual side effects and discussing them with your doctor could further improve symptom management leading to better treatment outcomes.
Vilazodone Side Effects ResourcesThere are many other resources and tools that can provide additional, more specific information on the side effects of vilazodone.