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Trintellix vs Viibryd
Introduction
For individuals diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD) or other forms of depression, there are certain medications that manipulate the concentrations of compounds in the brain related to mood, known as neurotransmitters. These can aid in stabilizing depressive lows and managing symptoms. Trintellix and Viibryd are two such drugs often prescribed for depression. Both affect different neurotransmitters within the brain yet have similar mood-stabilizing effects on patients suffering from depression.
Trintellix is classified as a serotonin modulator and stimulator; it influences various serotonin receptors along with inhibiting serotonin reuptake to enhance its levels within the brain. Meanwhile, Viibryd is categorized as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and partial 5-HT1A receptor agonist, primarily impacting levels of serotonin but also moderately stimulating specific subsets of its receptors.
Trintellix vs Viibryd Side By Side
| Attribute | Trintellix | Viibryd |
|---|---|---|
| Brand Name | Trintellix | Viibryd |
| Contraindications | Cannot be taken with or have been taking MAO inhibitors within the last 5 weeks. Not approved for use in children and adolescents. | Cannot be taken with or have been taking MAO inhibitors within the last 5 weeks. Not approved for use in children and adolescents. |
| Cost | $400 for 30 tablets of 10 mg | $330 for 30 tablets of 20 mg |
| Generic Name | Vortioxetine | Vilazodone |
| Most Serious Side Effect | Suicidal thoughts or tendencies, signs of an allergic reaction, eye pain or vision changes, rapid heartbeats, low sodium levels, nervous system reactions. | Signs of an allergic reaction, skin reactions, increased thoughts about suicide, unusual changes in mood or behavior, visual disturbances, rapid heart rate, signs of serotonin syndrome. |
| Severe Drug Interactions | MAO inhibitors | MAO inhibitors |
| Typical Dose | 5-20 mg/day, starting dose often 10 mg/day | Starts at 10 mg/day for the first week, then increased to 20 mg/day. Can be increased to a maximum of 40 mg/day. |
What is Trintellix?
Vortioxetine (the generic name for Trintellix) was introduced as a Serotonin Modulator and Stimulator (SMS), an innovative class of antidepressants, which denotes a significant advancement from the first generation of antidepressant drugs. Vortioxetine was first approved by the FDA in 2013. Trintellix works by increasing levels of serotonin in the brain by preventing it from being reabsorbed, essentially keeping it in the brain for a longer period. It's prescribed for the treatment of various forms of depression. Trintellix has a more comprehensive effect on the serotonin system and minor influence on norepinephrine and dopamine systems, which results in it having fewer side effects than other antidepressants that have stronger effects on these two other neurotransmitters.
Vilazodone (the generic name for Viibryd) on the other hand, is a serotonin modulator and reuptake inhibitor (SMRI), and it also influences the brain's serotonin levels by inhibiting its reabsorption. However, it uniquely combines this feature with partial serotonin receptor agonism, which gives it a different mechanism of action. It was approved by the FDA in 2011, and like Trintellix, it is also used for the treatment of depression. Viibryd tends to cause fewer sexual side effects than some other antidepressants, but it may have a higher risk of causing gastrointestinal side effects.
What conditions is Trintellix approved to treat?
Trintellix has been approved for the management of various depressive disorders:
- Major depressive disorder (MDD), also known as unipolar depression Viibryd, on the other hand, is used mainly in treating:
- Major depressive disorder (MDD) Both drugs are part of a comprehensive treatment program including counseling or other therapies.
How does Trintellix help with these illnesses?
Trintellix, similar to Prozac, acts on the serotonin system in the brain but it has a slightly different mechanism of action. It not only increases the amount of serotonin available in the brain's synapses by blocking its reuptake into neurons (similar to what Prozac does), but also modulates certain serotonin receptors which further enhances serotonergic activity. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays an important role in mood regulation as well as other functions such as cognition, memory, and sleep patterns. Similar to those with depression who take Prozac, patients taking Trintellix may experience improved mood and better management of their depressive symptoms due to increased levels of serotonin.
On the other hand, Viibryd also works on increasing serotonin levels but adds another layer: it partially activates one specific type of serotonin receptor - 5HT1A. This activation can help boost signal transmission within the serotonergic system leading potentially to stronger antidepressant effects and behavior normalization for some individuals compared to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors alone like Trintellix or Prozac.
What is Viibryd?
Viibryd is a brand name for vilazodone, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and partial serotonin receptor agonist. This dual action means it increases the levels of serotonin in the brain by reducing its reabsorption while also stimulating the activity of certain serotonin receptors. Vilazodone was first approved by the FDA in 2011. Unlike some other SSRI antidepressants, vilazodone's unique action on serotonin receptors results in a different side-effect profile. Particularly, it is less likely to cause sexual dysfunction, a common side effect of typical SSRI antidepressants. Additionally, vilazodone is not associated with significant weight gain, a drawback often associated with other antidepressants. The effects on serotonin, both in reuptake inhibition and receptor stimulation, can be beneficial for the treatment of depression, especially in patients who do not respond well to traditional SSRI antidepressants such as Trintellix.
What conditions is Viibryd approved to treat?
Viibryd is an FDA-approved medication for the treatment of:
- Major depressive disorder (MDD)
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
Viibryd, also known as Vilazodone, is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and partial serotonin agonist. It works by helping to restore the balance of serotonin in the brain, ultimately reducing the symptoms of depression and anxiety.
How does Viibryd help with these illnesses?
Serotonin, similar to norepinephrine, is a neurotransmitter which also functions as a hormone, playing significant roles in modulating mood, social behavior, appetite, digestion, sleep, memory, and sexual desire. Lower levels of serotonin have been associated with depression. Viibryd works by increasing the levels of serotonin available in the brain, thereby helping to alleviate some of the symptoms of depression. Its unique action as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and a partial serotonin receptor agonist may also contribute to its antidepressant effects. Importantly, Viibryd differs from other SSRIs because it doesn't significantly impact norepinephrine or dopamine levels. Thus, it may be prescribed when a patient does not respond well to other forms of treatment, such as the SSRI and serotonin modulator Trintellix, or it may be combined with these medications when necessary.
How effective are both Trintellix and Viibryd?
Both vortioxetine (Trintellix) and vilazodone (Viibryd) are relatively new drugs for treating depression, having been approved by the FDA in 2013 and 2011 respectively. These medications work on a combination of serotonin receptors, leading to distinct pharmacological profiles that may benefit different patient populations. The effectiveness of Trintellix and Viibryd was directly compared in a couple of head-to-head clinical trials; they showed similar efficacy in managing symptoms of major depressive disorder as well as promising safety profiles.
A 2016 meta-analysis report on vortioxetine indicates it is effective at reducing symptoms of depression from the first week onwards, with its side effect profile considered favorable over many other antidepressants. It is generally well-tolerated even among elderly patients or those with common co-morbidities such as anxiety or cognitive dysfunction. Optimal dosage varies between individuals but typically falls within the range of 10-20mg/day.
Another review conducted in 2015 indicated that vilazodone seems to be more effective than placebo in treating major depressive disorder, showing comparable efficacy to other commonly used antidepressants. Vilazodone's unique mechanism includes partial agonism at the serotonin receptor which might result in fewer sexual side effects - an advantage over some other treatments for depression. However, due to its recent approval date and resulting shorter history on market compared to older SSRIs, long-term data confirming its benefits are less robust than for older treatments like fluoxetine.
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At what dose is Trintellix typically prescribed?
Oral dosages of Trintellix range from 5-20 mg/day, but studies have indicated that a starting dose of 10 mg/day is often effective for treating major depressive disorder in most adults. It's important to note this medication isn't approved for use in children and adolescents. If there's no response after several weeks, the dosage can be increased with your doctor's guidance. The maximum dosage should not exceed 20 mg/day under any circumstance.
Similarly, Viibryd is typically started at an oral dosage of 10mg per day for seven days, then increased to 20mg per day. If necessary, the dose may be further incrementally adjusted up to a maximum tolerated dose of 40mg per day according to patient response and tolerance levels as judged by your healthcare provider. This medication also isn't suitable or approved for use in children and adolescents.
At what dose is Viibryd typically prescribed?
Viibryd treatment typically commences at a dosage of 10 mg/day for the initial seven days. Following this, it can be increased to 20 mg/day. If necessary, after an additional week, the dose may be further raised to a maximum of 40 mg/day. The medication should ideally be taken with food as it enhances absorption. As always in psychiatric treatments, patience is key since it might take several weeks before any significant improvement in symptoms are noted. If there's no adequate response to treatment within that time frame at 40 mg per day, alternative options may need to be considered.
What are the most common side effects for Trintellix?
Common side effects of both Trintellix and Viibryd include:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness, nervousness or anxiety
- Insomnia (trouble sleeping) or abnormal dreams
- Increased sweating or night sweats
- Decreased libido (sex drive)
- Abnormal ejaculation in men
- Weight changes, either loss or gain
- Somnolence (sleepiness/drowsiness) -Tremor (unintentional trembling or shaking) -General weakness and fatigue
These are not all the possible side effects of these medications. If you experience any other side effect that bothers you or doesn't go away, consult with your healthcare provider immediately.
Are there any potential serious side effects for Trintellix?
While both Trintellix and Viibryd are used to treat major depressive disorder, they can have different side effects. In rare cases, taking Trintellix may lead to:
- Suicidal thoughts or tendencies
- Signs of an allergic reaction including hives, difficulty breathing, swelling in the face or throat
- Eye pain or vision changes such as blurred vision, seeing halos around lights
- Rapid heartbeats resulting in chest discomfort and shortness of breath leading to dizziness
- Low sodium levels causing headache, confusion, slurred speech, severe weakness and loss of coordination
- Nervous system reactions with symptoms like rigid muscles high fever sweating confusion rapid uneven heartbeat tremors
In addition patients on Trintellix should be aware of potential signs of serotonin syndrome: agitation hallucinations fever excessive sweating shivering rapid heart rate muscle stiffness twitching loss of coordination nausea vomiting diarrhea.If you experience any these symptoms while on medication consult your healthcare provider immediately.
What are the most common side effects for Viibryd?
Viibryd (vilazodone) is another antidepressant medication, and while it has many similar effects to Trintellix, its side effects can be slightly different. Potential side effects of Viibryd include:
- Dry mouth or changes in taste
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Sleep disturbances like insomnia or abnormal dreams
- Dizziness and a feeling of unsteadiness
- Excessive sweating
- Weight changes - both weight loss and gain have been reported
-Anxiety, agitation, restlessness
-Tremors
-Rash or itching
-Frequent urination or urinary tract infections
-Some users may experience a fast heartbeat
It's important to note that not everyone experiences these side effects with Viibryd; they are simply potential reactions that some people have had. Always consult your healthcare provider if you're concerned about any symptoms.
Are there any potential serious side effects for Viibryd?
While Viibryd is generally well-tolerated, it may cause severe side effects in rare cases. These include:
- Signs of an allergic reaction like hives, difficulty breathing or swallowing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat
- Skin reactions such as rash, itching or peeling skin with fever
- Increased thoughts about suicide or harming yourself
- Unusual changes in mood or behavior and confusion
- Visual disturbances such as blurred vision and seeing halos around lights
- Rapid heart rate that can be irregular at times -Signs of serotonin syndrome: hallucinations, uncontrolled muscle movements (twitching), loss of coordination (stumbling), racing heartbeat.
These symptoms require immediate medical attention. If you experience any unusual side effects while taking Viibryd consult your healthcare provider promptly.
Contraindications for Trintellix and Viibryd?
Both Trintellix and Viibryd, along with most other antidepressant medications, may worsen symptoms of depression in some people. If you notice your depression worsening, or an increase in suicidal ideation, thoughts, or behavior, please seek immediate medical attention.
Neither Trintellix nor Viibryd can be taken if you are taking or have been taking monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors (MAOIs). Always tell your physician which medications you are taking; MAOIs will require a period of about 5 weeks to clear from the system to prevent dangerous interactions with Trintellix and Viibryd. Furthermore, do not stop using either medication abruptly without consulting your doctor as this could lead to withdrawal symptoms such as mood changes and dizziness.
How much do Trintellix and Viibryd cost?
For the brand name versions of these drugs:
- The price of 30 tablets of Trintellix (10 mg) averages around $400, which works out to about $13.33/day.
- The price for a pack of 30 tablets of Viibryd (20 mg) is roughly $330, working out to approximately $11/day.
Therefore, if you're taking standard doses for each medication, then brand-name Viibryd is less expensive on a per-day treatment basis than Trintellix. However, it's important to remember that cost should not be the primary factor in determining which drug would best suit your needs.
As far as generic versions are concerned:
- Neither Trintellix (vortioxetine) nor Viibryd (vilazodone) currently have generic alternatives available in the United States due to patent restrictions. As such their prices remain relatively high compared with other psychiatric medications that do have generics available.
Popularity of Trintellix and Viibryd
Vortioxetine, under the brand name Trintellix, was prescribed to approximately 1.4 million people in the USA in 2020. This novel antidepressant has a unique mechanism of action that involves both serotonin reuptake inhibition and modulation of various serotonin receptors, making it distinct from SSRIs or other broad classes of antidepressants. The prescription rate for Vortioxetine has been escalating since its approval by the FDA in 2013.
On the other hand, Vilazodone, marketed as Viibryd, was dispensed to about 900 thousand individuals across America during the same year. Like vortioxetine, vilazodone is considered an atypical antidepressant due to its dual mechanism involving selective serotonin reuptake inhibition and partial agonism on one specific type of serotonin receptor (5HT-1A). Since its launch in 2011 by Forest Laboratories and subsequent generic release starting from March 2020 onwards after patent expiry; vilazodone's prescription rates have remained relatively steady over time.
Conclusion
Trintellix (vortioxetine) and Viibryd (vilazodone) are both modern options for the treatment of major depressive disorder, with a wealth of clinical trials indicating their effectiveness over placebo treatments. These drugs may be combined in certain cases under strict medical supervision because they act on similar neurotransmitters but have different mechanisms of action. Trintellix is an antidepressant that works by increasing serotonin levels in the brain and affecting other serotonin receptors, while Viibryd is classified as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and partial serotonin receptor agonist.
Both medications are patented products without generic versions available yet, which may present cost challenges to patients paying out-of-pocket. The effects of either drug may not be noticeable immediately after starting treatment; it often takes several weeks to experience full benefits.
The side effect profile for both Trintellix and Viibryd are relatively similar, though each has its unique considerations. Both medications can cause gastrointestinal upset such as nausea or vomiting; however, sexual dysfunction appears less frequent compared to older SSRIs. Importantly, patients should closely observe their mood changes when initiating therapy or changing doses with either medication due to risk of worsening depression or emergence of suicidal thoughts. Immediate medical attention should be sought if these symptoms occur.
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Refrences
- Blier, P. (2016, March 23). Neurobiology of Depression and Mechanism of Action of Depression Treatments. The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. Physicians Postgraduate Press, Inc.http://doi.org/10.4088/jcp.13097tx3c
- Frampton, J. E. (2016, November). Vortioxetine: A Review in Cognitive Dysfunction in Depression. Drugs. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.http://doi.org/10.1007/s40265-016-0655-3
- McCormack, P. L. (2015, October 26). Vilazodone: A Review in Major Depressive Disorder in Adults. Drugs. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.http://doi.org/10.1007/s40265-015-0490-y
- Chauhan, M., Parry, R., & Bobo, W. V. (2022, June). Vilazodone for Major Depression in Adults: Pharmacological Profile and an Updated Review for Clinical Practice. Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment. Informa UK Limited.http://doi.org/10.2147/ndt.s279342
- Choi, E., Zmarlicka, M., & Ehret, M. J. (2012, September 15). Vilazodone: A novel antidepressant. American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy. Oxford University Press (OUP).http://doi.org/10.2146/ajhp110374
- Gibb, A., & Deeks, E. D. (2013, December 6). Vortioxetine: First Global Approval. Drugs. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.http://doi.org/10.1007/s40265-013-0161-9