Viibryd vs Zoloft

Introduction

Zoloft and Viibryd are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) used to treat depression. SSRIs work by increasing serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin handles carrying signals between neurons and brain nerves. This neurotransmitter controls your mood. It also helps regulate other aspects of your daily living, such as:

When you sleep and wake up
How you think
Your overall mood
Your sexual desire.

SSRIs are the most prescribed antidepressants due to their safety. They also cause fewer side effects. No matter how popular they are, you must use them with caution. This is especially true if you have underlying health issues such as:

Kidney disease
Diabetes
Epilepsy

About Viibryd And Zoloft

What Is Viibryd?

Healthcare professionals usually prescribe Viibryd for depression. It is an SSRI that works by restoring the balance of natural substances in the brain. One of them is the neurotransmitter serotonin.

It helps improve sleep, mood, appetite, and energy levels. Viibryd is also a partial agonist of the serotonin 1A receptor. It is usually prescribed with the aim of restoring a person's interest in daily living.

What Conditions Is Viibryd Approved to Treat?

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved it for major depressive disorder. The FDA approved it on January 21, ²⁰¹¹.

It is also used for treating generalized anxiety disorder in adults. You should take it according to a healthcare professional's instructions.

How Does Viibryd Work for Mental Disorders?

MDD is usually a result of a chemical imbalance in the brain. It is in the form of a lack of serotonin, a neurotransmitter responsible for regulating mood. Viibryd works by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain. As a result, there is an improvement in the symptoms of depression.

As an SSRI, Viibryd blocks the reuptake of serotonin in the brain. It allows more of the neurotransmitter to be available for use. Additionally, it also acts as a partial agonist of the serotonin 1A receptor. Hence, it also helps to further increase the availability of serotonin in the brain.

These two mechanisms of action make Viibryd effective in treating depression. By increasing the amount of serotonin in the brain, it can help to:

Improve mood
Reduce feelings of sadness
Decrease hopelessness and worthlessness
Improve the quality of life

What Is Zoloft?

Zoloft is a brand name for the antidepressant medication sertraline. It belongs to a class of medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It increases the levels of serotonin in the brain. Zoloft is usually taken in tablet or liquid form and is available by prescription only.

It is important to follow the dosage instructions provided by your healthcare provider. Make sure to speak with them about any potential side effects or concerns you may have.

What Conditions Is Zoloft Approved to Treat?

The FDA first approved the drug for treating depression in 1991.

It can treat the following disorders/conditions:

Depression
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Panic Disorder
Social Anxiety Disorder
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD).

How Does Zoloft Work for Mental Disorders?

Zoloft works by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain. This neurotransmitter regulates mood, emotions, and behavior.

In most mental disorders, there is a serotonin imbalance in the brain. Zoloft helps to restore this balance by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin. This way, more of this neurotransmitter remains in the brain.

By increasing the levels of serotonin, Zoloft can help to ease the symptoms of:

Depression
Anxiety
OCD

These conditions can cause feelings of worry, sadness, and panic. Zoloft aims to reduce these symptoms. It also aims to improve sleep, appetite, and energy levels.

But, it is important to note that Zoloft may not work for everyone. In some cases, it may even take several weeks for the medication to have an effect. Hence, it’s important to seek guidance from a healthcare provider. They will help determine the appropriate dosage and also check for potential side effects.

Effectiveness

How Effective Are Viibryd and Zoloft for Mental Disorders?

Healthcare professionals prescribe both drugs for mental disorders, particularly depression, and anxiety. Both work by increasing the serotonin levels in the brain. But, the efficacy of these medications may vary depending on the individual. It may also depend on the severity of their condition.

According to a study, both drugs were effective. This randomized trial compared vilazodone and sertraline for treating depression.

While both were effective for depressive symptoms, vilazodone had advantages over the latter. Vilazodone (Viibryd) worked well in terms of weight gain and adverse sexual effects.

Another study tested the effectiveness of sertraline in primary care patients with depression. Their symptoms ranged from mild to severe. It concluded that sertraline couldn't reduce depressive symptoms in the first six weeks. Researchers observed general improvements in self-rated mental health, quality of life, and anxiety.

In two 8-week placebo-controlled trials, vilazodone was more effective than the placebo. It improved depressive symptoms, but some adverse reactions were also observed, such as:

Vomiting
Insomnia
Nausea
Diarrhea

But, more studies should assess the safety and efficacy of viladozone beyond 8 weeks.

Dosage Information

How Is Viibryd Administered?

Viibryd is usually administered orally. It is available in the following strengths:

10 mg
20 mg
40 mg

Viibryd Dosage Infromation

The dosage of Viibryd can vary depending on the individual's age, the severity of their problem, and other factors.

How Is Zoloft Administered for Mental Disorders?

Zoloft is available in different forms, including;

Oral tablets; 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg
Capsules; 150 mg, 200 mg
Solution form; 20 mg/mL.

Zoloft Dosage Information

Zoloft is only recommended with a doctor's prescription. The dosage of Zoloft can vary depending on the individual's age, the severity of their problem, and other factors.

Side Effects

Both Viibryd and Zoloft carry their own side effects. If you experience the below-mentioned side effects, speak to your doctor immediately. You can also stop your medicine based on their advice.

What Are the Most Common Side Effects of Zoloft?

The most common side effects of Zoloft include the following;

Nausea.
Headache.
Dry Mouth.
Diarrhea.
Feeling nervous.
Increased sweating.
Restlessness.
Fatigue, sleepiness, or trouble falling asleep (insomnia)

Are There Any Potentially Serious Side Effects of Zoloft?

Some of the serious side effects of Zoloft include the following;

Shivering
Reduced semen discharge
Reduced sexual ability
Red or purple spots on the skin.
Blurred vision
Itching and rashes.
Loss of consciousness.

What Are the Most Common Side Effects of Viibryd?

The most common side effects of Viibryd include the following;

Diarrhea
Nausea
Vomiting
Trouble sleeping
Other digestive side effects

Are There Any Potentially Serious Side Effects of Viibryd?

Some of the serious side effects of Viibryd include the following;

Seizures
Low sodium levels in the blood
Mania or hypomania
Suicidal thoughts and actions
Bleeding more easily than usual.
Sudden pressure in the eye

Warnings and General Precautions for Viibryd and Zoloft

If you have recently stopped taking an MAO inhibitor, you must wait 14 days before taking Viibryd. But, you may have to speak to your healthcare professional for certainty.

Sudden withdrawal of either of the two medicines can lead to adverse outcomes. If you suddenly stop Viibryd or Zoloft, you may experience the following symptoms:

Dizziness
Nausea
Nightmares
Vomiting
Paresthesias (tingling or prickling sensation on the skin)

In most cases, discontinuation symptoms last for about one to three weeks. But, some people may also experience them for months.

Observing caution and general precautions is always important. It's vital to ensure that there are no dangerous interactions between medications. Additionally, discontinuing any medication without consulting a healthcare professional can also cause problems.

Contraindications and Important Interactions for Zoloft and Viibryd

Contraindications

Viibryd

Do not use Viibryd if you’re taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI).

Zoloft

Do not use it if you are allergic to its main component, sertraline, or if you also take pimozide.

Drug/Medication Interactions

Viibryd

Isocarboxazid
Metaxalone
Linezolid
Methylene blue
Phenelzine
Moclobemide
Rasagiline

Zoloft

Adderall
Clonazepam
Ibuprofen
Lamictal
Trazodone
Tramadol
Zyrtec (cetirizine)

Food/Beverage/Supplement Interactions

Viibryd

Limit your intake of grapefruit or grapefruit juice.

Avoid drinking alcohol with Viibryd. While there is no direct link between the two, you may experience heightened side effects. These could include impaired judgment, dizziness, and drowsiness.

Zoloft

Do not take fruits like grapefruit as its enzyme can hinder metabolism.

Avoid drinking alcohol. Also, avoid consuming too much caffeine, as it may worsen your symptoms.

Cost Comparison

How Much Do Zoloft and Viibryd Cost?

Prices for both drugs may vary due to many factors, such as insurance, dosage, and quantity. They can even depend on the location and pharmacy you buy from.

The price of Zoloft may be more than $500 if you’re paying out of pocket. The cost can vary depending on whether you opt for a brand or a generic version. It may also depend on the number of pills in one prescription.

The price for Viibryd oral kit is about $358 for around 30 kits. But it depends on the pharmacy you visit. The cost depends on the prescribed dosage and insurance plans. Both medications are often covered by insurance.

The Popularity of Viibryd and Zoloft

Both are popular medications for major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder.

They both hold high rankings among the millions of products available in the markets. Furthermore, Zoloft even ranked number 12 on the 2020 ratings list.

It is by far the most prescribed antidepressant. It had more than 38 million prescriptions in 2017. The popularity of this drug reflects its safety, efficacy, and tolerability.

SSRIs are more popular than any other class of drugs due to various factors. For one, they don’t have as many side effects. They also have better clinical efficacy. Most importantly, they’re not limited to treating depression.

They can also treat various other mental disorders, unlike other classes of drugs. Some are often limited to treating a particular condition. Generally, SSRIs have played a crucial role in revolutionizing therapy for depression.

Conclusion

Takeaway

Both medications can treat the major depressive disorder and various other mental disorders. Zoloft can treat anxiety and depression, but it interacts with many medicines. Viibryd (vilazodone) is also a good option for the treatment of depression. But, it may cause stomach irritation, including diarrhea. Both drugs offer their own upsides and downsides to those with depression or anxiety.

Nonetheless, it's important to take all factors into account. This is especially true when comparing the two drugs. Everyone has a unique situation. Everyone has different reactions and tolerance levels when it comes to taking medication. Hence, it's impossible to determine their safety and efficacy without assessing your condition.

So, making an informed decision is imperative. Consult a healthcare professional to understand which drug will suit your needs best. Discuss every aspect of your condition with them. This is important so they can educate you about the potential benefits and side effects.