Zoloft Vs Viibryd

Introduction

More than 21.0 million Americans struggle with one depressive episode in their lifetime. Depression is a prevalent disorder that significantly impacts the way one feels, functions, and thinks. Fortunately, there are multiple therapies that can help you battle depression and other mental health disorders.

Zoloft and Viibryd are among the most popular antidepressants prescribed by many mental health practitioners. Both these medications are Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and are common treatments for severe depression and anxiety disorders.

While these medications belong to the same class of drugs, they have numerous differences. Understanding how they work and how they are different is integral before starting a new treatment.

About Zoloft and Viibryd

What is Zoloft?

Zoloft (Sertraline) is among the first choices for the treatment of major depressive disorder and other mental health conditions. It earned FDA approval in ¹⁹⁹⁹. This antidepressant is available in liquid suspension and oral tablet form and must be taken once every day.

It is crucial to inform your health care provider if you are taking any other medication for depression, Parkinson's disease, severe infections, mental illness, migraines, or prevention of vomiting and nausea, or if you take any herbal products, opioid medication, or stimulant drugs.

Inform your doctor if you have experienced the following:

Bipolar disorder (manic depression)
Bleeding problems
Glaucoma
Kidney or liver disease
Long QT syndrome
Low levels of sodium
Seizures
Sensitivity or allergy to tartrazine, aspirin or latex
Sexual problems
Stroke, high blood pressure, or heart disease

What conditions is Zoloft approved to treat?

Zoloft is approved for the treatment of many mental health disorders, including:

Anxiety
Bulimia nervosa
Depression
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Panic disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
Social anxiety disorder

It is also used for the treatment of other disorders off-label, including:

Binge eating disorder
Body dysmorphic disorder
Bulimia nervosa
Neuropathic pain
Premature ejaculation
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder

How does Zoloft work for Depression?

Depression is caused because of a chemical imbalance, particularly serotonin deficiency, in the brain. Zoloft increases the levels of serotonin production in the brain, which helps in regulating mood and reducing the symptoms of depression.

Zoloft blocks the reuptake of serotonin in the neuronal membrane and prevents the norepinephrine entry in the brain. This means Zoloft not only keeps the good chemicals in the brain to regulate mood but also keeps the bad ones out.

What is Viibryd?

Viibryd (Vilazodone) is an antidepressant that is prescribed for the treatment of major depressive disorder. It received FDA approval for the depression treatment in ²⁰¹¹ among adults. It is not approved for pediatric patients.

Inform your doctor if you have experienced the following:

Alcohol drinking
Blood clotting or bleeding disorder
Drug addiction
Epilepsy or seizures
Kidney or liver disease
Manic depression
Narrow-angle glaucoma
Sexual problems
Suicidal thoughts

What conditions is Viibryd approved to treat?

This medication has been approved for the treatment of multiple disorders, including:

Bulimia Nervosa
Depressive episodes linked to Bipolar I Disorder
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Treatment Resistant Depression

It is also used off-label for the treatment of the following:

Eating disorders, like bulimia nervosa
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
Insomnia
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Panic disorder

How does Viibryd work for Depression?

This antidepressant is a partial serotonin receptor and SSRI that works by restoring the brain’s natural substances. It directly acts on the serotonin receptors and increases the circulation of serotonin in the brain.

Effectiveness

How effective are Zoloft and Viibryd for treating Depression?

Since both these medications are classified as SSRIs, they are highly effective for the treatment of major depressive disorder. However, Viibryd has a better side effect profile compared to Zoloft and has been found to work quicker.

Studies have found that while both these medications have similar efficacy, Viibryd has lesser side effects, particularly in terms of sexual dysfunction and weight gain as compared to Zoloft.

It is important to note, however, that Viibryd is a recently approved antidepressant. This means that it is still not covered in many insurance coverage. Moreover, there aren’t any generic forms of Viibryd available yet.

Furthermore, every medication for depression can react differently for each patient. Therefore, it is important to consult a professional health provider to find the one that works best for you.

Dosage information

How is Zoloft administered for Depression?

Zoloft is orally taken with 25, 50, and 100 mg concentrations but it is also available in oral liquid concentration in a multidose 60 mL bottle, concentrated at 20 mg /ml, and as 150 mg and 200 mg capsules.

How is Viibryd administered for Depression?

Viibryd dosage information

The standard dose for Viibryd is 20 mg to 40 mg per day, depending on the condition.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Zoloft?

Some of the common side effects of this medication include:

Abnormal ejaculation
Changes in appetite
Constipation
Decreased sex drive
Diarrhea
Difficulty having an orgasm
Dizziness
Drowsiness
Dry mouth
Dry mouth
Headache
Impotence
Nausea
Nervousness
Skin rash
Sleep problems (insomnia)
Sleepiness
Stomach pain
Tired feeling
Upset stomach
Weight loss

Are there any potential serious side effects of Zoloft?

Zoloft may cause serious side effects including:

Agitation
Confusion
Fast or uneven heartbeats
Feeling unsteady
Hallucinations
High fever
Loss of appetite
Loss of coordination
Memory problems
Overactive reflexes
Rigid muscles
Seizure
Shallow breathing
Sweating
Tremors
Trouble concentrating
Vomiting
Weakness

* If you experience any of these serious side effects, seek medical help immediately

It is also possible to overdose on Zoloft. Some of the common symptoms of Wellbutrin overdose include:

Fainting
Hallucinations
Manic episodes
Seizures
Sudden changes in blood pressure

Are there the most common side effects of Viibryd?

Some common side effects of this medication include:

Diarrhea
Insomnia
Nausea
Vomiting

Are there any potential serious side effects of Viibryd?

Some severe side effects of Viibryd include:

Agitation
Blood in stools or urine
Confusion
Confusion
Decreased inhibitions
Easy bruising
Extreme thirst
Fainting
Fast or uneven heartbeats
Feelings of extreme sadness or happiness
Fever
Hallucinations
Lightheadedness
Loss of coordination
Memory problems
Overactive reflexes
Racing thoughts
Risk-taking behavior
Seizures (convulsions)
Shallow breathing
Sweating
Tremors
Trouble concentrating
Unusual bleeding (rectum, vagina, mouth, or nose),
Very stiff muscles
Weakness

* If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical help immediately

It is also possible to overdose on Viibryd. Some of the common symptoms of Viibryd overdose include:

Fainting
Hallucinations
Irregular heartbeat
Mental confusion high fever
Seizures
Severe headaches

Contraindications and Interactions

Warnings and general precautions for Zoloft and Viibryd

Both these medications have FDA’s black box warning for suicidal behavior and thoughts among young adults and adolescents. These medications also pose a risk for serotonin syndrome as they can increase the levels of this chemical for higher toxicity. The possibility is higher if you are increasing the dose of the medications.

Zoloft can result in decreasing the levels of sodium in your blood. This problem is more common among senior individuals, particularly those with high blood pressure. Hence, its crucial to consult your health care provider immediately if you are experiencing memory problems, confusion, headache, or unsteadiness. Furthermore, if you are struggling with reduced desire for sexual intercourse or have persistent delay in orgasm, it is essential to go to the doctor as these might be an indication of sexual dysfunction. Zoloft could also impact blood sugar levels for diabetic patients.

Zoloft should only be consumed during pregnancy when there are no other alternatives since it can harm the unborn baby. Furthermore, children born to women who have taken this medication in the last three months of pregnancy have increased chances of developing symptoms of withdrawal, including constant crying, muscle stiffness, seizures, breathing or feeding difficulties.

It is crucial not to stop either of these medications abruptly as that could result in severe withdrawal symptoms and might worsen the depression.

Since Viibryd is a recently approved antidepressant, there isn’t sufficient information on its impact on nursing mothers and pregnant women. Animal studies indicate a decrease in fetal weight, reduced fertility, delayed maturation, and high mortality. Children born to women who have taken this medication might experience temperature control issues, seizures, and breathing issues.

Contraindications and important interactions for Zoloft and Viibryd

Contraindications

Zoloft

Not recommended for patients allergic to its main component, sertraline.

Not recommended to any patient with impaired liver function and a history of bipolar disorder, manic and hypomanic disorder.

Viibryd

Cannot take with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)

Not recommended for any patient with severe liver problems

Must not be combined with Toxoplasma Infections

It might interfere with numerous medical/laboratory tests (like brain scan for Parkinson's disease), leading to false results

Drug/Medication Interactions

Zoloft

Warfarin
Digitoxin
Cimetidine
CNS active drugs
Drugs metabolized by P450 3A4
Drugs metabolized by P450 2D6
Serotonergic Drugs
Triptans
Sumatriptan
Tricyclic Antidepressants
Hypoglycemic Dr4ugs
Atenolol
Digoxin
NSAIDS

Viibryd

Any drug that causes bleeding/bruising (like aspirin, clopidogrel, ibuprofen, heparin, warfarin)
Adderall (amphetamine / dextroamphetamine)
Bupropion
Buspirone
Sodium oxybate
Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)
Wellbutrin XL (bupropion)
Tramadol
Trazodone
Azelastine
Ethanol
Methylene blue
Oliceridine

Food/Beverage/Supplement Interactions

Zoloft

Intake of alcohol with Zoloft is not recommended. It can worsen side effects such as dizziness and drowsiness and other anxiety symptoms.

Viibryd

Must not combine this medication with alcohol

Cost Comparison

How much do Zoloft and Viibryd cost?

A 100mg tablet bottle of Zoloft could cost $416.15 and last for a month. However, the price of 20mg/ml of Zoloft starts from $289.04. Similarly, the cost for of 25mg tablets is $416.15 and the cost of 50mg tablets is $140.12. Furthermore, Zoloft is also covered in most of the coverage plans, and there are various discounts and coupons available at multiple large pharmacies.

Viibryd costs start at $42.73 and could vary depending on pharmacies. Moreover, there are no generic forms of this medication yet and many insurance coverage don’t include this drug since it has been recently approved.

Therefore, Zoloft could be more cost-effective for most of the patients.

Popularity of Zoloft and Viibryd

Zoloft is among the most common antidepressants in the country and is ranked among the top 12 medication for depression. However, since Viibryd is a new drug, there isn’t sufficient data to determine its popularity among other antidepressants.

Conclusion

Takeaway

Depression takes a significant toll on individuals and can greatly affect their daily activities, social life, work, and relationships. It is important to discuss your situation and symptoms with a mental health practitioner to get a diagnosis immediately and the right treatment based on your circumstances. Zoloft and Viibryd are effective antidepressants but must only be used if the doctor prescribes them.

Both of these medications have shown to be effective in the treatment of major depressive disorder and their symptoms. However, both come with their set of advantages and risks. While both work in similar ways, Viibryd has been found to have lower side effects compared to Zoloft. However, Viibryd is a relatively newer medication to get approval, there is still insufficient data on its impact.

Your doctor will discuss the best treatment plan for you and prescribe the antidepressant that would work best for your condition.