Medicine & USMLE

Vilazodone

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Psych Drugs (New)
  1. Mirtazapine
  2. Vortioxetine
  3. Bupropion
  4. Trazodone
  5. Vilazodone
  6. Buspirone
  7. Buprenorphine
  8. Typical Antipsychotics
  9. Naltrexone
  10. Nicotine Replacement Therapies

Summary

Vilazodone is a medication used to treat depression. It works through two main mechanisms: it is a partial agonist at 5-HT1A receptors and it inhibits the reuptake of serotonin.

Common side effects of vilazodone include anticholinergic effects, as well as headache, nausea and vomiting, and diarrhea. It can also rarely cause serotonin syndrome.

Key Points

  • Vilazodone
    • Mechanism
      • Partial agonist of serotonin (5-HT1A) receptor
      • Inhibits serotonin (5-HT) reuptake
    • Clinical Use
      • Treats depression (atypical antidepressant)
    • Side Effects
      • Serotonin syndrome
        • Especially when combined with other serotonin-modulating drugs (e.g. MAOIs, SSRIs, TCA’s)
      • Headache
      • Diarrhea
        • Thought to be related to serotonin’s effects on the GI tract
      • Nausea
      • Anticholinergic effects