Medicine & USMLE

Vilazodone

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Psych Pharm
  1. Lithium
  2. Typical Antipsychotics
  3. Atypical Antipsychotics
  4. SSRIs
  5. SNRIs
  6. Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)
  7. Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)
  8. Bupropion
  9. Mirtazapine
  10. Trazadone
  11. Vilazodone
  12. Vortioxetine
  13. Buspirone
  14. Varenicline

Summary

Vilazadone is a drug used to treat major depressive disorder. It acts through multiple mechanisms to increase signaling at serotonin receptors in the brain. An important side effect to remember is serotonin syndrome, which is more common if vilazodone is given in conjunction with other serotonin-modulating drugs. Vilazodone can also cause nonspecific symptoms of GI upset, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Key Points

  • Vilazodone
    • Mechanism:
      • Acts as a partial agonist of serotonin (5-HT1A) receptor
      • Inhibits serotonin (5-HT) reuptake
    • Indications:
      • Treats Major depressive disorder
    • Adverse effects:
      • Causes Serotonin Syndrome
        • Especially when combined with other serotonin-modulating drugs (e.g. MAOIs, SSRIs, TCA’s)
      • Causes nonspecific symptoms (nausea, diarrhea, headache)