If you are searching for relief from your mental health condition, knowing which medication is right for you can be overwhelming. With all of the options available, it can be difficult to even choose between well-known antidepressants like Prozac and Viibryd.

This article breaks down the similarities and differences between these two antidepressants so that you can make an informed decision about your mental health treatment. Although Prozac and Viibryd are the same kinds of antidepressants, they vary in terms of recommended doses, side effects, and warnings for use.

Licensed providers on Klarity provide personalized treatment. Find a provider that matches your needs and preferences.

If you want to get started with depression treatment today, Klarity Health can connect you with a licensed healthcare provider within 48 hours who will help you identify which medication, if any, is right for your symptoms. Schedule an appointment today.

This article discusses suicide, suicidal ideation, and self-harm. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or is in crisis, contact the Suicide Prevention Lifeline immediately at 800-273-8255.

	Prozac	Viibryd
Drug Class	Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)	Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)
Brand / Generic Status	Brand name fluoxetine	Brand name for vilazodone
Form(s) of the Drug	• Clear, peppermint-flavored liquid suspension • Half-green, half-white capsules	Immediate release tablets, Extended-release capsules
Standard Dosage	Liquid suspension: • 10mg per dose Capsules: • 10mg per dose	Color-coded immediate release tablets: • 10mg red • 20mg yellow • 40mg blue
Conditions Treated	FDA-approved uses: • Anxiety and stress • Major depression • Bulimia nervosa • Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) • Panic disorder • Postpartum depression • Schizoaffective disorder Off-label uses: • Anorexia nervosa • Premature ejaculation • Various anxiety disorders	FDA-approved uses: • Depression Off-label uses: • Obsessive-compulsive disorder • Generalized anxiety disorder • Panic disorder
Cost	Generic form (fluoxetine): • $3 to $4 for 30-days’ worth of capsules* • $12 for 30 days’ worth of liquid suspension *May cost up to $100 for high dosages Brand-name: • $460 to $1000 for 30 days’ worth of capsules	Generic form (vilazodone): • $15 for a 30-day supply Brand-name: • $340 for a 30-day supply
Side-Effects	Common side effects: • Nausea • Diarrhea or constipation • Changes in appetite • Headache and fatigue • Increased sweating • Trouble sleeping • Impotence/sexual dysfunction Serious side effects include: • Fever • High blood pressure • Rigid muscles • Seizures • Kidney or respiratory failure • Disorientation or delirium • Serotonin syndrome	Common side effects: • Nausea • Vomiting • Diarrhea • Insomnia • Sexual dysfunction Serious side effects: • Seizures • Blurred or tunnel vision • Eye pain, swelling, or seeing halos around lights • Easy bruising or unusual bleeding • Racing thoughts or unusual risk-taking behavior • Decreased inhibitions, euphoria, or extreme sadness • Headache or severe weakness • Confusion or slurred speech • Loss of coordination or feeling unsteady
Warnings For Use	Contraindicated conditions: • Diabetes • Liver disease • Alcohol use disorder • History of bipolar disorder • History of suicide attempts • Low blood sodium or dehydration • Seizures • Gastrointestinal ulcers • Glaucoma Drug Interactions: • Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) • Aspirin and other blood thinners • Antihistamines • Opioid pain relievers • St. John’s wort • Cannabis and MDMA	Contraindicated conditions: • Liver or kidney disease • Bleeding or blood clotting disorders • Narrow-angle glaucoma • Epilepsy • Bipolar disorder • Sexual function issues • A history of drug addiction • Suicidal thoughts Drug interactions: • Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) • Pimozide or other Tourette's syndrome medications • Thioridazine or other antipsychotic medications • Stimulant medications, like Adderall • Opioid-based painkillers • Herbal supplements, such as St. John’s Wort • Tryptophan

What is Prozac?

Prozac, also known by its generic name fluoxetine, is a medication used to treat depression in adults and children over the age of eight. It’s a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that is commonly prescribed to treat depression symptoms and symptoms of other serotonin-related conditions.

SSRIs block the reuptake of serotonin, a chemical messenger in the brain that helps regulate mood, appetite, and sleep. With more serotonin in your system, you’re more likely to feel at ease and find relief from depression symptoms.

Common Doses and Forms of Prozac

Prozac can come in liquid or capsule form, and a medical provider will determine which option is best for you. The capsules come in a 20 mg dose, and the liquid is usually measured in 10 mg doses. Most adults take the capsule form, whereas the liquid is ideal for children under the age of 13.

Most adult patients start out taking 20 mg a day and gradually increase the dose to somewhere between 60 mg and 80 mg, depending on the healthcare provider’s recommendation. Children taking Prozac usually start around 10 mg and will increase the dose to 60 mg when necessary.

Conditions Prozac treats

Prozac is primarily prescribed to treat major depression and generalized anxiety disorder. That said, it can also treat many other conditions in an off-label capacity.

Prozac Can Treat Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression

Patients are commonly prescribed Prozac to treat symptoms of major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder, including:

Chronic anxiety
Fear
Intrusive thoughts
Panic attacks
Irritability
Fluctuating mood
Difficulty sleeping
Poor appetite
Low energy
Low mood, disinterest in daily life

Off-label uses for Prozac

Off-label use means that your healthcare provider prescribes a medication that’s not FDA-approved to treat your specific condition, but has shown to be effective in treating your symptoms.

FDA approval requires extensive testing and resources and isn’t possible for every single use of a medication. Medical professionals may also prescribe Prozac to treat eating disorders like anorexia nervosa, panic disorders, and premature ejaculation. The use of Prozac for treating off-label conditions such as these should only be done under the supervision of a provider.

Prozac Costs

For the brand name Prozac, a 30-day supply can cost patients between $460 and $1000 dollars depending on the dosage. Unfortunately, many insurance companies do not cover name-brand Prozac because of the high price.

On the other hand, the generic form, fluoxetine, can be more affordable. Many insurance companies, including medicare, cover fluoxetine, and a 30-day supply of capsules can cost between $3 and $4. For patients who require a higher dose, fluoxetine can cost up to $100 a month.

Prozac Side Effects

Prozac can cause side effects for some patients, which can be mild and, in rare cases, severe. If you experience prolonged or worsening symptoms, contact your healthcare provider to discuss adjusting your dose or switching medications.

Common side effects of Prozac include:

Nausea
Change in appetite
Headache and fatigue
Increased sweating
Difficulty sleeping
Impotence
Diarrhea and constipation

More severe side effects can also occur. If you experience any of these, contact your medical provider immediately.

High blood pressure
Rigid muscles
Seizures
Disorientation
Kidney failure
Respiratory issues
Fever

SSRI medications like Prozac can sometimes cause serotonin syndrome, a condition that occurs when too much serotonin is present in the body. Serotonin syndrome can result in diarrhea, confusion, rapid heart rate, and seizures. In rare cases, serotonin syndrome can be deadly, so you must contact your medical provider if you experience any of these symptoms.

Prozac Warnings

Prozac can be dangerous when taken by patients with certain medical conditions. If you have any of the following conditions, you should avoid taking Prozac or discuss it with your provider first.

Liver disease
Alcoholism
History of bipolar disorder or suicide attempts
Low blood sodium, dehydration
Seizures
Diabetes
Gastrointestinal ulcers
Glaucoma

Additionally, Prozac can sometimes result in changes in behavior or mood. If you experience increased thoughts of self-harm or suicide, contact your healthcare provider right away.

Prozac Drug Interactions

Prozac can have dangerous drug interactions with certain medications and substances. It is important to ask your provider about any medications you are currently taking and their possible interactions with Prozac.

The following substances should be avoided in conjunction with Prozac

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications
Aspirin and blood thinners
Antihistamines
Opioids
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
St. John’s Wort
Cannabis
MDMA
Alcohol
Trazadol
Wellbutrin
Adderall

What is Viibryd?

Viibryd is the brand name for vilazodone, an SSRI antidepressant like Prozac. It works by increasing the brain’s levels of serotonin by preventing the reabsorption of this important brain chemical. Viibryd helps regulate mood, improve concentration, increase energy, and more.

Common Doses and Forms of Viibryd

Viibryd comes in tablet form, in three different dosage sizes, which are color-coded. Tablets that are red are 10 mg, yellow ones are 20 mg, and blue tablets are 40 mg. Many patients begin with a 10 mg dose daily and gradually increase dosage under the guidance of their provider up to 40 mg.

Conditions Viibryd Treats

Viibryd is a more potent SSRI, so it is usually only used to treat depression and related conditions. In some cases, it has been an effective treatment option for anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Viibryd Can Treat Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression

Depression and anxiety can both be caused by an imbalance of serotonin, so SSRI antidepressants like Viibryd can treat symptoms of both by increasing serotonin levels in the brain. Treatable symptoms can include:

Chronic fatigue
Insomnia
Lack of appetite
Lack of interest
Panic attacks
Chronic nervousness

Off-label Uses for Viibryd

Viibyrd is currently only FDA-approved for treating depression, but medical providers consider it safe for treating some conditions in an off-label capacity, including the following:

Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Generalized anxiety disorder
Panic disorder

Viibryd Costs

A month’s supply of Viibryd as a name-brand option can cost patients up to $341. In contrast, a month’s supply for the generic form, vilazodone, can be prescribed for around $15. These prices will vary depending on your insurance, dose, and pharmacy.

Viibryd Side Effects

Viibyrd can cause some side effects, but in general, these occur at the start of taking the medication and will subside after a few weeks once the body has acclimated to it. Common side effects can include the following:

Nausea
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Insomnia
Sexual dysfunction

In rare cases, Viibyrd has caused severe, potentially fatal side effects, and if you experience any of the following while taking Viibyrd, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Blurred vision
Pain and swelling in the eyes
Unusual bleeding and easy bruising
Seizures
Racing thoughts, confusion
Increased risk-taking
Extreme sadness and decreased inhibitions
Headaches
Severe weakness, loss of coordination
Slurred speech

Viibryd Warnings

For some patients with existing medical conditions, Viibyrd can have negative effects on the symptoms of the condition. If you or anyone in your family has had any of the following conditions, you should avoid taking Viibyrd or speak to your provider about possible interactions.

Liver disease
Kidney disease
Narrow-angle glaucoma
Epilepsy
Bipolar disorder
Issues with sexual function
Suicidal thoughts
Bleeding and clotting disorders
History of drug or alcohol addiction

Viibryd Drug Interactions

Viibyrd can have negative and sometimes dangerous interactions with certain medications and other substances. If you currently take any of the following medications, you should speak to your provider before taking Viibyrd, and may need to seek an alternative antidepressant.

Stimulant medications like Adderall
Opioids
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
Medication for Tourette’s syndrome, such as pimozide
Herbal supplements like St. John’s Wort
Tryptophan
Thioridazine and other antipsychotic medications

Get Anxiety and Depression Treatment with Help From Klarity Health

Do you want relief from your anxiety or depression symptoms but don’t want to waste time and money searching for a provider who will give you quick results? Klarity Health has a solution for you that doesn’t even require you to leave your home.

Our telehealth services have helped over 30,000 people connect with experienced, fully licensed healthcare providera who have experience treating symptoms of major depressive disorder and anxiety.

When you schedule an appointment through Klarity Health, we’ll schedule your first visit within the following 48 hours. Skip all the waiting of traditional appointments and start your journey toward relief from your anxiety and depression symptoms.

Frequently Asked Questions About Prozac and Viibryd

Does Prozac Make You Gain Weight? Does Viibryd?: Prozac and Viibyrd can both cause weight gain for some patients. For example, those who have a lack of appetite without medication may find that it increases when the serotonin levels in the brain have increased, leading you to eat more and gain some weight. This side-effect can taper off a few months into taking the medicine when your body has had time to acclimate.
Is Prozac or Viibryd Better for Anxiety?: Both Prozac and Viibyrd can treat symptoms of anxiety. However, Prozac is more commonly used to treat anxiety disorders. In some cases, healthcare providers will prescribe Viibryd for off-label use to treat anxiety. Your provider will help you determine which medication would be the most beneficial for you.
Can I Replace Prozac with Viibryd?: Viibryd can be used in place of Prozac to treat depression, anxiety, and other symptoms. However, you will need to be prescribed Viibryd by a medical professional before replacing it with Prozac.
Is Prozac Energizing or Sedating? What About Viibryd?: Prozac can help treat symptoms of depression by increasing mood and energy levels, as does Viibryd. SSRIs are often more energizing than other antidepressants, so they are a good option if you are suffering from low energy levels.
Does Prozac Cause Brain Fog? Does Viibryd?: Brain fog includes symptoms such as trouble focusing, memory problems, inability to think clearly, losing balance, and more. Prozac and Viibryd can both cause brain fog for some patients, and if you experience this side effect, contact your provider.
Can I Drink Alcohol On Viibryd? On Prozac?: Mixing SSRIs such as Prozac and Viibryd with alcohol can have serious consequences. Taking SSRIs with alcohol heightens the effects of the alcohol, as well as any side effects you are experiencing from the antidepressant. Medical providers recommend that patients taking Prozac or Viibryd do not consume alcohol.
Can I Drink Caffeine When I’m on Viibryd? How About Prozac?: No interactions between caffeine and Viibryd or Prozac have been found, so it is considered safe to consume caffeine while taking either medication.
What Is Better For Depression—Viibryd or Prozac?: Prozac and Viibryd can both be used to successfully treat major depressive disorder and similar conditions. Your healthcare provider will review your medical history, other medications you are taking and how well you tolerate them, and your symptoms to determine which medication you should try. Sometimes, patients have to try more than one antidepressant to find the best match.

How we reviewed this article: This article went through rigorous fact-checking by a team of medical reviewers. Reviewers are trained medical professionals who ensure each article contains the most up-to-date information, and that medical details have been correctly interpreted by the author. Learn more about the editorial and medical review process and standards for the HelloKlarity site.

*Appointments are generally available within 24 hours. Free initial consultations are available only with select providers. Prescriptions, particularly for controlled substances, may require an in-person evaluation depending on the state of residence and current federal regulations.

The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Controlled substances may not be appropriate for all patients and any mention of these medications is for educational purposes only, not for marketing or encouraging self-diagnosis. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health. Providers on Klarity Health are independent practitioners with clinical autonomy. Nothing in this article is intended to diagnose or treat any condition, including guaranteeing prescription medication of any kind or dosage. Not all providers on Klarity Health prescribe all medications, particularly medications that are controlled substances.

If you’re having a mental health crisis or experiencing a psychiatric emergency, it’s crucial to seek immediate help from a mental healthcare professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or therapist. You can also call your local emergency services, visit your nearest emergency room, or contact a crisis hotline, such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, by calling or texting 988 or dialing the Lifeline’s previous phone number, 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) in the U.S.