Prozac vs. Viibryd: Which One Should I Take?

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. 

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.

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.