SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor) and 5-HT1A receptor partial agonist
Inhibits serotonin reuptake via serotonin transporter (SERT) and acts as a partial agonist at 5-HT1A receptors, potentially enhancing serotonergic neurotransmission with anxiolytic properties.
Major depressive disorder (MDD)
Various anxiety disorders
Oral tablets (10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg)
10 mg p.o. daily for 7 days, then increase to 20 mg daily, titrating up to 40 mg/day as clinically indicated; must be taken with food for optimal absorption
20–40 mg/day
Half-life ~25 hours; metabolized primarily via CYP3A4; steady state in ~1 week
Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, insomnia, sexual dysfunction
Serotonin syndrome, hyponatremia
Monitor for serotonin syndrome and seizure risk in predisposed patients
Increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, adolescents, and young adults with MDD and other psychiatric disorders
Vilazodone should be used cautiously in patients with a history of seizures, as it may lower the seizure threshold. There is limited evidence for its use in neurodegenerative diseases or other special populations. Reviews of vilazodone’s clinical profile consistently state that, unlike vortioxetine, vilazodone has not demonstrated cognitive-enhancing properties in elderly patients or those with cognitive impairment.