vilazodone (Viibryd)

Meet with a licensed provider online to explore if an antidepressant medication like vilazodone (Viibryd) may be right for you.

Treatment for:
depression

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What is a SPARI?

A selective partial agonist and reuptake inhibitor (SPARI) is a class of medication used to treat mental health conditions like depression.

How does a SPARI work?

SPARIs both increase the availability of serotonin and act like serotonin in the brain. By working in these two different ways, SPARIs can be useful to reduce symptoms of major depressive disorder and other mental health conditions.

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How prescribing works

  • 1

    Find a provider who meets your needs

    Browse our providers online or call our scheduling team for matching assistance — find a provider who accepts your insurance and meets your needs, whether that’s a clinical specialty or a shared life experience. Choose a date and time that works for you and how you’d prefer to pay (using insurance or self-pay).

  • 2

    Meet 1:1 to begin treatment

    Meet online with your provider to begin treatment. At your first session, share any symptoms or struggles you’re experiencing along with your goals. Together, you and your provider will discuss if medication may be a good next step. Your provider may write you a prescription to be filled at your local pharmacy.

  • 3

    Attend sessions and start feeling better

    Once your treatment plan is created, your provider will regularly check in and encourage feedback to ensure any medication you may be prescribed is effective for you.

FAQs

What is vilazodone (Viibryd) used for?

Vilazodone (Viibryd) is an antidepressant medication used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD), or depression, as it's more commonly known. It is a serotonin partial agonist reuptake inhibitor (SPARI) that works to treat depression by improving serotonin levels in the brain.

How is vilazodone (Viibryd) different from other ssris?

Vilazodone is different from other SSRIs because it works in two different ways to balance levels of the brain chemical serotonin in the brain, functioning as both an SSRI and a serotonin receptor agonist. Researchers believe this may help Vilazodone start working faster than other SSRI medications to treat depression symptoms.

Does vilazodone (Viibryd) cause weight gain or loss?

Weight gain or weight loss are not common with vilazodone use, though some people who take vilazodone may experience changes in weight. Vilazodone can cause diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting, which, in serious cases, may cause some weight loss. Talk with your provider if you have concerns about weight changes with vilazodone use; they can provide more information.

Is vilazodone (Viibryd) a controlled substance?

No, vilazodone is not a controlled substance—it is not habit-forming and doesn't cause addiction. If you have questions about how vilazodone works, talk with your provider to learn more.

How long does vilazodone (Viibryd) take to start working?

Your provider will likely start you on a low dose of vilazodone and gradually increase your dose based on your response to the medication. It may take a few weeks to several months of taking vilazodone regularly before you notice an improvement in your symptoms. If you have questions about vilazodone's effectiveness for you, talk with your provider. Do not change your dosage or stop taking the medication on your own.

Does vilazodone (Viibryd) help anxiety?

Yes, Vilazodone can help with anxiety and is sometimes used off-label to treat it. An off-label use is when a medication is used for a purpose other than its officially approved use(s). In some cases, if you have both depression and anxiety, your provider may discuss vilazodone as an option for you. To learn more about whether vilazodone can help with anxiety, talk with your provider.

Can I get a prescription online?

You can meet online with a licensed provider at Thriveworks — if it’s clinically appropriate, they may prescribe you medication for the treatment of a diagnosed mental health condition. Your Thriveworks provider will send your prescription to a local pharmacy to be filled.

Can I use my health insurance for online prescriptions and refills?

Thriveworks accepts most major insurance plans for our online psychiatry and therapy services. Your insurance may also cover the cost of any medication prescribed to you by your Thriveworks provider, which can be filled at a local pharmacy. Check with your insurance provider to confirm your medical and prescription coverage information.

How do I get a prescription at Thriveworks?

Schedule an online appointment with a licensed psychiatric provider at Thriveworks. After meeting with you and discussing your symptoms and treatment plan, your provider may recommend a prescription medication and/or additional services to help you reach your goals.

This information has been reviewed for accuracy and approved by our licensed psychiatric team. Published December 10, 2024

We offer psychiatry in these select states

Our psychiatry services are done completely online, so you can schedule with any psychiatric provider in your state.

Dr. Scott Gordon

Accepting medication as part of your mental health care plan is an individual and often deeply personal decision. At Thriveworks, we’re here to help you understand your care options and support you on the path toward wellness. We prioritize treating the whole patient, whether through medication, therapy, or a combination of both — guided by clinical best practices and rigorously developed treatment strategies to help clients safely and efficiently resolve their symptoms.

Dr. Scott Gordon Chief Medical Officer

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