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Viibryd vs Celexa
Introduction
For individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD) or other forms of depression, certain drugs that modify the levels of mood-related compounds in the brain, known as neurotransmitters, can assist in managing symptoms and stabilizing depressive lows. Viibryd and Celexa are two such medications commonly prescribed for depression. Both impact serotonin levels in the brain but achieve this through different mechanisms, thus having a mood-stabilizing effect on patients with depression. Viibryd is classified as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and partial 5-HT1A receptor agonist, meaning it not only prevents the reabsorption of serotonin but also stimulates some receptors to increase their activity. On the other hand, Celexa falls strictly under SSRIs affecting only serotonin absorption without any additional receptor stimulation.
What is Viibryd?
Vilazodone (the generic name for Viibryd) is one of the newer classes of antidepressants known as serotonin modulators and stimulators (SMSs). This medication was first approved by the FDA in 2011. Unlike traditional selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), Viibryd not only increases levels of free serotonin by blocking its reabsorption, but also binds to certain serotonin receptors for enhanced activation. It is commonly prescribed for the treatment of major depressive disorder.
On the other hand, citalopram (the generic name for Celexa) belongs to an older class of drugs called SSRIs, which were a significant advancement from tricyclic antidepressants. Approved by the FDA in 1998, it works fundamentally like Vilazodone: increasing levels of free serotonin in your brain by inhibiting its reabsorption. However, it does not activate any receptors like SMSs do.
Both medications have proved effective against depression; however, they differ slightly in side effects due to their mechanisms. While Celexa might cause sexual dysfunction and weight changes more frequently than Viibryd might induce gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea more often due to extra receptor activity.
What conditions is Viibryd approved to treat?
Viibryd is FDA-approved for the treatment of different types of depressive disorders:
- Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
On the other hand, Celexa is approved for similar but slightly different conditions:
- Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
- Panic disorder with or without agoraphobia
How does Viibryd help with these illnesses?
Viibryd helps to manage depression by increasing the amount of serotonin available in the synapses of the brain. It does this through a dual mechanism: serotonin reuptake inhibition (like SSRIs) and partial agonism at serotonin 5-HT1A receptors. By blocking the reabsorption of serotonin into neurons, levels can be maintained higher for longer periods of time. Further, its action on 5-HT1A receptors is thought to contribute additional antidepressant effects.
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that acts as a messenger in the brain and throughout the body, playing an important role in mood regulation, cognition, memory, sleep patterns amongst other things. It's believed that individuals with depression have relatively lower levels of serotonin; therefore increasing these levels can help patients manage their symptoms and stabilize their mood.
On another hand, Celexa (citalopram), like Viibryd also affects the level of serotonin but only works by stopping its reabsorption back into neurons without acting on 5-HT1A or any other receptor sites unlike Viibryd which may account for differences between these two medications' efficacy or side effect profiles.
What is Celexa?
Celexa is the brand name for citalopram, an antidepressant in a group of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). What this means is that Celexa works by restoring the balance of serotonin, a natural substance in the brain, which helps to improve certain mood problems. It was first approved by the FDA in 1998. Unlike Viibryd which also acts on another neurotransmitter called vasopressin 1A receptor aside from being an SSRI, Celexa purely operates as an SSRI and does not engage with other neurotransmitters. Because it specifically targets serotonin without affecting other chemicals, its side effect profile differs somewhat from those antidepressants that have multiple mechanisms of action like Viibryd. In particular, it's less likely to cause gastrointestinal issues and sexual dysfunction—an issue common with many SSRIs—but may still result in some level of sedation or weight changes under certain circumstances. The specific effects on serotonergic neurons can be beneficial for treating depression and anxiety disorders especially when patients do not respond well to mixed mechanism antidepressant drugs such as Viibryd.
What conditions is Celexa approved to treat?
Celexa is an FDA-approved medication for the treatment of:
- Major depressive disorder (MDD)
- Panic disorder, with or without agoraphobia
This widely used antidepressant belongs to a class of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which work by increasing the level of serotonin in your brain, thereby helping to restore your mental balance and improve mood.
How does Celexa help with these illnesses?
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays crucial roles in many processes in the body, influencing mood balance, sleep regulation, appetite and digestion. Low levels of serotonin have been associated with depression. Celexa works by increasing the amount of serotonin available in the brain, thereby helping to alleviate some symptoms of depression. Its action predominantly focuses on enhancing serotonin activity which makes it an effective selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). Since it primarily influences serotonin levels, it's often prescribed when a patient does not respond well to other SSRI antidepressants or newer options like Viibryd which also affects another neurotransmitter called V1A receptor along with its effects on serotonin. This dual-action can offer additional benefits for certain patients but may also come with different side effects compared to traditional SSRIs like Celexa.
How effective are both Viibryd and Celexa?
Both vilazodone (Viibryd) and citalopram (Celexa) are effective medications for treating major depressive disorder, with the latter being approved by the FDA in 1998 and the former only recently gaining approval in 2011. They act on similar but not identical neurotransmitters; Viibryd is a serotonin modulating antidepressant while Celexa is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor.
The effectiveness of vilazodone and citalopram was directly compared in a randomized, double-blind clinical trial conducted in 2015. Both drugs showed similar efficacy at reducing symptoms of depression after eight weeks of treatment, though patients taking vilazodone experienced fewer side effects related to sexual dysfunction — an advantage that may make it more suitable for certain individuals.
A review study performed on citalopram demonstrated its effectiveness as early as one week into treatment. This efficiency coupled with its favorable side effect profile has made it a popular choice among prescribers worldwide. As one of the earlier SSRI-class antidepressants developed, there's extensive research supporting its use in managing depression. The recommended therapeutic dose is usually around 20 mg/day but can be increased up to 40 mg/day under medical supervision.
On the other hand, studies have suggested that vilazodone might be even more effective than placebo when treating depression although further research would solidify this claim. Like bupropion, viibryd tends to be considered only after first-line treatments such as SSRIs fail or produce intolerable side effects due to its relatively recent appearance on the market making long-term data scarce. Despite these limitations, due to its unique pharmacokinetics including dual-action mechanism which increases both serotonergic activity and receptor sensitivity without causing significant weight gain or sexual dysfunction often associated with SSRI use; Vilazodone could prove beneficial where traditional first-line treatments fall short.
At what dose is Viibryd typically prescribed?
Oral dosages of Viibryd typically start at 10 mg/day for the first week, then increase to 20 mg/day. However, if needed and tolerated by the patient, the dosage can be further increased to a maximum of 40 mg/day after an additional week. Celexa, on the other hand, is usually started at lower doses such as 20 mg per day and may be increased up to a maximum dose of 40mg per day based on individual response and tolerability. For both medications in adolescent patients (those aged under-18), use should be determined by a healthcare professional due to potential risks associated with using these drugs in this age group.
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At what dose is Celexa typically prescribed?
Celexa treatment is typically initiated at a dosage of 20 mg/day. The dose can then be incremented after a minimum of one week to 40 mg/day, taken as a single dose in either the morning or evening. If there is no response to treatment at this level after several weeks, the maximum dosage that may be considered is up to 60 mg/day. However, doses above 40 mg are generally not recommended because they have not been proven more effective and carry an increased risk of certain side effects such as abnormal heart rhythms. As always, any changes should only be made under medical supervision.
What are the most common side effects for Viibryd?
Common side effects of Viibryd that are often compared to Celexa include:
- Diarrhea, nausea and vomiting
- Dry mouth
- Sleep disorders such as insomnia or unusual dreams
- Dizziness and fatigue
- Increased sweating
- Change in weight or appetite
- Sexual dysfunction including decreased libido, abnormal ejaculation, impotence.
Additionally, symptoms like anxiety, nervousness can also occur. Some patients may experience other less common side effects like tremors (unintentional trembling or shaking), rash or flu-like syndrome (experiencing symptoms similar to the flu). Always remember to seek medical attention if any of these side effects persist or worsen.
Are there any potential serious side effects for Viibryd?
When comparing Viibryd to Celexa, it's essential to be aware of potential side effects which can include:
- Increased thoughts about suicide or self-harm, especially in those under 24 years old.
- Signs of allergic reactions such as skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips or tongue.
- Visual changes including blurred vision and dilated pupils.
- Heart issues like chest pain or discomfort, fast or irregular heartbeat. Sudden dizziness and shortness of breath may also occur.
- The presence of hyponatremia (low sodium levels), symptoms for which can include headache, difficulty concentrating, memory impairment, confusion and weakness; these may progress to unsteadiness resulting in falls.
- Serious neurological symptoms might manifest indicating the onset of a condition known as Serotonin Syndrome - this includes hallucinations (visual/audio), fever, fainting episodes due to rapid blood pressure drops/heart rate changes; muscle twitching/rigidity; loss of coordination leading to balance problems and gastrointestinal disturbances like nausea/vomiting/diarrhea.
Please note that this is not an exhaustive list and if you experience any unusual physical/psychological changes while on either medication - immediate medical consultation is strongly advised.
What are the most common side effects for Celexa?
The possible side effects of Celexa include:
- Dry mouth and increased sweating
- Nausea, vomiting, stomach discomfort or loss of appetite
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Sleep problems such as insomnia
- Mild tremors or feeling anxious and nervousness
- Changes in heart rate
- Confusion, restlessness, agitation
- Weight changes (both loss and gain)
- Frequent urination
- Headaches, dizziness or lightheadedness -Muscle aches or joint pain
Please note that these are potential side effects. Not every user will experience all of them. If any adverse reactions occur while taking Celexa, it's essential to consult with your healthcare provider immediately.
Are there any potential serious side effects for Celexa?
While Celexa is generally well-tolerated, it can occasionally lead to serious side effects. Be on the lookout for:
- Signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling in your face, lips, tongue or throat.
- Behavioral changes such as worsening depression, anxiety and panic attacks
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Serotonin syndrome symptoms like agitation, hallucinations, fever
- Changes in sexual desire and ability
- Eye pain/swelling/redness and widened pupils (signs of glaucoma)
- Rapid heart rate If any of these are experienced when taking Celexa it's important to seek medical attention immediately.
Contraindications for Viibryd and Celexa?
Both Viibryd and Celexa, along with many other antidepressant medications, may intensify symptoms of depression in certain individuals. If you observe your depression worsening or experience an increase in suicidal thoughts or behavior, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention.
Neither Viibryd nor Celexa should be taken if you are currently on monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors or have been using them recently. It's essential to always inform your physician about all the medications you're taking; MAOIs will require a clearance period of about 14 days to prevent dangerous interactions with both Viibryd and Celexa.
How much do Viibryd and Celexa cost?
For the brand-name versions of these drugs:
- The price of 30 tablets of Viibryd (20 mg) averages around $330, which works out to approximately $11/day.
- The price for 30 tablets of Celexa (20 mg) is about $130, working out to roughly $4.33/day.
Thus, if you're taking a standard dose, then brand-name Celexa is less expensive on a per-day treatment basis than Viibryd. However, cost should not be your primary consideration in determining which one of these drugs is right for you.
As for the generic versions:
- Vilazodone Hydrochloride (generic version of Viibryd), available in packs starting from 30 tablets and above - costs range from around $0.90 to about $3 per day depending on dosage.
- Citalopram Hydrobromide (generic version Celexa), also available in various pack sizes - costs are significantly lower with prices between approximately $.04 and $.40 per day based again upon dosage requirements.
Popularity of Viibryd and Celexa
Vilazodone, known by the brand name Viibryd, is a relatively new antidepressant that has been available in the United States since 2011. It belongs to a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and partial serotonin receptor agonists. In 2020, it was estimated that about 700 thousand people were prescribed vilazodone in the US. Although this accounts for just over 2% of overall antidepressant prescriptions, its use seems to be increasing steadily since its introduction.
Citalopram, also known as Celexa among other brand names, is another SSRI but has been on the market significantly longer than vilazodone - since 1989 worldwide and from 1998 in the USA. Citalopram remains one of the most commonly prescribed antidepressants with approximately six million people receiving prescriptions for citalopram or its S-isomer escitalopran (Lexapro) in America during 2020 alone. This represents roughly around a quarter of all SSRI prescriptions and just under fifteen percent of total antidepressant prescriptions within America last year. The prevalence of citalopram appears to have remained steady over recent years.
Conclusion
Both Viibryd (vilazodone) and Celexa (citalopram) are widely used in the treatment of depression, with a wealth of clinical studies demonstrating their efficacy over placebo treatments. Occasionally, these medications may be combined under careful doctor supervision, although they can interact with each other. The main difference between them lies in their mechanisms of action; Viibryd primarily works as a serotonin reuptake inhibitor and partial serotonin receptor agonist, while Celexa is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor.
Typically, Celexa might be considered as a first-line treatment option due to its long track record and lower cost since it's available in generic form. Conversely, Viibryd would often come into play for patients who haven't responded well to initial SSRI therapy or have specific needs such as minimizing sexual dysfunction—a common side effect linked with SSRIs like Celexa.
Both drugs could require an adjustment period before any noticeable effects occur. It’s important that people taking either medication closely monitor their moods during this time. If symptoms worsen or suicidal thoughts arise during treatment, immediate medical attention should be sought.
In terms of tolerability profiles for both drugs, some differences exist: while gastrointestinal issues appear more frequently with Viibryd use than with many other antidepressants including Celexa, the latter has been associated more prominently with weight changes and sleep disturbances.