Wednesday, November 28, 2012
How Should Vilazodone be Used?
Vilazodone comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken with food once a day. Take vilazodone at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take vilazodone exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Your doctor will probably start you on a low dose of vilazodone and gradually increase your dose, not more than once every 7 days.
Vilazodone controls depression but does not cure it. It may take several weeks before you feel the full benefit of vilazodone. Continue to take vilazodone even if you feel well. Do not stop taking vilazodone without talking to your doctor. Your doctor will probably decrease your dose gradually. If you suddenly stop taking vilazodone, you may experience withdrawal symptoms such as dizziness; nausea; headache; confusion; irritability; agitation; difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep; anxiety; extreme tiredness; seizures; pain, burning, or tingling in the hands or feet; or sweating. Tell your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms while you are decreasing your dose of vilazodone or soon after you stop taking vilazodone.
Your doctor will probably start you on a low dose of vilazodone and gradually increase your dose, not more than once every 7 days.
Vilazodone controls depression but does not cure it. It may take several weeks before you feel the full benefit of vilazodone. Continue to take vilazodone even if you feel well. Do not stop taking vilazodone without talking to your doctor. Your doctor will probably decrease your dose gradually. If you suddenly stop taking vilazodone, you may experience withdrawal symptoms such as dizziness; nausea; headache; confusion; irritability; agitation; difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep; anxiety; extreme tiredness; seizures; pain, burning, or tingling in the hands or feet; or sweating. Tell your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms while you are decreasing your dose of vilazodone or soon after you stop taking vilazodone.
Side Effects of Vilazodone
Vilazodone may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- dry mouth
- increased appetite
- heartburn
- gas
- dizziness
- pain, burning, or tingling in the hands or feet
- uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body
- unusual dreams
- tiredness
- joint pain
- changes in sexual desire or ability
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms or those listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, call your doctor immediately:
- rash
- hives
- swelling
- difficulty breathing
- loss of consciousness
- seizures
- fever, sweating, confusion, fast or irregular heartbeat, and severe muscle stiffness
- diarrhea
- nausea
- vomiting
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- nosebleeds
- small red or purple dots on the skin
- hallucinations (seeing things or hearing voices that do not exist)
- headache
- difficulty concentrating
- memory problems
- weakness
- problems with coordination
- increased falls
- fainting
What is Vilazodone
Vilazodone is used to treat depression. Vilazodone is in a class of medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and is also a 5HT1A receptor partial agonist. It works by increasing the amount of serotonin, a natural substance in the brain that helps maintain mental balance. Serotonin is something your brain needs and it helps keeps the balance of both "sad" and "happy" behaviors throughout the mind and body.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)