Viibryd for OCD: Exploring the Benefits and Potential Side Effects

You have tried almost every medication on the market for OCD, but nothing has worked. You are at your wits-end until your doctor mentions Viibryd. What is Viibryd and what are its benefits and potential side effects of it? You want to make the best choice for your type of OCD, but first, you have to learn as much as you can about the potential OCD treatment. In this article, you will learn more about OCD and Viibryd, for instance, what Viibryd is, if it can be used for OCD, how much is needed for OCD, the possible benefits, drawbacks, side effects, and drug interactions, along with personal reviews of taking this medication for OCD.

What is OCD?

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is an anxiety-based mental health condition that involves non-stop intrusive thoughts, fears, urges, emotions, and images (obsessions) and repetitive and uncontrollable rituals or routines (compulsions). Contrary to popular belief, there are various types of OCD, such as reading OCD, relationship OCD (ROCD), suicidal OCD, meta OCD, etc. So, OCD may affect one person differently than another one. 

OCD can be overwhelming, lonely, depression, stressful, and anxiety-provoking. It can also cause you to experience shame and guilt because you are unable to stop the obsessions and compulsions. Moreover, OCD is often mischaracterized in television shows and movies, as a punchline in jokes to elicit laughter, or to describe someone who is neat and orderly, a perfectionist, or has a “Type A” personality. The term “OCD” is even sometimes used as a “verbal weapon” to hurt someone who is unliked.

What is the Most Common Way to Treat OCD?

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is normally treated with psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or exposure-response prevention (ERP) therapy, a form of CBT, medications, such as SSRI, SNRI, or tricyclic antidepressants, and/or natural remedies, such as acupuncture, hypnosis, mindfulness meditation, art therapy, journaling, supplements, support groups, lifestyle changes, and/or OCD treatment programs like Impulse Therapy, an online OCD recovery aid.

The most common way to treat OCD is through CBT or ERP therapy and/or SSRI antidepressants, sometimes this combination is ineffective, and new therapies or medications must be explored for OCD sufferers to receive relief from their symptoms. One such medicine that may be broached when other medications have not worked is Viilbyrd.

What is Viibryd?

Vilazodone, the generic version of Viibryd, is an atypical antidepressant that is only available by prescription. It is called “atypical” because it works differently than other antidepressants, like SSRIs, SNRIs, and tricyclics. Viibryd is an SSRI/5-HT1A partial agonist, so while it “balances” the amount of serotonin in your brain like “typical” selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), it also triggers your 5-HT1A receptor, commonly found in various parts of your body, such as your brain, spleen, and kidney. 

Researchers suggest that the 5-HT1A receptor can reduce or alleviate anxiety conditions like OCD and mood disorders like depression by regulating the amount of serotonin in your brain and body.

Can Viibryd Be Used to Treat OCD?

Yes, Viibryd can be used “off-label” to treat OCD. 

Viibryd is FDA-approved to treat depression, specifically, major depressive disorder (MDD). Although Viibryd is not FDA-approved for anxiety conditions like generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), some doctors prescribe it “off-label” for these conditions. According to a 2016 study, Viibryd can effectively reduce symptoms in people who are struggling with an anxiety condition like GAD. Viibryd is currently being studied as a valid and reliable treatment for OCD, another anxiety condition characterized by intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors.

How Much Viibryd is Needed For OCD?

Viibryd is available in tablet form and is usually taken 1x a day with food. Your doctor will likely start you on a low dose, and then slowly increase this dosage over time. Thus, the initial dosage of OCD typically falls between 20-40 mg. Generally speaking, this dosage range is much lower than that of other antidepressants. Understand, however, that if you miss a dose, do not take another dose until the next day. In other words, do not take two doses too close together. 

Do not double doses or take an extra amount to compensate for the missed dose. Keep in mind, however, that missing more than one Viibryd dose can cause you to experience an OCD relapse. You can avoid this complication by keeping note of when you took Viibryd on a calendar, using a pillbox, or by setting an alarm clock or smartphone to provide you with medication alerts. Note: If you miss 3 or more doses of Viibryd, contact your doctor for further instructions.

What Are The Possible Benefits of Taking Viibryd for OCD?

Researchers suggest that there could be many benefits of taking Viibryd for OCD, such as:

• When comparing Viibryd to other antidepressants, Viibryd comes with a lower risk of weight gain and sexual side effects like impotence, erectile dysfunction (ED), or low sex drive. 
• Viibryd only needs to be taken 1x a day as compared to other OCD medications.
• Older adults (over the age of 65) can safely take Viibryd for OCD.
• Researchers suggest that Viibryd can work faster and better than most other antidepressants.
• Viibryd is most beneficial for people who struggle with comorbid conditions like anxiety, OCD, and/or depression.

What Are The Possible Drawbacks of Taking Viibryd for OCD?

Although studies suggest numerous potential benefits of taking Viibryd for OCD, there are also some notable drawbacks to using this medication for your condition, such as:

• Viibryd can 4-6 weeks before you reap its full benefits. 
• You must avoid Viibryd if you are taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) or if you have recently stopped taking one. 
• Viibryd is not approved for children with OCD. 
• Viibryd can interact with a large variety of prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications, herbs, and vitamins, so keep your doctor and pharmacist abreast of everything you are using. 
• Viibryd must be taken with food.
• Viibryd may cause gastrointestinal distress – i.e., abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, constipation, and/or diarrhea.
• Viibryd is expensive primarily because there is no generic available to purchase at this time.

What Side Effects Are Possible With OCD?

Like most antidepressants, Viibryd can come with some side effects, such as:

• Diarrhea
• Upset Stomach
• Abdominal Pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Dizziness
• Insomnia or Other Sleep Issues
• Dry “Cotton” Mouth
• Flatulence (Gas)
• Jitteriness or Nervousness
• Sleepiness
• Extreme Fatigue
• Tremors
• Erectile Dysfunction
• Fainting
• Changes in Sex Drive 
• Tingling and Burning in Your Skin or Limbs
• Heart Palpitations
• Orgasm Disorders

Keep in mind that serious side effects are also possible. There is a Black Box Warning for Viibryd for people under the age of 25 due to its increased risk of causing suicidal ideation (thoughts and attempts) in adolescents and young adults. Serious side effects may include hot flashes, night sweats, poor appetite and significant loss of weight, constant headaches or migraines, tics or severe tremors, blurred vision or acute blindness, and sexual dysfunction. If you experience any of these side effects, contact your doctor immediately.

Because Viibryd affects serotonin levels, OCD sufferers, who take this medication, have an increased risk of experiencing serotonin syndrome, a serious but rare condition caused by extremely high levels of serotonin in the brain and body. Common serotonin syndrome includes headaches or migraines, mental confusion, restlessness, dilated pupils, elevated heart rate, high blood pressure, poor muscle coordination, twitching muscles, rigid muscles, profuse sweating, shivering or tremors, “goosebumps,” hallucinations, unresponsiveness, high fevers, seizures, irregular heartbeats, loss of consciousness, or coma.

If you experience side effects, contact your doctor before stopping the medication because stopping it abruptly could lead to Viibryd withdrawal symptoms, such as headaches or migraines, irritability, anger, rage, aggression, vomiting, or nausea. Your doctor will likely need to gradually wean you off of Viibryd so you do not experience medication withdrawal symptoms or an OCD relapse (returning obsessions and compulsions).

Are There Any Drug Interactions?

Yes, drug interactions have been linked to Viibryd. 

Because drug interactions are possible, you must provide your doctor and pharmacist with a list of all the medications, vitamins, and supplements you are using. MAOIs are one group of drugs that must be avoided when taking Viibryd. Taking MAOIs with this medication can lead to life-threatening spikes in your blood pressure and it could also cause high levels of serotonin to accumulate in your brain and body (serotonin syndrome). 

So, if you plan on taking Viibryd for your OCD symptoms, you must stop using MAOIs at least 2 weeks in advance. Other medications that can alter the efficacy of Viibryd include some antibiotics, antifungals, blood pressure medications, and medications used to treat HIV and AIDS. Blood thinners (.i.e., aspirin) should be avoided while using Viibryd for OCD. Also, stay away from alcohol while using this medication because it could trigger depression and/or reduce the effectiveness of Viibryd, possibly leading to an increase in your obsessions and compulsions.

Patient Reviews

The best way to determine if Viibryd could be good for you is to hear from others who have taken this medication for the same or similar conditions. 

Listed below are the reviews of people who have taken Viibryd for their OCD symptoms:

• “I used to take Zoloft for OCD and shortly after, added Vyvanse (similar to Adderall) to the mix. I couldn’t handle the sexual side effects and zombie-like feelings of Zoloft. So, I switched to Lexapro and had a horrible experience. My doctor stopped that medicine as well. Then, I was only taking Vyvanse. After about two months of intense OCD and anxiety, due to Vyvanse, my doctor put me on Viibryd.

  I just began 20mg of Viibryd. The second day was difficult with stomach pains (be sure to take each dose with protein). But so far, I have seen an amazing difference, so I am very satisfied! I have also experienced an increase in my sexual drive, and lost 3lbs. in the past week! The hardest thing for me is watching my alcohol consumption. Hoping things stay positive.”

• “I have tried a couple of different medications for my OCD, and Viibryd has helped with no serious side effects. I just have very mild GI stuff. My doctor recommended this medicine based on some research at the time. For me, it has been extremely helpful. I currently take 20 mg. of it a day.”

• “This medicine was on my Genesight report and after many failed medication attempts. I asked to try Viibryd because I thought there would be no gene-drug interactions. I was wrong. After my 3rd dose of Viibryd, I started having extremely vivid dreams and nightmares.

  I kept having dreams inside dreams and once I awakened, I could not tell if it was another dream or reality. This was only 10mg of it. It got to the point that I was afraid to fall asleep. Viibryd also made me feel extremely irritable and upset. Plus, it did not do anything for my anxiety/OCD, which is why I was taking it.”

• “Viibryd does not help very severe OCD. I tried this drug when my OCD was very severe because my doctor refused to put me on an SSRI or tricyclic… However, I did not experience any noticeable side effects, except for loose stools, and crazy dreams… But this drug did not help with my OCD at all. I almost lost my job because of this crazy drug.”

• “I have decided to try taking Viibryd at night because the last 2 days of 20mg have been awful. I have had blurry vision, which is especially bad because I am a nurse who has a 35-50 minute commute to work and back. I have also been experiencing facial flushing, vivid dreams, and malaise. It feels worse than a hangover. I’ll update everyone once I switch to a bedtime dose. I trust my doctor and pharmacist, and they are hopeful.”

Final Thoughts

Viibryd (vilazodone) is a prescription medication that is FDA-approved to treat depression and mood disorders like depression. The medication boosts the amount of serotonin in your brain and body, and while this may help ease the non-stop and repetitive obsessions and compulsions, it can also lead to a host of side effects like serotonin syndrome, headaches, insomnia, mood swings, irritability, loss of appetite, etc.

Do the benefits outweigh the consequences? It depends on who you ask – and how severe their OCD symptoms are.

Understand, however, that Viibryd is not usually the first treatment course for most conditions, including OCD. Although this medication is not FDA-approved for anxiety conditions like OCD, it is still sometimes prescribed “off-label” for it. Researchers are currently conducting studies on the safety and effectiveness of using Viibryd long-term for OCD, however, the jury is still out.

Viibryd has garnered mixed reviews from people who are or who have taken it for their OCD symptoms with some reporting an improvement in their symptoms and others reporting a worsening in them. There have also been some reports that Viibryd produced no effect on their obsessions and compulsions.

The first course of medications for OCD is still SSRIs, however, if you are experiencing treatment-resistant OCD or if you are looking for a maintenance antidepressant Viibryd may be a viable treatment option for you.

References

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• Gommoll, C., Forero, G., Mathews, M., Nunez, R., Tang, X., Durgam, S., & Sambunaris, A. (2015). Vilazodone in patients with generalized anxiety disorder: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, flexible-dose study. International Clinical Psychopharmacology, 30(6), 297–306. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1097/YIC.0000000000000096
• Pizarro, M., Fontenelle, L. F., Paravidino, D. C., Yücel, M., Miguel, E. C., & de Menezes, G. B. (2014). An updated review of antidepressants with marked serotonergic effects in obsessive-compulsive disorder. Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy, 15(10), 1391–1401. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1517/14656566.2014.914493
• Dawson, Lee & Watson, Jeanette. (2009). Vilazodone: A 5‐HT1A receptor agonist/serotonin transporter inhibitor for the treatment of affective disorders. CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics, 15, 107-17. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1755-5949.2008.00067.x
• Zareifopoulos, N., & Dylja, I. (2017). Efficacy and tolerability of vilazodone for the acute treatment of generalized anxiety disorder: A meta-analysis. Asian Journal of Psychiatry, 26, 115–122. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajp.2017.01.016
• Howland R. H. (2011). Vilazodone: Another novel atypical antidepressant drug. Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 49(3),19–22. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.3928/02793695-20110203-98
• Durgam, S., Gommoll, C., Forero, G., Nunez, R., Tang, X., Mathews, M., & Sheehan, D. V. (2016). Efficacy and safety of vilazodone in patients with generalized anxiety disorder: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, flexible-dose trial. The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 77(12), 1687–1694. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.4088/JCP.15m09885
• National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2020) LiverTox: Vilazodone, and clinical and research information on drug-induced liver injuries. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK548223/
• Nguyen, M. L., Shapiro, M. A., & Welch, S. J. (2012). A case of severe adolescent obsessive-compulsive disorder treated with inpatient hospitalization, risperidone, and sertraline. Journal of Behavioral Addictions, 1(2), 78–82. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1556/JBA.1.2012.2.6