This article describes possible interactions with vilazodone oral tablet. Interactions can cause a drug to have a different effect on the body than expected. Interactions can occur due to medications, alcohol, or certain health conditions.
Boxed warning: Risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors
Vilazodone has a boxed warning for the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
See the end of this article for more information about this warning.
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Other drugs and vilazodone
The drugs in the list below may interact with vilazodone oral tablet. This article doesn’t include all drugs that may interact with vilazodone. Be sure to discuss with your doctor what drugs to avoid while taking vilazodone.
Drug classes or drugs that may interact with vilazodone oral tablet include:
- anticoagulants:
- antiplatelets:
- drug examples: clopidogrel (Plavix), prasugrel (Effient)
- what might happen: can increase the risk of bleeding as a side effect of vilazodone and the antiplatelet drug
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs):
- selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs):
- drug examples: sertraline (Zoloft), citalopram (Celexa)
- what might happen: can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome (high levels of serotonin) as a side effect of vilazodone and the SSRI drug
- serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs):
- drug examples: duloxetine (Cymbalta), venlafaxine (Effexor XR)
- what might happen: can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome as a side effect of vilazodone and the SNRI drug
- certain antibiotics:
- drug examples: clarithromycin, rifampin (Rimactane)
- what might happen: can make vilazodone less effective or can increase the risk of side effects of vilazodone, based on the specific antibiotic being used
- certain antifungals:
- drug examples: ketoconazole, voriconazole (Vfend)
- what might happen: can increase the risk of side effects of vilazodone
- certain antiepileptic drugs:
- drug examples: phenytoin (Dilantin), carbamazepine (Tegretol, others)
- what might happen: can make vilazodone less effective
- digoxin (Lanoxin):
- what might happen: can increase the effect and risk of side effects of digoxin
- monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs):*
- drug examples: phenelzine (Nardil), tranylcypromine (Parnate)
- what might happen: can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome as a side effect of vilazodone and the MAOI drug
* To learn more about this interaction, see the “When to avoid vilazodone” section below.
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Get free cardWhen to avoid vilazodone
Certain health conditions or other factors could increase some risks with vilazodone oral tablet. Because of this, doctors may not prescribe vilazodone. These health conditions or other factors are called contraindications.
Here’s a list of contraindications for vilazodone oral tablet:
- Current or recent use of a MAOI drug: If you take an MAOI or if you’ve taken one within 14 days and have vilazodone treatment, your risk of serotonin syndrome may increase. With serotonin syndrome, you have high levels of the hormone serotonin, which is serious and life threatening.
- Past allergic reaction to vilazodone: If you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to vilazodone oral tablet, taking it again may cause another allergic reaction.
Before you start taking vilazodone, tell your doctor if anything listed above relates to you. They can recommend whether you should use vilazodone.
Alcohol and vilazodone
Vilazodone oral tablet is known to interact with alcohol.
Taking vilazodone oral tablet and drinking alcohol may increase the risk or severity of certain side effects of vilazodone, such as:
- difficulty concentrating
- drowsiness
- dizziness
If you drink alcohol and have concerns about avoiding it while taking vilazodone oral tablet, talk with your doctor.
Other interactions and vilazodone
Interactions can occur with supplements, foods, vaccines, and some lab tests. Below you can learn whether vilazodone oral tablet has these interactions.
The information below doesn’t include all other possible interactions with vilazodone.
Vilazodone and supplements
Before taking vilazodone oral tablet, tell your doctor and pharmacist about any herbs you take, as well as vitamins and supplements. Doing so may help you avoid interactions.
In addition to interactions described below, vilazodone may interact with tryptophan supplements. Taking this combination increases the risk of serotonin syndrome as a side effect.
If you have questions about interactions that may affect you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Vilazodone interactions and herbs
Vilazodone oral tablet may interact with St. John’s wort. Some people take this herb to ease depression symptoms. Taking vilazodone and St. John’s wort can make vilazodone less effective. This combination can also raise the risk of serotonin syndrome as a side effect.
Vilazodone oral tablet may interact with valerian, also called valerian root. Some people take this herb to help aid sleep. Taking vilazodone and valerian can increase the risk of certain side effects, including drowsiness and difficulty concentrating.
Because of these interactions, ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any of these products while taking vilazodone oral tablet.
Vilazodone interactions and vitamins
Vilazodone oral tablet is not known to interact with any vitamins. But this doesn’t mean interactions with vitamins can’t happen or won’t be identified later.
Because of this, ask your doctor or pharmacist before taking any of these products while using vilazodone oral tablet.
Vilazodone and food
Vilazodone oral tablet is not known to interact with foods. But this doesn’t mean interactions with foods can’t happen or won’t be identified later.
Because of this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether you should avoid any foods while taking vilazodone oral tablet.
Vilazodone and vaccines
Vilazodone oral tablet is not known to interact with any vaccines. But this doesn’t mean interactions with vaccines can’t happen or won’t be identified later.
Because of this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before receiving any vaccines while taking vilazodone oral tablet.
Vilazodone and lab tests
Vilazodone oral tablet is not known to interact with lab tests. But this doesn’t mean interactions with lab tests can’t happen or won’t be identified later.
Because of this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before having any tests while taking vilazodone oral tablet.
Vilazodone and cannabis or CBD
Reports have shown products containing synthetic (made in a lab) tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) may interact with vilazodone. THC is a compound that’s naturally found in cannabis (commonly called marijuana). So it’s likely that cannabis products may interact with vilazodone. Cannabidiol (CBD) is another example of a cannabis product.
Taking vilazodone and using cannabis may increase the risk and severity of certain side effects of vilazodone. Examples include drowsiness and problems with concentration and coordination.
Before you take vilazodone, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you use cannabis. Doing so may help prevent possible interactions.
Note: Cannabis is illegal at a federal level but is legal in many states to varying degrees.
Health factors and vilazodone
Certain medical conditions or other health factors may increase the risk of interactions with vilazodone oral tablet. Keep in mind that interactions could lead to side effects or affect how well the drug works. Before taking vilazodone, tell your doctor about your health history. They’ll determine whether vilazodone is right for you.
These health conditions or other factors might interact with vilazodone oral tablet:
- bipolar disorder
- bleeding conditions, such as hemophilia
- epilepsy or seizures
- glaucoma or other conditions causing high pressure in your eye
- low blood sodium
- pregnancy or breastfeeding
- past allergic reaction to vilazodone
- suicidal thoughts or behaviors*
* Vilazodone has a boxed warning for suicidal thoughts or behaviors. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. For more details, see the “Boxed warning for vilazodone” section below.
Preventing vilazodone interactions
You may be able to help avoid certain interactions with vilazodone oral tablet. Before taking this drug, you may want to discuss possible interactions with your doctor and pharmacist.
Things to consider include:
- Whether you drink alcohol or use cannabis.
- Other medications and herbs you take, as well as vitamins and supplements. Your doctor or pharmacist can help you fill out a medication list.
- What to do if you’re prescribed a new drug while taking vilazodone oral tablet.
Taking vilazodone exactly as prescribed can also help prevent interactions.
What to ask your doctor
If you have questions about vilazodone and possible interactions, talk with your doctor.
Questions you may want to ask your doctor include:
- Does vilazodone have similar interactions as SSRIs, such as sertraline?
- How do interactions of vilazodone compare to SNRIs, such as duloxetine?
- If I take vilazodone and have certain health conditions, will I be monitored more closely during treatment?
- Do I need to take my medications at different times throughout the day to avoid interactions?
Boxed warning for vilazodone
Vilazodone has a boxed warning for the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Like other antidepressants, vilazodone may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in children and young adults (up to 24 years old). Vilazodone is not approved for use in people under 18 years old. This is based on extensive studies of many antidepressants that people use short-term. It is unknown if this risk increases with long-term antidepressant treatment.
During treatment, your doctor will monitor you closely for this effect. You should also watch for changes in your behavior, thinking, and mood. It may be helpful to let a close friend or family member know you’re taking vilazodone if you’re comfortable doing so. They can help watch for these changes during treatment.
Signs to watch for include:
- feeling as if you’re a burden to others
- withdrawing from family and friends
- feeling trapped, hopeless, or as if you have no reason to live
To learn more about this warning, talk with your doctor.
Suicide prevention
If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:
- Call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
- Text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741.
- Not in the United States? Find a helpline in your country with Befrienders Worldwide.
- Call 911 or your local emergency services number if you feel safe to do so.
If you’re calling on behalf of someone else, stay with them until help arrives. You may remove weapons or substances that can cause harm if you can do so safely.
If you are not in the same household, stay on the phone with them until help arrives.
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.