Introduction
Viibryd-Related Interactions: Compatibility with Other Drugs, Alcohol, and More.
Viibryd, a brand name drug, is used for treating major depressive disorder. Like other medications, Viibryd can have interactions with alcohol and certain other substances, including certain drugs and supplements. When one substance affects another in an unintended manner, an interaction occurs.
Find out more about Viibryd's interactions by continuing to read. For additional information, refer to this article.
When to avoid Viibryd
Certain factors or conditions can prevent your doctor from prescribing Viibryd due to the risk of harm. These are known as contraindications. The contraindication for Viibryd is:
Using drugs known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
MAOIs are a class of antidepressants. Using Viibryd along with an MAOI can increase the risk of developing serotonin syndrome. This syndrome can occur due to excess amounts of a chemical called serotonin in the body. Symptoms of serotonin syndrome can include nausea and vomiting, hallucinations, and changes in blood pressure. In severe cases, serotonin syndrome can be fatal.
Due to the risk of serotonin syndrome, doctors typically will not prescribe Viibryd with an MAOI. They will usually have you wait at least 14 days after stopping an MAOI before starting treatment with Viibryd. Similarly, after stopping Viibryd, they will likely have you wait at least 14 days before starting treatment with an MAOI.
Some MAOIs that can interact with Viibryd include:
Drug type or drug name
- isocarboxazid (Marplan)
- selegiline (Emsam)
- linezolid (Zyvox)
- methylene blue (ProvayBlue)
- phenelzine (Nardil)
Before starting treatment with Viibryd, inform your doctor if you use an MAOI. They can also help identify if any of your medications are MAOIs. Your doctor can also help determine whether to prescribe Viibryd.
Drug examples
Viibryd interaction with alcohol
You might be curious about whether you can drink alcohol while taking Viibryd. The manufacturer of Viibryd recommends avoiding alcohol while using the drug. This is because alcohol can exacerbate certain side effects of Viibryd, such as drowsiness and dizziness.
Interaction result with Viibryd
If you have questions about alcohol and Viibryd, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Viibryd interactions with other medications
Before starting treatment with Viibryd, inform your doctor and pharmacist about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other medications you use. By sharing this information, you may help prevent possible interactions. (To learn whether Viibryd interacts with supplements, herbs, or vitamins, refer to the "Viibryd and other interactions" section below.)
If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you or what you cannot take with Viibryd, ask your doctor or pharmacist. They can recommend whether Viibryd is safe to take with certain medications.
monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)*
Here's a chart of drugs that can interact with Viibryd. Remember, this chart does not include all drugs that may interact with Viibryd. Some of these interactions are described in detail just below in "Drug interactions in depth."
Drug Classifications and Interactions with Viibryd
• isocarboxazid (Marplan)• selegiline (Emsam)• linezolid (Zyvox)• methylene blue (ProvayBlue)• phenelzine (Nardil)
Below you'll find various drug categories and their potential interactions with Viibryd.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
can increase the risk of side effects of Viibryd† and MAOIs
MAOIs are a class of drugs used primarily for treating depression. Examples include:
- isocarboxazid (Marplan)
- selegiline (Emsam)
- linezolid (Zyvox)
- methylene blue (ProvayBlue)
- phenelzine (Nardil)
Interaction result with Viibryd: Taking MAOIs with Viibryd can lead to an increase in side effects.
Blood thinners
blood thinners
Blood thinners help prevent blood clots from forming. Examples include:
- warfarin (Jantoven)
- dabigatran (Pradaxa)
- rivaroxaban (Xarelto)
• warfarin (Jantoven)• dabigatran (Pradaxa)• rivaroxaban (Xarelto)
Interaction result with Viibryd: Combining Viibryd with blood thinners may increase the risk of side effects.
Antiplatelets
can increase the risk of side effects of Viibryd and blood thinners
Antiplatelets act by reducing the ability of platelets to stick together and form clots. Examples include:
- clopidogrel (Plavix)
- prasugrel (Effient)
- ticagrelor (Brilinta)
Interaction result with Viibryd: The risk of side effects may increase when taking Viibryd with antiplatelets.
Amphetamines
antiplatelets
Amphetamines are stimulant drugs used for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. Examples include:
- amphetamine/dextroamphetamine (Adderall, Adderall XR)
- methamphetamine (Desoxyn)
- dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine)
• clopidogrel (Plavix)• prasugrel (Effient)• ticagrelor (Brilinta)
Interaction result with Viibryd: Amphetamines can increase the risk of side effects when taken with Viibryd.
Benzodiazepines
can increase the risk of side effects of Viibryd and antiplatelets
Benzodiazepines are commonly used as sedatives or hypnotics. Examples include:
- alprazolam (Xanax)
- lorazepam (Ativan)
- diazepam (Valium)
- clonazepam (Klonopin)
- oxazepam
Interaction result with Viibryd: Benzodiazepines can increase the risk of side effects when used in conjunction with Viibryd.
Triptans
amphetamines
Triptans are medications used to treat migraines and cluster headaches. Examples include:
- zolmitriptan (Zomig)
- sumatriptan (Imitrex)
- eletriptan (Relpax)
• amphetamine/dextroamphetamine (Adderall, Adderall XR)• methamphetamine (Desoxyn)• dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine)
Interaction result with Viibryd: Triptans may increase the risk of side effects when combined with Viibryd.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
can increase the risk of side effects of Viibryd† and amphetamines
SSRIs are commonly used antidepressants. Examples include:
- citalopram (Celexa)
- sertraline (Zoloft)
- fluoxetine (Prozac)
Interaction result with Viibryd: The risk of side effects may increase when taking SSRIs alongside Viibryd.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
benzodiazepines
NSAIDs are used to reduce pain, inflammation, and fevers. Examples include:
- aspirin
- ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
- naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn)
• alprazolam (Xanax)• lorazepam (Ativan)• diazepam (Valium)• clonazepam (Klonopin)• oxazepam
Interaction result with Viibryd: Concurrent use of Viibryd and NSAIDs may result in an increased risk of bleeding.
Certain antifungal drugs
can increase the risk of side effects of Viibryd and benzodiazepines
Some antifungal medications can interact with Viibryd. Examples include:
- ketoconazole
- itraconazole (Sporanox, Tolsura)
- voriconazole (Vfend)
Interaction result with Viibryd: Using Viibryd with these antifungal drugs may increase the chance of side effects.
Certain antiseizure drugs
triptans
Certain antiseizure medications can impact Viibryd's effectiveness. Examples include:
- carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Epitol, Tegretol, others)
- phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek)
- phenobarbital
• zolmitriptan (Zomig)• sumatriptan (Imitrex)• eletriptan (Relpax)
Interaction result with Viibryd: When used concurrently, these antiseizure drugs may dilute the effectiveness of Viibryd.
Digoxin (Lanoxin)
can increase the risk of side effects of Viibryd† and triptans
Digoxin is a medication used to treat heart failure and abnormal heart rhythms. Interaction result with Viibryd: The risk of side effects may increase when taking Viibryd with digoxin.
Clarithromycin
Clarithromycin is an antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections. Interaction result with Viibryd: Combining Viibryd with clarithromycin may increase the chance of side effects.
Rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane)
serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
Rifampin is an antibiotic used to treat tuberculosis and other mycobacterial infections. Interaction result with Viibryd: Rifampin can reduce Viibryd's effectiveness.
Steps you or your healthcare provider may take. Before starting treatment with Viibryd, inform your provider if you consume any Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). They can help determine if any of your medications contain NSAIDs. Your provider may suggest whether it's safe to use an NSAID while taking Viibryd.
• duloxetine (Cymbalta)• venlafaxine (Effexor XR)• desvenlafaxine (Pristiq)
Keep in mind that certain NSAIDs are available without prescription. If you wish to use an NSAID or over-the-counter pain reliever, consult your doctor or pharmacist prior. They can recommend a suitable pain reliever that can be taken with Viibryd. For instance, it's likely safe to take acetaminophen (Tylenol) alongside Viibryd.
Anxiety Medications (Benzodiazepines)
can increase the risk of side effects of Viibryd and SNRIs
Benzodiazepines are a type of medication used for managing anxiety disorders and seizures.
Interaction Outcome. Using Viibryd and a benzodiazepine together can increase the risk of certain side effects from either medication. Examples include dizziness and sleepiness. (For additional information about Viibryd's side effects, refer to this resource.)
Interaction Details. Viibryd and benzodiazepines might cause dizziness and sleepiness as side effects. The risk of experiencing these side effects may increase when these medications are combined.
Benzodiazepine Medications. Some benzodiazepines that might interact with Viibryd include:
selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
- alprazolam (Xanax)
- lorazepam (Ativan)
- diazepam (Valium)
- clonazepam (Klonopin)
- oxazepam
Steps you or your healthcare provider may take. Before initiating Viibryd use, inform your provider if you're already taking a benzodiazepine. They can help determine if any of your medications are benzodiazepines. Your provider can advise if it's safe to take Viibryd along with these medications.
• citalopram (Celexa)• sertraline (Zoloft)• fluoxetine (Prozac)
If your provider prescribes Viibryd and a benzodiazepine, be cautious of extreme sleepiness or dizziness. In such a case, your provider can suggest ways to manage these side effects. In some instances, they might recommend switching you to a different treatment that's less likely to worsen these side effects.
Stimulant Drugs (Amphetamines)
can increase the risk of side effects of Viibryd and SSRIs
Amphetamines are a kind of stimulant drug. They're commonly used to treat conditions like attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Interaction Outcome. Using Viibryd and an amphetamine together can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome as a side effect of either drug. (For more information about Viibryd's side effects, refer to this resource.)
Interaction Details. Viibryd and amphetamines can raise the level of a chemical substance in the body known as serotonin. When these medications are combined, the serotonin level might increase even further. An extremely high level of serotonin could result in serotonin syndrome. Symptoms can include changes in blood pressure, nausea and vomiting, and hallucinations. In severe cases, serotonin syndrome can be life-threatening.
Amphetamine Drugs. Some amphetamines that might interact with Viibryd include:
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- amphetamine/dextroamphetamine (Adderall, Adderall XR)
- methamphetamine (Desoxyn)
- dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine)
Steps you or your healthcare provider may take. Prior to initiating Viibryd treatment, inform your provider if you're using an amphetamine. They can help determine if any of your medications are amphetamines. Your provider can advise if it's safe for you to take these medications together.
• aspirin• ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)• naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn)
If your provider prescribes Viibryd and an amphetamine, monitor for signs of serotonin syndrome. Your provider will instruct you on how to manage this side effect if it occurs.
Viibryd and other interactions
can increase the risk of side effects of Viibryd and NSAIDs
Viibryd may have interactions with supplements, foods, vaccines, or even lab tests. You can find more details below. Keep in mind that the following information does not include all potential interactions with Viibryd.
Viibryd interactions with dietary supplements
Before starting treatment with Viibryd, share with your doctor and pharmacist which dietary supplements, herbs, and vitamins you take. By sharing this information with them, you may help prevent possible interactions.
If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
certain antifungal drugs
Viibryd interactions with herbs
Viibryd may interact with the herbal supplement St. John’s wort, which is often used to help manage depression. Using Viibryd alongside this supplement may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome. This condition can occur when there is a high level of the chemical serotonin in the body. (Serotonin is thought to regulate mood.)
• ketoconazole• itraconazole (Sporanox, Tolsura)• voriconazole (Vfend)
It's not recommended to take St. John's wort with Viibryd. Your doctor may be able to suggest an alternative treatment option to St. John's wort.
It's crucial to consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking any herbal supplements with Viibryd.
can increase the risk of side effects of Viibryd and certain antifungal drugs
Viibryd and vitamins
There are no specific reports of vitamins interacting with Viibryd. However, it's possible that interactions with vitamins could be recognized in the future. Because of this, it's essential to talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any vitamin product with Viibryd.
There haven't been any statements made regarding food interactions with Viibryd. Should you wish to explore eating specific foods alongside Viibryd treatment, it would be best to consult your physician.
Viibryd and immunizations
certain antiseizure drugs
Immunizations haven't been reported to Influence Viibryd. For further information about receiving certain vaccinations during Viibryd treatment, get in touch with your doctor.
Viibryd and laboratory exams
• carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Epitol, Tegretol, others)• phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek)• phenobarbital
No laboratory exams have been reported to Affect Viibryd. To gain more insights about undergoing specific lab tests during Viibryd treatment, speak with your doctor.
#######VIIBRYD AND CANNABIS OR CBD############Cannabis (commonly known as marijuana) and cannabis products, such as cannabidiol (CBD), have explicitly been noted to Interact with Viibryd. Using Viibryd alongside cannabis or cannabis products might boost the risk of side effects associated with Viibryd.
can make Viibryd less effective
Before initiating treatment with Viibryd, inform your doctor and pharmacist regarding your cannabis usage. By sharing this knowledge with them, you may help prevent potential interactions.
Note: Cannabis is illegal at a federal level. However, it is legal in many states to varying degrees.
Viibryd and health-related interactions
Pre-existing medical conditions and other factors may enhance the likelihood of interactions with Viibryd. Prior to consuming this drug, make sure to discuss your health history with your doctor. Viibryd may not be the ideal treatment option for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health.
digoxin (Lanoxin)
Medical conditions or factors that might interact with Viibryd include:
- Being under age 24 years. Viibryd carries an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, primarily in children and adults younger than age 24 years. Viibryd has a Boxed warning regarding this risk. This is a serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For more information, see “Boxed warning” at the start of this article.
- Narrow eye angles. Before taking Viibryd, inform your doctor if you have narrow eye angles. Viibryd may dilate your pupils, which could result in closed-angle glaucoma in people with narrow eye angles. Closed-angle glaucoma can lead to vision loss and severe eye pain. This condition is a medical emergency. Your doctor may advise you to undergo an eye exam to check for narrow angles before starting treatment with Viibryd.
- Low sodium levels. If you have a low sodium level in your blood, inform your doctor before starting Viibryd treatment. The drug may further decrease your sodium level. Your doctor can guide you on whether Viibryd is a suitable treatment option for you.
- Seizures. Before taking Viibryd, inform your doctor if you have seizures. This includes seizure disorders, such as epilepsy. Your risk of seizures as a side effect of Viibryd may be higher if you already have seizures. Your doctor can recommend whether Viibryd is a safe treatment option for you.
- Bleeding problems. Viibryd may cause bleeding as a side effect. Your risk of bleeding with Viibryd may be higher if you have a bleeding problem, such as hemophilia. Before starting treatment with Viibryd, inform your doctor if you have any known bleeding problems. They can help determine whether Viibryd is safe for you to take.
- Mental health conditions. Before taking Viibryd, inform your doctor if you or a family member have certain mental health conditions. Examples include bipolar disorder, mania, and hypomania. These factors may increase your risk of certain mental health side effects with Viibryd. To learn more about your risk of these side effects, speak with your doctor.
- Pregnancy. It’s not known whether Viibryd is safe to take during pregnancy. If you’re pregnant or planning a pregnancy, talk with your doctor before you consume the medication. For details about Viibryd’s use during pregnancy, see this article.
- Breastfeeding. It’s not known whether Viibryd passes into breast milk or whether the drug causes side effects in a child who is breastfed. For more information about taking Viibryd while breastfeeding, speak with your doctor.
- Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Viibryd or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe Viibryd. Taking the drug could cause another allergic reaction. You can ask them about other treatments that may be better choices for you.
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Suicide prevention
If you become aware of someone at immediate risk of self-harm, suicide, or harming another person:
can increase the risk of side effects of Viibryd and digoxin
- Ask the challenging question: “Are you considering suicide?”
- Listen to the person without judgment.
- Dial 911 or the local emergency number, or text TALK to 741741 to communicate with a trained crisis counselor.
- Stay with the person until professional help arrives.
- Try to remove any weapons, medications, or other potentially harmful objects if it’s safe to do so.
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, a prevention hotline can aid. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day at 988. During a crisis, people who are hard of hearing can use their preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988.
Find more links and local resources.
Is there a compatibility issue between Viibryd and Wellbutrin SR or XL?
clarithromycin
No recognized compatibility issue exists between Viibryd and bupropion (Wellbutrin SR, Wellbutrin XL). In this section, "Wellbutrin" refers to either of these drugs.
In fact, medical professionals might recommend using Viibryd alongside Wellbutrin in specific situations. Both drugs are antidepressants used for treating depression. Since these medications function differently in the body, Viibryd and Wellbutrin can work synergistically to manage depression.
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To gain more insights into using Viibryd along with Wellbutrin, reach out to your doctor or pharmacist.
Does Viibryd have any compatibility issues with stimulant drugs?
can increase the risk of side effects of Viibryd and clarithromycin
Viibryd may have compatibility issues with certain stimulant (or stimulant) drugs. Despite being an antidepressant, Viibryd itself is not a stimulant drug.
Stimulant medications act on your central nervous system, helping regulate breathing, thinking, actions, and more. They're frequently used to treat conditions like attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Particularly, Viibryd interacts with amphetamines, such as amphetamine/dextroamphetamine (Adderall, Adderall XR). For more information on this interaction, refer to the "Detailed Interactions" section above.
Avoiding compatibility issues
rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane)
You can take several steps to help avoid compatibility issues with Viibryd. Your doctor and pharmacist are essential resources, so ensure to connect with them before starting treatment. Consider doing the following:
- Inform them if you consume alcohol or use cannabis.
- Share details about any other medications you take, as well as any supplements, herbs, and vitamins.
- Prepare a , which your doctor and pharmacist can help you complete.
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It's also crucial to carefully review the Viibryd label and any related documentation that may accompany the drug. The label may include colored stickers indicating an interaction. Additionally, paperwork, often referred to as the medication guide or patient package insert, may contain information regarding interactions. (If Viibryd doesn't come with paperwork, you can ask your pharmacist to print a copy.) If you have questions about this information, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
You can also help avoid compatibility issues with Viibryd by taking it exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
can make Viibryd less effective
Additional resources
Apart from information on compatibility issues, you might be interested in learning more about Viibryd. These resources might prove helpful:
- Viibryd Overview. To get a general idea of Viibryd, check out this resource.
- Side effects. If you're curious about the side effects of Viibryd, see this information. Another option is to look at the Viibryd prescribing information.
- Drug comparison. Learn how Viibryd compares to Lexapro.
- Mental health facts. If you'd like to learn more about your condition, explore our depression and mental health hubs.
Disclaimer: Medical News Today has taken every precaution to ensure that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up-to-date. However, this information 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 meant 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.
- It's important to avoid taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) while on Viibryd, as this combination can increase the risk of developing serotonin syndrome, characterized by symptoms like nausea, hallucinations, and changes in blood pressure.
- Alcohol should generally be avoided while using Viibryd, as it can exacerbate certain side effects like drowsiness and dizziness.
- If you have depression and are taking medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), it's crucial to inform your doctor before starting any new medications, including Viibryd, as this combination might increase the risk of side effects.
