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Vilazodone — a new multifunctional antidepressant
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Abstract
Vilazodone is a new multifunctional antidepressive agent. Its mechanism of action includes inhibition of serotonin reuptake and partial agonism at the 5-HT1A serotonergic autoreceptor. Because of this, it increases serotonin concentration in the synaptic gap more than classic serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Slow dose titration up to the maximum and therapeutic dose of 40 mg/day is required. Vilazodone has to be taken with food, its blood level may be reduced by 50% otherwise. It is metabolized in the liver, mainly by CYP3A4. Two randomized, double blind clinical trials demonstrated its efficacy against placebo in short-term (8 weeks) treatment of major depression. Long-term efficacy was evaluated only in an open study. Safety profile does not differ from the one observed for other serotonergic antidepressants. The most commonly observed adverse events are nausea, diarrhea, and headaches. Currently available data do not indicate that vilazodone is superior to other antidepressants.
Abstract
Vilazodone is a new multifunctional antidepressive agent. Its mechanism of action includes inhibition of serotonin reuptake and partial agonism at the 5-HT1A serotonergic autoreceptor. Because of this, it increases serotonin concentration in the synaptic gap more than classic serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Slow dose titration up to the maximum and therapeutic dose of 40 mg/day is required. Vilazodone has to be taken with food, its blood level may be reduced by 50% otherwise. It is metabolized in the liver, mainly by CYP3A4. Two randomized, double blind clinical trials demonstrated its efficacy against placebo in short-term (8 weeks) treatment of major depression. Long-term efficacy was evaluated only in an open study. Safety profile does not differ from the one observed for other serotonergic antidepressants. The most commonly observed adverse events are nausea, diarrhea, and headaches. Currently available data do not indicate that vilazodone is superior to other antidepressants.
Keywords
depressive disorder, vilazodone, antidepressive agents
About this articleTitle
Vilazodone — a new multifunctional antidepressant
Journal
Issue
Article type
Review paper
Pages
72-75
Page views
1732
Article views/downloads
19393
Bibliographic record
Psychiatria 2013;10(2):72-75.
Keywords
depressive disorder
vilazodone
antidepressive agents
Authors
Adam Wysokiński
Iwona Kłoszewska
