If you are searching for relief from your mental health condition, knowing which medication is right for you can be overwhelming. With all of the options available, it can be difficult to even choose between well-known antidepressants like Prozac and Viibryd.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This article breaks down the similarities and differences between these two antidepressants so that you can make an informed decision about your mental health treatment. Although Prozac and Viibryd are the same kinds of antidepressants, they vary in terms of recommended doses, side effects, and warnings for use. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you want to get started with depression treatment<\/a> today, Klarity can connect you with a licensed healthcare provider within 48 hours who will help you identify which medication, if any, is right for your symptoms. Schedule an appointment<\/a> today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This article discusses suicide, suicidal ideation, and self-harm. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or is in crisis, contact the Suicide Prevention Lifeline immediately at 800-273-8255.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Prozac, also known by its generic name fluoxetine, is a medication used to treat depression in adults and children over the age of eight. It\u2019s a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that is commonly prescribed to treat depression symptoms and symptoms of other serotonin-related conditions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n SSRIs block the reuptake of serotonin, a chemical messenger in the brain that helps regulate mood, appetite, and sleep. With more serotonin in your system, you\u2019re more likely to feel at ease and find relief from depression symptoms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Prozac can come in liquid or capsule form, and a medical provider will determine which option is best for you. The capsules come in a 20 mg dose, and the liquid is usually measured in 10 mg doses. Most adults take the capsule form, whereas the liquid is ideal for children under the age of 13. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Most adult patients start out taking 20 mg a day and gradually increase the dose to somewhere between 60 mg and 80 mg, depending on the healthcare provider\u2019s recommendation. Children taking Prozac usually start around 10 mg and will increase the dose to 60 mg when necessary. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Prozac is primarily prescribed to treat major depression and generalized anxiety disorder. That said, it can also treat many other conditions in an off-label capacity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Patients are commonly prescribed Prozac to treat symptoms of major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder, including: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Off-label use means that your healthcare provider prescribes a medication that\u2019s not FDA-approved to treat your specific condition, but has shown to be effective<\/em> in treating your symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n FDA approval requires extensive testing and resources and isn\u2019t possible for every single use of a medication. Medical professionals may also prescribe Prozac to treat eating disorders like anorexia nervosa, panic disorders, and premature ejaculation. The use of Prozac for treating off-label conditions such as these should only be done under the supervision of a provider. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For the brand name Prozac, a 30-day supply can cost patients between $460 and $1000 dollars depending on the dosage. Unfortunately, many insurance companies do not cover name-brand Prozac because of the high price. <\/p>\n\n\n\n On the other hand, the generic form, fluoxetine, can be more affordable. Many insurance companies, including medicare, cover fluoxetine, and a 30-day supply of capsules can cost between $3 and $4. For patients who require a higher dose, fluoxetine can cost up to $100 a month. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Prozac can cause side effects for some patients, which can be mild and, in rare cases, severe. If you experience prolonged or worsening symptoms, contact your healthcare provider to discuss adjusting your dose or switching medications. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Common side effects of Prozac include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n More severe side effects can also occur. If you experience any of these, contact your medical provider immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n SSRI medications like Prozac can sometimes cause serotonin syndrome, a condition that occurs when too much serotonin is present in the body. Serotonin syndrome can result in diarrhea, confusion, rapid heart rate, and seizures. In rare cases, serotonin syndrome can be deadly, so you must contact your medical provider if you experience any of these symptoms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Prozac can be dangerous when taken by patients with certain medical conditions. If you have any of the following conditions, you should avoid taking Prozac or discuss it with your provider first. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally, Prozac can sometimes result in changes in behavior or mood. If you experience increased thoughts of self-harm or suicide, contact your healthcare provider right away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Prozac can have dangerous drug interactions with certain medications and substances. It is important to ask your provider about any medications you are currently taking and their possible interactions with Prozac. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The following substances should be avoided in conjunction with Prozac<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
\n\t \n<\/th> Prozac<\/th> Viibryd<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n \n\t Drug Class<\/strong><\/td> Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)<\/td> Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)
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\r\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n\t Brand \/ Generic Status<\/strong><\/td> Brand name fluoxetine<\/td> Brand name for vilazodone<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n\t Form(s) of the Drug<\/strong><\/td> \u2022 Clear, peppermint-flavored liquid suspension
\r\n\u2022 Half-green, half-white capsules
\r\n<\/td>Immediate release tablets, Extended-release capsules
\r\n
\r\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n\t Standard Dosage<\/strong><\/td> Liquid suspension:
\r\n\u2022 10mg per dose
\r\n
\r\nCapsules:
\r\n\u2022 10mg per dose
\r\n<\/td>Color-coded immediate release tablets:
\r\n\u2022 10mg red
\r\n\u2022 20mg yellow
\r\n\u2022 40mg blue
\r\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n\t Conditions Treated<\/strong><\/td> FDA-approved uses:
\r\n\u2022 Anxiety and stress
\r\n\u2022 Major depression
\r\n\u2022 Bulimia nervosa
\r\n\u2022 Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
\r\n\u2022 Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
\r\n\u2022 Panic disorder
\r\n\u2022 Postpartum depression
\r\n\u2022 Schizoaffective disorder
\r\n
\r\nOff-label uses:
\r\n\u2022 Anorexia nervosa
\r\n\u2022 Premature ejaculation
\r\n\u2022 Various anxiety disorders
\r\n<\/td>FDA-approved uses:
\r\n\u2022 Depression
\r\n
\r\nOff-label uses:
\r\n\u2022 Obsessive-compulsive disorder
\r\n\u2022 Generalized anxiety disorder
\r\n\u2022 Panic disorder
\r\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n\t Cost<\/strong><\/td> Generic form (fluoxetine):
\r\n\u2022 $3 to $4 for 30-days\u2019 worth of capsules*
\r\n\u2022 $12 for 30 days\u2019 worth of liquid suspension
\r\n
\r\n*May cost up to $100 for high dosages
\r\n
\r\nBrand-name:
\r\n\u2022 $460 to $1000 for 30 days\u2019 worth of capsules<\/td>Generic form (vilazodone):
\r\n\u2022 $15 for a 30-day supply
\r\n
\r\nBrand-name:
\r\n\u2022 $340 for a 30-day supply
\r\n
\r\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n\t Side-Effects<\/strong><\/td> Common side effects:
\r\n\u2022 Nausea
\r\n\u2022 Diarrhea or constipation
\r\n\u2022 Changes in appetite
\r\n\u2022 Headache and fatigue
\r\n\u2022 Increased sweating
\r\n\u2022 Trouble sleeping
\r\n\u2022 Impotence\/sexual dysfunction
\r\n
\r\nSerious side effects include:
\r\n\u2022 Fever
\r\n\u2022 High blood pressure
\r\n\u2022 Rigid muscles
\r\n\u2022 Seizures
\r\n\u2022 Kidney or respiratory failure
\r\n\u2022 Disorientation or delirium
\r\n\u2022 Serotonin syndrome
\r\n<\/td>Common side effects:
\r\n\u2022 Nausea
\r\n\u2022 Vomiting
\r\n\u2022 Diarrhea
\r\n\u2022 Insomnia
\r\n\u2022 Sexual dysfunction
\r\n
\r\n
\r\nSerious side effects:
\r\n\u2022 Seizures
\r\n\u2022 Blurred or tunnel vision
\r\n\u2022 Eye pain, swelling, or seeing halos around lights
\r\n\u2022 Easy bruising or unusual bleeding
\r\n\u2022 Racing thoughts or unusual risk-taking behavior
\r\n\u2022 Decreased inhibitions, euphoria, or extreme sadness
\r\n\u2022 Headache or severe weakness
\r\n\u2022 Confusion or slurred speech
\r\n\u2022 Loss of coordination or feeling unsteady
\r\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n\t Warnings For Use<\/strong><\/td> Contraindicated conditions:
\r\n\u2022 Diabetes
\r\n\u2022 Liver disease
\r\n\u2022 Alcohol use disorder
\r\n\u2022 History of bipolar disorder
\r\n\u2022 History of suicide attempts
\r\n\u2022 Low blood sodium or dehydration
\r\n\u2022 Seizures
\r\n\u2022 Gastrointestinal ulcers
\r\n\u2022 Glaucoma
\r\n
\r\nDrug Interactions:
\r\n\u2022 Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
\r\n\u2022 Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
\r\n\u2022 Aspirin and other blood thinners
\r\n\u2022 Antihistamines
\r\n\u2022 Opioid pain relievers
\r\n\u2022 St. John\u2019s wort
\r\n\u2022 Cannabis and MDMA
\r\n<\/td>Contraindicated conditions:
\r\n\u2022 Liver or kidney disease
\r\n\u2022 Bleeding or blood clotting disorders
\r\n\u2022 Narrow-angle glaucoma
\r\n\u2022 Epilepsy
\r\n\u2022 Bipolar disorder
\r\n\u2022 Sexual function issues
\r\n\u2022 A history of drug addiction
\r\n\u2022 Suicidal thoughts
\r\n
\r\n
\r\nDrug interactions:
\r\n\u2022 Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
\r\n\u2022 Pimozide or other Tourette's syndrome medications
\r\n\u2022 Thioridazine or other antipsychotic medications
\r\n\u2022 Stimulant medications, like Adderall
\r\n\u2022 Opioid-based painkillers
\r\n\u2022 Herbal supplements, such as St. John\u2019s Wort
\r\n\u2022 Tryptophan
\r\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n\nWhat is Prozac?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Common Doses and Forms of Prozac<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Conditions Prozac treats<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Prozac Can Treat Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Off-label uses for Prozac<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Prozac Costs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Prozac Side Effects<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Prozac Warnings<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Prozac Drug Interactions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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