Patient/caregiver was educated on contraindications for using Vilazodone as follows
- Vilazodone intake can thin the blood and increase risk for bleeding in the skin and mucus membranes. This risk is further more in individuals concurrently taking blood thinners and anticoagulants, such as, aspirin, warfarin, Xarelto, and Eliquis. Some other antidepressants and antipsychotic medications also contribute to thinning of blood and episodes of bleeding. Administration of vilazodone along with these medications can also precipitate dangerous bleeding episodes. Check with your physician on the safety with vilazodone use and the possibility for interaction with other medications on your list.
- Serotonin is one chemical in the brain, which in permissible amounts, is believed to reduce anxiety and promote happiness and well-being. Very excessive concentrations of serotonin in the brain can lead to serotonin syndrome. Individuals with serotonin syndrome can present with mania, excitement, hallucinations, agitation, insomnia, pounding heartbeat, very rapid heart rate, overactive reflexes, and diarrhea. Vilazodone use, especially along with other antidepressants acting on the same lines, such as, fluoxetine, citalopram, and sertraline, can significantly increase the serotonin levels in the body and lead to development of serotonin syndrome. Vilazodone use along with a few other antidepressants, such as, phenelzine, selegiline, and tranylcypromine can also significantly increase the serotonin levels in the body and lead to development of serotonin syndrome. Vilazodone use is discouraged along with these medications. Caution must be exercised even when discontinuing on any of the above mentioned antidepressant medications with potential to increase serotonin levels and starting on vilazodone, by observing a window period of atleast 2 weeks, before the transition to vilazodone is made. This helps with complete elimination of these medications from the body, reduce the risk for interaction with vilazodone, and reduce risk for development of serotonin syndrome.
