Does Viibryd cause weight gain? (3 research studies explained)

In this article, we will discuss whether Viibryd causes weight gain as a side effect. We will also shed light on some research studies and discuss factors that may influence weight gain while taking Viibryd. We will also talk about some management strategies for those who may gain weight on Viibryd. 

Does Viibryd cause weight gain?

Viibryd may cause weight gain in some people. However, this is not a common or well-known side effect of this antidepressant (1). 

Antidepressants, in general, are known culprits for affecting body weight, with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and mirtazapine being the most common antidepressants for weight gain (2,3). 

Viibryd, however, is not known for affecting appetite or metabolism or causing weight gain in the majority of cases. Furthermore, weight gain was not reported during clinical trials. It is important to note that antidepressants affect people differently, and weight gain can have many other potential causes. 

People can gain weight regardless of the medications they are taking, so it is crucial to focus on other potential factors that could be at play here, mainly lifestyle factors. If you’re experiencing a significant amount of weight gain while taking Viibryd, please reach out to your doctor.

What does research suggest?

There is limited research on Viibryd and weight gain. However, most research studies have not discussed weight gain as a reported side effect of this antidepressant. 

One research study compared the effects of vilazodone, the active ingredient in Viibryd and sertraline, an SSRI (4). Both the efficacy and side effects profiles were compared, in which it was found that vilazodone is far less likely to induce weight gain and sexual side effects compared to sertraline (4). 

Another research study compared the efficacy and safety of vilazodone and another SSRI – escitalopram (5). This comparative study also indicated that vilazodone was not found to cause weight gain, and some individuals taking this antidepressant lost weight during the trials, although it was statistically insignificant (5). 

Another research study conducted on the efficacy of vilazodone for major depressive disorder (MDD) also indicated that vilazodone is less likely to cause weight gain in individuals being treated with this antidepressant (6). 

These research studies suggest that Viibryd is less likely to affect your body weight. However, researchers do stress the fact that people are different and can have different factors affecting their health. What works for one may not work for another.

What factors can influence weight gain while taking Viibryd?

Some factors that may influence weight gain while taking Viibryd include:

• High-calorie diet: Consuming more calories than your body needs can contribute to weight gain. It’s essential to maintain a balanced and healthy diet to manage weight.

• Lack of exercise: Physical activity plays a crucial role in weight management. A sedentary lifestyle may contribute to weight gain, so incorporating regular exercise can be beneficial.

• Underlying health conditions: Certain health issues, such as eating disorders, can influence weight. It’s important to rule out any such illness which could potentially affect your body weight.

• Use of other drugs: Some medications may interact with Viibryd and contribute to weight changes.

• Stress: Emotional factors like stress can impact eating habits and may lead to weight gain over time. Managing stress through healthy coping mechanisms is essential for overall well-being.

What to do if you are gaining weight while taking Viibryd?

If you are gaining a significant or worrisome amount of weight while taking Viibryd, please reach out to your doctor. Although Viibryd is not likely to affect your body weight, people are different and can respond differently to medications.

Your doctor may try adjusting your dose to observe your body’s response to the drug. It is also important for healthcare providers to rule out other potential causes of weight gain, especially underlying diseases. 

This can help determine the root cause of weight gain and assist your doctor in adjusting your treatment plan accordingly. If Viibryd is indeed affecting your metabolism or body weight in some way, your doctor will most likely taper it off and safely switch you to another medication. 

However, it is important to note that such decisions should never be made on your own. If your doctor thinks that there is a better option than Viibryd for you, they will guide you accordingly. Never make any changes to your treatment plan or stop the antidepressant abruptly; this can do far more harm than good.

Helpful tips to manage your body weight

Some helpful tips to lose some extra pounds include:

• Opt for a healthy diet, including lean proteins such as chicken, fish, and legumes, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, and minimise the intake of processed foods, sugary snacks, and excessive fats. A balanced diet provides essential nutrients and promotes overall well-being.

• Regular exercise is essential for effective weight loss. Try working out for 3-4 days a week. If you are a beginner, walking for half an hour is a good start. 

• Ensure you drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily. Staying hydrated is especially important during physical activities.

• Sleep well – at least for 7-9 hours every night.  Create a relaxing bedtime routine, such as reading or gentle stretching to help your body relax. 

As a pharmacist, I always suggest opting for a healthy lifestyle. This is not only important to managing healthy weight, but healthy physical and mental functioning of your body as well. 

As far as Viibryd is concerned, the antidepressant does not cause weight gain. However, if you think it is affecting your body weight in some way, make sure you discuss this with your doctor. 

References

1. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA). HIGHLIGHTS OF PRESCRIBING INFORMATION. VIIBRYD (vilazodone HCl) tablets, for oral use. Available from: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2014/022567s011lbl.pdf 

2. Chu A, Wadhwa R. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors. 2023 May 1. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 32119293. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554406 

3. Jilani TN, Gibbons JR, Faizy RM, Saadabadi A. Mirtazapine. 2023 Aug 28. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 30085601. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519059 

4. Bathla M, Anjum S. A 12-week prospective randomized controlled comparative trial of vilazodone and sertraline in Indian patients with depression. Indian J Pharmacol. 2020 Jan-Feb;52(1):10-15. doi: 10.4103/ijp.IJP_618_18. Epub 2020 Mar 11. PMID: 32201441; PMCID: PMC7074431. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7074431/ 

5. Bathla M, Anjum S, Singh M, Panchal S, Singh GP. A 12-week Comparative Prospective Open-label Randomized Controlled Study in Depression Patients Treated with Vilazodone and Escitalopram in a Tertiary Care Hospital in North India. Indian J Psychol Med. 2018 Jan-Feb;40(1):80-85. doi: 10.4103/IJPSYM.IJPSYM_368_17. PMID: 29403135; PMCID: PMC5795684. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5795684/ 

6. Wang SM, Han C, Lee SJ, Patkar AA, Masand PS, Pae CU. Vilazodone for the treatment of major depressive disorder: focusing on its clinical studies and mechanism of action. Psychiatry Investig. 2015 Apr;12(2):155-63. doi: 10.4306/pi.2015.12.2.155. Epub 2015 Mar 18. PMID: 25866514; PMCID: PMC4390584. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4390584/