How long does Viibryd stay in your system? (+5 important factors)

In this article, we will discuss the approximate time taken by Viibryd to stay in your system. We will also discuss some factors that can affect this length of time and provide a guideline to ensure the safety and effectiveness of Viibryd.

How long does Viibryd stay in your system?

Viibryd (Vilazodone) stays in your system for approximately 5 days (120 hours). However, the stay time of the medication in your bloodstream or its duration of action may depend on different factors. For that reason, it can vary from person to person.

What is the half-life of Viibryd?

The half-life of Viibryd is 25 hours (1). Half-life is how long it takes for half the drug to be eliminated from the body. It is estimated that it takes approximately 5 half-lives for a drug to be eliminated from the system. Therefore, Viibryd stays in your body for about 5 days,

What factors may affect the duration of Viibryd in your system?

According to recent studies, neither the absorption nor the elimination of Viibryd is influenced by age, gender, or race. However, the effectiveness may be affected by the following factors (2):

• Alcohol: Alcohol can increase exposure to Viibryd and prolong the duration of the drug in your system.
• Dosage strength: Viibryd is available in 10, 20 and 40 mg tablets. Higher doses usually take longer to be metabolised and eliminated.
• Food: Food increases the absorption of Viibryd and ensures the adequate drug concentration required for its effectiveness. That is why Viibryd should be taken with food.
• Metabolism rate: Viibryd is primarily eliminated by hepatic metabolism. The rate at which the liver “breaks down” Viibryd can vary from person to person. If you have a fast metabolism, you might process Viibryd more quickly, leading to a shorter stay in your system.
• Hepatic function: The liver plays a crucial role in Viibryd metabolism. Therefore, if the liver is not functioning properly, it may take longer to metabolise and eliminate a drug.
• Smoking: Smoking will potentially reduce systemic exposure to Viibryd and shorten the duration of the drug in your system.
• Other medications and substances: Other drugs, herbs, vitamins, supplements, or even certain types of foods may interfere with the metabolism rate of Viibryd and its presence in your system. For example, grapefruit can reduce the elimination rate of Viibryd.
• Treatment duration: If you have been taking Viibryd for an extended period, it can accumulate in the body and take longer to be eliminated.

How to ensure the safety and efficacy of Viibryd?

Viibryd is an antidepressant used to treat major depressive disorders in adults. It contains the active ingredient vilazodone, which is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and partial serotonin receptor agonist. Viibryd works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural substances in the brain, such as serotonin.

To ensure the safe and efficient use of Viibryd, follow these guidelines on what to do and what to avoid while taking Viibryd (2,3):

• Read the label: Follow the directions in your prescription label and read the medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dosage or instructions, so it is important to stay informed.

• Be aware of potential side effects: Viibryd, like any other medication, has side effects. Be aware of symptoms such as nausea, diarrhoea, headache, insomnia, and weight gain. If you experience any side effects, inform your healthcare provider immediately.

• Attend regular check-ups: Attend regular check-ups with your healthcare provider to monitor your progress and any side effects you may be experiencing. Do not forget to inform what other medications or substances you may be using.

• Take Viibryd with food: Taking Viibryd with food is largely recommended. If Viibryd is taken without food, the drug may not reach adequate levels and reduce its effectiveness.

• Avoid alcohol: Drinking alcohol while taking Viibryd can worsen the side effects of the drug and prejudice the safety of the medication. Additionally, Alcohol may intensify depression symptoms.

• Avoid grapefruit or grapefruit juice: Grapefruit can interact with Viibryd and increase the risk of side effects. Avoid consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice while taking Viibryd.

• Do not smoke: Smoking can decrease the exposure to Viibryd by half and interfere with its effectiveness. Besides, smoking can worsen depression symptoms.

Conclusion

In this article, we have discussed the approximate duration that Viibryd remains in your system.  We have also examined factors that can influence the concentration of Viibryd in your body and outlined proper methods to ensure its safe and effective use.

References