When Will Vilazodone, the Generic Viibryd, Be Available?

Generic drugs play an essential role in our health care. Generic drugs contain the exact same active ingredients as their brand name equivalent. However, according to the FDA, generics may cost Americans 30-80% less than the brand name drug. So, if you’re curious about when the generic for the antidepressant medication Viibryd will be available, read on.

When will generic Viibryd, Vilazodone, be available?

Currently, there are two generic versions of Viibryd approved by the FDA, and they may become available in mid-late 2022. The generics, known as vilazodone, are being manufactured by Alembic Pharmaceuticals LTD and Teva Pharmaceuticals USA.

However, keep in mind that generic drug release dates are subject to change based on litigation, patent expirations, and drug exclusivities. When it is released as a generic, vilazodone will be available from both manufacturers in 10 mg, 20 mg, and 40 mg tablets.

What is Vilazodone?

Vilazodone, the generic Viibryd, is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used to treat major depressive disorder in adults. It works by increasing the amount of serotonin in your brain. Serotonin is a chemical in your brain that helps regulate mood and emotions. As a result, vilazodone may help improve your sleep, increase your energy levels, improve your appetite, and help restore interest in daily life.

Vilazodone for Treatment of Depression

When vilazodone, the generic Viibryd becomes available, it will be prescribed for the treatment of major depressive disorder, also known as clinical depression, or depression. A partial list of symptoms of depression include:

• Feelings of sadness, emptiness, hopelessness
• Loss of interest or pleasure in many or all daily activities, including hobbies, work, relationships, exercise, sex, etc.
• Irritability, frustration, agitation, angry outbursts
• Sleeping too much, or too little
• Weight gain or loss
• Changes in appetite (increase or decrease)
• Anxiety
• Unexplained physical pain, such as headaches or back pain
• Fatigue
• Difficulty thinking, concentrating, making decisions, or remembering things
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
• Fixating on past failures, self-criticism, or self-blame
• Thoughts of death, or suicide

If you are experiencing symptoms of depression, contact your health care provider immediately. In a mental health crisis, contact your local emergency medical services by calling 911, or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by calling 800-273-8255.

Side Effects of Vilazodone

Vilazodone, like all medications, may cause side effects. Common side effects may include:

• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

Rare but serious side effects may occur. If you experience any of the following serious side effects, contact your health care provider immediately.

• Tingling or numbness
• Restlessness
• Confusion
• Racing heart
• Severe change in mood, including suicidal thoughts
• Changes in vision or eye pain Bloody or black stool Vomit that looks like coffee grounds

How does a medication become a generic?

Brand name drugs have patents that are valid for 20 years after the filing of the patent application. However, a large amount of that time is spent developing the drug, so the length of time the brand drug is on the market before the patent exclusion expires is usually only a few years.

A generic manufacturer can apply to make a generic drug before this patent has expired, but cannot release the new generic version of the drug on the market until the patent expires. For a generic drug to be approved, it must meet the following requirements.

• The generic drug is equivalent to the brand name drug in the formulation (i.e., tablet, solution, extended-release, etc.)
• The manufacturer can make the drug correctly and consistently
• The active ingredient is the same as the one in the brand name drug
• The established amount of the drug always reaches the site of action in the same amount of time
• The inactive ingredients are safe
• The drug is stable for a reasonable amount of time
• The container used for the drug is appropriate for the stability of the drug
• The drug information label is the same as that of the brand name drug
• The brand name drug’s patents and exclusivities have expired

Check RxSaver for Generic Drug Savings

If you’re prescribed medication from your health care provider, ask if a generic is available, for possible savings. Also be sure to check RxSaver for prescription drug coupons, which may save you up to 85% on your medication cost.