Lexapro vs. Viibryd
See how Lexapro and Viibryd compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Key Takeaways
Both drugs carry a boxed warning for suicidal thoughts in children, teens, and young adults, and both require a gradual dose increase before reaching maintenance.
Lexapro is also FDA-approved for generalized anxiety disorder and for depression in teens 12 to 17, while Viibryd's approval covers only adult depression.
Viibryd must be taken with food for the medication to absorb properly and carries a higher risk of diarrhea, while Lexapro's most common side effect is nausea.
Lexapro vs. Viibryd Drug Summary
Lexapro
Lexapro (escitalopram) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) approved for major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder in adults, and for depression in adolescents 12 to 17. It comes as a tablet or oral solution taken once daily, usually starting at 10 mg with a possible increase to 20 mg after two weeks.
Viibryd
Viibryd (vilazodone) is a serotonin partial agonist and reuptake inhibitor (SPARI) approved for major depressive disorder in adults. It's a once-daily tablet that must be taken with food, starting at 10 mg and titrating up to a 40 mg maintenance dose over two weeks.
Lexapro vs. Viibryd Side Effects
Lexapro
Viibryd
Lexapro vs. Viibryd Dosage
Lexapro
Viibryd
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 10 mg once daily | Week 1 |
| Maximum dose | 20 mg once daily | Week 2 onward |
| Dose changes | 1 increase | Every week |
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 10 mg once daily | Days 1-7 |
| Maximum dose | 40 mg once daily | Day 15 onward |
| Dose changes | 2 increases | Every 7 days |
Lexapro
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 10 mg once daily | Week 1 |
| Maximum dose | 20 mg once daily | Week 2 onward |
| Dose changes | 1 increase | Every week |
Viibryd
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 10 mg once daily | Days 1-7 |
| Maximum dose | 40 mg once daily | Day 15 onward |
| Dose changes | 2 increases | Every 7 days |
Lexapro vs. Viibryd Indications
Lexapro
Lexapro is FDA-approved to treat major depressive disorder in adults and adolescents ages 12 to 17, as well as generalized anxiety disorder in adults. It is not approved for depression in children under 12 or for anxiety in any pediatric age group.
Major depressive disorder in adults
Major depressive disorder in adolescents 12-17
Generalized anxiety disorder in adults
Not approved for pediatric generalized anxiety disorder
Viibryd
Viibryd is FDA-approved only for major depressive disorder in adults. It has not been studied or approved for pediatric depression or for any anxiety disorder.
Major depressive disorder in adults
Not approved for pediatric major depressive disorder
Not approved for any anxiety disorder
No pediatric dosing established
Lexapro vs. Viibryd Pros and Cons
Lexapro
Lexapro has a long track record since its 2002 approval and is available as a low-cost generic, escitalopram. Its label is broader than Viibryd's, covering both depression and generalized anxiety disorder, though sexual side effects are common.
Pros
Generic escitalopram available at much lower cost
Also approved for generalized anxiety disorder
Approved for depression in adolescents 12 to 17
Cons
Sexual side effects, including ejaculation disorder, are common
Not approved for anxiety in adolescents or children
Nausea is the single most common side effect
Viibryd
Viibryd's dual mechanism, serotonin reuptake inhibition plus partial 5-HT1A agonism, offers a newer approach approved in 2011. Its label is narrower, covering only adult depression, and no widely available generic exists, though the distinct mechanism may suit some patients.
Pros
Combines serotonin reuptake inhibition with partial 5-HT1A agonism, unlike Lexapro
May be considered when other SSRIs haven't worked well
Offers a newer treatment class approved in 2011, distinct from older SSRIs
Cons
No generic version widely available, unlike Lexapro
Must be taken with food or absorption drops significantly
Higher rates of diarrhea and nausea than many SSRIs
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