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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is Vilazodone A Safe Medication For Treating Anxiety And Depression In A 54-year-old?

Thank you for your availability to answer my questions, My 54 yo son phoned and told me he has been prescribed Vilazodone for his anxiety and depression and wanted me to provide him with any info that I may have. After readiing this article It seems that this is a fairly hefty med. What is your experience with this medication and do you have any suggeswtions? Is this a safe medication if used as prescribed or is it something he should question ?
Tue, 18 Dec 2018
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hi,

Vilazodone is a medication that is used to treat anxiety & depression, it is a SSRI, which helps to stay away from mood fluctuations, maintains energy levels, sleep & appetite. It is better not to use this medication in high dose or for a long period for afterwards when it is tapered or stopped it may cause serious withdrawal symptoms (headache, numbness, tingling, seizures, etc).

Drug interactions may cause hallucinations, loss of co-ordination, muscle twitching, etc which need immediate medical attention. Follow-up appointments with the Physician & Psychiatrist is a must to monitor the doses, progress & the body response to the treatment.

It is not recommended to entirely depend on the medications but to make appropriate lifestyle changes, develop healthy diet habits, stay away from addictions, go for regular exercises, abstain from stress & anxiety.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Nupur K,
General & Family Physician
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Is Vilazodone A Safe Medication For Treating Anxiety And Depression In A 54-year-old?

Hi, Vilazodone is a medication that is used to treat anxiety & depression, it is a SSRI, which helps to stay away from mood fluctuations, maintains energy levels, sleep & appetite. It is better not to use this medication in high dose or for a long period for afterwards when it is tapered or stopped it may cause serious withdrawal symptoms (headache, numbness, tingling, seizures, etc). Drug interactions may cause hallucinations, loss of co-ordination, muscle twitching, etc which need immediate medical attention. Follow-up appointments with the Physician & Psychiatrist is a must to monitor the doses, progress & the body response to the treatment. It is not recommended to entirely depend on the medications but to make appropriate lifestyle changes, develop healthy diet habits, stay away from addictions, go for regular exercises, abstain from stress & anxiety. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Nupur K, General & Family Physician