Viibryd (vilazodone) is an antidepressant medication approved for treating major depressive disorder in adults. Individuals often wonder if its tablets can be cut in half to achieve a lower dose. Understanding the specific design of Viibryd tablets and general pharmaceutical guidelines is important for safe medication practices.
Viibryd’s Unique Formulation
Viibryd is manufactured as film-coated tablets available in 10 mg, 20 mg, and 40 mg strengths. These tablets are not scored, meaning they lack a dividing line for accurate splitting. The design ensures consistent and controlled absorption of the active ingredient, vilazodone, when taken as a whole tablet with food.
Why Splitting Viibryd is Not Recommended
Splitting Viibryd tablets is not advised by healthcare professionals or the manufacturer, primarily due to the risk of inaccurate dosing. Without a score line, manually dividing the tablet often results in uneven halves, meaning one portion could contain significantly more or less active medication than intended. Studies on unscored tablets show deviations of over 15% from the target dose are common, sometimes exceeding 20%.
The film coating on Viibryd tablets plays a role in how the drug is released and absorbed. Damaging this coating by splitting the tablet can alter the medication’s intended release profile, potentially affecting its effectiveness. This alteration might lead to reduced therapeutic benefit or an increased risk of side effects.
Inconsistent dosing introduces safety concerns, as unpredictable medication levels can occur. A higher-than-intended dose could increase the likelihood of experiencing adverse reactions, while a lower dose might diminish the medication’s therapeutic effect. Discontinuation symptoms can also arise if the body receives less medication than expected.
Safe Approaches to Viibryd Dosing
Any adjustments to Viibryd dosage should occur only under the direct guidance of a healthcare provider. A doctor or pharmacist can assess individual needs and determine the most appropriate dosing strategy. Self-adjusting medication, including attempting to split tablets, can lead to unintended health consequences.
Viibryd is available in different strengths (10 mg, 20 mg, and 40 mg), providing options for precise dosing without tablet manipulation. Healthcare providers can prescribe the exact strength required for a patient’s treatment plan. For individuals starting the medication, specialized titration packs are available.
These titration packs help patients gradually increase their dose over time. This controlled approach helps the body adjust to the medication and minimizes initial side effects. Following the prescribed titration schedule with whole tablets ensures consistent and safe medication delivery.