Vilazodone for the Treatment of Depression: An Update

초록

Vilazodone is a novel antidepressant having a selective serotonin (5-HT) reuptake inhibitorand 5-HT1A receptor partial agonist profile, so it has been regarded as a serotoninpartial agonist-reuptake inhibitor (SPARI). We aimed to provide Vilazodone’s clinicalimplications mainly by reviewing published clinical trials. Vilazodone has been speculatedto have three potential benefits including faster onset of action, greater efficacy,and better tolerability owning to its SPARI properties. However, no studies conductedso far have directly proven the above speculations. Five initial phase II trials failed todistinguish vilazodone from placebo in the treatment of MDD, but 4 randomized clinicaltrials (RCT), 3 post-hoc or pooled analysis, 1 long-term open label study, and ameta-analysis showed vilazodone’s superior efficacy over placebo. The studies alsoshowed vilazodone is generally safe and tolerable. However, diarrhea, nausea, headache,dizziness, dry mouth, and insomnia warrant close attention in clinical practicebecause they have been constantly noted throughout the clinical studies. 2 RCTs recentlydocumented the efficacy and safety of vilazodone in patients with generalizedanxiety disorder, which could be a start of broadening vilazodone’s usage or FDA approvalin diverse anxiety disorders.

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