Viibryd is a brand-name oral tablet prescribed for depression in adults. It contains the active ingredient vilazodone. It’s not known whether Viibryd is safe to take during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Keep reading for specific information about reproductive health and Viibryd. For a comprehensive look at Viibryd, see this article.

FDA warning: Suicidal thoughts and behaviors

Viibryd has a boxed warning. This is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A boxed warning alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.

If you’re age 24 years or younger, taking an antidepressant, such as Viibryd, may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. This is according to short-term clinical studies. Note Viibryd is not approved for use in children.

If your doctor prescribes Viibryd, they will monitor you for signs of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Have loved ones keep an eye out for such signs as well. Be sure to keep this drug out of reach of children.

If you have thoughts of suicide, call 911 or your local emergency number. In the United States, you can also call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741.

For more information on this warning, talk with your doctor.

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It’s not known whether Viibryd is safe to take during pregnancy. It hasn’t been studied in pregnant people.

In animal studies, Viibryd caused congenital anomalies (commonly known as birth defects) when pregnant animals were given the drug at higher doses than standard. However, the results of animal studies may not apply to humans.

Viibryd is similar to other depression medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Newborns of pregnant people who take SSRIs may have an increased risk of a longer hospital stay and difficulty breathing and feeding.

Some studiesTrusted Source have shown that newborns of pregnant people who took SSRIs had an increased risk of pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PHNB). With PHNB, a newborn is unable to transition to breathing outside the womb with their circulatory system.

Though Viibryd works a little differently than SSRIs, there is a chance that the drug could cause some of the same effects.

If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk with your doctor before taking Viibryd. You and your doctor should discuss the benefits of Viibryd treatment and also consider the possible side effects of Viibryd.

It’s not known whether Viibryd is found in the breast milk of people who breastfeed. It’s also not known whether it’s safe to breastfeed while taking Viibryd.

If you’re breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, ask your doctor whether Viibryd is right for you.

It’s not known whether Viibryd is safe to take during pregnancy. If you or your sexual partner can become pregnant, talk with your doctor about your birth control options while you’re taking Viibryd.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.