Managing a Missed Dose of Viibryd (Vilazodone)
If you miss a dose of Viibryd, take it as soon as you remember unless it's almost time for your next scheduled dose—in that case, skip the missed dose entirely and resume your regular schedule. 1
What to Do When You Miss a Dose
- Take the missed dose as soon as you remember if you realize it the same day, even if it's at bedtime 1
- Skip the missed dose completely if it's almost time for your next scheduled dose (within a few hours) 1
- Never double up by taking two doses at the same time to make up for a missed dose 1
- Always take Viibryd with food when you do take your dose, as this is required for proper absorption 1
Why Timing Matters Less Than You Think
The symptoms you describe (exploding head syndrome and sleep paralysis) are not typical discontinuation effects of vilazodone. Unlike shorter-acting SSRIs such as paroxetine that commonly cause discontinuation syndrome with missed doses 2, vilazodone has a relatively favorable profile when occasional doses are missed. The FDA label specifically addresses missed doses with straightforward guidance rather than warnings about severe withdrawal 1.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Don't panic about missing a single dose—the guidance is simply to resume your normal schedule 1
- Don't take extra medication the next day to compensate 1
- Don't stop taking vilazodone abruptly for multiple consecutive days, as this can lead to discontinuation syndrome with symptoms including nausea, sweating, mood changes, headache, irritability, dizziness, and electric shock sensations 1
When to Contact Your Healthcare Provider
- If you've missed multiple consecutive doses (more than 1-2 days), contact your provider before resuming to discuss whether dose adjustment is needed 1
- If you experience actual discontinuation symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, sweating, irritability, or confusion after missing doses 1
- If you're frequently missing doses, which may indicate the need for adherence strategies or medication timing adjustments 2
Important Safety Considerations
Vilazodone can cause serious effects if stopped suddenly after regular use, including discontinuation syndrome 1. However, missing a single dose occasionally is managed simply by resuming your regular schedule. The key is maintaining consistent daily dosing with food to optimize therapeutic benefit and minimize side effects 1, 3.