Vilamid-40 Tablet belongs to the class of medications called ‘antidepressants’ used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) or clinical depression. Major depressive disorder, also known as clinical depression is a mental health disorder characterized by persistent and intense loneliness (nearly every day for at least 2 weeks).

Vilamid-40 Tablet contains ‘Vilazodone hydrochloride’, which increases serotonin levels (a chemical messenger) in the brain. Serotonin is a hormone that helps to improve mood, feelings of well-being, and happiness. Hence, an increase in serotonin levels helps to decrease symptoms of depression.

You should take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Vilamid-40 Tablet may cause side effects such as diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, and insomnia (sleeping problems). These side effects usually resolve without requiring any treatment. However, if any of these side effects persist or get worse, inform your doctor immediately.

It is not recommended to take Vilamid-40 Tablet if you are allergic to any contents of it. Before taking Vilamid-40 Tablet , inform your doctor if you have seizures (fits), alcohol abuse, liver or kidney disease, bleeding disorder, glaucoma (an eye condition), and bipolar disorder. Vilamid-40 Tablet should be used with caution in pregnant and breastfeeding women. Vilamid-40 Tablet is not recommended for children or adolescents below 18 years of age as this medicine increase the risk of suicidal tendencies. No dose adjustments are required for elderly patients. It is not recommended to take alcohol as it increases the risk of side effects. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery as it may decrease your alertness.

Vilamid-40 Tablet is used in the treatment of the major depressive disorder. It increases the serotonin hormone levels, which improves mood, energy, and feelings of well-being. It can decrease the number and frequency of depressive episodes. It helps in reducing the symptoms of depression effectively and improves quality-of-life. It can also be used to treat anxiety.

• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Insomnia (sleeping problems)

It is not recommended to take any monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) within the 14 days after stopping Vilamid-40 Tablet or do not take Vilamid-40 Tablet within 14 days after stopping MAOIs. The interaction between these two drugs can be fatal sometimes. Vilamid-40 Tablet may worsen depression and increase suicidal tendencies, so inform your doctor immediately if you notice any unusual changes in your mood or behaviour. Vilamid-40 Tablet may cause serotonin syndrome or neuroleptic malignant-like syndrome, which is characterized by symptoms such as high blood pressure, agitation, confusion, excess sweating, and increased heart rate. In such cases, the doctor may discontinue treatment and provide supportive therapy. Vilamid-40 Tablet may increase bleeding risk when used along with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), aspirin, or blood thinners. Vilamid-40 Tablet may activate mania (abnormally heightened response or energy levels), so patients should be screened regularly for bipolar disorder. Vilamid-40 Tablet may cause hyponatremia (decreased sodium levels in the blood) when used in people with the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH), a condition in which the body retains too much water. Do not stop taking Vilamid-40 Tablet even if you feel better without your doctor’s advice. Abrupt stopping this medicine may cause withdrawal symptoms such as sleep problems, irritability, and excessive sweating. The doctor may gradually reduce the dose before completely stopping the treatment from avoiding withdrawal reactions.

• Maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly helps in improving overall health and boosts self-esteem.
• Regularly attend therapy sessions.
• Perform meditation and yoga. This helps in relieving stress and provides relaxation.
• Follow a regular sleep pattern to improve the amount and quality of sleep you get.
• Include foods rich in omega fatty acids such as fish, nuts, fresh fruits, vegetables, and olive oils.
• Neurotransmitters are made up of amino acids. Amino acid-rich foods such as meat, dairy products, and certain fruits and vegetables help maintain neurotransmitters' proper maintenance.
• Complex carbohydrates help in stimulating serotonin (a feel-good neurotransmitter). These include whole grains, legumes, spinach, broccoli, oranges, and pears.
• Exercising helps in the production of the body’s natural antidepressants. It also helps in relieving stress, improving mood, boosts self-esteem, and provides restful sleep.
• Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
• Learn about your condition, understand the risk factors, and follow the doctor’s treatment plan.