FDA Approves New Antidepressant Said to Carry Fewer Side Effects

Doctors claim a new antidepressant, scheduled to hit the market this spring, may cause fewer side effects than its predecessors, Prozac and Zoloft. Viibryd, more commonly know as Vilazodone, is the first new option to treat depression in ten years and has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults.

Doctors say that while there are treatment options available for depression, side effects,Rift Gold which include weight gain and sexual dysfunction, can often outweigh the benefits of these medicines. FDA spokesperson Sandy Walsh told AOL Health, however, that this new drug isn't superior to any other antidepressant already on the market.

"Medications affect everyone differently, so it is important to have a variety of treatment options available to patients who suffer from depression,"RIFT Platinum Walsh says. "This drug offers an additional choice."

Two randomized, double-blind trials showed 40 mg of Vilazodone given once daily to adults suffering from MDD proved the drug is significantly more effective than the placebo in improving depressive symptoms. Like other drugs, Vilazodone works to control the brain chemical serotonin, but can also boost dopamine levels.

"Vilazodone met the FDA's standards for approval,"rift gold Walsh said. "It proved to be safe and effective to treat major depressive disorder."

During safety studies, researchers monitored 2,177 patients diagnosed with MDD. Their side effects included diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and insomnia. A little more than 7 percent of patients who received vilazodone discontinued treatment due to adverse reactions.

Reportedly, patients made only minimal complaints of sexual dysfunction including decreased libido, abnormal orgasms, delayed ejaculation and erectile dysfunction. According to Walsh,RIFT Platinum however, there are still a few loose ends.

"The FDA does not agree with the claim about sexual side effects," explains Walsh. "There is not sufficient data for that claim. The drug company did use some sexual function assessments in some of its trials, and the results were mixed."

No reports of drug-related abnormalities in hepatic or cardiac parameters or vital signs occurred. There were also no associations involving change of body weight over eight weeks, says manufacturer PGxHealth/Clinical Data.

This drug will be sold in 10, 20 and 40 mg tablets and will contain a label, just like other antidepressants, TERA Goldwarning users about increased risk of suicide and suicidal behavior in children, adolescents and young adults. The warning label also says depression and other serious psychiatric disorders are the most important causes of suicide, and close monitoring of patients starting these medications is necessary, says Walsh.

"As with any drug, the FDA will continuously monitor adverse events reported for any unknown safety signals," Walsh adds.