Vilazodone for Major Depressive Disorder User Reviews

• Bazzle
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 31, 2020

Viibryd (vilazodone) "Well, Viibryd. What to say, from looking at the general response it either works amazingly or the side effects can be debilitating. As for my experience? This has been a wonderful drug. I have not had gene sight testing (I wish I had) but have gone through the general ringer with the old fashioned trial and error. No other SSRI/SNRI/DNRI/TCA has worked for me but Viibryd has! I totally disagree that 20mg is the optimal dose it’s all subjective, 20mg worked for me for 3 weeks then completely pooped out. Now up to 40mg and two days in and I feel great. So if it makes stops working and you feel it had worked prior, do not be afraid to increase after talking to your DR vs stop taking. But yes there are side effects- diarrhea (which went away) & headaches , increased RLS being the mainstay but tolerable. And my sex life has greatly improved on this drug. I give it a ten out of ten. FYI - I take Gabapentin For the RLS at night which helped immensely. Good luck. God speed."

• Anony...
• April 16, 2021

Viibryd (vilazodone) "I’ve been through countless medications - I have anxiety, panic attacks, mdd. They all made me sick, more anxious, panic attacks that felt like heart attacks, have aggressive behavior, bouts of OCD, RLS, feel like I was walking in a fog, etc. Viibryd has been tolerable. I don’t feel as depressed and overwhelmed to the point of feeling paralyzed. Only side effect is vivid nightmares, and really not helping with my anxiety/panic attacks. As long as I am still prescribed my Xanax, my whole life feels so much better. The Xanax helps with the panic and anxiety, but the depression was always lingering and interfering with my day to day life, and viibryd is taking care of that. Thank goodness I finally found a doctor that listens!!! I would much rather deal with nightmares than the deep dark depression I’ve been in for years."

• AnnieOK
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 24, 2019

Viibryd (vilazodone) "Over the past 5 years everyday was a struggle, I would wake up hoping everyday would be my last. I cannot even remember all of the antidepressants prescribed. Like almost all of the reviews, I too had diarrhea for about a week on Viibryd. However, I was coming out of my "dark place" and continued taking as prescribed. I was given a starter pack that started with 10 mg for approximately 10 days then increased to 20 mg per day then 40 mg per day. After approximately 10 days the diarrhea went away. Yes, I was feeling much better, out of the "dark place" and into a "grey world." My doctor then added Bupropion 150 mg per day. After 3 weeks of this combination I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Getting out of bed is no longer dreadful, I am motivated to actually get out of bed and the house. Because of the severity of my depression, I would be willing to endure almost any side effect(s). Thankfully the only side effect I am currently experiencing is a desire to live."

• Sue
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 3, 2019

Viibryd (vilazodone) "After 20 years of depression, numerous hospitalizations, and several antidepressants, I was finally given Viibryd. I have never felt so good in my life. This medicine has worked miracles for me. My family can’t believe how well I’m doing. My kids are literally in shock. For many years, I struggled with racing thoughts and anxiety. Now, I’m able to live a normal life. Between this medicine and many prayers, I am now living a normal, productive life."

• Amy
• February 11, 2020

Viibryd (vilazodone) "I’ve been on multiple meds over 20 years for depression that would work well , then eventually stopped helping. This medication has resolved my depression and anxiety. I had loose stools at first but it eventually stopped. No other side effects. I’m sorry to hear all of the side effects people are having. Each person has very individual responses to all meds and you won’t know until you try them . In the past, with different meds, I found if I waited a month, most side effects resolved . It’s been a life saver for me !"

• Sarah
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 17, 2016

Viibryd (vilazodone) "I have taken 20 mg of Viibryd for 4 years and it has been the single best antidepressant I have ever taken. I have taken Zoloft, Prozac, Lexapro, Cymbalta, Wellbutrin and Effexor. All of them caused major weight gain (especially Zoloft) & none of them continued to work after about 12-18 months. Viibryd saved my marriage; I am able to easily achieve orgasm. While the other medicines made me numb and interfered with my sleep, Viibryd has allowed me to feel, but also to cope. I am only writing this today because I may need to finally go up to 40 mg. But it worked like a charm for 4 years, even through incredibly intense, life changing stressful events. This drug has been a life saver for me."

• The...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 3, 2014

Viibryd (vilazodone) "I have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. I have seen and dealt with the worst things human can do to one another. I've been on this medicine for weeks and I'm finally seeing the light. This medicine thus far has saved my career so I can save others."

• gladys
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 12, 2014

Viibryd (vilazodone) "I just want to say that after taking a lot of other anti-depressant meds, this is THE ONE! Besides only having 1 side-effect (diarrhea), that went away after 2 wks, it's really changed my life!!! i recommend this to anyone who has tried other meds that have not worked"

• Bob_FL
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 1, 2021

Viibryd (vilazodone) "Have been on SSRI's since 1992. Then switched to SNRI Pristiq for 7 years, but it "pooped out." Tried Trintellix, Cymbalta for 6 months and was always falling asleep at my desk and absolutely knocked-out all libido. Did a cross-switch to Viibryd which is the best med so far. It's an SSRI, but it uses a different pathway, and I feel like myself again. Since there's no generic, it is expensive, but worth every penny. Libido is back! No more ED or need for Viagra at 65 years old. That certainly helps to feel "whole" again. Did the cross-switch from Cymbalta to Viibryd and it wasn't very difficult by slowly decreasing Cymbalta and gradually increasing Viibryd. Went from 10-20-30 with no problem. Just started 40mg which is recommended dose. Also, 25mg of Staterra was added for concentration (ADHD). Feeling great - results excellent."

• stine...
• July 23, 2014

Viibryd (vilazodone) "I have taken many antidepressants as an adult and since I have been on this one I have not been depressed. We all know what it feels like to not go on. I have no side effects. I feel healthy and normal. I wake up every day no matter what struggles and I have not felt "down," like depressing down in over a year. I love it. I also take Klonopin for my anxiety on the side. I don't need as much though. Viibryd works wonders!"

• Bamac...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 9, 2021

Viibryd (vilazodone) "Viibryd has saved my life! I’ve tried every SSRI & SNRI antidepressant that’s out there since 1996 & NOTHING has ever helped me like Viibryd. I feel like myself before the feelings of depression ever started (1996) & it feels so darn good to feel like me again! I feel free as a bird & not trapped in a “brain fog” that controlled my feelings of GREAT sadness for absolutely no reason & robbed me of my joy. I have my energy back & I love life again to where I look forward to getting out of bed everyday. It’s so nice not feeling like you’re a prisoner to your bed. I use to pray so hard & wish I had just enough of what it takes to get out of the bed, take a shower, etc.To some people it was pure laziness, but I know otherwise, & only those that have experienced what I’ve been through understand & that’s okay! Some people judge what they don’t understand & that’s human nature. I aspire to NOT be that kind of person everyday, because no one is perfect."

• Roberta
• September 7, 2015

Viibryd (vilazodone) "I have been on numerous anti-depressants for 12 years, including combinations of Zoloft and Wellbutrin, Cymbalta, Lexapro, Prozac and many others. I also suffer from severe anxiety and have panic attacks. I used to HAVE to take at least 2 anti-depressants to keep my depression at bay and it seemed they would only work for about 18-24 months before the combination stopped working. I began Viibryd right after it came on the market because I needed my sex life back. Both my Psychiatrist and I were skeptical, but I have been on 20 mg Viibryd for 3 years now and have never felt better, happier or more optimistic. I can have orgasms now, too! it has changed my life."

• Danya...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 18, 2014

Viibryd (vilazodone) "I am a 28 year old male. I was diagnosed with High Functioning Autism (Asperger's) when I was 19 and a couple years later with Treatment Resistant Unipolar Major Depressive Disorder. I've lost several jobs and did poorly in school due to severe social anxiety, and poor attendance. I always wanted to be alone and just sit in my room. I had a couple suicide attempts when I was younger. After trying many antidepressants my psychiatrist tried me on Viibryd. I began feeling better at the beginning of the 3rd week of treatment and soon my depression was almost nonexistent. I do have several odd side effects: Diarrhea, Dilated Pupils, Brain Zaps, twitching/talking in sleep, etc. But I am still better off than before."

• Denise
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 29, 2021

Viibryd (vilazodone) "Viibryd has been LIFE CHANGING for me! I am 54, menopause, severe depression most of my life that couldn't be controlled, sleeping all the time, several failed meds, VERY low energy levels. After just two weeks on Viibryd, my energy level is fanastic my mood swings MUCH better and I am up at 7:00AM most mornings and can go all day! I LOVE it!"

• Solina
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 15, 2014

Viibryd (vilazodone) "Love this medicine. Works very well for me. Am able to stay positive and happy throughout the day. Does not affect sex drive like other meds I've tried. There are side effects for me. If I miss a dose I get brain zaps and feel lost and sad. So I take it right away when I feel that and just try to relax. Sleep is affected, I always do weird things in my sleep now, I don't stay still in my sleep, and a lot of sleep paralysis, but I still love this medicine, because I rather deal with those negatives at night than being severely depressed in the day time. At least now I'm all smiles when I'm awake."

• Sha
• December 19, 2019

Viibryd (vilazodone) "In my experience with depression it has been severely mentally painful. Prozac made me want drink more, lexapro took away my libido completely which is even more depressing. I’ve tried paxel Wellbutrin which simply made me feel high. Viibryd is not for everyone trust me it is a strong drug that works through our gut which is where our happiness comes from. For me however, it has been a miracle worker and has brought my all time lows and pain to a point of motivation and ability to keep going no matter what. Not every day is a great day for me just like everyone else. My life has become of purpose to a degree and it’s the only anti depressant that does not affect my love life or overall physical state. The side effects and withdraw if you miss a dose are scary and strong. I reap more benefits on it than off of it however. Again this strong medication and very expensive anti depressant is not for everyone so don’t knock it if it did not work for you. Because it saved my life."

• Nat
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 6, 2020

Viibryd (vilazodone) "My doctor started me on Viibryd after I decided I wanted to stop taking Trintellix because I couldn't deal with the side effects anymore (constant nausea, dysfunctional appetite, itchy skin). After 1.5 weeks I've decided that Viibryd is not going to work for me either. It seemed to help with my depression, but it screwed up my sleep sooo much! About 3-4 hours after I'd take it, I'd be hit with this super drowsy/sleepy feeling and would start dosing off (even at work! Not ok). Some days, if I was able to, I'd just take a 2 hour nap when the sleepiness hit. But once that passed I'd feel fine and awake again. Until I had to go to bed... The insomnia I experienced with Viibryd was no joke! I had to call in sick to work because I could not fall asleep, no matter what I did. And I knew I couldn't function at work on zero sleep. Very disappointing."

• pk082
• January 29, 2015

Viibryd (vilazodone) "I have been on a laundry list of other medications for major depressive disorder, Viibryd is the first one that has worked and actually saved me from myself! The only side effect I have every day is nausea, but I can deal with that because I finally feel normal and am able to cope with my depression, anxiety and anger."

• NW11677
• January 8, 2015

Viibryd (vilazodone) "I've been on Viibryd for a month just finished my starter pack with dosages ranging from 10mg-40mg. This is the best medicine out there for me. I'm on top of things, being diagnosed with anxiety, Major Depression and ADD. I take numerous medications. This has been a life savor only side effects I've experienced is gas and diarrhea in the morning, I take mine at night to help with sleep since it makes me so groggy and fuzzy minded. I've been on 20 different medications and Viibryd has surpassed them all. I would recommend this to anyone with a major depression or obsessive compulsive disorder."

• ShelbyC
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 11, 2015

Viibryd (vilazodone) "I experienced some side effects in the beginning of taking this medication. I tried two others prior to this and they failed so when I got onto this it helped me so much. I feel so much better and more energized then I have had in the past."

• Ladder
• August 12, 2014

Viibryd (vilazodone) "Left Lexapro for Viibryd. First few weeks were fine. After about 5 weeks on 40 MG the terrible symptoms hit. Insane irritability, hostility, anger, anxiety, panic attacks, etc. My doctor with over 40 years experience told me not to even bother with a slow reduction. Just stop the medicine ASAP. He recommended taking 10 MG only if I felt withdrawal symptoms. This was destroying my life."

• Becky
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 21, 2020

Viibryd (vilazodone) "Please be very careful if you’re considering the use of this medication. My husband has MDD and took it for two weeks and was nauseous and unable to sleep for much of the time. We were in contact with his doctor who said this can be common when starting this new medication and recommended he continue to take it. It looked like he was starting to feel better, but one morning he woke up not feeling well again and decided to stay home from work. He committed suicide. I wish so badly I would have stayed with him that day. Please do not take this medication if you don’t have somebody monitoring you closely. Or maybe just don’t even take it at all."

• Erin
• December 9, 2014

Viibryd (vilazodone) "I switched from Effexor to Viibryd and I was doing fine the few month or two. Then all hell broke loose. The last two months I was on Viibryd were absolutely horrid. Extreme irritability (usually for no reason), felt like I HAD to scream or I'd explode out of my body, constantly fidgety and restless, etc. My depression exhibits itself via my temper so one of the most important reasons I take a depression med is to help with controlling that anger... Viibryd made it so much worse after the first few weeks."

• Kimmy...
• March 3, 2015

Viibryd (vilazodone) "Prescribed only by psychiatrists, Was weaned off Zoloft 200 mg, Effexor 225 mg & Amitriptyine 150 mg. Put on Viibryd 40 mg Oct 11. FDA approved Feb '11. Diagnosed w/ significant severe depression, severe anxiety & seasonal affective disorder Feb '01. 4 months after being on Viibryd, my psychotherapist of virtually weekly since Mar 01 said she could not believe the significant difference Viibryd had on me. 3 years & 4 months later, I laugh frequently, my silly personality is back [I'm very young appearing & acting age 61], I enjoy life, I talk much more. Still have bad days, still have bad cries - yet what a difference! A miracle drug! I'm grateful!"

• eyede...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 17, 2017

Viibryd (vilazodone) "***Update*** I've been on Viibryd 60mg now for a year and a half. Things are still doing great. The only down side is if I forget to take it the symptoms are pretty horrible. I get itchy, paranoid, and cry uncontrollably. Currently my medications for my anxiety and depression are Viibryd, Bupropion SR, and Lorazepam. This combo has been great for me. I hope everyone finds what's right for them."