It's only happened twice. I'm afraid to jinx this by saying anything, but I feel I have just walked into heaven when I got on Viibryd. To be on an anti-depressant AND get to keep my sex drive AND actually be able to achieve orgasm MORE frequently and easily than before? I hope nothing goes wrong with this drug, as I hope to be friends for life with Viibryd. I'm looking into buying stock in this company.
Anyone else having really scary nightmares with Viibryd?
Question posted by ChrisDDD on 12 Sep 2011
Last updated on 12 June 2018
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
36 Answers
BryanB
3 March 2018
Thank you everyone for your questions and responses. I have been on Viibryd for about 6 years and I still have vivid, almost real, very bad dreams. The reason I am on line now is because I just had them again the last few nights. I just had one where my sport coat and shirt that I was wearing were ruined. Another one was driving a bus and getting into accidents until very little was left of the bus. I have had many recurring dreams about not being at work when I was supposed to. I can't tell you how many bad dreams that I have had over the last 6 years since starting Viibryd. Note: I take no other medications, so it is only the Viibryd that is causing this. I noticed also that I would often have these horrible dreams on Friday nights. On Fridays, I might have 1-2 beers. I wonder if alcohol contributes to it. Others have mentioned wine, and it seems that a glass of wine may contribute to my dreams as well.
I have started to chart my food, because it seemed to me that maybe sweets and, in particular chocolate, can contribute to this. I stopped chocolate about a month ago, but I still have the dreams. Also, I try my best to avoid ice cream because I have had the worst kind of dreams after having eaten ice cream. Other than the dreams, Viibryd has been a great medication for me- both for depression and OCD. It has been great. I only wish that I never had to go to sleep!
ckunert2
3 March 2018
I will repeat here again that I was having horrific, paralyzing nightmares when I was taking the Viibryd at night. Since I switched to taking it in the morning with food, I haven’t had a single nightmare, and I am feeling peaceful and happy.
BryanB
3 March 2018
I have always taken Viibryd in the morning, with food. I am happy that it has worked for you. Unfortunately, it has not worked for me (and maybe others) when it comes to taking it in the morning.
Sam_ray1
23 Dec 2017
I just started on 20 mg and lately have been having some wild and crazy dreams but some have been sexual in nature as well. Every night I start dreaming about something calm such as going back to school then it ends up to where it gets crazier to the point that I wake myself up wondering if it were real or not! One dream I witnessed a car exploding and it seemed so real I woke up in tears. But though most of them are of the first type I mentioned and they seem so lifelike that I wake wondering if I'm still dreaming. But it helps me sleep and keeps me calm so unless its gets to bad. I may wait a few more weeks since I just started this week but the dreams seem to be getting crazier and crazier
zoitkv
23 Dec 2017
I commented on this thread several years ago. Rest of sure if you are not going crazy, but it can feel like that. I had the most horrifying feeling like you described, as if I was in a dream state and I couldn’t snap out of it when fully awake. Shortly after that I discontinued the drug. But I’ve heard some people that get benefit from it so I don’t want to throw your decision. I just wanted to comment to let you know that what you’re experiencing happens and that you’re not going crazy. Good luck.
Rathmullan
22 Nov 2017
Viibryd is the most effective anti-depressant I've ever been prescribed and I've tried paxil, zoloft, prozac, elavil, buproprien and effexor. For me, It also has an anti-anxietant property which has been most beneficial. So yes, I think Viibryd has the potential for very long term efficacy. I have been on it continuously now for 4 years. My goal, however, is to titrate down to a daily dose of 30 mg and eventually even 20 mg if possible. But quite frankly, at this point I don't see myself being completely off of it. If I could give you any advice it would be to take no more than is needed. When I began taking it the only authorized daily dose was 40 mg which I went to even though I felt 30 mg was quite adequate Now, it's been determined that 20 mg. can also be an effective dose. Easy to go up, more difficult to go down in dosage even in 10 mg increments. Best of luck to you
ckunert2
22 Nov 2017
I have been on Viibryd for a little over a year. It has been an amazing game changer. I have tried Prozac, Zoloft, Buspar, and Lexapro, and they all made my symptoms much worse. After genetic testing and Viibryd being revealed as a good choice, I began using it at a tiny dose (due to fear). About two months in, with gradual increases along the way, I could feel the physical symptoms lifting. I was overjoyed. The ONLY issue I had was the nightmares. They were, as others have described, like nothing I have ever experienced. Simply changing to taking it in the morning made all the difference. I don’t think I have ever felt so well in my entire life.
Jenbear1
18 July 2017
I started taking this medication 2 weeks ago. Only 2 weeks! Started 10mg the first week and 20 the second week. It's 3:45 AM and I'm afraid to fall back asleep. I started taking this for anxiety, and at first it helped, but these dreams are making it not worth it at all. Last night I drove myself to the ER because I was on the verge of a panic attack after being unable to fall asleep due to my body jolting just before I went to sleep. It happened over and over. Not sure if I actually fell asleep. They gave me something to help me sleep and that worked. But the next day I was still tired so I decided to take a nap. I had the CRAZIEST dream. I really thought it was happening to me, and in my dream, I knew everything that was about to happen, like a life of deja vu. It freaked me out. I didn't take my usual dose before bed because I no longer want to take this anymore. The dream I had right before waking up and writing this was SO VIVID.
It honestly felt like a crazy acid trip. For a person with anxiety, this is NOT GOOD! I have now mostly calmed down, and my heart rate is back to normal. But I am so scared to go back to sleep.
Pheakleyhong
10 Jan 2017
I have been on the 40 MG for about 3 weeks now. During week 2 I did end up having some really strange dreams accompanied by panic attacks and severe headaches that dibilitated me for the first 3 hours but I only noticed it after I missed a dosage and didn't take it again the next day and after a night of tequila and taking the viibryd. I have high hopes going forward but I guess we'll see.
mmccoy
20 May 2017
I started taking Viibryd (20mg) in March and I've noticed the same thing - missing a dose and having the vivid dreams. The dreams are awful, always super vivid, weird, and accompanied by sleep paralysis. I wake up with a headache and it takes several hours after waking up to feel okay again. It's only happened a few times, but I didn't exactly miss a dose and it was during a nap. I'm sporadic about what time of the day I take it, because I'm awful at remembering to take it due to needing to take it with a meal. When I did notice the dreams, it was when I just hadn't taken it yet that day and I had taken it the night before with dinner. So I'm thinking it's because I hadn't taken it yet? I'm going to start setting an alarm to take it with breakfast or lunch and then see if I have the dreams again if I take a nap later in the afternoon.
I've never had an issue with the dreams and insomnia at night because I've been taking 25mg of Trazodone before bed for the last 5-6 years.
Otherwise, this drug is amazing. I had been on 10mg of Lexapro for the last 6 years and couldn't take the sexual side effects any longer. Being so young when I started antidepressants, (about 15) I had never thought to question the drug when it came to sexual issues popped up later. Went in, got switched to Viibryd. My previous issues are now gone, and I think overall this drug works better than Lexapro, for me at least. I guess now I just need to see if taking it at the same time every day and in the morning will change how my naps have been going.
Feyda Weye
20 Nov 2016
This drug dehydrated me, made me feel sick to my stomach, gave me headaches and just masked the suicidal feelings I was feeling, and which came back within 2 days of going off it. As for dreams, it interfered with my ability to dream, and didn't allow me much sleep anyway. If it truly helps anyone else, Good for them, but it didn't help me at all.
Blarg
30 June 2013
I take Viibryd at night a few hours before I go to bed. I've been taking it for about two months now. I just woke up after series of vivid dreams/nightmares. The last one being my wife trying to kill me. Needless to say I'm a little apprehensive about going back to sleep. I like this medicine but if these nightmares are not temporary I think I'll be trying something else.
atticabob
30 June 2013
I've been taking Viibryd for ~4 months now; I've had no problems with nightmares but it DOES cause insomnia, so I take mine in the morning. Once I go back to working nights I'll take it before I leave for work. You might want to try to take it earlier, unless circumstances keep you from doing that. Also, some side effects seam to wear off faster that others - for me anyway - so you can try to give it more time. Nightmares seem to be a BIG side effect for a lot of people though, so I can understand if you are apprehensive about staying on Viibryd! Viibryd's working great for me, so I'd suggest giving it a little more time. Good luck!
moonselene
10 July 2013
I have been taking 10mg of Viibryd daily since Nov. 2011--almost two years on this dose. Within 3 days of starting that dose, I felt like something inside me snapped back into place. I have felt much calmer, more stable, more patient, maybe even happier and more interested in doing things that I had long put away. Haven't gained any weight, but do need to lose about 25 lbs. anyway.
Just recently, I have been going through a difficult patch regarding family. My doc recommended that I increase dosage to 20mg daily. I take Viibryd at night. Within about 2 weeks of taking the 20mg dosage, I was having terrible nightmares. I could feel creatures or people grabbing me, shaking the bed--like they were right there. I also woke up hearing people screaming my name and then couldn't go back to sleep. I really don't want to be that close to another plane, so I made the executive decision to go back to the 10mg dose.
I am sleeping OK again after about 2 weeks of the 10mg dose.
I am happy to be able to tolerate this drug at the 10mg dose. I think I have suffered from depression for most of my life and it has slowly been getting worse. Viibryd has helped me get stabilized where I can at least function in my job and deal with my family issues in a more constructive way.
cee_of_a_feather
19 June 2013
hey. I switched from lexapro to viibryd due to the sexual side effects. I think it's helped however occasionally I get bazaar and vivid dreams often more twisted than not. If I am ever over tired, instead of becoming loopy like I once was, I become paranoid, anxious, and dizzy. the dizzy spells come and go and I can't put my finger on the trigger of them. also night sweats and my skin feels warm to the touch and itchy. I didn't think that was related until today. none of these sidee effects are constant enough for me to switch meds. hope that's helped
RonMan
19 June 2013
One of the known side effects of Viibryd is VIVID dreams. For most they are not nightmares, just so alive you can't tell them from reality. I had two night, but they did not wake me up due to medication and strangely I remember them.
In my case, without medication, temazepam 1st, then Lunestra and finally Ambien, I would unable to sleep as the dreams are so vidid that they awaken me after every dream cycle and I lie awake for 5-15 minutes, sometimes more, resulting in not enough sleep. Please talk to your doctor. You may need a sleep aid.
RonMan
LisaAllyson
10 June 2013
I've been taking Viibryd for almost a year. I didn't like the side effects of Zoloft, Lexapro, Effexor, etc. (sexual side effects and weight gain)
I had awful nightmares and brain zaps , night time only, in the beginning. The nightmares were very similar to what I've been reading in this thread. I recall the robed demons, no joke! My solution? Instead of the afternoon or evening, I take Viibryd first thing in the morning. Problem solved. Haven't had a nightmare or brain zap I over six months. Take it in the morning people!!!
bakerar1
4 June 2013
Absolutely. In fact, the "brain zaps" (feels like an electrical shock in the brain) and night terrors have all lead to my decision to stop taking this medication. When I first started Viibryd 9 months ago, I had a few brain zaps in the beginning, some nausea from time to time, restless legs, etc. Just recently, however, I have had more frequent zaps followed by terrifying dreams.
The experience is always the same. I feel myself beginning to fall asleep, there is a terrifying sense of dread and I begin to feel that my entire body is paralyzed. I try to cry out and to wake up but am unable to move or make a sound. The experience is so real that I have to convince myself each and every time that I was "just dreaming". I have also had nightmares within nightmares.
According to my physician's instructions, I have begun lowering my dose from 40 to 30mg. It was this recent decrease to 30 that initiated the latest set of night terrors. I must have had 5 to 6 separate brain zaps within a half hour followed by at least 4 nightmares within a single night. I woke up exhausted the following morning and was covered in sweat. Apparently I was having many more terrible dreams- at least these I couldn't remember.
I will continue to lower my Viibryd dose weekly by 10mg until I am off the drug altogether. If you are having vivid dreams and night terrors, I hope my experience and that of countless others on this site encourage you. You're not going nuts- it's the Viibryd!
Best of luck to all.
szarate
25 March 2013
Yes! About awesome orgasms, i love it! However, many times when I forget to take my viibrid nightmares do come! It's only when I have awoken that I realize I forgot to take the pill. I take the 40 mg.
Bp1225
9 Jan 2013
I've noticed that if I haven't taken my Viibryd that I will have weird dreams where I'm sleeping and dreaming but somehow I know I'm dreaming. It's weird. Also in the dream, I'm always trying to wake up but I can't. I can't open my eyes or move my body. I will scream for help but no sound will come out. It really freaks me out when that happens, but fortunately it only happens if I forgot to take the Viibryd.
Also, I've noticed that I'm not sleeping as well. I can usually fall asleep fine, but I'm waking up more frequently during the night. I can't sleep straight through the night anymore. I feel like I'm asleep but not in a "deep sleep" anymore. I used to be a very heavy sleeper. I do also take medicine for my thyroid, but I don't think the freaky dreaming is coming from anything to do with that.
dan003
9 Jan 2013
I have experienced all of those phenomena, but I never missed a dose. Some of my weirdest dreams felt like they happened when I was not in a deep sleep. I have also experienced "sleep paralysis" (see my comments above). My psychiatrist pointed out that viibryd only stays in your system for 18 hours. Some affects I get (brain buzz, etc... ) happen when I am at the end of the cycle, around the time I take an afternoon nap. Also, I find that I am more aware of my dreams and remember them better when I wake up. Many dreams are "obsessive," where a theme occurs over and over and over. My psychiatrist says that most dreams are like that anyway, it is just that we normally don't remember them. I have written many comments here, many of them are responses to other posts. Good Luck!
4N Substances
5 March 2013
Hi Friends,
Here we are, 10 months later. I promise you the weird dreams will subside as the brain adjusts. If I dream at all now they are sometimes vivid and very cool, but no longer frightening.
I always take my dose in the AM before 10:00. I was having some brain zaps and headachy feeling after about 20 hrs. My doc had me take 20 at bedtime in addition for a period of time, which helped with the end if cycle discomfort. I no longer require that, no side effects, doing well.
Many of my previous Viibryd posts and comments are above.Hope you are are by now doing better. I believe in this drug-it's been life changing.
Best from Frenchie (the Viibryd Queen)
lennongurl
14 March 2013
The nightmares and sleep paralysis NEVER go away. Sometimes they become less frequent if you lower your dose but it will still happen. 4N aka Frenchie I know you consider yourself the Viibryd Queen but I was on it for longer than you, over a year. I went off due to these side effects and tried something different for two months. I went back on and these things are happening all over again plus it's not working for my depression as well. I'm now done with it completely tapering off. The sleep paralysis IS NOT worth it! If you get this find a new med because I guarantee you these things continue even after a year. Viibryd cons are so bad it's sad! If you have any questions feel free to message me. Good luck!
4N Substances
14 March 2013
Sorry to disagree, but I don't think it's fair or realistic to say the nightmares and sleep paralysis never go away. This issue was resolved for me after I began the 40 and has never returned. There are many other users on the forum who have, luckily, never experienced this side effect. I have been on Viibryd for going on 9 months. Many individuals in my group therapy locally are Viibryd users and although some report vivid dreams, few have nightmares or sleep paralysis.. The literature tells us that a certain percent of users will have these side effects and for many patients it does resolve. I think it's important on the forum to avoid saying never and always.
Frenchie
lennongurl
14 March 2013
In my experience of being on it over a year on 40mg, then down to 30mg because of these side effects the nightmares and sleep paralysis never went away completely. I still got them. It's a major side effect of this med. It's up to you if you think it's worth it. I don't.
4N Substances
23 March 2013
Somehow didn't see your "reply" until today. It's clear Viibryd didn't work for you, (either time.) But you missed my point. I don't think it's fair or responsible of you to use words like "always" and "never" for readers seeking answers about a ned-unless you have stats to back it up. You don't.
dan003
23 March 2013
Hey guys, the big "wild card" about anti-depressants is that they very much affect each individual in distinct ways. If one can acknowledge that, then there is no reason to get into a dispute about what a particular anti-depressant does or doesn't do. For me, the valuable thing about this blog is that, when I first went on viibryd and found that it affected me more strongly than other meds, and sometimes in shocking ways, it was nice to know that I wasn't alone and also that it was because of this medication and not something else (something innately psychological). I believe that the long-term affects also vary from individual to individual. For me the more serious side-effects have leveled off considerably, and allowed me to appreciate the positive effects. That may not be the case for someone else.
4N Substances
23 March 2013
Hey Dan... very well put. Thank you.
lennongurl
24 March 2013
Actually it worked for me very well the first time I just didn't like the side effects. I was going to deal with them the second time around but for some reason it decided it didn't want to work this time. That being said, each person has their own reaction/response to a med.
RonMan
25 March 2013
I have been on Viibryd since Sept 2011 and I could not be better off. The stuff saved my life. Vivid dreams, yes. Weight loss, no; lost 50 pounds. Brain buzzing, yes, if I forget to take it. Sleep paralysis, not that I know of. I do need help sleeping as the vivid dreams wake me up. So it was temazepam, now Lunesta, and I hope soon Ambien (Lunesta is too expensive).
I hope that helps a little.
RonMan
ickie jo
6 Jan 2013
This is my second week of 40mg, it is horrid for me. My biggest concerns are the ringing in my ears and the night terrors.
The ringing, if I'm tired, becomes so intense that I feel like I'm being shocked and jolted in my head. I would compare it to a bomb going off.
This morning I am awake because the dreams were beyond normal. I don't recall what woke me up, but I wasn't sure I woke at all. I kept talking to myself trying to ease myself back to sleep but the, "ear ringing jolts" kept interfering. My last attempt, I believe I lost contact with my body and was rushing thru the universe in a violent kinda way.
So here I am now... Reading your posts and trying to convince myself I wasn't just abducted.
cuoresiciliana
6 Jan 2013
So I discovered I only get the night terrors when I take viibryd at night or before sleeping. Im fine if i take it in the morning when I wake up.
ickie jo
6 Jan 2013
Unfortunately, I missed a dose. But that is enough for me to know I really don't want to continue. I was on citalopram, I'm going to see if my doctor will switch me back. That med was perfect for me. Doc took me off it for petty reasons.
adirondackspring
6 Jan 2013
This story of the wicked effects of V is a recurring theme... I have been off of V for a few months now..no more ringing, no more brain buzzing and bomb like explosions.But best of all no more night terrors and sleep paralysis! My doctor said all of his patients on it have reported similar horrible side effects..and he is taking ALL of them off it, and contacting the drug company as well... these are no minor side effects that one can "get used to"..he is gravely concerned.
cuoresiciliana
6 Jan 2013
ah yes I was on citalopram for about 10 years before switching to Viibryd. I think it was a very easy switch (besides the dreams if i take it too late) the citalopram had me gaining weight like crazy
dan003
6 Jan 2013
I was on Citalopram (Celexa) before I went on Viibryd. I felt very good on it (I was also on Seroquel and Klonopin, which I still take). I like the sedated feel. It was like nothing could upset me. I would have stayed on that regimen except that my libido was gone, and I was in a relationship that was affected by that loss. I have adapted very well to Viibryd over time and I feel it helps me deal with life in a more active manner. And it is nice to have a libido. But I understand the concerns of people who don't like it. I have had severe symptoms getting on it. I still get brain buzzing and explosions, and the visceral jumping, spinning, falling (that are not in reality happening) when falling asleep. But those things happen much less often.
4N Substances
21 Nov 2012
Hi Forum Friends,
I previously commented on this topic when I was new to the Forum, not understanding that a Comment was different than an Answer. I guess by looking up my name or reading the Comments you could find my really long winded comment, written when I was in the midst of this scary problem.
I initially comented when I was in the grip of what I now know are not just nightmares, but SLEEP PARALYSIS, an entirely different matter. One is unable to cry out or move during these episodes and it is indeed quite terrifying. Typically, as mine did, they involve demons, or other dark, morbid scary situations. The worst of mine was like something out of Rosemary's Baby. Chanting, black robed démons with pointed hoods tormented me.
Unfirtunately, I began my Viibryd therapy before a two month trip to Europe, which is key here. I had just commenced the full dose, and was not vigilant about timing my dosage due to 16 hrs of travel and jet lag. I paid a huge price for being careless with it and was ready to quit.
Fortunately, I hung in there. I was able to cope after researching my situation. I learned two things that made all the difference (i) Timing of dosage is of high criticality. I take mine ONLY in the morning, (and with food, to avoid nausea, which has also improved.) If I miss the AM dose, it's risky. If I take it LATE in the day there is a very good chance sleep paralysis will result. Likewuse, if I DON'T take it at all that day, I'm likely to have the same terrifying experience. I beleive it's related to how long this drug remains in the system. (ii) The more important point is this-calm yourself during the nightmare. I read that it can be done and was very effective for me. In that we "know" we are dreaming, it is possible to think soothing, comforting thoughts and reassure ourselves that it's "only a dream." It is also effective to SLOW your breathing, as I was escalating to the point of hyperventilating, thrashing, crying real tears, all of which was witnessed by my husband. I was finally successful in waking myself if I slowed my respiration, and "talked" myself down. I was able to move and awaken. From the first time I used these techniques, I was freed. If I did have dreams that were vivid and scary, I was no longer trapped in the terrifying SLEEP PARALYSIS.
Now some 6 months later, I still worry that I'm taking something so powerful, but I did hang in there at the lowest point because I was actually feeling so
MUCH better by day. It's concerning that the trials/literature did not give us warning of this side effect. I take Conazepam for sleep and I've wondered if this can be linked-combining this or similar drugs with Viibryd. I sleep very hard to begin with.
Both the dreaming and the nausea subsided for me and my mood has stabilized dramatically. I'm happy to be weaning off Buproprion. I hope you can also adjust to the side effects of Viibryd. It's made a huge difference in my life. Remember to carefully time your dosage!
Best wishes for pleasant and peaceful holidays. Thanks to all of you for always being here for me. From your questions and comments, I'm still learning.
dan003
21 Nov 2012
I just learned the term "sleep paralysis" a couple of weeks ago. I am attending a university, and there is a bookstore cafe that has an area with these big upholstered chairs. I was reading and I fell asleep. Then I woke up and literally couldn't move a muscle. I couldn't even move my jaw to speak. There were a few other students in chairs around me, sort of chill or half asleep, too. I wanted to ask someone to help me get up and out of the chair, but I couldn't talk. Finally, I fell asleep again and when I woke up, I was OK. Someone in my class told me it is "sleep paralysis." (she does not know I am on meds) Apparently, it happens also to people not on meds.
dan003
21 Nov 2012
Yeah, buproprion sucks. I don't know why they don't let us take name brand welbutrin, because that's supposedly the only other anti-depressant other than viibryd that doesn't take away the libido. Also, my nightmares for the most part haven't been about demons and killers, but more about frustration and loneliness. But I want to mention that, strangely enough, I learned and am learning from my nightmares. Sometimes they test my moral compass and willingness to fight injustice. Now in real life, I am in a struggle against an injustice, and I feel the viibryd has taken away the fear of confronting people and speaking truth to power. The nightmares have been a sort of training ground to prepare me for that.
bakerar1
4 June 2013
My experience with Viibryd is very similar to yours. I experience the sleep paralysis usually accompanied by the feeling of a demonic/evil presence that means me harm. Right out of a movie but far more realistic. Truly terrifying. Thanks for sharing your experience. I feel better so many others can relate.
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- Viibryd uses and safety info
- Viibryd prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Viibryd (detailed)
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