Hello, I'm gaining weight on this medication and have not changed my diet at all, does anyone else have this problem? Thank You
Viibryd - does this cause weight gain?
Question posted by ScrubJay on 24 Oct 2011
Last updated on 21 December 2020
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.
25 Answers Page 2
Taylormariee1
10 Jan 2013
I'm a tiny 107 lbs, 5'3". I've been on viibryd for a little over 2 months and now I'm 117. That's a huge weight gain for me an if you can imagine, I can't fit into my size 0 pants anymore. I'm loving viibryd except for this side effect. It pretty much sucks! I'm a very healthy eater and work at a gym so I workout 5-6 days a week, and pretty hardcore too. So a 10 pound weight gain for me is pretty much a blow.
Djr5698
21 June 2013
I totally agree, it has made me gain wt too and I usually don't gain wt. very quickly at all..so it has to be this medication, I've gained 15lbs in 2 months and in the mid section mainly and my jeans don't fit now!!!
RonMan
3 Jan 2013
The clinical trail data (you can find it online if you look hard) shows 4-6% had weight gain, while 3-9% got anorexia. Basically, Viibryd is not an indicator for weight gain.
That said, there is some evidence that just feeling better causes some people to eat more. Depression causes some people to not eat. Anyone in this group would gain weight on Viibryd, but that is because it works. Or, should I say, it works well for me.
I have lost 45 pounds since being on Viibryd. I eat when I am depressed. Every person is different.
Again, the scientific data do not support weight gain for everyone, but there is a small percentage that do gain weight. You may be in that group.
RonMan
kspeer
1 May 2013
I disagree especially since if anything I am eating less then I was when I started taken it a year ago, and no matter what I do I gain weight. My sister is a personal trainer and has her degree in this area, she has had me on a closely monitored plan and nothing is working. It's the med's plan and simple.
Kickingirl23
15 Feb 2019
You are also a man and may not have the hormonal response that women do.
Mustang Sally64
2 Jan 2013
My doctor switched me from Cymbalta to Viibryd because of weight gain. I am on my 2nd month of this medication and I have gone from 225 to 246. My hunger and cravings have increased drastically. Im dropping down to the 20 mg like someone stated above and see if that helps... otherwise I will be stopping this all together. My depression started over weight gain and now seems to be worse as I cannot wear many of my clothes... I was a size XL and 14 in jeans and now my tops are 3x and I cannot fit into my jeans!! Grrr!!
kspeer
1 May 2013
I know what you mean I have been on it for almost a year and I went from wearing a 14 and l-XL to 22 and 2-3x. I hate it, the only up side is my mood, and my sex life :)
lg85
28 Oct 2012
Hi. I was told by my PCM that I would drop weight. I started the 10-40 mg kit. The last three weeks I've been on the 40mg and in 7 days gained 10 lbs. From one Dr visit to another. I fall asleep during the day at work and have severe diarrhea causing hematochezia. I have stopped the meds. Although it is not stated as a side effect there's no other logical reason for my weight gain.
stressedovermyweight
8 July 2012
I was also told it didn't cause weight gain, but I have gained 42 lbs in the short 2 months I have been on it. I have not changed my diet nor have I changed my exercise habit. Not really sure what to do.
Sb8545
8 July 2012
Ive had the same problem. 34lbs in 5 months... but I crave sweets like crazy! I'm getting off of it ASAP!
catwoman3
13 June 2012
As with others who have posted, my doctor stated that Viibryd does not cause weight gain (it must be what the manufacturer listed) but antectdotally without changing my diet I have increased weight in the mid-section as well. And mild exercise has not helped yet.
Vsis1210
22 Jan 2012
I have the exact opposite side effecs. I was taking cymbalta 90 mg and gained close to 70 pounds. Once I started the viibryd my appetite has significantly decreased and I've lost close to ten pounds in about one week. I am exercising regularly as well but since beginning the viibryd I am not nearly as hungry as I was on the cymbalta
Toomanypills4tommy
25 Jan 2012
Gaining 70 pounds on a drug is a lot. Good for you that you're working to lose it! I would imagine that coming off the drug would lead to weight loss.
What you're describing with a decreased appetite however actually sounds like your metabolism is slowing down. The more you exercise, the hungrier you should be as it jumpstarts your metabolism. Your body should be burning calories quicker and requiring you to refuel your body leading to increased appetite. Please keep us posted on your progress.
miekevson
14 Sep 2012
I have that as well, I have been depressed because of many different things including weight gain over the past few years which I have so much trouble getting off since I had such negative thoughts. I just started the 40mg from the starter kit. I don't like this dosage. I feel bloated, tired and I can't seem to wake up anymore. The 20mg dosage actually made me feel a lot better. I wanted to get up in the morning, still did get tired in the afternoon but at least I wanted to start the day.
Anyway, weight gain with 20mg - not at all, I lost my appetite. With the 40mg I've noticed over the past few days that I'm craving all kind of foods, nothing particular, just want to eat.
So, I'm going back to the 20mg, I'll split the 40's until I have to go back to the doctor for now but gaining weight will mess up my mood no matter what I take.
Secrec
1 Dec 2012
I have just tapered off of the Cymbalta and started Viibryd yesterday. Been really down and crying today. What type of symptoms did you experience and how long did it take for you to adjust?
Djr5698
21 June 2013
I've only been on the 20mg and I still gained wt. so I'm going off it..I gained 15 lbs in 2 months. and my appetite has increased and the most wt has gone to my mid section.!
heartsgrace
19 Nov 2011
I haven't gained any of the weight I gained on Seroquel or those other anti-psychotics that are great for people who suffer psychotic episodes, but really suck pond scum for the rest of us. I also haven't lost any weight either. With Fibromyalgia I'm frequently to wiped out to walk more than 10 minutes a day, but I have a friend on lamictal who stands for a half day at her jobs, exercises vigorously, then splits the afternoons between extra homework help and active play with her 2 boys. She still has a little tummy bulge, and she's one of the most awesome people I know. The inside is what counts, not the outside... and I'm preaching to the choir here,
Best to you
Grace
blueandyellow
19 Nov 2011
I've just finished the starting pack of Viibryd my MD gave me, and am now on a daily dose of 40mg a day. The upside? No sexual side-effects. Yippee! The downside? Weight gain. It's a huge, disappointing bummer. I've gained close to 30 pounds and am now wearing a snug size 14 in jeans (vs a size 10). I'm 5'8" and treadmill (uphill, sweat, pant, etc... ) regularly, so even if I'm eating more, I shouldn't have gained this much weight.
Sb8545
27 June 2012
I have been on viibryd for 5 months now and the upside is that it has really worked for me. The downside is that I have gained 34 pounds. My diet has definitely changed since I constantly crave sweets. Has anyone got off the medication and everything seem to be fixed with depression and weight?
Djr5698
21 June 2013
I totally agree, it has made me gain wt too and esp in the mid section. I'm not taking it anymore. I gained about 15 lbs in 2 months and noticed a wt gain of 2 lbs in the past week again..this is so upsetting. I'm glad others have told their opinions, cause the web site says it doesn't cause wt gain. I don't agree.
Toomanypills4tommy
27 Oct 2011
I've been taking viibryd for about a month now and I don't know about actual weight but I've definitely increased in my mid-section. I've been really careful about what I've been eating and nothing is really helping. I'm ready to take myself off of it as a result. I was on Zoloft before and switched to Viibryd because of the lack of sexual side effects but weight gain is equally as bad in my opinon.
Djr5698
21 June 2013
My doc put me on this a few months ago for my Fibromyalgia symptoms. I can maintain my wt usually and maybe will go up a few lbs and then back down a few lbs..but, I noticed since being on Viibryd 20 mil I gained about 10-15 lbs in two months. Mostly in the mid section, my jeans don't fit. I'm so disgusted, In the past week, I started to really watch what I was eating and I gained 2 more lbs, So I looked on their web site to see if wt gain was a side affect, but, They claim it doesn't increase wt. But, I don't agree and after reading these other reviews.. I now feel this def is increasing my appetite and making me crave sweets too, like I seen some others have said. I am going off of it ASAP, I know I can't stop cold turkey, But, I will decrease the dosage and within a week I'm not going to be taking it anymore. It costs way too much anyways and it didn't seem to help my Fibromyalgia symptoms anyways. Just depressed me more because of the wt. gain.
Msnryan
29 April 2017
I have been taking Viibryd for 3 months now and have gained weight, mainly in my center area. I have never weighed this much, even when I was in labor with a 9.5 oz baby inside of me.
I am definitely going to say something to the Dr on next check up.
I am tired of switching Meds and when one starts to work, a little bit, I wind up having to change to something else. Why can't they just find something that works.
I was the "giunia pig" so to speak. I was the first patient given this by Dr. I still have my days, but the worst part is the weight gain. And I have changed my diet to see if that helped. I walk, I'm active all day long. And I agree with you, none of my clothes fit, it's very depressing. As if I'm not depressed enough.
Good luck to all.
God Bless.
Neyney2go
24 Aug 2017
The same thing has happened to me! I started in Feb 2017, and have gained almost 30lbs in 3months! It's crazy, I've not been this size (14) since my 12yr old was born. I'm 54, but have never looked my age. Now, I feel like a beached whale. I had to google this to make sure I wasn't crazy! Thanks
Related topics
weight, diet, viibryd, medication
Further information
- Viibryd uses and safety info
- Viibryd prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Viibryd (detailed)
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