Have any of you that are doing well on Viibryd experienced any night terrors? My doctor switched me from Lexapro 20mg to Viibryd. Around my 4th week of taking starter pack, I missed a dose while on vacation (completely slipped my mind with all of the running around). That night I had horrible, horrible nightmares like nothing I have ever experienced. It scared me so much that I was afraid to go to sleep the following night. Since then I have weaned off it and back on Lexapro but wanted to see if anyone that has had success with this drug has had something similar happen. If so, how did you deal or do you just suffer through the nightmares?
Viibryd - Nightmares/Night Terrors?
Question posted by yanksgrl827 on 14 Oct 2013
Last updated on 29 February 2024
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.
51 Answers Page 4
atticabob
17 Oct 2013
In the 8 months I've been taking Viibryd I've never had any nightmares. I have had several very vivid dreams, startling myself awake a couple of times, but I was always able to fall back asleep. I'm taking 40mg., & the only problems I have with it are when I skip a day (... more than 36 hrs between doses) - things get a bit 'foggy' in my head!
yanksgrl827
16 Oct 2013
Thanks so much for your responses. I realize that medication works differently for everyone which is why I posted on here. I like to hear about different experiences so I can figure out what I want to do. I've been on Lexapro for 3-4 years now and didn't feel as if it was working for me so that's why the doctor switched me to the Viibryd. I'll admit that before the night terror/nightmare, I had started to feel some relief from the fog I was living in. I have an appointment with my PCP later this month as I want to wean off the Lexapro to see how I feel without it. I've read a lot of horror stories about the withdrawals of this drug so I'm a little anxious. I'll always have anxiety but I'm starting to think the Lexapro was doing more harm than good. If I end up having to go back on medication I think I will try the Viibryd again (this time taking it in the morning).
One more questions - do all of you take it with food? My doctor told me I should so that's what I was doing although I don't always have a set schedule to eat. Dinner is the meal I am most consistent with (never much of a breakfast person) which is why I was taking it at night.
4N Substances
16 Oct 2013
Yes Yanksgrl, gotta take it with some food in the morning, at least initially. After more than a year I can get away with just something very light or my protein drink, but in the beginning months having more substantial-a bar, cereal etc will better hold off any nausea.
So glad you're feeling supported and on your way to getting some answers. Viibryd has made all the difference in my life. I hope you soon find what works! We are here for you on your journey.
Regards,
Frenchie
sarah19691
27 June 2015
I started VIIBRYD 2 months ago I first started having bad headaches ,then horrible night terrors and bad dreams so bad I traveled to different locations and its like my soul left my body ok last night I started having like electric energy shock waves and it felt as if I was parralysed I couldn't move my body or speak and I started seeing demons at my bedside I was so scared to the point when I finally came to myself that I was screaming and crying ,shaking all over I was terrified I told my husband I would not go back in my bedroom to sleep I haven't slept in allnight and all day today when I try to im so afraid I started feeling like im falling if I try to go to sleep and shock waves im jerking all over pl z tell me whats happening to my body im so afraid for my husband to leave me alone I was tormented it improved my moods at first but now all this is happening im going to my doctor and see if he can change this meds to something else I felt like I needed to share this with u .sarah19691
RonMan
16 Oct 2013
Viibryd has a known side-effect that causes abnormal dreams in 4.1% of users at a dosage of 40 mg. The dreams normally disappear after 2-3 weeks, depending on the user; however, some users, myself included, can have very vivid dreams that can interrupt the REM sleep cycle. In most cases taking the medication in the morning mitigates the issue. In those rare cases where it does not, a sleep aid is often used so that REM sleep can be achieved in an uninterrupted manner. This is not typical.
Missing a dosage of Viibryd is an especially bad thing to do and can cause serious withdrawal symptoms, even for long-term users. When this happens you can get brain zaps (please look this up here on drugs.com in the Viibryd discussion group) headaches, and the general feeling that this is the worst day of your life. Taking Viibryd at the same time of the day is the best thing to do and should always be taken with food. My target time is 9 am ±2 hours.
Taking it out of this window can cause brain zaps at a minimum and worse if I go too long. If you are consistent, there are no issues of any kind. It can be frightening to miss a dose. Frenchie can testify to that. She did so on vacation in France. I am not sure how she got through it, but she is very strong.
Also, as Frenchie has mentioned I have been on Viibryd a long time, over two years now. I can say that I am alive because of it. I am a functional human being because of my therapist, but that is a side story.
I experience extremely vivid dreams. So much so that each dream cycle wakes me up for 5-15 minutes. The result is that without a sleep aid, I don't get restful sleep. The dreams are not nightmares, but they are VIVID. As I have said before, imagine that in 200 foot high, bold-italic type. They are so real that I wake up after each one. I am in the 4.1% of people who have problems. I have looked at the research studies and all of the published papers I can find, and I am clearly the exception.
Here on drugs.com we have people are are especially active. In many ways this is extremely good, but it can also gives you a skewed perspective on any drug, Viibryd included. No drug is perfect. Viibryd is only indicated for Major Depression when traditional SSRIs are no longer effective. The research is very specific about this. It can be a life saver. It was for me.
I am sorry it did not work out for you, but I am glad that a traditional SSRI is working for you. As a 50 year sufferer of major depression, my only wish for anyone is that they find a way out of the pit, and can function normally. If a drug, any drug, can help, then use it.
Good Luck,
RonMan
zydeco_abc
13 Feb 2015
RonMan, I have to say that this post has made me want to comment and agree with your statements not only on Viibryds effectiveness, but with the vivid dreams and other posts on 'brain zaps' . I know this is an old post, but, this is my first as a new member. I know I am in that low margin of individuals experiencing such incredibly vivid and in-depth dreams.
Bethie48
15 June 2015
RonMan,
I've been on Viibryd at 40mg for 5 weeks. I do feel as if it's helped my mood , as no others have. But , the last 2 weeks , the nightmares have been awful. Waking up crying, sweaty, heart racing.
I've never heard of a brain-zap , but 2 days ago described exactly that to my husband.
Could you please explain what is happening? I'm a little afraid as I do have a repaired brain Annie.
It didn't rely hurt but felt as if a giant bolt of electricty went through my head. I have horrid migraines and this was Not one of them. Thank you so much!
Hildejo
24 March 2018
I have been taking Viibyryd since 2012. I experience night terrors that leave me shaken and unable to sleep. If I do fall back to sleep the cycle stRts over again. Not sure why Indont have a heart attack.. My doctor does not seemed concerned. The side effects have been thrashing, kicking, fighting , screaming and talking to people or things that aren't there. While these terrors go on I feel in immediate danger. On with lights, tv, music and getting out of bed when I think I may be safe. Next is a series of thoughts as to whether attempt to sleep again. If I wake to these terror it might be 2 to 3 or more hours. This sleep disturbance bothers anyone who sleeps with me. I kick and punch aggressively. I have fallen out of bed trying to get away from what seems to be
some peril about to transpire. I have hit my head, cleared off night stand with one aggressive swipe kicked sheets, pillows etc off the bed along with animals who aren't there. My doctor says these dogs I knew when they were alive and now they are coming to visit. Not to be afraid. What would you do or what have your experiences been?
4N Substances
15 Oct 2013
Dear Yanksgrl,
Lennongurl is incorrect in what she has stated about Viibryd and she knows this to be untrue. She has repeatedly stated that her experience with the drug (twice, I believe) was not good, and she unfortunately cannot write a truthful reply. What she has stated is patently untrue. Hopefully others who have used the drug long term will also ring in. RonMan, one of the longest users of Viibryd and our resident genius, can give you the scientific data regarding this.
I experienced the sleep paralysis with Viibryd exactly like you did. I was traveling to Europe and was not careful with my dosage during the time change. I was also afraid to go to sleep! Taking the med in the morning resolved it immediately. Now in my second year of this med, I have no side effects whatsoever. This side effect was isolated and absolutely not dose related in my case. I believe the data will bear this out. I can nap any time of day, (I wish!) and never have a bad dream.
Some individuals have not been able to tolerate Viibryd side effects, for others it has been life changing. I wanted you to have the opportunity to make your choice based on facts. Good luck to you. I will add you as a friend so you can feel free to send me a PM.
Frenchie
lennongurl
17 Oct 2013
I said what was true, it's known to cause them. I told what experience I had with the medication after being on it so long. That was my experience, others have different experiences but this is common.
kristibill1
27 Feb 2017
Hello
I am new to this website however, I did want to reply to your comment - to help other's that may be experiencing the same side effects. Everyone individual is different - that being said our bodies may night experience the same symptoms as you or someone else. That being said I have been on Viibryd for six months the medication does work well as far as concentration, focusing, being able, and being able to cope with everyday life. However, It does cause extreme nightmares and it does cause me to feel itchy as well. I am extremely careful with my medication and I can assure you I have not missed a dose. I have not tried taking this medication in the morning as my doctor told me to take it at night but I am going to try taking it earlier in the evening several hours before bed and see if that makes a difference. I will keep you posted.
rovermedic
8 March 2017
This comment may have been well meaning but harsh. I have been on the drug now for 2 1/2 years. I still have zaps and terrors out of the blue. I get the itching if I dont stay on schedule. Regardless, my depression, PTSD, and anxiety are in control. For me there is no question it is worth it. Also, my DR has recommended minipress for the nightmares. I will try that soon.
HM2AK
12 June 2017
I have been on Viibryd for almost 9 months, and take it in conjunction with Wellbutrin extended release. I used to take my medicine in the mornings and went off schedule to where I began taking it in the evenings around dinner. I have had 5 experiences of sleep paralysis and night terrors, with a few nights of rather strange, uncomfortable dreams, but not quite nightmares. I was definitely ready to wake up after them though. Every single instance of the SP and terrors was due to me taking my medicine less than 3 hours before going to sleep. I absolutely know it is because of taking it too late, because I have never experienced anything even close to this except when I had hallucinations as a kid when I had the flu with a very high fever. Another indicator for me, like a warning sign that SP is imminent, is that I get this flapping sound in between my ears.
It's sort of like a bird is flapping its wings really fast inside my head, and I impulsively blink my eyes quickly to sort of "shake it off". It's almost like that dizzy vertigo feeling but not quite. I didn't have an issue at all when taking it in the mornings, except sometimes the flapping sound throughout the day. I hope this helps anyone wondering what's going on with them. I will say that the benefits outweigh the negatives for me personally, and the threat of SP episodes forces me to take my meds on time!
Rosethorn
12 July 2017
First of all I am a paramedic and a registered nurse... and I have a BIG problem with one calling another liers..with meds it can be different for every person... secondly..I have you ALL beat... I've been on Viibryd for five years not long after it came on the market ..I take it around 9 in the morning and I will take oath that for me the half dozen times or so that I have gotten busy and forgotten to take my Viibryd that I have horrible horrible nightmares!!! Nightmares also like I've never ever had!! But it works sooo well that I stay on it. It happens if I go to bed that night, around midnight, my usual bedtime but also there has been 2 occasions where I got up to see my husband off to work which is around 830 am and I decide to lye back down for extra sleep..I also will have the same horrific nightmares... These only occur if I miss it..
So I try real hard not to forget it and if I decide to lye back down to sleepI go ahead and take it..these nightmares are so bad but they are also very strange..strange to the point that I can't even begin to explain what they're like and even if I were able to..you and all of humanity would think I was crazy..they are basically always the same..except for unimportant minor details... I have been on every antidepressant on the market since I was 18 and have had nightmares with1 other..either lexapro or effector..can't remember which.. But they were no where close to the kind of nightmares I have if I miss a dose of viibryd... so like I said before..I know things I've heard from patients and I know from experience that this is a real withdrawal side effect and it does happen!!!
lennongurl
15 Oct 2013
Nightmares and night terrors are very very common with Viibryd especially the higher dose you go and longer you are on it. I took it for almost two years and that was the main reason I stopped taking it. Best of luck to you!
LisaAllyson
14 Oct 2013
I experienced horrible nightmares when I started taking Viibryd. I was afraid to go to sleep. When I switched to mornings they went away. If I forget a dose I get a nightmare too, along with itchy skin!
Having said that, Viibryd is hands down the best med I've been on. It works better than any other one I've taken.
Related topics
nightmares, night terrors, viibryd
Further information
- Viibryd uses and safety info
- Viibryd prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Viibryd (detailed)
Similar questions
Search for questions
Still looking for answers? Try searching for what you seek or ask your own question.