Vilazodone and Diarrhea: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Jtr...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 23, 2020

Vilazodone for Depression "I took Paxil for years and felt like it wasn’t working for me anymore. My doctor switched me to Viibryd, I took it for a few weeks at 10 mg. I had unpleasant side effects, including diarrhea, nausea, headaches, insomnia, and increased anxiety. She switched me to Lexapro, and I feel a million times better. No side effects at all! This may work for some people, but it definitely did not for me!"

• Sal...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 29, 2019

Vilazodone for Depression "The psychiatrist thought Viibryd would be a good experience since I've had some success on Prozac. I can tell you it had the opposite effect. Major rage ending in tears and hopelessness for the future and GI problems and constant diarrhea on top of that."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 21, 2013

Vilazodone for Depression "First time taking medication for depression, and so far it has helped. Had some minor symptoms such as diarrhea in the first few weeks, with an occasional restless night, but other than that, it is fantastic. One word of caution, though, is seriously don't drink too much while on Viibryd. I went out for a friend's 21st, and I was the one who ended up in the hospital after only a few drinks. For depression, though, this medicine works miracles!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 5, 2012

Vilazodone for Depression "After many antidepressant medications over the years, I had resigned myself to a low sex drive and a bit of flatness in effect. But after Viibryd, I regained that sexual spark and the depression lifted. It's been 4 months now, and I'm on 40 mg, having stayed two weeks at 10, two weeks at 20, then 1 week of 20, alternated with 40 mg. And then finally one 40 mg daily. I have struggled with sluggish bowels for years, so this may be why I didn't have diarrhea. However, there was some gasiness the first month and bowels more loose. No nausea, but I do take it with a spoonful of peanut butter. Most days, I feel content, which for me is exceptional."

• Bro...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 30, 2014

Vilazodone for Major Depressive Disorder "This medication literally saved my life. I noticed a difference after a few days on 10 mg. I had diarrhea once. I did have a ton of gas for a few weeks. I also have been eating a high-protein diet since starting this medicine. I am not sure if that helps. I have been on 20 mg for about 3 months. The only side effects I have are mild RLS, and I wake up after 4 hours. I take 1000 mg L-tryptophan at night, and I sleep just fine now. 30 mg would work better for me as far as the depression goes (unfortunately, that is not manufactured), but I can't afford two prescriptions. 20 mg also seems to make me manic when I am PMSing, but the depression was so bad that the benefits outweigh the risk, so I am staying here. 40 mg would make me a basket case."

• Ind...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 4, 2013

Vilazodone for Depression "Have been on Effexor, Wellbutrin, Pristiq, and Cymbalta, none of them, with the exception of Effexor, have helped me. I noticed a difference after only 1-2 days on the medicine. Generally, it takes between 2-4 weeks to get a buildup, but this seems almost instant. I started on 20 mg and am still on 20 mg until later this week when I go up to 40 mg. The first day or two, I was really wired, and I think it is because I drink a lot of caffeine, which I recommend cutting down on with the medicine. I got some weird electric shock sensation in my tongue, but that has gone away, and now I am getting the runs, but I hope that goes away too. Once my body was used to the new medicine, I was like a zombie, now I actually feel 'normal' again."

• Aba...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 31, 2020

Vilazodone for Depression "I was on this medication for 4 weeks. I thought it worked really well for my depression/anxiety. I was taking it alongside Wellbutrin. Unfortunately, it made me absolutely miserable. I had diarrhea every time I’d eat. If I didn’t have that, I was so nauseous the thought of food made me sick. After 4 weeks, I told my doctor I needed to stop taking it. I’ve been slowly decreasing the dose and I am so dizzy and nauseous, it makes functioning very hard. I would recommend trying something different over Viibryd."

• man...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 6, 2019

For Anxiety "Started out on a trial pack of vilazodone 10 mg the first week, 20 mg the second week until insurance approved coverage. Most noticeable side effects were: feeling sick, diarrhea, having to urinate more often, agitation/anger, worse memory, and I occasionally had sleep issues on it. These side effects for me amplified when moving on to the 20 mg. I'd recommend anyone considering this medication to really review other options. While on this medication, even for just a short while, I've developed trust issues with others and anger that I never displayed while not on this medication. It did seem to help my anxiety symptoms for about the first week (could completely be a placebo effect), but since my anxiety has only gotten worse and, in turn, has made my depression come back. However, this is just my experience, many others have had different positive experiences, and you could too."

• dla...
• February 11, 2016

For Anxiety "I am a man, and I started Viibryd primarily to reduce the sexual side effects of other SSRIs. I have tried many different SSRIs over the years for generalized anxiety, and until now, Zoloft was the best choice for me. I tend to be sensitive to medications and am usually affected by side effects, but at the same time, I usually respond well to lower dosages. I personally had severe side effects, including vertigo and watery diarrhea. All the side effects passed after a couple of weeks, and increasing the dosage had little effect on me. Currently on 20 mg and staying there. My libido has improved significantly, and I am very happy with the results. Side effects were brutal but worth working through them!"

• Gho...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 12, 2015

Vilazodone for Depression "I have taken Zoloft for a while, but I was packing on the pounds and noticed I was getting kind of irritable when I'm normally very laid back. Doc gave me 2 sample packs of Viibryd to try. 10mg, I had some stomach upset (mostly diarrhea) and an INTENSE craving for sweets/carbs. These went away eventually. Then up to the 20mg. I found that I had zero appetite and literally had to force myself to eat. Normally, I'd be happy about this, but my mood became so dark (weeping/angry). I got to the point where I couldn't handle it anymore and had to stop. Hopefully, it works better for you all! Good luck! :)"

• Cla...
• March 3, 2012

Vilazodone for Depression "I am feeling much better, been on this for about a month. I can feel my sexuality coming back, and I am much more positive. Everyone should be told that this medicine could cause severe nausea and vomiting. I mean bad, but well worth it. Nausea starts first at the lower doses, and then explosive diarrhea sets in for at least a week. I'm continuing treatment, I feel much better, and gastrointestinal side effects are going away slowly. Feel great, but prepare for the diarrhea."

• Nur...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 29, 2016

Vilazodone for Depression "Been taking Viibryd for 2 years now. Was only on 10 mg the first few weeks: nausea and loose, frequent stools. Each week the symptoms lessen, and I could feel the benefits. I was happy and relaxed, no decrease in sex drive, and didn't have any of the side effects that I could notice (chronic back pain, GI issues, and difficulty sleeping my whole life). My doctor gives me samples and coupons when he can, but it is extremely expensive."

• Lis...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 14, 2019

Vilazodone for Depression "I was given a starter pack for Viibryd for anxiety disorder/depression. The 1st week was awful, with my depression ramping up, but I figured that was normal. Then I started to take the 20 mg. It was the most horrible experience I have had on an antidepressant medication. If you suffer from just depression, this may work for you, but my diagnosis is anxiety and depression. I started to have panic attacks, which I hadn't had in years. I also had diarrhea, dry mouth, and the worst part was the insomnia. I just couldn't sleep for 2 weeks. I did try over-the-counter sleep meds with no relief. I personally will NEVER take this medication again."

• 8sw...
• October 29, 2013

Vilazodone for Depression "My doctor gave me the starter pack for my depression and anxiety. I took the whole first week's dose by sheer force of will. It was the worst thing I've ever taken, and I've been on a few for my problems, but I got symptoms on day one with this one, and every day they got worse. Day one, I started having major panic attacks-one in my sleep so bad that I wet the bed, as embarrassing as that is. Day two, I got the poops out of nowhere. I was fine, sat down, and it just came out. It was horrifying that there was no sign or symptom that I needed to go. That caused another attack. The next few days, my mood got hostile, aggravated, and then drunk-like. My body also did things like a drunk person, including slurred speech, stumbling, and falling over."

• Kee...
• August 12, 2015

Vilazodone for Major Depressive Disorder "Viibryd is pretty great. It is strong yet subtle. I've tried every antidepressant (SSRI/SNRI/SSNRI), and it is the only one that works well for me. I am having virtually no side effects except for tiredness, but it has been getting better. I had diarrhea for the first week, but it was tolerable. It doesn't dull my emotions. It makes me feel normal and stable! Great medication for me and the only SSRI-type medication that works. Maybe this has to do with it being a partial serotonin agonist as well as being a serotonin reuptake inhibitor."

• Ano...
• September 1, 2013

Vilazodone for Depression "I began taking Viibryd 10 mg 3 months ago. Quickly began having stomach pain, worsening of insomnia, and diarrhea. Couldn't go up to 20 mg because of worsening side effects. Today, Sept. 1, I took it and again, having uncontrollable diarrhea. Seeing my doctor on the third and am going to ask for something else. All of the SSRIs and SNRIs have affected my GI tract but not as bad as this one. Lifelong history of depression and anxiety. Searching for the right antidepressant for over 20 years."

• Pea...
• January 15, 2013

Vilazodone for Depression "I was put on Viibryd because of severe short-term memory loss and anxiety. After taking it for about a month, I haven't been able to sleep through the night. Nausea, diarrhea, severe headaches, and since I moved up to the 20 mg dose, I have been having violent thoughts and starting to get suicidal thoughts. My legs twitch all night. Really frustrated, will be seeing my doctor today. It has helped with my memory loss and episodes of confusion, but side effects are bad. This medicine is not for me."

• ser...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 26, 2012

Vilazodone for Depression "I have fibromyalgia and had taken Cymbalta and Savella. Both caused problems after 8 years. Did not help pain and caused zapping in my head at night. I have taken my second dose of 20 mg of Viibryd and am so much better. What surprised me is the fibromyalgia has hurt less and is not the constant 24/7 I have had for 8 years. My sex drive was -0, and now I think I'm getting it back. Have had gas, but no diarrhea yet. Waiting for it. Moving up to the 40 mg scares me considering what I have been reading, but will try it anyway since I am feeling so good. I am not feeling depressed, and my anxiety has gone away. Hope it continues to work for me. If the gas was quiet, I wouldn't mind, but it's not. It will go away, I'm sure."

• Sol...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 19, 2018

Vilazodone for Major Depressive Disorder "Viibryd is working great for depression and anxiety! Physically, I’m having bad trouble with diarrhea and stomach aches. I’ve only been on it a week, so I’m hoping these physical symptoms will diminish. I will put up with these physical symptoms hopefully for a long time because Viibryd is so effective. Has anyone experienced this?"

• fem...
• June 6, 2017

Vilazodone for Depression "Side effects: heart palpitations and pounding, insomnia, numb hands, 24/7 panic attack even in my home lying in bed, fearful of getting out of bed, leaving the house. Frequent diarrhea and abdominal pain. Auditory hallucinations. Had to stop, not even remotely tolerable. I got tested by 'Assurex Health' Genesight testing, which showed this to be on my 'green' list. I see that they billed my insurance $6,224.00, and my responsibility is $1,300.00, but I was told there was some sliding scale, so we'll see. They're making a killing on these tests, and I'm afraid to try anything else on their green list since they're all newer drugs, all costing in the range of $250 to $400, seems like there is something going on that doesn't benefit patients/victims."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 6, 2012

Vilazodone for Depression "First day was bad, loose stool. Second day the second week was fine, and by the time I got to 40 mg, it was magic. I'll take it forever if I can feel normal like this. I was a little more tired than normal for the 20 mg and first 40 mg week."

• Nic...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 23, 2019

Vilazodone for Depression "About 1 1/2 months of taking Viibryd. I was very forgetful. My short-term memory was gone. I became very irritable. I ignored some things, thinking I was just stressed from work. Then I woke up one morning to my whole body on fire. My head felt like it was being cooked. I was very dizzy and collapsed to the ground. I couldn't calm down or cool my body down. I had diarrhea during this time period. I called my friend who is a doctor. She put me in an ice bath. I lost feeling in my hands and fingers. I was taken straight to the doctor. I was extremely dehydrated and had kidney problems due to the reaction from the medication. They ran tests to make sure I didn't have kidney or liver damage due to this medication. It was the worst experience of my life. I thought I was dying that day. Now that I have been taken off of it, my memory is coming back, I have minimal kidney damage and no liver damage. It could have been fatal for me! I strongly advise against taking it!"

• Was...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 13, 2015

Vilazodone for Depression "I have been taking 20 mg of Viibryd for 5 months. I titrated up very slowly and found that 30 mg caused restless legs, so I went back down to 20 mg. The side effects, like daytime sleepiness and gastrointestinal annoyances, must be worked through. They pass. My anxious depression has lifted, and I feel better than I have felt in years. In conjunction with the meds, I have continued to do depth psychology and psycho-spiritual work, which I think have also contributed to how well I feel. People notice how bright I appear. I am doing better than ever at work and still have energy to run my household. Recently, I was even able to return to the gym. The only side effect I notice is gas and loose stools, a bit of bloat in the gut."

• Men...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 15, 2016

Vilazodone for Major Depressive Disorder "I started Viibryd for anxiety disorders, major depressive disorder, and paranoia. I have been taking it for 9 days (the starter pack). Now on 20 mg. It seems to be working great for my depression, paranoia, and I don't get irritated like I used to. My outlook on life has changed dramatically. Happier and still able to achieve orgasm, unlike other antidepressants. I take Ativan at night for sleep and anxiety, so I have not had any nightmares. The only downfall with Viibryd is my back and neck are very tense and achy. Diarrhea the first few days, but it goes away. Has anybody else experienced muscle aches/tension? If so, please let me know."

• Anonymous
• October 26, 2012

Vilazodone for Depression "I have had MDD for the past seven years. Within this period, I have tried many SSRIs, including Wellbutrin, Prozac, Lexapro, Celexa, and others. I have experienced the gamut of side effects, including diarrhea, sexual dysfunction, weight gain, overactive bladder; you name it. Some medications even made me bipolar. I began taking Viibryd in the summer of 2012. Although it took a few months, my rational thinking capacity returned to normal. My energy was fully restored. My sexual function returned, and I have minimal side effects. I have fully returned to the person that I was seven years ago. In essence, I have my life back. I would recommend that you give this medication a try!"