Vilazodone and Insomnia: What Users Say (Page 3)

• DKM...
• August 28, 2015

For Major Depressive Disorder "For the first week on 10 mg, had brain zaps, diarrhea, tingling in extremities, and some nausea, insomnia. Almost discontinued taking the drug. However, after a week, most side effects improved. Now on 20 mg per MD recommendation, only have insomnia and some leg cramps now, slight weight gain but not much. Mood improved, and the bonus is that my sexual function has improved for the first time in 10 years. Based on my experience so far, would recommend if you are willing to tolerate side effects for several weeks when beginning the drug."

• Bry...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 20, 2015

For Depression "I was prescribed this medication to help with depression and anxiety brought on by several chronic medical conditions, including Crohn's disease and arthritis. Because of my sensitivity to meds, I was started on 5 mg. I could not make it through the first week due to severe diarrhea (like taking a colonoscopy prep), severe nausea, bloating, chest pain, disrupted sleep, body aches, and drowsiness. Side effects started on day one. I also had weird, vivid dreams, but I didn't mind that. I usually try to push through in the beginning, but this was too much. I don't think it's a good choice for anyone who already has GI issues. I've tried other meds that caused mild diarrhea in the beginning that I could tolerate. This was a bad fit for me!"

• aal...
• October 11, 2013

For Depression "I tried this medicine, and it cured my depression within a matter of days. I felt great and was seeing the world in a different light. Good energy and just felt good in general. Problem is, I couldn't sleep. I was on 15 mg. I adjusted the dose down to 10 mg, and the antidepressant effects were gone. I had to stop a great medicine due to insomnia."

• Bla...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 20, 2013

For Depression "I was on Effexor, which worked great until I went up to 150 mgs, and I got severe night sweats and dipped into a deep depression. My Dr. switched me to Viibryd. I was skeptical, not ever hearing the name. I am almost finished with the starter pack as I am tapering off of Effexor. Everything is going great, my mood feels very stable, and I don't have severe moments of hopelessness. However, since starting the 40 mg dose, I have had severe insomnia, and if I fall asleep, I can't stay asleep for more than an hour or two. I'll be calling my doctor and hopefully going back down to 20 mg. My only fear is that while I was taking 20 mg of Viibryd, I was still taking a low dose of Effexor, and now that I'm not, I'm afraid I won't have the same results on 20 mg."

• hyp...
• March 12, 2012

For Depression "At first, I felt better, but eventually, depression was MUCH worse. (FYI: do NOT drink alcohol on this med, the next day, I was almost suicidal). The side effects were terrible, ranging from random weird twitches, insomnia, overeating, diarrhea, to exacerbating my original condition in the first place. Glad it helped some people, but it was not for me."

• Dew...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 18, 2021

For Depression "I have been on antidepressants for 30 years. Viibryd is the worst experience I’ve ever had to go through. I took 10 mg the first week, then 20 mg. My anxiety was so bad I was climbing out of my skin. I couldn’t sleep, and this medication triggered my hot flashes like never before. I only took it for 3 weeks, and I had to just stop cold turkey. My withdrawals cannot possibly be as bad as taking this drug. After starting Viibryd, I’m dealing with insomnia. The Trazodone I took for sleep worked like a charm until I took Viibryd."

• Sro...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 14, 2017

For Major Depressive Disorder "I've tried numerous antidepressants with varying degrees of success and failures. I transitioned to Viibryd from Trintellix. I started out on 10 mg per day and titrated up to 40 mg. Within the first week, my mood and demeanor became more positive. I stopped thinking about suicide. I did experience some side effects such as vivid nightmares and the inability to sleep. Major trouble sleeping at any time. I told my doctor, and she added Zyprexa 10 mg at night. Finally, I could sleep. I'm going to see if she'll increase it a little more. This combination works wonders for me. If Viibryd alone isn't working for you, try adding an antipsychotic or mood stabilizer. I feel really good on both of these medications. Finally, something worked."

• Ano...
• June 12, 2019

For Depression "Please be careful with this drug (Viibryd). I was prescribed 5 mg for depression. The second day I took it, I suffered insomnia. I tried it for two more days, and the insomnia worsened. On the fifth and sixth day, I skipped the doses. On the seventh day, I experienced severe facial itching, and bumps appeared on my forehead. I researched itching caused by Viibryd and found a medical article confirming facial itching and facial bumps appearing after missing a dose. In all the antidepressants (Prozac, etc.) I've taken, I have never experienced this side effect. The article stated if you restart the dose, the itching should stop. I will do this to stop the itching and bumps, but I will talk to my doctor and ask to discontinue this medication. I can't deal with the severe insomnia nor this itching and bump. I wish there was an upload on this forum so I could upload pictures of the bumps on my face, especially my forehead. This side effect is not listed as a side effect, so beware."

• fro...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 20, 2012

For Depression "This is my first attempt at a depression medication. I am a 42-year-old male, married with 3 kids, a full-time job, and run two businesses. My main issue is slight depression, but more stress and agitation with kids, along with some anxiety. It has been 6 days that I have been on 10 mgs, and I am very pleased (mostly). By day 2, I noticed I was not as easily agitated and less stressful, a wonderful thing! However, there are 2 side effects that I am noticing: restless legs syndrome and insomnia. The two are enough that I did not take my pill this morning, hoping to get some sleep tonight."

• Hop...
• March 21, 2019

For Depression "Viibryd is my first experience in treating my mental health through medication. I've never even tried a Xanax or anything, and I'm 27. I wish this would have worked out. I cannot explain how quickly it lifted the entire fog of depression and anxiety from my life. I felt a renewed sense of purpose and the best I've felt in two years. I had side effects for the first week and a half-headaches and nausea, nothing sexual at all-all of which faded quickly. But the insomnia was crushing. I slept exactly 4 hours every single night. I even maintained my usual schedule of running 3-5 miles per day and eating healthy, but like clockwork, my body would snap awake after 4 hours of sleep with almost no chance of falling back. I am a 7-9 hour sleeper. More than once, I found myself chugging wine from the bottle at 4 AM and ripping my CBD pen to get back to sleep, all while crying out of frustration. My doctor just switched me to Trintellix, so here's to hoping that alleviates it."

• tay...
• October 2, 2018

For Major Depressive Disorder "I was first prescribed Trintellix, and it was the worst medication-too much nausea and vomiting. Then I started Viibryd, and it's the best ever-no side effects at all, no weight gain. The only bad thing is really bad insomnia, however, my depression is better thanks to Viibryd. With a coupon, I pay $10.00!"

• Kit...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 28, 2019

For Depression "I was taking 20 mg of Trintellix and loved it besides stomach aches. For whatever reason, I asked to switch. My doctor decided Viibryd was the one, and let me tell you, it was NOT. Explosive diarrhea, and when I say explosive, I mean you better not leave your house. Terrible insomnia, and when I did sleep, I had insane dreams. The worst side effect was a super high heart rate and BP. I woke up in the middle of the night and had my husband take my BP, it was 173/98 with a resting heart rate of 123. This sent me to the ER, then to a cardiologist... that was my average BP and HR for the following three weeks until it was out of my system. Now I am back on Trintellix, and the occasional stomach ache is a dream compared to that nightmare."

• Sic...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 22, 2019

For Major Depressive Disorder "On Viibryd, I had stomach cramps, insomnia, and angry outbursts. I have taken every pill there is for MDD, I think. This is the first to help me get out of bed. But, it makes me nervous and sick. I wake up every hour or two. I wished the side effects were not this bad. I can't continue taking this medicine, plus it costs me $135.00."

• Wes...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 5, 2025

"I have been on Viibryd for a week now. Previously I was on a low dose of 25 mg of Zoloft for a year. The past few months, I started to experience the “Zoloft zombie” feeling. Not really any emotions, just blah. I could sit and stare for hours and nothing. I also gained 23 pounds in 9 months. My psychiatrist wanted to try Viibryd for me because she has had great luck prescribing it. I am starting small at 10 mg as I taper off of the Zoloft and onto the Viibryd alone. The first day I did have some nausea. It was a sour stomach feeling but nothing too intense. Eating does help. In fact, a nice big breakfast took the nausea away completely. I take it in the morning because it does give me a boost. The first night I had a little insomnia. I slept super light and had the never-fell-asleep feeling. Then for the next 5 days, I experienced some pretty intense diarrhea. But right at the week mark, it seemed to calm itself down. I feel overall good! Got back out to running and my Pilates."

• h8a...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 7, 2013

For Depression "I have been on Viibryd for 4 days, 10 mg now, and I have had insomnia 1 night, night sweats (bad) every night, tingling and numbness, sharp pin-like pains around my body, and jumpiness. Have not had any alcohol while been on the meds. This is my first shot at an SSRI antidepressant in years. Was on 0.5-1 mg of Xanax per day for a couple of years. Xanax was making me too reckless and wanted something a bit more stable and to not have to worry about the short half-life. I hope this kicks in over the next few days. I received a sample from my doctor up to 40 mg."

• Bir...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 1, 2016

For Depression "I started this drug about two weeks ago. I was having a sudden intense depression. I had been taking Wellbutrin 300 mg and Paxil 20 mg. My psych suggested raising me up to 40 mg on Paxil, but I didn't like the sexual side effects. So he suggested switching to Viibryd. He gave me a starter pack to use for the transition. I haven't had any of the mentioned side effects until the last 3 nights. My sleep has been very poor. Hard to fall asleep and waking up during the night. Even with a small dose of Ativan on two of the nights. I am set to go up to 40 mg today, but I might stay on 20 mg until I can talk with him on Monday. Overall, my mood has been better (until this morning). Not sleeping gets me fearful of another depressive episode."

• Bel...
• October 3, 2017

For Depression "Been on Viibryd for 6 years at 40 mg/day. Although it was great for the anger management and depression, I gained 65 pounds despite working out and started losing my hair in huge clumps. I still couldn't sleep through the night and noticed that I couldn't focus anymore for even short periods of time. My new doctor told me yesterday that all of the side effects that Viibryd wasn't supposed to have, it ended up having anyway (listed above). Glad to be going off and see what changes happen. Be cautious if/when you do go off, must step down and it takes about a month. Headaches are horrible but do go away. Good luck!"

• kat...
• November 15, 2015

For Depression "I had terrible insomnia on Viibryd. Awful. Whole nights spent wired. It made me so anxious that I felt like I was going to jump out of my skin. Brain zaps, headaches, etc. I tried for several weeks, but the symptoms got worse, not better. Did not work for me at all."

• DbL...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 10, 2017

For Major Depressive Disorder "Less than a week ago, I reviewed Viibryd. Called my doctor as I am so confused about this medication. She says give it at least 6 weeks to work, which is ridiculous. This medication has some good effects, doesn't cause sexual problems, I'm getting a lot done around the house, energetic, excellent concentration, but I'm a nervous wreck, sleep 2 hours at a time, horrible nightmares now about people ganging up on me, and I'm swearing at them in anger. Ruined my relationship with my adult daughter, and she cut me out of her life and my grandchildren's. I'm perfectly fine until I'm not, uncontrollable rage, suicidal feelings (won't act on them, I hope), cry, sob uncontrollably. Sopping wet with sweats/chills during my sleep, nasty to my husband. Stop or stay on?"

• Han...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 23, 2022

For Major Depressive Disorder "The side effects I experienced while taking Viibryd overwhelmed the benefits. Six months prior to trying Viibryd, I had been on 150 mg of Effexor for two years, but its effectiveness plateaued, and the GI issues I had made it no longer a good fit. I started on 10 mg of Viibryd for three weeks, and initially, I felt more energized, less agitated, and slightly more upbeat, along with intestinal distress, headaches, and insomnia, which I expected for a short period. After three weeks, both the benefits and side effects waned, so I titrated up to 20 mg with stronger side effects plus anxiety, which started to increase as the medicine began to build up in my system. I had a non-stop headache, ridiculous insomnia, and worsening anxiety. I became so exhausted from never sleeping, and disappointingly, my depressive symptoms did not improve. I stopped taking Viibryd a week ago, but I continue to have insomnia and intestinal discomfort."

• Bir...
• May 30, 2017

For Major Depressive Disorder "Been on a plethora of antidepressants most of my life. This one, by far, has been the worst. I had all of the negative side effects pretty intensely. Insomnia, vomiting, diarrhea, severe headaches, severe agitation, visual hallucinations, feeling like I was crawling out of my skin, sweats, and psychosis so bad to the point I blacked out and attacked my best friend physically. Thanks be to God my friend was there, and I'm not in jail! Just based on my personal experience, I think this drug needs to be tested out more thoroughly. I felt like a wretched guinea pig on it. I stopped the drug a few days ago... going through the horrible withdrawals now. The 'bath salts' of antidepressants!!!!!"

• bfa...
• July 5, 2019

For Depression "I was prescribed 40 mg Viibryd for anxiety and depression, and it was a wild experience. I took Zoloft for a while but was ready to try something else. Zoloft made me emotionally numb, I gained weight, and my libido was basically nonexistent. My doctor prescribed me Viibryd, and my experience was much different. I didn't feel emotionally numb anymore, and my libido was back to normal. But over time, the new side effects were too much for me. Viibryd gave me the most vibrant, detailed, unbelievable dreams, nightmares, sleep paralysis, and visions I've ever experienced. My brain was wired. It also gave me a difficult-to-describe dry sensation throughout my face and body. I ran out about a week ago and experienced the worst withdrawal symptoms of my life: extreme itchiness, fogginess, and sleep problems. I talked to my doctor, and we decided to keep going cold turkey off the drug. The worst of the withdrawal symptoms are over, and now I'm trying Effexor, so wish me luck on this new brain drug."

• joe...
• July 24, 2017

For Depression "The first 3 weeks on Viibryd has little to no side effects. Starting on the 4th week, all the side effects came in all at once. Insomnia, swelling, joint pain, diarrhea, dizziness, dark thoughts, nightmares, and mood swings. Saw my doctor, and she told me to stop taking it immediately. This medication is definitely not for me."

• Kar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 29, 2021

For Major Depressive Disorder "I've been on Viibryd 10 mg for about 5 months in combination with Wellbutrin XL 150 mg. I've been reading that this is a 'duplicate therapy,' meaning both drugs have almost identical side effects. I have horrible insomnia and a lot of anger. I was on Wellbutrin years ago and never had any problems. I believe discontinuing the Viibryd 10 mg altogether would be best. I felt a slight boost in my behavior during the first week, and that's it. I don't feel any better. Actually, just more 'blah.' Any thoughts/suggestions?"

• Soc...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 11, 2019

For Major Depressive Disorder "Viibryd, the first drug I've been on that actually did anything for my major depression. I'm a 24-year-old male that's pretty med-resistant, been on Prozac, Lexapro, Klonopin, Deplin, and many others that I've forgotten in my various psychiatric efforts since graduating high school. None of them did jack for me. At first, starting this, I couldn't sleep. If I ate really crappy food, my heart would be beating out of my chest, it felt. After moving up to 20 mg, I felt I started to make a breakthrough for the first time in my life. I was so happy and thought I had figured it out. Then I titrated back down and off the meds. Results lasted a couple weeks longer, and then the depression was back. Currently back on it at 40 mg in an effort to reclaim that sense of peace in my life again, taking longer this time around. Some side effects are that you need to take this at a consistent time every day, or your sleep will get all messed up. Also, side effect-wise, while on this at higher doses, it feels like it takes every cell in my body just to ejaculate."