Vilazodone and Nausea: What Users Say

• Mar...
• September 2, 2020

Vilazodone for Depression "I have had issues with MDD and GAD for years. I was originally put on Lexapro, and I quickly noticed a difference. I no longer felt depressed or hopeless, but I was tired all the time with little energy to do anything. After 6+ months, I went on Wellbutrin for a few days and was paranoid and on edge! I was put on Viibryd 10 mg for 1 week and 20 mg after that once per day. Initially, the side effects were nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea, drowsiness, and headaches. I stuck it out for 2 weeks like that. I began taking my meds at night instead of in the morning. The initial side effects went away, and I was able to sleep well, eat normally, and had energy to do things that I enjoyed. My focus and mood improved so much that my husband noticed instantly. This is one of the meds with the least sexual side effects. I was still able to continue with my sex life with few issues. Make sure to take your meds on time, a missed dose will quickly cause withdrawal symptoms like nausea, headaches, and irritability."

• Mom...
• October 4, 2011

Vilazodone for Depression "My doctor told me to eat lots of protein in the morning. The protein attaches to the active ingredient in the Viibryd. He said the worst side effects of this medicine would be nausea and diarrhea. He told me to eat the equivalent of an Egg McMuffin in the morning with my medicine. I'm up to 10mg and I eat 30-40g of protein with it. I do have diarrhea, but I'm hopeful that it will go away once my body is accustomed to the new protein requirement. I'm a cereal lover. Eggs, ham, and cheese are too much in the mornings some days, but I'm willing to do this because I feel so much better on this medication. I'm not snappy and I seem to have more energy."

• Hon...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 12, 2021

Vilazodone for Depression "I hate to write negative reviews, but I feel that it's important to do so with this medication. Based upon other reviewers and my own experience, I feel that something is inherently 'wrong' with Viibryd. I may have noticed a slight elevation of my mood when I began taking it, but over time, the side effects such as nausea, indigestion, and a general feeling of malaise gradually took center stage. I finally tapered off and discontinued usage, and I feel so much better now! In hindsight, I had been feeling miserable for about 4 or 5 months! For reference, I am 55 yrs old, active, 150 lbs, bipolar II with depression, and take Trazadone, Buspar, and Lamictal. I have a graduate degree, see my doc every three months, and take all meds as prescribed and with food. Viibryd has probably the worst medicine that I've ever been on."

• Han...
• May 5, 2020

Vilazodone for Depression "Switched to Viibryd about a year ago to treat an anxiety disorder and depression. Was on Lexapro originally, but it was making me too sleepy to function. Starting out, I got nauseated around the time I took a dose (used the pack to scale from 0-20mg over time). That stopped after a few days though. I do still get periods of dizziness right around the time I take my dose though. I've stayed on 20mg for the last year, and haven't felt the need to change anything med wise. I feel a lot more in control of myself on Viibryd, and I generally don't spiral when I'm on the pill. Really helped to manage anxiety/depression, while keeping me at a normal energy level."

• Anonymous
• November 6, 2011

Vilazodone for Depression "Viibryd is a good medicine... peanut butter toast helps with the nausea... Dr. said peanut butter is the key! Protein mostly, but if you are not a big eater in the morning, try the peanut butter. The nausea and diarrhea go away after a few weeks."

• Hap...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 5, 2013

Vilazodone for Depression "I have had depression from age 12 and am now 40. I have used all SSRI's, Wellbutrin, Effexor, etc., but would have to quit each one due to various side effects. Buspar & Xanax helped but weren't strong enough. I was fed up! So I quit all depression medicines for 3 years (not advisable!). I became more depressed than I had ever been in my life. I went back to a doctor and he put me on Viibryd. I was skeptical! But he explained how it was different. So I tried it. I used the gradual dose increase and I had bad nausea but it did eventually pass as long as I took it with a high-protein breakfast. That was my only side effect. I have been on it for over a year and have never felt this well! I do get withdrawal symptoms if I miss a dose but to me it's still worth it!"

• pk0...
• January 29, 2015

Vilazodone for Major Depressive Disorder "I have been on a laundry list of other medications for major depressive disorder. Viibryd is the first one that has worked and actually saved me from myself! The only side effect I have every day is nausea, but I can deal with that because I finally feel normal and am able to cope with my depression, anxiety, and anger."

• Onc...
• January 26, 2016

Vilazodone for Depression "Since I started taking Viibryd, I have been happy and have had energy to do things again. My doctor gave me some samples of the starter box that started out at 10 mg for the first week. Then increased to 20 mg in the second week. I've been on 20 mg for two months, and I feel better than I've felt in years. Before I started taking it, I always felt down and out and always wanted to lay around on the couch. The only thing that I have to say about it is that in the first 4 or five days, my stomach stayed upset, and I felt very nauseated. But after about 5 days, it passed, and I started feeling great! If I could recommend this to everyone that is feeling depressed, I would! It is a wonder drug to me!"

• bla...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 13, 2013

Vilazodone for Depression "I'm a 29-year-old mother of 3. Two are twin toddlers. I dealt with anger since my teenage years. Yelling, tantrums, uncontrollable anger. Many times there would be no reason or very minor ones. Even as an adult, I would sit in my closet and tear my clothes down and scream until I felt better. Trying to hide this unhealthy release of anger. Finally, I got to where I would stay at home. My doctor diagnosed me with depression. I didn't believe her but took her advice. We started the beginner's pack. 10mg for 7 days, 20mg for 7 days, then onto 40mg. The first couple of days of each new mg come with some nausea. EAT WELL! Six months later and I am so happy. No more yelling at kids/hubby. Saved my marriage. DO NOT MISS A DOSE, EVEN BY AN HOUR. YOU WILL BECOME A MONSTER."

• 1st...
• May 14, 2013

Vilazodone for Depression "I've been on Viibryd 20mg for 18 months. My doctor suggested staying at 20mg at my follow-up appointments because that dose currently works for my depression and mood changes. I still have to take it with a snack due to mild nausea. I don't like the abdominal distention (especially with PMS). I recently noticed memory problems and mixing up my words. Despite all that, I'm not going to stop Viibryd because I was an emotional mess 18 months ago. Celexa and 'other' meds left me dull and in a haze. Now, I can cope better and feel more like me!"

• Ale...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 19, 2018

Vilazodone for Depression "I am a senior citizen that has been on Viibryd for one month. This drug has been awesome for me. The only side effects were very slight nausea the first week and loose stool on day one. I'm on 20 mg, and I have never felt better in many, many, many years. I would highly recommend this drug, and also I take it exactly according to directions. I am taking it right after breakfast, and I just feel wonderful."

• LoB...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 25, 2020

For Anxiety "Day 2 on vilazodone 10 mg and side effects are not nearly as bad as Prozac, which is more stimulating. I was on Lexapro, which causes weight gain. Viibryd is the best if you have intimacy issues. Nausea and diarrhea are normal. Push through this. If you survived other side effects with others, you'll be fine. We are strong. Vraylar is a good combo for mood stabilization. I'll start that once I get Viibryd in my system. Klonopin, Lorazepam, etc. aid with sleep and anxiety. SSRIs work on your serotonin, which is also in the stomach. Hence the tummy problems. Just ride it out and don't stop before your 2-week trial. If you still have issues, then consult with your doctor. Hang in there, everyone. Time is everything."

• Nat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 6, 2020

Vilazodone for Major Depressive Disorder "My doctor started me on Viibryd after I decided I wanted to stop taking Trintellix because I couldn't deal with the side effects anymore (constant nausea, dysfunctional appetite, itchy skin). After 1.5 weeks, I've decided that Viibryd is not going to work for me either. It seemed to help with my depression, but it screwed up my sleep so much! About 3-4 hours after I'd take it, I'd be hit with this super drowsy/sleepy feeling and would start dozing off (even at work! Not ok). Some days, if I was able to, I'd just take a 2-hour nap when the sleepiness hit. But once that passed, I'd feel fine and awake again. Until I had to go to bed... The insomnia I experienced with Viibryd was no joke! I had to call in sick to work because I could not fall asleep, no matter what I did. And I knew I couldn't function at work on zero sleep. Very disappointing."

• Ano...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 6, 2023

Vilazodone for Depression "I tried Prozac, Wellbutrin, and several others with mixed results. My doctor had me take a DNA test that tells you the medications that should work best with your DNA, and Viibryd was at the top of the list. It has been working well. I have ups and downs, but they are manageable. My sex drive was terrible before, and it's still terrible, so I assume other factors are to blame. IMPORTANT: Don't forget to take it on a regular schedule, or you could have severe side effects like nausea and dizziness. At the time of writing this review, my insurance does not cover it. I almost went off it when I found out it was going to cost $300+ a month, and my doctor ran out of samples, but now I get it from the Mark Cuban Cost Plus Online Pharmacy, and it's pretty affordable there. I think I pay $75 for 90 days."

• Mis...
• May 11, 2013

Vilazodone for Depression "Viibryd has lifted me out of the depths and has helped me put meaning back into my life. It's not a miracle, however, it does lift the burden of depression to a point where I am capable of utilizing skills and coping strategies effectively. It's expensive, and it's very, very new. I experienced very mild side effects at the beginning of treatment, such as mild nausea and migraine, in addition to panic attacks that eventually went away (thankfully), but these symptoms dissipated within two days of each initial titration. I'm currently at 40mg, and I'm feeling great. I'm one of the lucky ones, I suppose, as I have not had to try too many medications."

• Myk...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 24, 2019

Vilazodone for Depression "I started taking it about 3 months ago. The beginning dose of 10 mg was rough. Insomnia, fogginess, nausea, diarrhea. Kicked it up to 20 mg 2 weeks later. Took about a month for the insomnia and everything else to calm down. The upside was I noticed a huge difference in my mood within 4 weeks. By about the 3 month mark, I was feeling more normal than I have in years. I know this medication is not for everyone, but it worked for me. I recently thought I have ADHD, but it turns out there is such a thing as residual depression. Mood is improved, but some symptoms like distraction and lack of motivation may endure. Just started 40 mg this week, and everything is going fine."

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

Vilazodone "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."

• Bec...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 21, 2020

Vilazodone for Major Depressive Disorder "Please be very careful if you’re considering the use of this medication. My husband has MDD and took it for two weeks and was nauseous and unable to sleep for much of the time. We were in contact with his doctor, who said this can be common when starting this new medication and recommended he continue to take it. It looked like he was starting to feel better, but one morning he woke up not feeling well again and decided to stay home from work. He committed suicide. I wish so badly I would have stayed with him that day. Please do not take this medication if you don’t have somebody monitoring you closely. Or maybe just don’t even take it at all."

• 30...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 24, 2019

Vilazodone for Depression "I’ve been taking the Viibryd for about a week and a half. Started at 10 mg for 1 week then upped the dose to 20 mg. I only had nausea the first day, but I only ate two eggs before taking the dose. Since then, I’ve had no nausea or any of the other symptoms people list. I always research medications before I take them, and after reading reviews on here, it made me nervous. I hope this helps other people looking into this medication, that it’s not bad for everyone. I feel “better” than I did before, so I am optimistic that the longer I take it, the better I will feel."

• dee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 4, 2020

Vilazodone for Depression "Tried for depression and anxiety. I switched from a combination of Zoloft and Wellbutrin, which worked excellently except the Zoloft caused sexual side effects. I only took the Viibryd for four days because it immediately worsened my depression and caused crying spells. I also experienced extreme fatigue, racing heart, night sweats, strange vivid dreams, diarrhea, and nausea. Perhaps these effects would've subsided had I stayed on it; however, since they came on so immediately and I felt no form of relief from the drug, I took them as signs that Viibryd just isn't right for my body."

• Jen...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 4, 2013

Vilazodone for Depression "When I first started this medication, I had a lot of the dreaded side effects: GI issues, nausea, headache, heartburn, and some sleep problems. I'm now on my third week of taking the medication, and it has changed my whole life. I had such a negative outlook on everything, I thought I hated my job and that my friends were terrible. I just didn't enjoy anything anymore, and since taking this medicine, it's literally like a cloud has lifted. It even changed the way I feel. I feel so calm and relaxed, and it made me realize how tense I was all the time before. The side effects have all gone except for an occasional headache, and I'm still having some sleep problems, but it's getting better. Totally worth feeling as good as I do now. I hope it keeps working!"

• dan...
• November 2, 2011

Vilazodone for Depression "My husband's doctor put him on this last month. Nothing she has put him on for depression/anxiety has worked. So she decided to try this while she titrated him off Effexor. Huge mistake! He's worse than ever. Debating whether he should be admitted somewhere. He has been having brain 'zaps,' nightmares, loss of appetite, nausea, suicidal ideation."

• Ano...
• May 9, 2019

Vilazodone for Depression "I have been on Viibryd for over a year. After Lexapro for 5 years and building tolerance, my doctor switched to Viibryd. It took my body forever to accept. I started at 5 mg, building up to 40 mg. The nausea was horrid. Stomach issues. I take it at night to avoid nausea. During the first 6 months, I had horrid nightmares, sleep paralysis, rage, exhaustion, anxiety, and headaches. The past 6 months I've had all the above, plus really dark thoughts, brain zaps of EVERY kind, paralyzing depression, and vision issues. The worst is missing a dose. ONE missed pill and my body feels strange, electricity jolts in my brain, and I can NOT function. I was out of town and ran out. After 3 days, I was bedridden. My body hurt, flu-like, wanted to die. I couldn't speak in complete sentences and had to have someone with me at all times, terrified. I stay in a constant state of confusion. My thoughts convinced me that I'm going completely insane. I will begin weaning myself off starting tonight. Would never recommend to anyone!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 3, 2015

Vilazodone for Major Depressive Disorder "I've been taking Viibryd for 5 weeks, and my mood seems to be much more stable. It's nice to not have constant feelings of despair. The one problem it's giving me is extreme nausea and vomiting. Even so, the positive effects from Viibryd are great, and I'm more than willing to keep taking it despite all the nausea."

• Anonymous
• April 6, 2012

Vilazodone for Depression "At first, between the spontaneous nausea, diarrhea, and brain zaps, I thought I couldn't handle it. I have been on every SSRI known to science, including Cymbalta. The side effects of Viibryd were so bad when I went to 20mg, so I asked my doctor if we could just go back to the 10mg for a couple more weeks. Two days after that decision, things really cleared up. The nausea softened, and Imodium AD took care of the diarrhea. Suddenly, I felt so much better, and my libido came roaring back. I haven't felt this good in many, many years. But, I had to go through hell to get to this point. This is not your usual medication. It takes perseverance, dedication, and a lot of patience. Plan to spend 2, 3, or 4 months to adapt-but it's worth it."