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Vilazodone and Nausea: What Users Say (Page 4)

Brand names: Viibryd

Reviews for Vilazodone

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • Poc...
  • March 3, 2019

For Anxiety "I suffer from social anxiety and depression, and after taking Viibryd for 20 days, I've had to quit. It's raised my social anxiety immensely, plus it's caused GAD - which I've never had before. It also caused nausea, horrible sleep (waking up almost every hour throughout the night and waking up much earlier than usual), and decreased appetite... all of which are bad signs - those issues are supposed to improve within the first 1-2 weeks, not get worse. I wake up in the morning feeling a sense of dread, like I've been hit over the head by a 2 x 4. Nothing worse than waking up that way. I consider my social anxiety issue my most important issue, with depression as a close second, because if whichever med doesn't help my anxiety, everything else is moot... because the anxiety directly leads to the worsening of my depression. I'm thinking of trying Zoloft or Paxil next."

1 / 10
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  • hwh...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • September 30, 2015

Vilazodone for Major Depressive Disorder "I started this medication via a sample pack about two months ago. I went up to 20 mg. My doctor thought that I should stay on it longer even though I felt it was doing nothing for me. Now, after two months, I have started having lower abdominal pain, which turns into discomfort and pain again. My bowels are all over the chart from diarrhea to very slight constipation. There is no rhyme or reason. I also now have very uncomfortable bloating. I have a feeling of fullness in my lower abdomen, and had an ultrasound done by my OBGYN to see if I was having issues with my ovaries or uterus, and that came back clean and clear. I also have random nausea. Sometimes early in the day, other times later on at night."

2 / 10
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  • Mic...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 11, 2022

Vilazodone for Depression "Horrible experience, to say the least. I took my first dose (10 mg), and within 30 minutes, I became incredibly nauseous, but it was manageable. Around midnight, the nausea became worse, and I was up all night violently vomiting with diarrhea until 6 a.m. consistently and still throughout the entire next day. The next day, I was still having issues with dizziness, diarrhea, and just feeling very off! I'm very sensitive to medications, so be aware if you are as well. I won't be taking this medication anymore as two days with my head in the toilet was enough for me."

1 / 10
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Frequently asked questions

  • dar...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • December 12, 2019

Vilazodone for Major Depressive Disorder "Viibryd was a horrible experience for me. I was on it for close to 2 months. I had migraines every day, nausea every day, hot flashes, cold sweats, and I gained 10 pounds in one month. It's been 2 months since I was taken off of it, and I'm still trying to rebalance my body from the physical chaos it brought me. Viibryd magnified my symptoms, and I was very suicidal to the point where I had to hospitalize myself. I have never experienced as many manic episodes as I had while taking this drug. I'm glad to be off of it."

1 / 10
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  • tec...
  • January 16, 2012

Vilazodone for Depression "I completed a month of Viibryd, keeping the dosage low hoping it would be more tolerable. Unfortunately, the side effects were just too problematic to allow me to function (dizziness, lack of concentration, dysphoria, nausea). Viibryd doesn't seem to have been a viable option for me. I'm now trying citalopram, have been on it about 5 days now and already wondering what this will do. I guess I'll see. It's frustrating to have tried so many and not gotten the relief I need to be a functioning member of society. That and it's unsettling that I feel like my doctor's just guessing. lol. Thanks again for your responses."

2 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • October 18, 2012

Vilazodone for Depression "On day 1 of Viibryd, I felt sick (i.e., diarrhea, nausea, and stomach cramps). The benefits definitely outweigh the cons. My depression and anxiety have decreased significantly. I'll be hitting week 3 (40 mg) of Viibryd, and I feel so much better. I don't think negatively anymore or feel too sensitive about certain topics. I finally feel normal again because I have been battling my depression. I will continue using Viibryd."

9 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • December 2, 2011

Vilazodone for Depression "My husband has been taking this for depression and anxiety for a little over 3 weeks now... up to 40 mg. The only negative is the diarrhea and nausea. This is extreme at the present. The good thing is that he does feel better mentally and there are no sexual side effects (as it was with Zoloft). I am hoping the negative side effects go away soon."

8 / 10
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  • Med...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • September 20, 2018

Vilazodone for Depression "Cons: I have insurance approved and the discount card and still pay $125 a month. I haven’t felt anything drastic yet at 10 mg, and I've been taking it for 5 weeks or so (switching to 20 mg this week). I’ve had super bad insomnia in the middle of the night/nightmares, but nothing I haven’t had before. Some cases of sudden nausea if I don't eat for a few hours and some digestive stuff. Pros: got rid of my sleep paralysis, have enough energy, haven’t gained weight, decreases my urge to binge eat, more focused/motivated with school (but still depressed mood and emotional swings)"

7 / 10
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  • Ena...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 16, 2022

Vilazodone for Depression "I have been taking 10 mg for one week. I start the increase to 20 mg tomorrow. I have been nauseous most of the time during the day. Also, I am not sleeping well, 5 to 6 hours a night. So far, it is making me feel worse instead of better."

1 / 10
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  • tma...
  • November 12, 2013

For Anxiety "This stuff is awesome! For the first 12 days or so, I felt incredibly stoned, but it wore off and evened out my anxiety that was controlling me all day. No side effects at all unless you count interacting with Remeron, which put my head spinning with incredible nausea. I take Xanax, which cancels that effect, but my MD wants to take me off it and put me on Buspar, I'll see how that goes. PS-I'm on day 21 of VIIBRYD."

10 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 1, 2015

Vilazodone for Major Depressive Disorder "Traumatic experience caused me to suffer major depressive disorder. Tried therapy, didn't work. Finally tried medication two years later. Doctor prescribed me Viibryd. Took my first dose in the morning, by lunchtime, I felt sick and nauseated. Had to leave work because I felt so awful. My doctor lowered my dose, and I didn't feel nearly as bad the next four weeks. I didn't notice a change in my mood. I went on vacation and forgot to pack my meds (I know how horrible it is to stop taking my meds), the come down was unreal... I spent the whole vacation in bed, too tired to leave. When I arrived home from vacation, I took my meds again, and I was instantly sick. I began hallucinating and puking, it felt like a bad acid trip."

1 / 10
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  • Sea...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 26, 2016

Vilazodone for Depression "I've successfully taken Lexapro, also Effexor, and Wellbutrin with each (did not gain weight on either of these) for the last 15 years. Tried Cymbalta--did not help depression and gave me nightmares. Now on day 7 of taking Viibryd. First 4-5 days had nausea and constant mild headache. Did have a few instances while driving of 'when did I switch to this lane?' Last night had first strange, vivid dream. Yesterday felt a little bloated, but things going okay so far. I know all antidepressants have an adjustment period with side effects. It's interesting to see how the same drug affects people so differently. Not sure if depression is getting better, but wouldn't know yet because work has been extremely stressful the last 5 weeks, so we'll see as work winds down--I'm very hopeful!"

8 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • June 9, 2012

Vilazodone for Depression "After having been on Lexapro (tired all the time and nearly emotionless, libido killer), Zoloft (gained 30 lbs in 3 months, libido killer), Effexor (ineffective and made my head sweat, libido killer), Paxil (zombie, libido inhibitor), Wellbutrin (allergic), I was afraid Viibryd would be more of the same. I've been on it for about 6 or 7 months, and I had no side effects other than mild nausea about an hour after taking it, but it went away fairly quickly. My libido is back to normal, and I still have emotions, which is great. I was on 20 mg, but I started to feel the hopeless despair and irritability break through, so my Dr bumped me up to 30 mg (I take one and a half 20 mg tabs) three or four weeks ago. The adjustment is taking time."

9 / 10
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  • WED...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • May 20, 2015

Vilazodone for Major Depressive Disorder "Diagnosed with major depression. Started using this drug after taking Lexapro, Zoloft, and Elavil. I suffered from nausea when this medication was taken without food. I was told that I would experience diarrhea as an initial side effect; however, this became chronic. I missed one dose (after being on this medication and taking it consistently at the same time of day each day for four months) and had a major crying fit-to the extent that my nose started bleeding. I have been switched to Brintellix as the side effects of this medication were too extreme."

3 / 10
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  • Pur...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 31, 2015

Vilazodone for Major Depressive Disorder "I started on 10 mg for 7 days and was feeling less reactive and calm. Started 20 mg and 3 days in was spiraling into deep depression, agitation, irritability, crying, not sleeping more than 2 hours at a time, shock-like sensations down my right arm with my middle finger going completely numb, and headaches in the back of my head. I already have IBS, so I expected GI distress. Nausea for 3 days along with severe diarrhea for about 2 weeks. Diarrhea is intermittent now. I am waiting to hear from my doc about reducing the dose to 10 mg again. I think that might be my ticket. Good luck to all!!"

5 / 10
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  • Ami...
  • April 22, 2012

Vilazodone for Depression "On Viibryd for 2 months. I was significantly nauseous every time I had to up the dosage. (I'm at 40 mg now, but moved from 10 to 20 to 40). I have some OCD related to my anxiety/depression, and in that department, I've seen amazing results. I wouldn't say I'm cured, but this medicine has made life MUCH easier when dealing with these unwanted and uncontrollable habits. No weight gain or libido decrease. The downside has been a noticeable decrease in energy and racing heart rate at times. All in all, it's definitely worth it for me. DO NOT suddenly stop taking it...slowly decrease the dosage. The electric shock-like feelings happened to me, and while they aren't exactly painful, they're definitely uncomfortable and made it impossible for me to fall asleep."

9 / 10
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  • Gul...
  • November 19, 2019

Vilazodone for Depression "After changing from a Viibryd dose from 10 mg to 20 milligrams, my side effects are severe. Extremely detailed dreams, tiredness, anxiety, nausea, headaches, chills, muscle stiffness, short-tempered, dizziness, overall awful feeling. Happened both times I tried to increase from 10 mg to 20 mg."

3 / 10
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  • Gul...
  • November 19, 2019

Vilazodone for Depression "After changing from a Viibryd dose from 10 mg to 20 milligrams, my side effects are severe. Extremely detailed dreams, tiredness, anxiety, nausea, headaches, chills, muscle stiffness, short-tempered, dizziness, overall awful feeling. Happened both times I tried to increase from 10 mg to 20 mg."

3 / 10
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  • Tim...
  • October 15, 2019

Vilazodone for Depression "Having a lot of anxiety. I am not impressed with Viibryd. I was on Prozac for a while and decided to look for something that would have fewer sexual side effects. Tried Lexapro and, to be honest, didn't give it enough time to give it a fair review. Viibryd has been pretty much like a placebo for me. Except side effects like zero desire for sex, diarrhea, and nausea. I have been on Viibryd for a few months. Tapering now and considering kissing the SSRIs goodbye altogether. Looking at other as-needed meds for anxiety like hydroxyzine."

5 / 10
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  • Bot...
  • December 21, 2018

Vilazodone for Major Depressive Disorder "I had high hopes for this medication as it came up in my GeneSight test as one that would be a good fit for me. I started at 5mg and had the most horrific nightmares the first night. I talked to my doctor, and she said to continue, but to cut the dosage in half. The nightmares stopped, but the other side effects of nausea, gas, loose stool, sweating, and drowsiness started. My depression is much less intense after four days, but I am dizzy and spaced out a bit, especially first thing in the morning. Last night I was so warm I slept in a light blanket with the window cracked and a fan on, and it’s December in Michigan. I also woke several times in the night feeling nauseous even though I take the medication with a very full meal. Initially, I’m so bummed, but maybe things will level out. I’m willing to give up a lot of things to get rid of this depression, but maybe this medication is just too strong for me."

4 / 10
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  • Sea...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 31, 2016

Vilazodone for Depression "End of Viibryd week 1 was starting to feel normal, then began week 2 at 20 mg. More nausea (ondansetron med really helps at work), no headaches this week. New symptom of gritty feeling in eyes-think it is dry eyes, so bought some good tear drops and seems a lot better now, will keep using. I switched over cold turkey from 40 mg Lexapro. When starting any new antidepressant, I always take it on the weekend, NEVER during the workweek. It might make you sleep all day or be 'out of it,' but that's usually just an adjustment period you have to go through. Too bad doctors don't always let patients know what to expect."

8 / 10
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  • Osb...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 22, 2017

Vilazodone for Major Depressive Disorder "I've tried quite a few antidepressant meds over the last 20 or so years, and this one is the worst. I've had nausea, bad abdominal pains, bloating, diarrhea, and intensified anger and rage. After the first week, I contacted my physician's office because I was feeling worse. The nurse contacted me back and said the doctor wanted me to continue the medication because I hadn't been on it long enough. I've been on it for almost a month now, and I'm getting off of this trash. This stuff shouldn't even be on the market."

1 / 10
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  • Qui...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • August 13, 2012

For Anxiety "I get panic attacks at least once per day, and my doctor didn't want me taking Xanax on a daily basis. I've tried a few other medicines in the past, but can't handle the sexual side effects-supposedly this medicine has less of them. My experience: 10 mg per day I had zero side effects, but after a month also zero noticeable help. My doctor told me to up it to 20 mg. At 20 mg, I was so sick to my stomach I had to call in sick to work. Tried it one more time with the same results. So I compromised and took 15 mg per day. Still little to no noticeable help-and I was always mildly nauseous (always took with a full meal). As far as sexual side effects-I never got aroused on my own, but I could orgasm, which was better than others."

4 / 10
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  • Jel...
  • December 17, 2020

Vilazodone for Depression "I suffer from mood swings, depression, anxiety, and BPD. The first few weeks on Viibryd were life-changing. I had almost given up taking medications because I felt like I had taken everything there was to offer. After taking a gene test, my psychiatrist wanted me to try this. I almost immediately noticed more energy, I had hope again and could enjoy the things I normally would. However, the nausea was unbearable. Within 6 months, I had lost almost 60 lbs because everything I ate, I would throw up. I tried taking anti-nausea pills with it and decreasing my dosage, but at the end of the day, I ended up skipping dosages because the nausea was just too much to handle."

6 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • December 4, 2011

Vilazodone for Depression "I am taking Viibryd more for anxiety. On day five of Viibryd and I am feeling a lot of the side effects right now. Diarrhea, nausea, tingling in my arms, and insomnia. Hopefully, this will improve as time goes on."

5 / 10
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Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or remove inappropriate content. Reviews appearing to come from parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any medication and should not replace the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals.