Vilazodone and Sexual Dysfunction: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Kav...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 13, 2017

Vilazodone for Major Depressive Disorder "I was on Cymbalta before this, and it made me numb. Took this starting at 10 mg and I'm on 40 mg now. Been taking since December, so two months now. Hard on my stomach at first, running to the bathroom. This med like lifted the fog from my outlook. I mean, like I actually feel good like I never have. Able to talk to people and initiate conversation, whereas before I would give monotone answers to questions. I think clearer, and my memory is better. This is a miracle for me. Not really any sexual side effects, and I am male. I had bad sexual side effects with Cymbalta. I take it in the morning with breakfast, and I find it goes in my body better with protein, like eggs or sausage. It has the effect of energizing me. Pricey after insurance without the coupon card."

• Bas...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 27, 2015

Vilazodone for Major Depressive Disorder "Positive response within a week. 20 mg was sufficient during the spring and summer seasons. Sexual side effects are minimal and virtually disappear once used to the medication after the last dose increase. Insomnia at first, but with time this side effect has gone away. Very satisfied."

• 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!"

• nic...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 20, 2016

Vilazodone for Major Depressive Disorder "Wow. This medication really works with very few or no side effects for me. I finally feel normal. I am balanced, have appropriate emotions, and healthy relationships. After being on Lexapro for a year and experiencing every side effect, Viibryd is a miracle to me. I used to feel numb, flat, disinterested, boring, no sex drive, etc. while on Lexapro. I talked to my doctor about Viibryd, and I feel like I'm back to my normal self. I'm on 40 mg. Just remember to take it every day at the same time and never run out. I ran out for a few days while traveling, and the withdrawal symptoms start to kick in after the second or third missed dose, and I felt terribly hungover, cranky, tired, and dizzy. Highly recommend talking to your doctor about Viibryd."

• Sco...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 28, 2015

Vilazodone for Depression "Got the typical starter pack. One week at 10 mg - noticeable antidepressant effect, side effects of diarrhea and weird dreams. One week at 20 mg - suddenly had tons of energy. Found myself getting lots of housework done, starting up projects I had been putting off for months, but no true enjoyment of things I loved. Diarrhea remained, some insomnia started. Five weeks at 40 mg - energy remained good at first, wasn't depressed but wasn't happy either. Just became numb like with all other SSRIs I've tried. Diarrhea persisted. Had trouble getting up each morning and felt foggy all day but still had energy to get things done. No libido. Anhedonia persisted. Not the right drug for me."

• jtw...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• October 21, 2017

Vilazodone for Depression "I had tried everything. Other drugs affected my sex life, made me gain weight, made me slow. Viibryd has been a lifesaver. The only thing that bothers me is that there won't be a generic for 3-5 years and without an HMO or healthcare plan it is about $270 a month. I am lucky to have been employed continuously the time I have been on it. A tip - ask your doctor for sample packs and hoard them. A second tip - always Google for coupons on any prescription. Viibryd has some 'first year' discounts."

• Anonymous
• April 24, 2012

Vilazodone for Depression "I've been on Viibryd for a little over two months now for generalized anxiety disorder and major depression. My doctor and therapist both gave me sample packs, and I slowly increased to 40 mg. The depression problem was initially due to a bad combination of medicines, so I don't feel I need the Viibryd for that, but I had high hopes for the anxiety relief. It really could be better. I still have anxiety, and the side effects of the medicine are too much to put up with just for the slight decrease in anxiety. Nightmares, weight gain, gas, bloating, increased irritability, no sex drive, and mild hallucinations during the night (usually after a nightmare). I loved Viibryd at first. Now, I'm trying life without medicines."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 4, 2012

Vilazodone for Depression "FOR ANXIETY - I've been on 30 mg Celexa for years and am switching to Viibryd to try to get past the libido issues (i.e., lack thereof). I was pretty nervous after reading all the reviews of side effects. I started on 5 mg (still on 30 mg Celexa) with a bagel and cream cheese -- no side effects! It's weird to say this about an SSRI, but I almost immediately noticed a change in my anxiety. Like, within a day. I no longer am living 'in the future,' very much more 'in the moment.' It's kind of bizarre. So far, so good! Only side effect so far: foggy feeling the first day, but has improved since then."

• Byo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 5, 2023

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "Never had much relief with SSRIs, but my doctor spoke very highly about this drug. I was motivated to try it out. I had the common side effects like diarrhea and nightmares on 10 mg. As soon as I upped it to 20 mg, I got debilitating migraines and more anxiety. Lowered it back to 10 mg and feel super anxious and low. I’m getting intrusive thoughts about things I thought I had under control years ago. Definitely want to go back on an SNRI or an antipsychotic, I had felt better on those but had sexual dysfunction. I don’t care at this point, I just want some relief."

• Par...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 28, 2012

Vilazodone for Depression "Unfortunately, my insurance only covers $60. The upside is I barely had any nausea or diarrhea, and then only for a few days when I started the 40 mg dose. Viibryd seems to be working great for me. I have had more intense dreams and a few nightmares, nothing overly bothersome. While on Paxil, I had horrible cravings for sweets. I was at one point eating 1/2 cup of peanut butter with 1/2 cup sugar mixed in. The cravings were compulsive, and I gained 15 lbs in 6 weeks. So far, the cravings are almost completely gone, and I have maintained the weight I am for 2 weeks. I'm hoping I will be able to lose the initial 15 lb gain. So far, no sexual side effects. My anxiety is under control too."

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

Vilazodone 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."

• Ang...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 27, 2021

Vilazodone for Major Depressive Disorder "I have been on a total of 10 antidepressants throughout my life. Viibryd is amazing and the only med that really helps me. It keeps me level and my depression at bay. If I miss a pill, I am depressed the next day. The 40 mg pill really upset my stomach every day. So the Dr. dropped me down to 20 mg. At one point, I was struggling, so he told me to take 40 mg until I was better. I took two 20 mg pills, it did not hurt my stomach. So I'm not sure what the difference is in the pills. If I miss a dose, when I start back, I also get a headache and upset stomach for 1 day. It does get rid of my sex drive. I don't even really ever think about it anymore. But the pay-off of not struggling mentally is completely worth it. It is super expensive, even with insurance. So my Dr. sends them a note letting them know I have tried 9 other meds, so this one is medically necessary. So insurance pays for it completely."

• Biw...
• June 7, 2016

Vilazodone for Depression "This started out as a great experience. I was on Lexapro, but due to the decreased sexual desire, I wanted to try something else. The first three months felt great, no improvement in the sexual aspect, however. Then the side effects started, and it was terrible. Started with constipation, which I was able to put up with. The legs hurting and cramping was another story. As long as I was active, I had no problem. Go on a trip, and it was hell. My legs would hurt like crazy. Then at night in bed, if I turned over, I got leg cramps in my thighs. Oh, and the DREAMS! So real, vivid, and weird. Expensive!"

• bfa...
• July 5, 2019

Vilazodone 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."

• jes...
• November 1, 2012

Vilazodone for Depression "Diarrhea only lasted a day. I was pleasantly surprised how fast Viibryd began working. I felt so much better not even five days into taking it, which NEVER happens with me! I thought I had finally found a medication that worked after six years. About two months into taking it, I had gained about ten pounds, my vision had gotten worse, my sex drive had gone from being very, very high to literally NOTHING (it took three months after I stopped taking it for it to return), and my depression and anxiety were back in full swing. It wasn't normal depression where everything is just boring and you're lethargic and whatnot, it was the angry, scary, unpredictable depression I've only experienced from bad reactions to other medication in the past."

• DJB...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 18, 2023

Vilazodone for Major Depressive Disorder "After years of struggling, the medical solution was always to increase your current dose and add another medication. Last year, I took the Genesight DNA test. I started Viibryd at 10 mg for the first week and then increased it to 20 mg. It's been a struggle to adapt, I have had episodes of crying, feeling anger, sadness, and a whole gamut of emotions. Surprisingly, after 2 weeks, I began to feel its effects, and the good continues to build. I have not had any stomach issues as I take it daily with food and a glass of milk. Thank goodness, so far, no sexual side effects. Finally, I have a medication that my body metabolizes correctly. I recommend the Genesight testing, for it will help you narrow down which medication works best for you."

• 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."

• Twi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 12, 2019

For Anxiety "I was on Lexapro for 4 weeks and found the sexual side effects and low energy levels to be too much. Doctor switched me to VIIBRYD with two sample packs. I weaned off Lexapro with half a dose for 1 week, while simultaneously taking VIIBRYD. Had diarrhea for the first week off and on. Within 8-9 days, my thumb started to have involuntary twitching. That lasted 3-4 days, then muscles throughout my body started to twitch once per 20 to 60 seconds. When I go to bed, I get jerks that make it hard to actually fall asleep. Dreams are abnormal and distressing. Although I have had periods of feeling normal again, I have also had two panic attacks (rare for me), and generally speaking, my anxiety has gotten worse. On day 23 now. Hoping things begin to calm down soon."

• BBa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 6, 2019

Vilazodone for Depression "I have always struggled with anxiety and pretty major depression. I had been on almost every SSRI known to man, with little help or major side effects. After many trials and prescriptions, my doctor decided to try me on Viibryd mainly due to the fact that 'only 5% of people on this medication suffer sexual side effects.' That has always been an issue with meds for me. We decided to try it. I started on 20 mg. Two days into it, my digestive tract started to suffer. I tried to ignore it, thinking it was just a flare-up of my Crohn's disease. I started to have these crazy, vivid dreams and nightmares. Crying, yelling, and kicking in my sleep. Also, I was in the 5% to not be able to have an orgasm. I decided to push through it, thinking they'll all eventually clear up. I was wrong. The dreams got worse, the sexual dysfunction got worse, with no noticeable change to my anxiety or depression. I have already started to wean off of this medication."

• Laz...
• October 23, 2011

Vilazodone for Depression "I took Viibryd for 3 months, as in spite of initial side effects, I really wanted to give it a shot, since I've tried virtually everything else. The sexual side effects began after the very first low-dose tablet and continued until I quit cold turkey after 3 months. I'm 57 and went from enjoying sex with my wife 2 to 3 times a week to almost complete anorgasmia while on Viibryd. Three days after quitting, I was almost back to normal, and within a week, I was back to 100%. The best I can say: virtually no side effects of the withdrawal, in fact, the frequent headaches I had while taking it have ceased."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 13, 2012

Vilazodone "I switched from Zoloft due to the sexual side effects. I have tried almost every antidepressant medicine out there with little or no success. The first few weeks I was on it, I had horrible dreams. I would wake up in the middle of the night and couldn't go back to sleep. Crying all the time. I have been on it now for about 5 or 6 weeks and am agitated very easily, dizzy, can't concentrate, and my mind is constantly racing. I was trying to give it a full 8 weeks, but I cannot stand to be around myself. I feel sorry for everyone else. Viibryd is not the medicine for me. I had very high hopes for this medicine."

• drs...
• September 26, 2012

Vilazodone for Depression "I have been on Viibryd for about 3 months with mixed results. I started on 10 mg; I saw little improvement and increased my dosage to 20 mg. The pros: it took me out of a suicidal depression; my anxiety is lower, the physical symptoms of anxiety have decreased too; I have more energy, no more afternoon naps. The cons: sexual side effects are present, not as bad as other SSRIs, but still bothersome enough to keep me from increasing my dosage; diarrhea in the beginning, but it does go away, be sure to take it with food; same with insomnia; vivid dreams; has done nothing for OCD, and besides alleviating my suicidal idealization, it's done little for my depression. I feel flat and unmotivated. Going up to 40 mg may help, but I'm ambivalent."

• mro...
• September 26, 2013

Vilazodone for Depression "At first, Viibryd was a Godsend. I was always happy, no sexual side effects, no fatigue; it worked absolutely great. I went through the trial pack and forgot to get a prescription. About 2 months go by (because I'm lazy) and I finally go to the doctor to get another trial and a prescription. This time around, starting up, there are major side effects. The medication somewhat helps with my depression now, and I still get a strong sense of paranoia and hopelessness. The medication has strong sexual side effects now, and all arousal whatsoever is gone now. The insomnia is terrible. I get maybe 3 or 4 hours of sleep now. And might I mention I'm on the low dosages; I haven't even started the 40 mg yet."

• 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."

• Cou...
• August 15, 2015

Vilazodone for Major Depressive Disorder "I've been on several different antidepressants over the past 18 years, but I must say that I've felt the best being on Viibryd. In the beginning, I did suffer from diarrhea for approximately 6 weeks. The only two complaints I have with it are that I have a decreased sex drive, and I've gained almost 45 lbs over 1.5 years."