Vilazodone and Weight Gain: What Users Say

• exc...
• November 29, 2014

Vilazodone for Depression "You have to give it time to work. At the beginning, I thought it was not going to work, but after 3 months, it was great. I have been on Viibryd for about 6 months. It is excellent, don't gain weight, and my sex drive is very high. Excellent. Hope it works for you."

• Sar...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 17, 2016

Vilazodone for Major Depressive Disorder "I have taken 20 mg of Viibryd for 4 years and it has been the single best antidepressant I have ever taken. I have taken Zoloft, Prozac, Lexapro, Cymbalta, Wellbutrin, and Effexor. All of them caused major weight gain (especially Zoloft) and none of them continued to work after about 12-18 months. Viibryd saved my marriage; I am able to easily achieve orgasm. While the other medicines made me numb and interfered with my sleep, Viibryd has allowed me to feel, but also to cope. I am only writing this today because I may need to finally go up to 40 mg. But it worked like a charm for 4 years, even through incredibly intense, life-changing stressful events. This drug has been a lifesaver for me."

• Anonymous
• September 30, 2011

Vilazodone for Depression "I have depression and generalized anxiety disorder. Had both positive and negative effects. First the negative (Gastrointestinal (diarrhea that goes away in time), numbness down arms and hands at night, insomnia, tingling in forehead in initial stages, swelling of face, hands, stomach, ankles, initial anxiety that subsided, up a few lbs but cannot say it is the medication yet, closely watching diet to see but do seem to get very hungry in evenings). The positive is I feel better, not as negative or anxious, dealing with my mother's Alzheimer's disease better."

• Han...
• May 30, 2013

Vilazodone for Depression "My new doctor put me on Viibryd to help with my severe depression and anxiety 4 months ago. My previous doctor had tried many medications such as Lexapro, Celexa, and Cymbalta...and to be quite frank, every one of them was horrible! I gained 60 lbs between them over a year, which only deepened my depression. I felt like I was insane with those medications and hated myself and everyone around me even more and began to feel like people were 'out to get me'. All the while on those medications, I had to take Ativan and Valium for my severe anxiety. Since I've been on Viibryd, I feel like a new person! I did not gain any weight, and Viibryd helps control my anxiety without the need for other medications! It's expensive but worth every penny!"

• Ano...
• May 8, 2020

Vilazodone for Depression "My issues are general anxiety, OCD skin picking, depression, mood swings, irritability, and, well, every other med I seem to get bad hives from. Doctor used this as our only next option combined with another anti-anxiety med. The titration pack for Viibryd is the key, it walks you up from 10 mg one week to 20 mg the next week, and that’s where I’ve been for about two months. I have never been able to stop picking my skin, even if nothing was there, and on this, I have. My depression is managed. Anxiety is a different beast, but also somewhat okay with the other med combo. I can say I still am irritable, but mood swings not so much, I’m either grumpy, edgy, or I’m not. Weight gain so far: 4.5 pounds."

• Anonymous
• November 21, 2011

Vilazodone for Depression "I have taken just about everything on the market, with 1 week of starting Viibryd, my life was completely changed. The best 30 days of my life, then I went from the sample pack to the prescription, and it has been downhill for almost 60 days. I have put on almost 15 lbs, the worst night terrors of my life, my sex drive in the 1st 30 days was through the roof, now nothing. I cannot sleep, my anxiety was back, and I became suicidal. I have been off of Viibryd for 6 days, the withdrawals are rough, and this is even after the step-down process. I was hoping that this would continue to be the best medication ever, but not for me."

• Anonymous
• February 12, 2014

Vilazodone for Depression "In 3 days, I felt better. Titrated to 40 mg. The medicine turned evil. My heart pounding with strong palpitations. As I was falling asleep, I had a feeling of leaving my body & hovering over myself, being awake in a horrifying world that seemed absolutely real. Sleep paralysis. Dr. added a beta-blocker for the heart. Gained 21 lbs in 6 wks. Decided to stop it. Dr. said go from 40-20. I couldn't do that suddenly, I needed to go down slowly. I went from 40-30 mg. Night terrors lessened. Went to 25, then 20. Felt good at 20, heart calmed down for a few days. Thought I'd stay at 20 but then the evil again. 18, 15, 10, 5, 3 mg. It's taken over a month to come off it. 1st day without it. Feel down & edgy. Started Wellbutrin."

• Ted...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 1, 2013

Vilazodone for Anxiety "Been on antidepressants since around 1991 after I had thyroid removed. Taking Wellbutrin for depression, which works okay, but last year started having late-night anxiety attacks. Really bad fear. I don't understand why. Had me walking the streets at 11 PM. Started Viibryd and had weight gain and stomach issues, and by the time I got to 40 mg, the anxiety just stopped! This medicine does as advertised for me, it stops the anxiety. That's what I needed, and that's what I got. Like a miracle."

• Ran...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 9, 2013

Vilazodone for Depression "WARNING!!! It works great but it DOES make you gain a lot of weight!!! I have absolutely loved this drug until a few minutes ago when I started searching for the cause of my rapid weight gain. I never once considered Viibryd because I was told it had no effect. Today I did a search on Bing and that search has now changed my life."

• 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."

• scr...
• June 7, 2013

Vilazodone for Depression "I began taking this because Lexapro gave me weird bladder spasms and Prozac kind of zombied me out. Viibryd has been great from the very start. No side effects or discomfort, not weight gain, and sex is better (however my menopausal age is a factor in less or no desire sometimes). The only thing I notice is - I sometimes am not paying attention and not sure if I have taken it. So when that happens and I must wait a whole day before the next dosage - my mood can plummet fast! I also find that I will become really angry easily! Oh yes, occasional bad dreams - so keep a daily schedule and follow it."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 12, 2013

Vilazodone for Depression "I got on this medicine because I had some anxiety and depression. I have been on it for about a year and a half, and I have gained 40+ pounds. When I first started, they said you don't gain weight. Yeah, right! I loved the medicine at first, but now I am always tired and always have diarrhea. It's so inconvenient. I feel I need to switch, but I'm not too sure what else will work, since I have been on almost everything else."

• Nic...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 4, 2018

Vilazodone for Depression "I’ve been on Pristiq for a couple of years, and the last few months I thought I had something serious going on with my health. Upon getting blood tests done, everything turned out fine, but the doctor mentioned it might be my antidepressant. I thought he was crazy. Then I got swapped to Viibryd. Long story short, I went from being unbelievably tired (multiple naps a day on weekends, falling asleep at my desk, could sleep 15 hours straight, etc.), gained a lot of weight because I had no energy to work out anymore, was eating constantly, depressed to feeling amazing within ONE week of Viibryd. I have so much energy now, am working out, appetite went back to normal, am wide awake all day long, and couldn’t even take a nap if I wanted to. This is only with 10 mg. Highly, highly recommend it."

• RVK...
• February 5, 2014

Vilazodone for Depression "These reviews have confirmed what I've been thinking for a few months now. I've been waking up at 3 a.m. like clockwork, I'm irritated by the smallest things, gained 20 lbs, and just feel down all the time. I was on Effexor and Zoloft for years until they stopped working for me, so my doctor tried me on Viibryd. Worst move ever. I want to beat my fists against everything and everyone. I'm going to see him next week and demanding to be changed to something else."

• Kni...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 15, 2020

Vilazodone for Depression "This Viibryd works just fine for my OCD at a 40 mg dose. (I also have regular anxiety, secondary depression, and chronic pain from breast cancer medication.) I switched to it because Lexapro was useless for me, Celexa made me gain 40 pounds (although it worked great), and Viibryd was supposed to be weight-neutral. It is not. But, then again, neither are any of the others. TRY NOT TO SKIP A DOSE. Carry one around with you just in case. The half-life is very short, and the withdrawal symptoms are almost immediate. If you've gone off an SSRI in the past, the withdrawal symptoms will be recognizable to you. The dose will work, but it will take a hot second to feel better."

• Chi...
• October 2, 2019

Vilazodone for Depression "I have been on Viibryd for 6 months now for anxiety and panic disorder, and it has been the best that has worked for me so far. As far as weight gain, ZERO pounds gained! Although it's a great medication, there are some downfalls in my opinion. 1. Can make you a little irritated and bothered by things. But it's not bad. 2. Crazy dreams!!! Sometimes in a good way, other times in a bad way. Seem so realistic!! Other than that, it's great. I'm able to handle stressful situations much better now!"

• Iow...
• July 13, 2015

Vilazodone for Depression "Been on for a few months - up to 40 mg - feeling great as far as mood goes. Do have some breakthrough anxiety, but that will get better with time. Notice you do have to take with food - or your stomach does get really upset. I have also noticed weight gain or bloating. So the weight gain, being 10 pounds, may be some water weight as well. I've taken other meds that don't work this effectively, so will give this a definite try for a while and see if it continues to help me with my mood disorder. Bless all out there that have this terrible disorder...."

• GMa...
• December 7, 2020

For Anxiety "Just switched to Viibryd about 3 weeks ago after being on Paxil for most of 19 years. I, on Paxil, gained a ton of weight and had orgasm issues. Not good. The Viibryd is working very well so far. Some diarrhea the first week on 10 mg, but not bad. Headaches the first few days on 20 mg, but these went away pretty quick too. I’ll post back again soon. Hope 20 mg is enough. We’ll see. Stay tuned."

• Shk...
• January 3, 2013

Vilazodone for Depression "I like this medicine, but after reading some reviews, I have confirmed some things. First, I am experiencing insomnia and worsening of my restless legs. Second, the constant sweet cravings and never feeling satisfied after I eat is annoying. I have had about a 4-5 lbs. weight gain. It is like someone takes over, and I just eat. I have no impulse control. Third, the gas and bloating are awful. I am fine in the morning, but as soon as I start eating, I start bloating and developing gas. I cannot expel it, and it makes me so uncomfortable. It has worked some to level out my depression, but I am contemplating weaning off for now."

• 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!"

• bas...
• February 16, 2019

For Anxiety "This is my second round on Viibryd. Took it in 2017 for 4.5 months (10 mg start, 20 mg highest dose). I started it this week (Feb 2019) and planning to stay at 10 mg. I've tried Effexor and Wellbutrin, for reference. Pros: • This drug has been great for anxiety because it provides a calmness without knocking me out or making me not feel like myself. It works within a few days. Cons: • First round (2017), the gastro issues never really went away, though diminished to about 15% of the time. • Cost without insurance. • Weight gain! This is why I went off it in 2017. I gained about 10 lbs and my body fat percentage increased by 4%, even while I was in a workout plan with a trainer. That being said, this time I am also sticking to a cleaner diet with set calories that have allowed me to maintain my weight off the pill. I am hoping this baseline will give me better personal data as to if the weight gain is something I can circumvent."

• b3b...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 5, 2012

Vilazodone for Depression "I developed serotonin syndrome. Diarrhea (to the point of leaking), drowsiness, increased body temperature, very blurry vision, looked & felt drunk, bloating, weight gain, dry eyes, red bumps on face, feverish, felt like I was getting the flu, gas, heartburn, craved sweets, no concentration or focus, forgetful, clumsy, insomnia, etc. Four symptoms showed up during the first week on 10 mg, the rest showed up during the second week (20 mg). I've been on many antidepressants over the past 17 years (Zoloft, Effexor, Lexapro & Wellbutrin XR worked the best), but they would all eventually lose their effect. The only other time I've ever felt this bad in relation to a medicine was when I was going off of Lexapro. Viibryd is a 'no' 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."

• Mot...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 22, 2020

Vilazodone for Major Depressive Disorder "My older sister is a psychiatrist, and my younger sister is on this med. They both suggested I try it because it worked so well. I finally gave in and gave it a go around Christmas. It was the worst thing ever for me. I gained 11 pounds in 7 weeks, I couldn't stop crying, I didn't care about anything anymore. I almost checked into a psych ward. Coming off of it was tough, but definitely better than staying on it. I've been on a new med for a few weeks, and I'm feeling so much better."

• DKM...
• August 28, 2015

Vilazodone 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."