Viibryd and Depression: What Users Say

• Vii...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 19, 2022

For Depression "Terrible. Anger, hostility, sadness, irritability, self-loathing, lashing out at innocent family members, the list goes on. These symptoms got progressively worse. DO NOT WAIT! If you are feeling any of these things, even mildly, get off of this stuff immediately. It will only get worse."

• Vii...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 19, 2022

For Depression "Terrible. Anger, hostility, sadness, irritability, self-loathing, lashing out at innocent family members, the list goes on. These symptoms got progressively worse. DO NOT WAIT! If you are feeling any of these things, even mildly, get off of this stuff immediately. It will only get worse."

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

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."

• Kim...
• March 3, 2015

For Major Depressive Disorder "Prescribed only by psychiatrists, I was weaned off Zoloft 200 mg, Effexor 225 mg, and Amitriptyline 150 mg. I was put on Viibryd 40 mg on October 11. FDA approved in February '11. I was diagnosed with significant severe depression, severe anxiety, and seasonal affective disorder in February '01. Four months after being on Viibryd, my psychotherapist, who I had seen virtually weekly since March '01, said she could not believe the significant difference Viibryd had on me. Three years and four months later, I laugh frequently, my silly personality is back [I'm very young appearing and acting at age 61], I enjoy life, and I talk much more. I still have bad days, still have bad cries - yet what a difference! A miracle drug! I'm grateful!"

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

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."

• Sar...
• July 17, 2019

For Major Depressive Disorder "Okay, so I have MDD and have tried Paxil, Zoloft, and Buspar. The Paxil made me aggressively angry all the time, like ready to fight. Zoloft made me more depressed, and Buspar was like a sugar pill and didn't do a thing. But this Viibryd has helped so much. I don't have manic episodes anymore, and I can enjoy music again. I'm painting again. I have energy and motivation. The only thing is, it kind of has made me have a 'won't take any crap from anyone' kind of mindset - I don't know if that's good or bad. I guess good in a way because I won't let people walk all over me anymore. I can finally stand up for myself."

• mrs...
• November 12, 2019

For Major Depressive Disorder "I have tried several of the mainstream medications for my MDD that did nothing but cause terrible bruising, hallucinations, insomnia, irritability, increased depression, etc. I had given up on finding the right medicine for me. This was my last attempt at trying a medication before I decided to avoid them due to being let down so many times. I took a genetic test that showed I only had three medicines that were compatible with my body. I started on 20 mg and only had minor GI tract upset. THAT IS IT! After four weeks, I could tell the medicine was working as I had become MUCH less tearful. After seven weeks, I am raising it to 40 mg and know this medicine was the best option for me. I have been able to have an overall sense of happiness, I don't have nearly as many depressing days, and my interest in daily activities has returned. I am SO grateful for the genetic test and this medication. It has given me my life back."

• RVK...
• February 5, 2014

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."

• Dev...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 30, 2019

For Depression "Absolutely horrible medication! Please stay away! I am absolutely petrified of medication thanks to Viibryd! I have only been on it for a month, and the withdrawals are the absolute worst! I was on 10 mg for a week and 20 for 2.5 weeks. I think it helped for anxiety at first, but then it didn’t! I started realizing it made me think crazy things! I started to stress out about losing my family, my job, and my future! My self-esteem tanked! Didn’t touch my depression, and my anxiety blew sky high! I never thought I would ever see this dark hole I’m in again! I have taken other antidepressants in the past, but they weren’t as awful as this! I’m scared to keep tapering down, but I don’t want to be on this any longer :("

• Dev...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 30, 2019

For Depression "Absolutely horrible medication! Please stay away! I am absolutely petrified of medication thanks to Viibryd! I have only been on it for a month, and the withdrawals are the absolute worst! I was on 10 mg for a week and 20 for 2.5 weeks. I think it helped for anxiety at first, but then it didn’t! I started realizing it made me think crazy things! I started to stress out about losing my family, my job, and my future! My self-esteem tanked! Didn’t touch my depression, and my anxiety blew sky high! I never thought I would ever see this dark hole I’m in again! I have taken other antidepressants in the past, but they weren’t as awful as this! I’m scared to keep tapering down, but I don’t want to be on this any longer :("

• Mel...
• January 26, 2012

For Depression "I was on Viibryd for 3 months. The first month, it was like my miracle. I did absolutely wonder, better than I ever have! The second month, I had a bad bout of depression but never linked it to the Viibryd, so I kept taking it. The third month, I went into a depression that was so bad I was very suicidal. I was angry all the time, constantly crying, and all I thought about was dying. It was probably the worst bout of depression I'd ever had. It was a paramedic who actually linked my problems to the Viibryd. I immediately stopped taking it, and in a few weeks, I'm back to myself."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 8, 2020

For Major Depressive Disorder "I've taken antidepressants for 30 years. Over time, even the best ones lose effectiveness for me. I've recently been described as 'medication resistant.' I recently took Viibryd for 10 weeks. It was a pure nightmare. My side effects included debilitating nausea, diarrhea, increased and immobilizing anxiety, increased depression, suicidal thoughts, generalized weakness, inability to focus, and memory loss. I spent days either in bed or on the couch. I was completely nonfunctional. I didn't even realize how bad things were until I weaned off of it. I lost 20 pounds in three months from an inability to eat. After 2 weeks completely off of Viibryd, anxiety is almost completely gone. This experience is nothing like anything I've ever had on any antidepressant before. It was severely debilitating. Never again."

• Sha...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 7, 2019

For Depression "I have been in terrible pain for 10 years. I have every kind of symptom you can imagine. I just found out that I have all of the symptoms of breast implant illness. I was freaking out in my doctor's office, telling him that I need to get my implants out, but also telling him how scared I was to lose my breasts. I have terrible anxiety and depression. My doctor told me to try this drug, and he said it actually saved his life because he was ready to quit his job due to the stress, but he said the Viibryd worked great. I've been on 10 mg for 6 days and will switch up to 20 mg on the 8th day. I can't believe it, but this stuff has been an absolute miracle. I could feel a difference the first day I took it, and it is helping me so much that I'm totally calm about losing my breasts! My doctor said it saved his life. I cannot recommend it enough!"

• Kma...
• October 26, 2020

For Major Depressive Disorder "This drug Viibryd is awful. I have anxiety, panic disorder, PTSD, and major depression. If I don’t take this medication hours before I’m supposed to take it, I get “brain zaps.” They are horrible and make my entire body move almost like a little seizure. I am about to get off this med because this past week had traumatized me. On 10/14/20, I ran out of medicine and the pharmacy was closed. I was experiencing extreme anxiety, paranoia, and when I tried to sleep, I was getting waves of extreme brain zaps. Listen, these brain zaps led me to paralysis. I don’t know if it’s sleep paralysis because I was awake, but it happened 4 times in a 4 hour period. I could not move my legs, body, arms, or head. But I could move my eyes. This was absolutely terrifying. Two nights ago, it happened again. But I didn’t miss a dose. I felt those same brain zaps and could not move. I hope no one ever has to experience this."

• Sea...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 19, 2016

For Depression "Have completed 1 month on Viibryd, but no change in mood. This weekend, I will go from 20 mg to 40. I was on the highest doses of Lexapro, then Effexor, so might need 40 before seeing change. I've come this far, so I'll stick it out and see what happens. Have had vivid, detailed dreams every night, but no nightmares. Did forget to take the medication one morning and had a terrible day at work-extreme irritability, even anger. Took the medication when I got home, and the next day back to normal. Also experienced increased depression and sadness when I took the medication too late one Saturday. The whole time on the medication, I have eaten less, but only feel like eating salty, sweet, and/or high-fat foods. No interest in salad or veggies, which I normally eat. Hopefully, that will change."

• Sea...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 19, 2016

For Depression "Have completed 1 month on Viibryd, but no change in mood. This weekend, I will go from 20 mg to 40. I was on the highest doses of Lexapro, then Effexor, so might need 40 before seeing change. I've come this far, so I'll stick it out and see what happens. Have had vivid, detailed dreams every night, but no nightmares. Did forget to take the medication one morning and had a terrible day at work-extreme irritability, even anger. Took the medication when I got home, and the next day back to normal. Also experienced increased depression and sadness when I took the medication too late one Saturday. The whole time on the medication, I have eaten less, but only feel like eating salty, sweet, and/or high-fat foods. No interest in salad or veggies, which I normally eat. Hopefully, that will change."

• Ali...
• January 14, 2018

For Major Depressive Disorder "Saved my life. After being on Effexor XR 300 mg per day for 7 years, it was stopped abruptly due to tachycardia and increased depression. My physician started Viibryd. The withdrawals from Effexor were horrific. It took many weeks to withdrawal (and I believe I still am having some long-term side effects even after 2 years) and many meds before Viibryd was started. I now take Viibryd 40 mg at night and 20 in the morning along with a probiotic that has helped. The expense of the name brand only med right now is worth every penny because you can't put a price on your life. I am alive and mentally better than I have been in 10 years. Thank you."

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

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."

• Lov...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 8, 2019

For Major Depressive Disorder "I have tried many antidepressants. Even many mood stabilizers to see if they would help me. Nothing seems to work for me. I had a really bad experience with Viibryd. I only took 10 mg for 2 weeks, but it made me feel really bad. It seemed to awaken some part of my nervous system. It made me feel so depressed and panicky. The fear is out of control, to the extent it's crippled my life. I haven't taken this medication for maybe 3 weeks now, and that scary Viibryd feeling is still there. Usually, when I try a new med, within a week after coming off of it, I feel fine. Honestly, I'm worried this medication may have permanently keyed up some part of my brain into fear, possibly forever? Keep in mind I took this for major depression. I have no history of anxiety, fear, paranoia, or anything. With the damage this med has done to my brain, I want to warn others. I know I was willing to try anything to feel better, I didn't think anything could get worse, but Viibryd made it worse."

• Hot...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 21, 2020

For Depression "This drug almost killed me, I do not recommend it to anyone! Its side effects are gruesome! Diarrhea, gas! Major depression, suicidal thoughts! Increased depression! It took me to the edge and back! It's like a lobotomy in a bottle! It's new, and I've never suffered anything like it in my entire life!! I would not recommend it to ANYONE!! PLEASE TALK TO YOUR DR. AND FIND AN ALTERNATIVE!!!!!"

• Hot...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 21, 2020

For Depression "This drug almost killed me, I do not recommend it to anyone! Its side effects are gruesome! Diarrhea, gas! Major depression, suicidal thoughts! Increased depression! It took me to the edge and back! It's like a lobotomy in a bottle! It's new, and I've never suffered anything like it in my entire life!! I would not recommend it to ANYONE!! PLEASE TALK TO YOUR DR. AND FIND AN ALTERNATIVE!!!!!"

• 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."

• Sal...
• June 4, 2015

For Major Depressive Disorder "I started taking this medication a month ago. My doctor had been prescribing me Xanax for 10 years and felt this was the cure for my anxiety. I experienced worsening anxiety and panic attacks. I felt really irritable and still do. By the 5th week, I was beginning to feel hopeless and not wanting to get out of bed. I'm always tired, and I have gained 10 lbs in 5 weeks. I'm supposed to take it for another month, and if it still doesn't help, then I get to taper off. I accidentally missed a dose and felt miserable. I had no energy and felt like electric shocks were popping my brain cells. I still have anxiety and feel like this medication gave me depression."

• Mag...
• September 26, 2019

For Major Depressive Disorder "Taking this medication was one of the worst experiences of my life. Depression got worse, but I figured it was a side effect that would go away over time. One night, all of a sudden, the whole room felt like it turned upside down. Other people have referred to this as 'head drops,' and that's the only way I can describe it. I started getting horrible nightmares and had sleep paralysis for the first time in my life, and it was terrifying. At night, I would hear loud explosions in my head. I would wake up and be unable to go back to sleep because the sleep paralysis was too scary, and I started becoming extremely paranoid, like something was going to come kill me. Driving home from work at night, I would hallucinate people darting in the road or hanging from the trees. It was very difficult to distinguish between reality and dream/hallucination. I weaned off the meds, and everything went back to normal within a few weeks. What could happen in side effects isn't worth what good it could be."

• Ath...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 28, 2017

For Major Depressive Disorder "I started taking this a little over a week ago. I tapered off of Zoloft, and started with 5 mg of the Viibryd, and then up to 10 mg a day about ten days ago. I can honestly say that I'm pretty sure I feel out of control, and cry at the same time. I'm filled with utter contempt, and rage at everyone and anyone in my vicinity. I'm not a rage-filled person. I want to cry at the same time. I'm just plain angry all the time. My depression has worsened, and the rage and crying is all the time. My doc is not available, so I contacted the pharmacist, and said to continue to take the Viibryd as directed and go to the ER if it continues, or gets worse. Well, I'm not waiting. I've taken myself off of it starting today."