Vraylar and Anxiety: What Users Say

• Hen...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 29, 2020

For Bipolar Disorder "I’ve been on Vraylar for about 4 weeks. First few days I was really tired, day 4 I felt better, improved mood. Then I started to get cognitive impairment. Couldn’t keep up with conversations, could hardly string a sentence together. My doctor wanted to increase to 3mg, so I did. Depression got a lot better, but had anxiety attacks, and fidgeting, restlessness, didn’t find any pleasure in watching TV, couldn’t concentrate. Could barely work 'cause I couldn’t concentrate or talk to people. I have weaned off 3mg to 1.5mg, but it wasn’t easy. Now I don’t know if I’ve got the courage to completely stop, I know depression will kick in. Any thoughts?"

• ADH...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 5, 2024

For Major Depressive Disorder "Vraylar 1.5 mg daily, combined with Adderall 90 mg, has been a game changer for me. After years of trying various medications, this combination has finally brought me the relief I've been seeking. Previously, Wellbutrin amplified side effects like agitation and anxiety, and SSRIs didn't do anything for my depression. In contrast, Vraylar has significantly improved my mood and motivation without any side effects. It works perfectly alongside Adderall, enhancing its benefits without any interference. For the first time in nearly 30 years, I feel genuinely good, productive, and normal. If you're struggling to find the right medication balance, this one may be very worth it. In low doses, it's more of a dopamine agonist/stabilizer than anything."

• Cor...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 25, 2023

For Major Depressive Disorder "For the first 30 minutes, I would feel really good. Not depressed at all and very energized. But then the lift kept coming, and I would move into a kind of anxiety where I didn't know what to do with myself. I take it every other day. Strong stuff. I don't think I could've stayed with it without benzodiazepines to smooth it out. Eventually, the anxiety side effect went away. Now I'm feeling good about this pill. I want to move to every day, but I have to wait for doctor day. So, I'm gonna throw my hat into the ring with this being a success story. I feel great, and others notice. A tad more intensity to my personality, but offsetting the depression, it's a sweet spot. I've lost weight. I can still achieve orgasm, and I like to stay busy. Try this pill! If it doesn't work, maybe opt for the sleepy Seroquel? Don't let the first week jitters make you think you're getting tardive dyskinesia. Not unless you start wearing bell bottoms and boogie-woogie everywhere you go. A +"

• Bip...
• November 20, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "I had a bad experience with Zyprexa for bipolar, so my doctor switched me to 1.5 mg of Vraylar. I was so excited at first because it’s been said to be the best of the best. The first few days, I felt... off. I chalked it up to coming off of Zyprexa. By day 5, I couldn’t sleep more than 2-3 hours if I was lucky. I’d wake up with chest and stomach pain-filled anxiety. No appetite whatsoever. I felt like my skin was crawling. I tend to be fearful of starting new meds, so I asked my doctor if it was normal, and he just said I was experiencing my “condition” and not the meds. So, like an idiot, I gave it another week. The problems only worsened. I cried every day because my body and emotions felt so uncomfortable. The anxiety was to the point I couldn’t leave the house. All I did was want to scream and self-harm (I never had that desire before). I’m now three days off, and the anxiety and insomnia are still very, VERY real. I just want to feel better. Please use caution with this drug. It’s been terrifying for me."

• Sam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 8, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "My doctor went on and on about this miracle drug and how it would change my life. I should've smelt the science experiment when she happened to mention I would be the first person to take it in her practice. I had extreme insomnia - lucky if I had an hour of straight sleep, sleep medications wouldn't work. Restless, I had to go, go, go. I was shaking all of the time, and my anxiety was through the roof. I had multiple panic attacks at work wherein I had to leave (this has never happened even on my worst day). Upside, the visual/auditory hallucinations stopped, as well as the delusions, and I felt like everything was hunky-dory emotionally wise, but that was due to the mania it all but catapulted me into. The doctor pretty much refused to change my medications, even after only having taken it for a month, with all of these horrible side effects. I realized I would have to do it and never went back. I will never touch Vraylar again."

• Tea...
• December 28, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "Horrible (for me), only 2 weeks in. Made feel so disconnected and weird, paranoid, racing horrible thoughts, panic attacks, extremely sleepy and sluggish shortly after taking it and throughout the next day. Now, coming off of it is making me nervous and panicky, so I'm having to take Xanax daily to reverse these withdrawal side effects, of which I only take Xanax occasionally. I cannot wait for this drug to be completely out of my system. Never again!!"

• Tea...
• December 28, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "Horrible (for me), only 2 weeks in. Made feel so disconnected and weird, paranoid, racing horrible thoughts, panic attacks, extremely sleepy and sluggish shortly after taking it and throughout the next day. Now, coming off of it is making me nervous and panicky, so I'm having to take Xanax daily to reverse these withdrawal side effects, of which I only take Xanax occasionally. I cannot wait for this drug to be completely out of my system. Never again!!"

• mic...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 29, 2023

For Major Depressive Disorder "This is the only medication (after trying 6 others) I have ever been assertive with my doc to get off of before my follow-up. After two weeks of not working and mild side effects, my doc bumped me from 1.5 mg to 3 mg. After a week of that increase, I was like, 'No way, get me off of this.' Very weak, tired, where it felt like I had worked 8 hours after only 1-2. Very unusual thoughts and feelings brought on the worst of anxiety. Paranoia. So happy I didn't have to wean off and just stopped taking. An awful trial. Weird thing is this one was a 'green light' on my GeneSight report. I am not convinced I am bipolar, but my doc was. My point being, if you have only depression, don't try this unless you really suspect you could be bipolar."

• con...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 12, 2019

"If thinking about starting this medication, I would greatly advise doing your homework. My daughter was prescribed this medication by a PA or nurse practitioner in a PC setting that had no business prescribing it for mood stabilization that is not even FDA indicated. She was on this for 16 days and developed severe, disabling panic attacks and anxiety, and then developed akathisia, severe insomnia, heart palpitations, blood pressure issues, severe loss of appetite, self-harm, disturbing thoughts, feeling of disassociation, blurry vision, loss of time, and more. She has now been off the medication for 2 1/2 months and still basically homebound and needing to be watched around the clock. This medication should only be reserved as a last resort. Come on, FDA. Please do more investigating. This should be reserved for psychiatry prescribing ONLY. This is my opinion and my experience through my daughter's experience. Be aware and do your homework."

• Hel...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 10, 2020

For Bipolar Disorder "Awful, terrible med! Seriously! Makes you extremely tired! I was so excited about this med after watching the commercials and how it 'covers all phases' of bipolar. At 1.5 mg, it knocks you out. On the next day, you're still just tired and have no motivation to get to work and be productive! Made my anxiety worse! Exacerbated the stress I was dealing with at the time! Would go to sleep with a knot in my gut. I quit the med, and I had the worst 3 days of depression I’ve had in a while, maybe even the worst ever! I cried in front of my supervisor at work. Be careful with the withdrawals! Depression is the worst!!!"

• Hel...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 10, 2020

For Bipolar Disorder "Awful, terrible med! Seriously! Makes you extremely tired! I was so excited about this med after watching the commercials and how it 'covers all phases' of bipolar. At 1.5 mg, it knocks you out. On the next day, you're still just tired and have no motivation to get to work and be productive! Made my anxiety worse! Exacerbated the stress I was dealing with at the time! Would go to sleep with a knot in my gut. I quit the med, and I had the worst 3 days of depression I’ve had in a while, maybe even the worst ever! I cried in front of my supervisor at work. Be careful with the withdrawals! Depression is the worst!!!"

• Lis...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 8, 2018

For Bipolar Disorder "I was given this medication in place of lithium. I was on it for a month. I experienced many side effects while taking this: restless (pacing around the house), anxiety, chronic dry mouth, depression (crying for days), and TD (uncontrollable muscle movements), mainly in my face and jaw. The doctor gave me samples and never warned me of the potential side effects. Please be warned. I have stopped taking Vraylar for 3 weeks, and the uncontrollable muscle movements have still persisted. I don’t know if they are permanent, the Vraylar website says that they may be permanent. I am scared and don’t recommend Vraylar to anyone."

• Dou...
• July 1, 2018

For Bipolar Disorder "Vraylar has been a blessing for me. After years of trying almost every bipolar medication out there and experiencing terrible side effects, I was almost out of options. I was taking 1200 mg of lithium daily, which was causing the worst stomach pains, and I was constantly running to the bathroom. I started Vraylar and almost immediately saw a positive effect. My stomach pains went away, my mood became more balanced, and it even helped with my cognitive abilities as well. Short-term side effects were stomach ache, shaky hands, and uneasiness, but they went away after 2-3 days of taking the medication. I've noticed such an improvement (and so has my wife) that we only wish this drug was on the market years ago. I would highly recommend this as an option for BP 1 if you have tried all of the other medications. LOVE IT!"

• Dee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 2, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "For the first 3 days, I felt a reduction in anxiety but had a cloudy feeling. Over the next week, I started to get depressed and increasingly groggy. In weeks 2 and 3, I thought I was going to die. I was up all night long shaking and extremely agitated. My heart was thumping. I had a terrible headache and dizziness. I only slept 2-3 hours and only during the day. For anyone who is experiencing these side effects, I hope you find some peace knowing you are not alone. The drug has a long half-life, so it’s going to take me a few days, but I hope I can get back to my regular state."

• Fra...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 4, 2018

For Bipolar Disorder "I've had severe depression alongside bipolar. I've been on Vraylar for about 3 months. My depression lessened significantly. Recently, I've been restless and dealing with insomnia (even with sleeping medicine), and I have constant anxiety and intrusive thoughts. I have also gotten agitated, and it feels like it's almost pushing me into a manic episode. It's very scary and lonely to be put in this position. These side effects were not discussed at all. I don't suggest this medicine."

• Rho...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 13, 2023

For Bipolar Disorder "Severe anxiety after taking the first dose. My doctor gave it to me to help with sleep. It kept me up all night. I had restless legs that would jerk. I also developed a mild rash. It was the worst decision of my life to take this medication. You couldn't pay me enough money to continue taking it. I really wanted it to help, but it didn't."

• Moo...
• October 30, 2018

For Schizophrenia "I feel like my old self! I am doing creative things like beadwork and enjoy learning again, like studying Spanish. Getting things done around the house. I have been stable on Geodon for 16 years, but was having dyskinesia. My only problem with Vraylar is the horrible insomnia. I am wondering if it will get better. A bit of nausea, but need to eat well is all. Overall, I am grateful for it. Latest review*** I have to go back to Geodon. A bit of anxiety with the Vraylar, but I wake up with a headache every day for 2 months."

• Car...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 23, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "My husband took this medication for 3 days. Each day became progressively worse. He was getting more agitated, huge appetite increase, restless, and anxious by the day. Not to mention the minimal to no sleep he was getting. I was surprised to see the side effects appear so quickly, but I am glad. We are now on day 4 off the medication. I'm hopeful he will be getting back to baseline soon. With detox, he has brain saps, interrupted sleep, restlessness, and anxiety. Last night was better than any night in the past week. Given the side effects and length of time the med stays in your system, I am glad we stopped the med after 3 doses."

• DrB...
• July 31, 2017

For Bipolar Disorder "Most recent diagnosis is bipolar 1. I've been better since starting Trileptal about 6 months ago. Doc suggested adding Vraylar. Big mistake, as one 1.5 ml dose made me hyperglycemic, jittery, sweaty, nauseous. I fell when my muscles sort of locked up and was physically unable to speak or move for several minutes. Helpless, awful feeling. I'm not taking a second dose of this stuff."

• Kym...
• August 3, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "I am on my third week of Vraylar, and the first two weeks were horrible. I was feeling like I was manic and depressed at the same time, like I would cry for no reason and then all of a sudden get manic and be cussing and mad at people. I just got out of the hospital recently and just got put on this medication. It seems like now those side effects are slowing down, but the only problem is I'm thinking I should take it during the day instead of at night because I wake up every hour on the hour, and by 4 a.m. I just give up sleep, and my anxiety level has increased."

• AJ6...
• June 6, 2018

For Bipolar Disorder "I just started Vraylar 6 days ago for bipolar 2 disorder. I have tried probably 6 different medications over the past few years, which I discontinued due to lack of effectiveness or side effects. I was at an all-time low mood-wise. Crying for no reason, loss of hope, and in deep despair. My psychiatrist recommended starting Vraylar. I noticed an immediate improvement in my mood and energy level within 2 days of starting it at 1.5 mg/day. But I have noticed it is progressively making me more anxious and activated feeling. It has also caused me to have extreme insomnia. I also take clonazepam 0.5-1 mg and Seroquel 150 mg at bedtime. I am going to change to every other day dosing and see if that helps with the insomnia. I am sticking with this medication and am hopeful that this medication will help get me and keep me out of this awful fog of depression and anxiety that I’ve been in for the past few years."

• Bla...
• June 29, 2018

For Bipolar Disorder "My doctor just diagnosed me as bipolar 2 weeks ago and prescribed Vraylar to help with my moods. I'm always nervous to start new medications, so I just started it a couple of days ago. So far, the side effects are making me want to quit taking it. I was told to take it before bed, but it makes my mind race so badly that I've been laying here for 3 hours and still can't sleep. And I can't take it in the morning because it makes me feel drunk-tired and, for lack of a better word, completely high. As exhausted as I am, I still feel like I could take on the day without sleep. Other side effects are dizziness, restlessness, shakiness, headache, upset stomach, intense hunger, feeling like I'm catching a cold, can't stay asleep, blurred vision (I'm typing with one eye closed), irritability, difficulty concentrating, and an intense manic episode starting about an hour after taking the pill, lasting all day. I'm super sensitive to meds, and I really don't think this is the med for me."

• Day...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 28, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "Vraylar gave me the worst akathisia in my life. At one point, I was so restless and anxious that I left work (without telling my boss) and drove straight to the hospital. I really thought I was going to die. I was having uncontrollable jerking movements while taking this stuff. Everyone reacts differently to meds, so maybe this med just isn’t for me. I ended up going back to Seroquel XR-I’ll take sedation any day over that horrible feeling Vraylar gave me."

• aca...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 23, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "I got misdiagnosed with major depressive disorder and took a ton of antidepressants that just weren’t working, and I recently started taking Vraylar a couple weeks ago. The side effects at the beginning were fine until I started getting restless in my legs and my anxiety is more prominent, but it helps me SOOOO much with my sleep because I used to stay up for days, and it really helps with the cycling and depression. I know I don't feel the full effect, but I've been on so many medicines, this feels like the only one that's done something."

• Sha...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 28, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "I've been taking Vraylar for 5 weeks, 1.5 mg, and I can't sleep more than 2-3 hrs a night. It has made my blood pressure go up. I also feel restless and have anxiety I've never had before. I'm being treated for bipolar and manic disorder, my energy is gone, I'm tired all the time. Not for me. I'm going to stop taking it. Today I was online reading reviews to see why I feel the way I do. Well, now I know."