Vraylar and Restlessness: What Users Say

• MDD...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 13, 2023

For Major Depressive Disorder "After trying several different medications, Vraylar was the one that did the trick. Battled major depression on and off for 20+ years. Had a steady cocktail of Lexapro and Wellbutrin for several years, but experienced an MDD episode recently and NOTHING worked. Not Abilify, Cymbalta, Rexulti, etc. I take 1.5mg every other day. Once a day, I had moderate to severe restlessness. I still take Lorazepam about once a day if I’m feeling super agitated/anxious. I’ve had a tremor for years (from meds?), and this definitely makes it worse. But to find something that WORKS has literally changed my life. I have had no suicidal thoughts, and have my motivation back, feel happy, and have the ability to focus at work- is a godsend. No matter the side effects, this drug has been a game-changer for me."

• 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?"

• Mon...
• May 7, 2021

For Bipolar Disorder "At first I was happy to have the depression lifted and be motivated to do things - and finally not avoid - to be able to face tasks. But 4 am every day? I'm not tired but not settled, it’s not a calm feeling but a manic one. It has made me more angry, and I struggle controlling my emotions and attention span, and this has made it worse. I actually felt violent urges - that’s it for me. I will never take this again - the lack of joy - the cold and clinical feeling I have. How irresponsible that not one of these side effects were explained to me. I'm an artist. I have to sit still. I have to stare for hours at one thing. I can’t be restless and do this. Making art is the one thing that made me calm. I will deal with the depression so I can actually feel like I'm in my body over this where I don’t know who I even am. Thoughts of hurting my dog, smashing everything on my dresser and my furniture being askew made me realize this is a dangerous drug."

• Cra...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 13, 2020

For Bipolar Disorder "I must say. 15 years bipolar with a personality disorder and extreme anxiety. I am on many medications for many things. Vraylar has been WONDERFUL. The first week was the worst week ever. The sweating, I couldn't sit still at all, and I thought I was losing it... I made it to week two and all of that went away. It was tough. I still can't sit still well and get bored of things way faster than usual. I don't even care for my TV shows anymore... too hard to sit through. However, the benefits FAR outweigh the cons. Give it more than one week for sure..."

• kar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 14, 2024

For Major Depressive Disorder "I'm on week two with Vraylar. Started at 3 mg, and I've called my doctor to ask that it be reduced to 1.5 mg. First, I do think this drug is incredible for severe depression. I had extreme suicidal ideation after a bout of failed medications. I'm on Lexapro, which helps my anxiety, but I also have all the side effects from it as well. The very first day I started Vraylar, my depression disappeared. Before, I had to fight to get out of bed and do anything. I have two kids, and I'm a stay-at-home mom who homeschools and works from home, so this was a huge problem. This medicine has fixed that issue 100%. I can't sleep in anymore, because I wake up naturally around 4:00 a.m. now, when I used to roll out of bed around 2:00. My biggest issue is that I experience extreme restlessness. I didn't realize just how big of a problem it would be. I can't sit down for longer than a minute. It feels like torture staying still. I have to be busy doing something. I'm asking my doctor to lower the dosage."

• BBa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 7, 2020

For Bipolar Disorder "I’ve only been on it for 3 days. I get so tired the first few hours until I try to actually go to sleep. Then I’m restless and can’t stop moving. Overheating with chills, and I feel sick the whole time I’m on it. Nausea and headaches are very bad, consistently thirsty, and body aches! I don’t know if this is normal starting out. I know that some medications make you feel sick at first, but this is unbearable."

• slo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 11, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder 4 years ago. It took years of trial and error to find the right combination of meds that helped. Along with other meds, I took Abilify for 4 years and gained 60 lbs. It didn't seem to be doing much. It always felt like I still wasn't feeling as mentally balanced as I could be feeling. I also had akathisia on Abilify. Now, I switched to Vraylar 1.5 mg (thankfully my psychiatrist had samples to give me since the price of the med is crazy). I've been taking it for 3 weeks and it's already changed my life - no exaggeration! I feel recharged and have the energy to do simple tasks and to live my life to the fullest and actually be positive for once. I actually feel like my mood is balanced for the first time in years! The only side effect I've had is that I keep making weird tongue movements and curl my tongue under the roof of my mouth without realizing I'm doing it. But with the improvements I've made since switching from Abilify to Vraylar, it's a small price to pay!"

• Jay...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 10, 2017

For Schizophrenia "My son switched from Risperidone to Vraylar, and it was a terrific decision. He has no positive symptoms on 1.5 mg of Vraylar, and he feels much clearer-minded and motivated than previously. He has been able to recommence his college classes and generally reclaim more of his true personality. Occasionally, he experiences akathisia, in which case he takes a day off of medication with no ill effects that we have seen. I give high praise to the scientists behind this medication. The fact that it works in selective and adaptive ways in regulating dopamine is a tremendous advantage. Risperidone left my son feeling disabled, whereas Vraylar has facilitated a positive and dramatic turnaround."

• ABa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 25, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "So, I started with Vraylar at a dose of 1.5 mg for about 2 weeks for my mixed BP 2. I loved it. I did take it in the morning, and at nighttime, I used Xanax. I felt like my manic episodes were still going on, but in a controlled manner. I started projects and actually finished them. I felt so good, full of constructive energy, great mood, until I tried the 3 mg. First day, upset stomach, low blood pressure, felt horrible. Second day, restless, but somehow my body wants to do things, but not my brain. I got sleepy, without motivation, I feel uncomfortable everywhere. I absolutely hate the 3 mg. I'll be seeing my doctor this week, maybe I can stick to 1.5 mg."

• AJa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 1, 2018

For Bipolar Disorder "I started taking 1.5 mg a month ago. After a week, I went up to 3 mg. My experience with Vraylar has been excellent. I've never felt so stable in more than 20 years. I've tried all antipsychotics and many antidepressants and never felt this good. I was afraid to try Vraylar because of the side effects such as tardive dyskinesia (TD), akathisia, and restlessness. Many antipsychotics have me those side effects. I decided to try it anyway, and boy, am I glad I did. I've never felt better."

• AJa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 1, 2018

For Bipolar Disorder "I started taking 1.5 mg a month ago. After a week, I went up to 3 mg. My experience with Vraylar has been excellent. I've never felt so stable in more than 20 years. I've tried all antipsychotics and many antidepressants and never felt this good. I was afraid to try Vraylar because of the side effects such as tardive dyskinesia (TD), akathisia, and restlessness. Many antipsychotics have me those side effects. I decided to try it anyway, and boy, am I glad I did. I've never felt better."

• Kay...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 29, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "20 years old, female with bipolar. The first few weeks on Vraylar, I experienced restlessness, drowsiness, and hot flashes. After my body adjusted to the medication, all I can say is that it’s worked wonders for me. I haven’t had any mood swings, I feel as stable as I’ve been for years and will continue taking this medication. Glad to have found something that finally works. Thanks, Vraylar!"

• Wea...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 24, 2017

For Bipolar Disorder "I've been taking Vraylar for about 4 months now, and so far, it has been the best drug I have been on, with the least side effects. For the first couple of months, I didn't have any at all, and then I started to get my motivation back, and along with that came restlessness and sleeping difficulty. That seems to be getting better as my body gets more used to the drug. My anxiety is manageable, my moods seem to be pretty stable, and my depression is starting to really lift. Because of the very long half-life of Vraylar, I've read that it can take longer than other drugs to work and to just be patient, that was easy for me, seeing as there weren't many side effects. It took me years to find something that works, but I'm so glad I didn't give up."

• 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."

• RMC...
• April 29, 2016

For Bipolar Disorder "I have tried Abilify (worked but caused massive weight gain) and Latuda (worked at first, then just made me restless and agitated) and now Vraylar for depression/mixed episodes in BP II. I have only been on it for about a week, but I noticed a HUGE difference in my mood and agitation. I do not feel depressed and hopeless and am no longer agitated at all. I hope this med continues to work! It is VERY expensive, but you can go on the website and get a savings card where you only pay $15/month."

• Mgg...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 2, 2017

For Bipolar Disorder "This was the worst drug I've ever been put on in my entire life. It literally ruined me for months. I couldn't see colors the same, I could hardly read or look at a computer screen. I was so restless and tired all at the same time I felt useless. My body always felt tired, and I was so irritated that if anyone even put their hand on me, it would bug me out and hurt my skin. When I finally got off, I lost my vision completely for four days and ended up in the emergency room. Literally, all I could see were shapes. It was a horrifying and traumatic experience that scared me from ever going on pharmaceuticals again, despite how bad my bipolar disorder is. Absolutely the worst medication I've ever been on, and I'm mad I trusted my doctor."

• 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."

• Yik...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 31, 2019

For Schizophrenia "I took this medication, Vraylar, for around two months and had to stop taking it because I could not sleep at night, and I couldn’t sit still for any longer than 30 minutes. Continuous feeling of crawling out of my skin. I was on 3 mg. This medication also gave me a permanent head twitch that is super obnoxious, so I can’t imagine what else it would have done if I were on it longer. However, for my hallucinations and my mood, it was a lifesaver. My speech improved, as well as my attitude. I felt like I could finally breathe. I was only seeing blotches of color, which was pleasant for me compared to my very vivid hallucinations. Such a shame the physical symptoms are too unbearable, otherwise, this would have been spectacular."

• mom...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 6, 2020

For Bipolar Disorder "I was on this for major depressive disorder, anxiety, and ADD. This medicine would have been perfect if not for the akathisia. I could wake up in the morning and stay awake throughout the day. I could complete tasks and was more productive. Unfortunately, the feeling of needing to constantly move around and the irritability it caused outweighed the positive."

• Kou...
• October 9, 2017

For Bipolar Disorder "I have been on Vraylar a year now, and it's by far the best medication I have been on. I did have restlessness at first, but I have lost over 50 pounds since being on it. I feel like I got my life back."

• 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."

• Cam...
• March 25, 2017

For Bipolar Disorder "I started this 2 weeks ago. I have mixed manic bipolar disorder. I was on Latuda and Risperdal for 3 years. I finally got off of them after the doctor realized it was messing with me. On Vraylar, I noticed I sleep less, like only 8 hours instead of 10-12. I also feel better, I don't hear voices anymore, and I felt good enough to cut and color my hair. 2 weeks ago, that would've been out of the question. I've started exercising, and I've noticed the side effect of restlessness. I hope it goes away! Overall, this is a wonder drug!"

• Luc...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 3, 2023

For Bipolar Disorder "For a drug that costs as much as a monthly mortgage payment, you would expect much better results. Tremors, overheating, restlessness. This drug simply made me feel no emotions but gave me such bad tremors I feared going out in public. Luckily, the side effects faded, but you can get far more effective bipolar meds for a fraction of the price. Avoid."

• Lee...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 26, 2017

For Bipolar Disorder "This is my second post. I was waiting for my insurance to approve this med. I've been on samples starting at 1.5, then to 3 mg, and now 4.5 mg. Other than a little bit of restlessness, I am tolerating this med quite well (after trying over 40 other meds). It has been 2 months since I began taking it, and at least some of the suicidal thoughts have dissipated. I will continue to take it and work up to 6 mg starting next month. But by far, one of the best bipolar meds I have tried in over 9 years!"

• Oov...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 10, 2020

For Schizophrenia "I just reached the 2-month mark. I’ve gained about 10 lbs (not sure if it’s from the medicine or not, but I never have trouble maintaining my usual 110 lbs until now). I also have mild akathisia induced by the medicine, so I’m thinking about changing it. I don’t have terrible hallucinations and delusions anymore, which is good, but I still hear voices that keep me up at night; I guess the medicine needs more time to fully work."