Vraylar and Tiredness: 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?"

• Goo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 26, 2024

For Major Depressive Disorder "Started this med 2 months ago. On 1.5 mg. Controls my trauma hallucinations associated with childhood molestation and adult sexual assault and gives me a nice calm feeling throughout the day. A little bit sedating and makes me tired, so I take it at night. Helps my depression by getting me out of the house and going places, doing things. Caused restless legs and pacing at first, but that eventually faded away. No weight gain so far. It’s expensive due to no generic available on the market yet, but thankfully my insurance covers it. Happy with this medication so far."

• 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."

• Mom...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 20, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "I’ve been taking 200 mg Seroquel (helps me sleep) with 3 mg Vraylar, and my bipolar 1 is totally under control for the past 3 years. Vraylar doesn’t make me tired, but with the Seroquel, I’m in great shape. Thank God and my doctor."

• 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."

• Sle...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 26, 2024

For Bipolar Disorder "When first starting Vraylar, I was so tired I could not stay awake. It was very effective at stopping mania when other meds didn’t work. I cut back to taking 1.5 mg only m/w/f/s, so 4 times per week. With the long half-life, this seems to work. Recently, I have been very exhausted again, requiring more than 12 hours of sleep nightly. I am considering reducing Vraylar to be more awake, but I have been very stable, so I am reluctant to switch."

• Sle...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 26, 2024

For Bipolar Disorder "When first starting Vraylar, I was so tired I could not stay awake. It was very effective at stopping mania when other meds didn’t work. I cut back to taking 1.5 mg only m/w/f/s, so 4 times per week. With the long half-life, this seems to work. Recently, I have been very exhausted again, requiring more than 12 hours of sleep nightly. I am considering reducing Vraylar to be more awake, but I have been very stable, so I am reluctant to switch."

• 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!!!"

• 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."

• Cra...
• June 15, 2020

For Bipolar Disorder "Horrible. Horrible. HORRIBLE! Was prescribed this drug around the time of my high school graduation, and it ruined it COMPLETELY. I would feel tired and weak, but still couldn't sleep. I couldn't even think about going to work. I was extremely sensitive to heat. Being outside in the summer heat kinda felt so bad. I was getting terrible intrusive thoughts, and they WOULDN'T. GO. AWAY. Some of them were as simple as opening my brother's car door in the middle of the highway. Some of them were as serious as harming myself and my family (including my dog, who I love more than life itself). What's worse than thinking these horrible thoughts is the guilt you get for thinking them. It ruined my graduation (which I left immediately because this medication made me feel so shitty) and ruined my life! Evil medication. If you're being treated for bipolar, start with Lithium or Latuda."

• Jan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 6, 2025

For Bipolar Disorder "I'm 62. I had early onset of depression with my 1st incomplete suicide at 10. This is relevant because over these years I have been on numerous typical, atypical, antidepressants, anti-seizures, etc. This time I was ramping up in mania mode for a few months. It ended in a full-blown psychotic experience. Called the psychiatrist. First it was lithium, I couldn't take lithium as I had an immediate allergic reaction to it. This time this psychiatrist rx'ed this Vraylar. Never had it. 1st day, I took it as soon as I could, about 4 PM. The first day was lethargic and stumbly and fuzzy-brained and a little dizzy. 2nd day, I took it about 7 PM. Next morning I didn't feel fuzzy or lethargic. I was a little dizzy but nothing extraordinary. 3rd day, I took the Vraylar at 10:30 PM. Next day I felt more awake, not feeling suicidal anymore, although some unhealthy behaviors remained. (The usual BP stuff). Tonight, 4th day, and I am feeling more of my regular self. Before Vraylar, 30% well. After Vraylar, 80% well."

• NWI...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 11, 2022

For Bipolar Disorder "NO THANK YOU! I’m bipolar. I had moved to KY from IN and had to see a new doctor. He prescribed Vraylar with Lamictal for my depression when I told him all I needed was a script for Latuda. I’ve been bipolar for more than 28 years! I had been with my last doctor for more than 20 years. I also take 800 mg of Seroquel at night. When the new doctor prescribed both of those medicines, I was lethargic, I could not stop drinking water, and I was shaking! I called his office and he would NOT call me back! Being bipolar for so long, I knew to wean myself off of both Vraylar and Lamictal until it was out of my system. I reported the doctor to the medical board and immediately found a new doctor! Just be aware of what you are taking, when a doctor wants to prescribe one medication… ok. But two at a time? Be cautious!!!"

• TC-...
• June 7, 2016

For Bipolar Disorder "Did not work for me. Made me very tired at first, then couldn't sleep through the night after the 3rd day of taking. On the 4th day, I developed akathisia, which was quite miserable. Discontinued after this occurred. If you feel like this is starting, I'd stop immediately!"

• Hea...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 30, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "I just started Vraylar and don't really notice a difference in my moods. I have slept horribly the last two nights, tossing and turning and waking up at odd hours. During the day, I'm tired and sluggish."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 27, 2016

For Bipolar Disorder "I've been on Vraylar for almost two weeks now, and I don't seem to notice a difference. I do have hopes, as my doctor thinks I need to stick with it, but I've been having severe mixed episodes since right before I started taking it (I'm not blaming this on the medicine, but I want something to work quickly, and it's not for me). I have been feeling restless but extremely tired. Like I'll go out to do a bunch of errands because I can't sit still, but then drive right back home once I'm out because I'm so exhausted. I went from taking it at night to the day, to back at night because it was making me tired. Also, severe blurred vision, which I heard will go away. Very expensive."

• Amy...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 5, 2023

For Bipolar Disorder "It helped at first, seemed like. Lower dose. But as the dose continued I began to feel grumpy all the time. Exhausted, skin sores, bumps, depression, angry, and physically aggressive. I no longer take the medicine."

• Sud...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 16, 2016

For Bipolar Disorder "I have now been on Vraylar for just under 2 months. Once the side effects (pain!!! lack of sleep, blurred vision) wore off, it really became a miracle. Even other people notice a difference. I did have to increase my dose, which caused severe tiredness and restlessness for a few days, but all in all, it wasn't horrible. If you've been on stuff like Geodon, the tiredness isn't even comparable, but definitely tired. My biggest issue is the weight gain. I have BED on top of bipolar, and this has made my BED rear its ugly head bad. But, my doctor wants me to keep with the meds because he feels it's a side effect that will wear off. Overall, very happy with my improvement."

• Ink...
• October 18, 2022

For Bipolar Disorder "Doctor put me on 1.5 mg, prescribed it for depression, ADHD, and OCD symptoms, along with Vyvanse 10 mg. For the first 2 weeks, I was so, so tired. Mildly improved when I started taking it at night. I started to notice an extremely elevated heart rate, dry mouth, dizziness, which then turned into disassociation/depersonalization and extreme panic attacks, which I’ve never suffered in my life. From there, it was a rollercoaster of fearing for my life and suicidal ideation, also new. I’ve been off for 3 months, and I still don’t feel completely normal, though I have learned to cope with dizzy spells and mild disassociation that still lingers. This was an incredibly distressing experience for me. I should note that the panic attacks became really bad when I combined it with small amounts of recreational drugs or alcohol, and even caffeine. I’m pretty much afraid to take anything anymore after that experience, and I still feel like I’m just a small step away from a panic attack often."

• Auk...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 26, 2016

For Bipolar Disorder "Even though reading the other reviews gave me so much hope, after just 1 week at 1.5 mg, the side effects are just too much for me. 12 hours after taking it, I feel like I've got stomach flu and vomit violently. Also, since starting, I feel lethargic, will suddenly fall asleep, and I'm an absolute grump to be around. Currently taking lithium and lamotrigine, which can't seem to get a grip on the swings."

• Pin...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 19, 2019

"Well, I just recently started this medication, and I was reading the reviews on here, and I’m a little hesitant to continue being on it. Today will be my third day taking 1.5 mg of Vraylar. I am very worried about weight gain, I have lost over 80 pounds, and I do not want to gain any weight back. Also, I heard there is a possible side effect of developing diabetes. I am constantly a worrier, which is why my doctor feels I need to be on this medication, but I am very apprehensive and concerned. So far, it seems alright, I do get stomach pains and nausea from time to time and that tired, foggy feeling. At night has always been bad for me, and the medication seems to help relax me, where I’m not having intrusive thoughts like I did before I go to sleep. I take it every other day. I’m just hoping I will be one of the lucky ones who benefit from this medication and not have any serious side effects, including weight gain or diabetes."

• Sha...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 6, 2018

For Bipolar Disorder "I was up on this medication in September. I was 180 pounds. After 6 months, I put on 50 pounds. This medication worked great for my bipolar disorder. But the weight gain took a very big toll on my mental health and depression. I just went off and started a new medication in hopes of losing some of this weight I put on. It also made me EXTREMELY tired. I'm on 30 mg Adderall and come home from work every day to take a nap."

• Ali...
• August 26, 2021

For Bipolar Disorder "I have been on Vraylar for approximately 2 years. I was initially prescribed a 1.5 mg dose to lift me from a mixed state of severe depression and hypomania. Within a month, I was feeling better. Since my initial dosing, my doctor has raised my dose up to a 4.5 mg dose, and I am currently on 3 mg. At the time I started taking it, it was a godsend, but over time I have begun to feel the side effects outweighing the benefits. I am lethargic, disconnected, quiet, and restless at times. I feel as if I am half the person I used to be. I have a hard time falling asleep, then sleep 9-10 hours a night and wake up feeling drugged and tired. I am currently talking to my doctor about lowering my dose or going off it completely. Although it has its benefits and was good for my Bipolar 1 depression and hypomania at a time period, I believe for the long term, the side effects are not worth continuing to take it. I want to feel alive and not numb again."

• Dee...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 4, 2023

For Bipolar Disorder "The medication seems to work. I’m not manic, but I am tired, and I sleep a lot with it. It's helping, in combination with Celexa, to level me out and also regulate my temperature, which can be annoying sometimes."

• Mis...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 15, 2019

For Schizophrenia "My psychiatrist started me on 3 mg, now I'm on 4.5 mg. Very tired and feel unmotivated, and lazy. I still hate people and stay home and don't want to socialize. I'm a recluse."

• Shi...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 11, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "Been on Vraylar 1.5 mg for a month now. My mood swings have improved greatly. Do not like the feeling of being extremely tired all the time."