Vraylar and Weight Gain: What Users Say

• Myt...
• November 8, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "After trying numerous meds, this finally worked for me. The only bad part is it has caused me to gain 20 lbs. I started at 155, now I'm 175. It makes me constantly hungry. Why did I rate it so high? I finally feel like the old me. I have energy, my moods are better controlled, and it controls my anxiety. The pluses outnumber the negatives. I started on the lowest dose, now I'm on 3 mg. It made me nauseous and irritable the first few days. But I noticed the difference quickly. I hope this will help someone who is looking for a new med."

• Pen...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 28, 2017

For Bipolar Disorder "Vraylar saved my life. I was diagnosed bipolar in my early 20s. I went through a 5-year stint of hard drugs nearly killing myself. After getting sober in 2010, I took Depakote (made me gain a ton of weight), Lithium (gave me intense tremors, and I was always thirsty). So, I decided to go off meds. Relapsed on alcohol. Found myself in the hospital within a month for trying to commit suicide. I went to a partial hospitalization program where the psych Dr. prescribed me Vraylar. I swear within 3 days, I was a new person. I had tons of energy, I was happy, and it's only been a week I am still only on the 1.5 dose. I am so thankful for this drug. I am usually extremely sensitive to psych meds and have experienced no side effects."

• Hol...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 16, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "I have Bipolar I. I have tried every drug out there and was excited about what Vraylar promised. My moods were rapidly cycling, and I was already on two mood stabilizers. Both depression and mania were exaggerated. At first, the Vraylar was great. I felt normal for the first time in a long time. I was on 3 mg. By the end, bad news: I gained 65 pounds in 4 months. I had to get off the medication. Cholesterol also went up."

• Amy...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 25, 2016

For Schizophrenia "I have schizoaffective and have been on this medicine almost 1 month. This medicine has really helped with voices (After about 2 weeks) and hallucinations. It has also helped my motivation and mood. I too have had to use my klonopin very infrequently while on Vraylar. I have tried almost all the antipsychotics and all have made me gain weight. This one I am actually losing about 1 pound a week with eating a healthy diet and exercising. I'm glad I continued to look for the right medicine because I have been without and I know how that ends up. It is really expensive but you can ask for samples then if it works for you, they do have a card that makes it $15.00 per month. Good luck."

• MRB...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 21, 2023

For Major Depressive Disorder "I've taken Vraylar for two weeks, and it has been a very unpleasant experience for me. It has been an add-on to Trintellix that I take for depression. I've experienced a number of side effects, including weight gain, insomnia, drowsiness, and brain fog, lots of brain fog. I don't get angry, and I caught myself today feeling like I wanted to go all rage monster while at the store as a handful of expectations went unmet, resulting in a lot of frustration. It seems like it works for some people, but it hasn't for me. I can't get past the side effects."

• Ali...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 11, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "I'm Bipolar I, was having a terrible episode of depression, and 1.5 mg of Vraylar made it disappear in less than a month. It is causing weight gain. But I haven't felt this balanced and upbeat in a very long time. Thank heavens my psychiatrist is providing samples as the cost is absurd, even with insurance. Also take 45 mg of Mirtazapine at bedtime (for depression/anxiety/sleep), take the Vraylar in the a.m. & 1 mg of Klonopin 3 times a day. Haven't felt this good in decades."

• The...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 30, 2017

For Schizophrenia "I've been taking Vraylar for schizophrenia for over 6 months. It has been the best anti-psychotic to date for me. The only downside is I still experience weight gain. I'm looking to continue this drug until a better one comes out. I've been stabilized and happy for the first time since my illness started 6 years ago."

• isl...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 5, 2019

For Schizophrenia "I was prescribed 3.5 mg of Vraylar and gained 67 lb very, very fast. I did not gain anything when I was on fewer mg. I was also talking to people that I normally would not talk to in person and online. When I stopped Vraylar, I was shocked at the people that I had been communicating with. I did find that on this medication it was easier to fall asleep. Vraylar is a serious medication and should not be taken unless absolutely necessary."

• 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."

• JJs...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 25, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "I was just wondering if anyone else was experiencing rapid weight gain with this medication, Vraylar. I’m on week 3, and I’ve already gained weight, and my agitation is terrible. Any advice would be appreciated."

• tes...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 31, 2016

For Bipolar Disorder "It worked for me. In the beginning, I thought it wasn't working, but it was just building up, I guess. I was still having auditory hallucinations when I did too much stuff and didn't sleep properly, but that was just me. The Vraylar stopped my delusions of 'everyone is trying to modify me' or 'everyone is plotting to put me in the mental hospital.' I am getting along fine with everyone now! Unfortunately, even with the copay, I can't afford it. So I'm switching to another antipsychotic. Just sharing that this medication does work. My blood sugar didn't go sky high, which was a huge fear of mine because I did go full-blown diabetic and had to be hospitalized on other antipsychotics (which I will not name). I did not gain any weight."

• Mai...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 10, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "Good for handling mania. Gave me energy back. When my dosage was increased due to mild depression, I experienced weight gain of about 40 pounds! I'm a petite woman, so the weight gain was just too much for me. I tried to stick with the med, but I could not fit into anything. My appetite kept increasing, and the depression did not go away."

• rac...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 26, 2017

For Bipolar Disorder "This medication has been a life changer for me. No weight gain. Side effects for the first week or so. I did become dependent on it and became crazy after missing a few doses of it. It is absolutely perfect for mixed episodes. It is the best medication I have found so far. I have been taking it for about two months, I believe."

• 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."

• Lil...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 4, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "I have bipolar, mixed features, and this drug did wonders for my mania and depression, however, after a huge 30-pound weight gain, I am choosing to discontinue this drug. I have been off of it for several weeks now and have had a nightmare of a time getting the weight off. Even though I'm not as hungry or eating nearly as much as I was on Vraylar."

• Twy...
• February 10, 2017

For Bipolar Disorder "Tonight is the first time I have taken Vraylar. It is 2/9/17. I plan to give this medicine a chance and will keep others posted on how it is affecting me. I was very hesitant trying a new drug. My doctor is supplying me with 1.5 mg samples. I do feel like a guinea pig because there doesn't seem to be very much feedback on Vraylar so far. I've been diagnosed for many years now as having Bipolar II and severe anxiety disorder. I do have a history of intense anger, manic episodes, and sadness. Currently, I am taking Xanax up to 3 times per day as needed for anxiety, Lamictal 200 mg, and Lorazepam 2 mg at night. I also take 2 types of thyroid meds during the day. I am very hopeful that Vraylar will work, but really fear weight gain. This is post #1."

• bip...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 15, 2017

For Bipolar Disorder "25-year-old female with type II bipolar, coupled with ADHD, social anxiety, and hypothyroidism. I was on Vraylar for a month last year, and my experience was so bad that I switched psychiatrists. I saw no improvements to my mood swings (primarily depressive) and gained 17 pounds in the span of that month. If you have a slow metabolism or thyroid condition, I highly recommend you stay away from this medication."

• Sch...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 2, 2018

For Schizophrenia "Started taking Vraylar a year ago, and I'm now on 6 mg per day. I have to say it makes me feel like myself for the first time in years. I didn't gain much weight-between 4-5 lbs-but the trade-off was so worth it. To be able to start school again and to be able to live my life again without the delusions and visions. It has also helped with my bipolar symptoms like the mania and depressive episodes."

• Bre...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 16, 2018

For Bipolar Disorder "I have bipolar disorder, rapid cycle, mixed episodes, and PTSD. I finally found something that makes me feel normal! No more off-the-wall ups and downs constantly. I didn't know this is what it's supposed to feel like. My only problem is I have gained a lot of weight. Otherwise, I would give it a 10. Hoping my doctor will give me an appetite suppressant to go along with it."

• Lo2...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 20, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "Today is the first day I’m taking it. I suffer from panic attacks and racing thoughts, highs and lows. I’m all jacked up! Lol. I’m reading the reviews, and I’m kinda worried, but I’ve got to give it a try. Everyone is different, I’m hoping I am one of the lucky ones. It says it can cause weight gain, but if I continue to eat healthy, I shouldn’t have a problem. I will repost again with my thoughts on the drug."

• zol...
• June 30, 2017

For Bipolar Disorder "This has been a miracle drug for me. It's evened out my severe mood swings. I have some side effects including weight gain, backache, pursing my lips, and heartburn, but I'm staying on it because I'm starting to feel so 'normal.'"

• Kit...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 16, 2021

For Bipolar Disorder "During the first week or longer of taking Vraylar, I couldn't stay awake no matter what. By the third week, I was feeling great and totally stable, except for the fact that I was constantly feeling hot and sweaty. Then I noticed I was gaining weight quickly and like never before. I was on the lowest dose of Vraylar for 7 months, and each month I gained eight pounds. I had to quit taking it since it made me become obese. My physical health was greatly impacted in a negative way, and I don't feel it was worth it."

• Twi...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 1, 2020

For Bipolar Disorder "Took Vraylar for about 2 months. The restlessness in my body was the worst part for me. I couldn’t get my arms comfortable to type at work, which is 100% of my job. Also, I started worrying about stuff more than I normally did, was called paranoid by my sister. Otherwise, it worked great. Also experienced weight gain, but it was during the holidays, to be fair."

• Sea...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 31, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "I am on this for OCD and anxiety. Vraylar medicine will make you gain a significant amount of weight if you take it for a long time. It also caused constipation for me. Other than that, it’s not a bad medicine."

• Cur...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 6, 2020

For Schizophrenia "Well, Vraylar was another attempt at treating my auditory hallucinations. I’ve tried a lot of different meds, and Vraylar seemed to be the best one I’ve tried so far. I had minimal side effects (some weight gain, sweating), but after a few years, it seems my body has built a tolerance to it. I’m at the point where my current dose isn’t enough anymore, but the next higher dose causes extreme side effects. I guess it’s time for another new medication."