Vilazodone for Anxiety User Reviews

• Anonymous
• August 8, 2011

Vilazodone "I have been on other anxiety medicines, which only added to my blood pressure spiking, but with Viibryd, my blood pressure has dropped down to normal readings, for example, 110/74, and I have the energy level I had before trying all of the other medicines. I highly recommend this medicine."

• ga8...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 23, 2019

"On 40 mg of Viibryd now for about 3 months, for my anxiety. I almost can't even believe it, but depression is basically gone, as are GAD symptoms. Most impressively, my social anxiety is also basically gone from this medication. The quality of life I have received back is immeasurable."

• laf...
• July 5, 2021

"When I first got prescribed Viibryd, this was the first website I came across. I read a lot of the reviews but was surprised to see only a handful of reviews regarding anxiety and Viibryd. My anxiety started about 10 months before I started taking medications. I saw my doctor about my issues, she prescribed me Viibryd 10 mg. I was told to take it for at least 2 weeks, then consult her about my next steps. My first 2 weeks, I noticed very little change in my anxiety levels and got headaches approximately 3-4 hours after taking the pill and restless sleeps. After my 2 weeks had passed, I went back to the doctor and decided to up my dosage. I was then prescribed a Viibryd 20 mg dose, and again, the first 5-6 days, I noticed very little change while dealing with headaches and insomnia. But after about a week and a half into my 20 mg dose, I finally got that energized and calm feeling. I'm now 2 months in on my 20 mg dosage, and it has changed my life for the better."

• Vib...
• October 5, 2020

"For me, Viibryd is by far the best medication for my MDD. I found that I felt the effects of this medication if I take it at night while I'm asleep. I would wake up feeling 20 times better than I did before trying to work through getting the right medication to fight my MDD. My suggestion to anyone who is taking this med would be to take it at night with a light sleep aid. Waking up well-rested and energized. When I first started taking it, I would take it during the day while I was awake, and it seems like I would feel brain zaps, dizziness, foggy head, and upset stomach. One day I had forgotten to take my pill, and it wasn't until I was getting ready for bed that I realized this. I was already on a sleep aid, so I decided to just go ahead and take it then. When I tell you I woke up a new person, that's no lie. And from that day on, that is how I would take my pill, and it has been great."

• Soa...
• November 25, 2019

"I have been on antidepressants and benzos for over 30 years, the benzos still work the best, but this is by far the best antidepressant I have ever come across for reducing my anxiety and calming me down. Have been on Tofranil, Effexor, Paxil, Zoloft over the years, and Viibryd is head and shoulders above the other antidepressants!"

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

"I've tried several drugs in the past (Lexapro as well as Prozac), but both of these seemed to increase my anxiety. I have now been on Viibryd for about a month, and it has blown me away. My anxiety is very low, and my social anxiety has become almost nonexistent. I would highly recommend a gene test before you choose your medicine."

• Mic...
• September 12, 2011

Vilazodone "I just started taking Viibryd five days ago. I switched from Zoloft to Viibryd. I was having bad headaches and an overall feeling of yuck in the mornings. I started feeling better at the end of the day when I was going to take my next dose of Zoloft. I also could not sleep. I would wake up at night and then couldn't go back to sleep. Since taking the Viibryd, I have been able to go back to sleep when I woke up in the middle of the night. I am a bit sleepy in the morning, but I am feeling a bit better. I am hopeful about Viibryd. I hope that my condition continues to improve and my sleeping patterns continue to get better as I increase the dosage and as time goes on. Zoloft did help, but the side effects were too much for me."

• Ted...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 1, 2013

Vilazodone "Been on antidepressants since around 1991 after I had thyroid removed. Taking Wellbutrin for depression, which works okay, but last year started having late-night anxiety attacks. Really bad fear. I don't understand why. Had me walking the streets at 11 PM. Started Viibryd and had weight gain and stomach issues, and by the time I got to 40 mg, the anxiety just stopped! This medicine does as advertised for me, it stops the anxiety. That's what I needed, and that's what I got. Like a miracle."

• Tur...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 14, 2020

"Tried tons of different meds, none of them worked. Some, like Zoloft and Celexa, made my anxiety worse. They said it would get worse before it gets better. I don't believe that after switching meds. Once I started Viibryd, I noticed a big difference. After being on it for a couple of years, I've been great. I haven't had any anxiety. I ended up getting off of the meds to see if I could do it without Viibryd, and my anxiety came back after 6 months, so I will be starting it again."

• A00...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 11, 2021

"I have panic disorder that has been managed for years and depression. Definitely some GAD and reactive to stress, but this is part of my job. Having taken numerous medications over 25+ years, Viibryd at 20 mg has made a huge difference. Always tried to stay away from SSRIs, emotional blunting and sexual side effects. Viibryd does not give me sexual side effects and helps manage anxiety. A very good and effective medication for me. It took 4-6 weeks to get all the positive effects."

• LoB...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 25, 2020

"Day 2 on vilazodone 10 mg and side effects are not nearly as bad as Prozac, which is more stimulating. I was on Lexapro, which causes weight gain. Viibryd is the best if you have intimacy issues. Nausea and diarrhea are normal. Push through this. If you survived other side effects with others, you'll be fine. We are strong. Vraylar is a good combo for mood stabilization. I'll start that once I get Viibryd in my system. Klonopin, Lorazepam, etc. aid with sleep and anxiety. SSRIs work on your serotonin, which is also in the stomach. Hence the tummy problems. Just ride it out and don't stop before your 2-week trial. If you still have issues, then consult with your doctor. Hang in there, everyone. Time is everything."

• Rud...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 20, 2015

"I was prescribed Viibryd due to social anxiety issues (no depression symptoms) and nervous sweating. I began the starter pack with 10 mg, then leveled out at 40 mg. I noticed anxiety issues began to lighten after the first week, but it seems like I was 2 months in on the 40 mg when I noticed this was really working. I find that I'm a lot more tolerable of people and stressful situations. It's been good for me. I did experience a few side effects: leg cramps, some insomnia, and these loud explosions (in search of a better description) while falling asleep. I'm 45, and this is my first experience with any type of anxiety medication, and I should have been taking this years ago."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 29, 2012

Vilazodone "My doc switched me to Viibryd from Zoloft after Zoloft caused a long list of side effects (loss of libido, ejaculatory failure, zombie-like feelings, clenching/grinding teeth all the time, uncontrollable consumption of food and alcohol, increase in blood pressure). For me, Viibryd has restored mental balance. My panic attacks and anxiety have been replaced by healthy concern for my problems. I can sleep at night without panic attacks. I'm more outgoing, talkative, and social (presumably because it addressed undiagnosed social anxiety too). Depressive, suicidal thoughts are gone too. The only side effect has been frequent and occasionally loose bowel movements."

• Dee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 28, 2019

"I started on Viibryd September 24 on 10 mg. I am currently day five on 20 mg. So far, no tangible changes. My anxiety is through the roof because of work, and this hasn’t made a dent in it. My sleep is okay, the nausea is awful and increased because I’m anxious. I’m hopeful though. I have been off and on meds since I was 16. Zoloft for years! Tried Paxil, which was horrid. Escitalopram probably has been the best anxiety-wise, but it too ran its course. I tried it with Abilify, but that wasn’t good either. Can anyone post if they tried something that really made a difference for high anxiety? Currently, I dread each day, cry uncontrollably, and am in a constant state of fight or flight."

• hap...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 30, 2012

"My wife had been on Clonazepam for five years or so for her anxiety. She is a very vital, thin 50, but her libido had disappeared and she had delayed orgasm. She also had recurring upper respiratory infections and a cough she couldn't get rid of. I researched and found that one was a common side effect (the sexual aspect) and one rare (the cough). I had her go to her doctor and ask to get on Viibryd. She has had only minor side effects, but none of the gastrointestinal issues. Within three weeks, the cough has almost disappeared, and last night she had multiple orgasms for the first time in 22 years since I've known her. Oh yeah, and the anxiety seems to be less. Needless to say, we're big Viibryd fans already."

• GMa...
• December 7, 2020

"Just switched to Viibryd about 3 weeks ago after being on Paxil for most of 19 years. I, on Paxil, gained a ton of weight and had orgasm issues. Not good. The Viibryd is working very well so far. Some diarrhea the first week on 10 mg, but not bad. Headaches the first few days on 20 mg, but these went away pretty quick too. I’ll post back again soon. Hope 20 mg is enough. We’ll see. Stay tuned."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 9, 2012

"Viibryd has been a Godsend. I was on Zoloft for my anxiety disorder, but it wasn't doing much, and the side effects were awful. No appetite, no sex drive, feeling more anxious...it was awful. So, my doctor switched me to Viibryd and it has been wonderful! I feel so much better. I'm now taking 40 mg, and I'm able to talk to new people, go to places I've never been before, and not have panic attacks. My sex drive is back, and my appetite is back to normal. It is truly the medication I've been looking for."

• man...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 6, 2019

"Started out on a trial pack of vilazodone 10 mg the first week, 20 mg the second week until insurance approved coverage. Most noticeable side effects were: feeling sick, diarrhea, having to urinate more often, agitation/anger, worse memory, and I occasionally had sleep issues on it. These side effects for me amplified when moving on to the 20 mg. I'd recommend anyone considering this medication to really review other options. While on this medication, even for just a short while, I've developed trust issues with others and anger that I never displayed while not on this medication. It did seem to help my anxiety symptoms for about the first week (could completely be a placebo effect), but since my anxiety has only gotten worse and, in turn, has made my depression come back. However, this is just my experience, many others have had different positive experiences, and you could too."

• dla...
• February 11, 2016

"I am a man, and I started Viibryd primarily to reduce the sexual side effects of other SSRIs. I have tried many different SSRIs over the years for generalized anxiety, and until now, Zoloft was the best choice for me. I tend to be sensitive to medications and am usually affected by side effects, but at the same time, I usually respond well to lower dosages. I personally had severe side effects, including vertigo and watery diarrhea. All the side effects passed after a couple of weeks, and increasing the dosage had little effect on me. Currently on 20 mg and staying there. My libido has improved significantly, and I am very happy with the results. Side effects were brutal but worth working through them!"

• Kri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 24, 2022

"The panicky fear caused by vilazodone overrode the good it did me. It took 6 months to realize the fearful panic was due to vilazodone. Too bad, because it otherwise gave me the most improvement in some other areas - agitation/irritability, my sometimes feelings of persecution, and increased patience. I'm writing this to alert other users who experience panic with vilazodone in hopes of helping them realize it sooner. The panic/fear was very close to the worst thing I've experienced."

• Anonymous
• September 12, 2012

"I'm a 23-year-old college student, and Viibryd has been great! I have always had anxiety problems, which were left untreated for quite some time, until I got put on this medication. Before, I found myself at a general loss of interest not only in school but in life, to where I reached the point that I could not focus effectively. The greater problem was that I would grow severely anxious when I thought about all the tasks and assignments I had to complete and would eventually leave things in disarray. After being on this medication now for about two months, things are really looking on the bright side, which I have not experienced any of the negative side effects associated with this medicine."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 4, 2015

"Alongside anxiety, I have painful sphincter of Oddi dysfunction. After trying Bentyl with limited success, I decided to give this a try, since I also had some anxiety issues. My biliary pain disappeared from multiple attacks per week to none! While this may not currently be indicated for the purpose described above, this has some major promise in the management of IBS and biliary dyskinesia if visceral hypersensitivity is suspected. No anxiety, increased energy, concentration, and motivation without losing libido (undoubtedly being due to its partial agonism of the 5-HT1A receptor, downstream dopamine release in the prefrontal cortex, and minor norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibition in addition to SRI activity). This is a life changer!"

• Pen...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 25, 2019

"After 3 weeks, my anxiety has increased so much that I am spending the night waking up over and over in a state of panic. It has caused me to lose several nights of sleep. Cannot do this anymore, but now I have to taper off. It even gives serious stomach issues. I have to continue to take it while reducing and not just quit. I am dreading the next couple of weeks."

• bas...
• February 16, 2019

"This is my second round on Viibryd. Took it in 2017 for 4.5 months (10 mg start, 20 mg highest dose). I started it this week (Feb 2019) and planning to stay at 10 mg. I've tried Effexor and Wellbutrin, for reference. Pros: • This drug has been great for anxiety because it provides a calmness without knocking me out or making me not feel like myself. It works within a few days. Cons: • First round (2017), the gastro issues never really went away, though diminished to about 15% of the time. • Cost without insurance. • Weight gain! This is why I went off it in 2017. I gained about 10 lbs and my body fat percentage increased by 4%, even while I was in a workout plan with a trainer. That being said, this time I am also sticking to a cleaner diet with set calories that have allowed me to maintain my weight off the pill. I am hoping this baseline will give me better personal data as to if the weight gain is something I can circumvent."

• Nan...
• April 15, 2021

"After decades of trying SSRIs/SNRIs to no avail, Viibryd is the only drug that helped with my intense anxiety and depression. I was able to awaken in the morning, be more outgoing and less inhibited, and just live my life in a more “normal” and upbeat way. My wife, who has known me for 8 years, said that me on Viibryd was like “an alcoholic after drinking, not drunk but definitely using it to cope.” Unfortunately, after a year on Viibryd in 2018-19 (this was the second time - my first go-around I was on Viibryd for 2 years, 2013-2015, and weaned off because I couldn’t access the medication while living abroad), I started to have night terrors and waking dreams, strange half-sleep states where I was paralyzed, really untenable stuff. I weaned off of the 40 mg slowly and the issues abated after a few months. So... while it helped my productivity and allowed me to wake up early, the long-term effects really frightened me. I also didn’t like the sense of false euphoria it gave me."