Vilazodone for Depression User Reviews (Page 3)

• Hap...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 5, 2013

"I have had depression from age 12 and am now 40. I have used all SSRI's, Wellbutrin, Effexor, etc., but would have to quit each one due to various side effects. Buspar & Xanax helped but weren't strong enough. I was fed up! So I quit all depression medicines for 3 years (not advisable!). I became more depressed than I had ever been in my life. I went back to a doctor and he put me on Viibryd. I was skeptical! But he explained how it was different. So I tried it. I used the gradual dose increase and I had bad nausea but it did eventually pass as long as I took it with a high-protein breakfast. That was my only side effect. I have been on it for over a year and have never felt this well! I do get withdrawal symptoms if I miss a dose but to me it's still worth it!"

• bir...
• December 14, 2014

"I had depressive episodes even as a teenager. They seemed to get worse every third month. I'd been on every known medicine for twenty years without any help. I took Valium for panic attacks several times a day every day for twenty years. I've been on Viibryd for five weeks and finally found help. The only side effects have been diarrhea only in the morning the first few days and dry mouth. I wake up feeling very good each day. Thank you."

• Ash...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 25, 2020

"Been on this Viibryd almost a month. Was on Zoloft, but it really didn’t do much for me. I started the starter pack, and my Dr. raised me to 40 mg. I took it in the afternoon, around 2:00, and it makes me so tired by 5:00 PM, all I can do is lay down. Last night, I took it at 12:00 PM, and by 3:00 PM today, I can’t keep my eyes open. Has anyone ever had this overwhelming feeling you need to go lay down and sleep? I don’t think this drug is for me!"

• Dep...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 3, 2023

"I took Viibryd (vilazodone) for a year at 40 mg and started experiencing memory loss and other dementia symptoms. I had a scary experience twice where I felt confused, got lost, and had tingling and numbness on the right side of my body, as well as slurred speech. I went to the ER on November 17, 2022, where I was suspected of having a stroke, but after getting several tests, the neurologist concluded that it was due to the medication. After stopping Viibryd, the memory loss side effects improved over time."

• TDa...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 24, 2021

"I started at 10 mg, and I am now currently on 20 mg. I have to say that previously, before this, I was on Trinellax, which worked but got off because of side effects, and then switched to Lexapro, which was horrible! Now I am on this medication. This medication gave me the push I needed to build a place in my head to where I feel so mentally stable and independent. Rather than thinking that everyone is judging and that you’re not good enough for anything. This really gave me what I was looking for in the sense of clearing all brain fog and allowed me to think straight. Highly recommend starting at low doses. Start to feel a change in about 3 weeks."

• Hap...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 10, 2019

"I suffer from severe generalized anxiety disorder with panic, and I’ve spent over a year trying to find the right medication that would work for me and relieve my symptoms. All I can say is that I am so thankful for Viibryd. It’s the only medication to finally work. I had very little side effects when starting, and I feel like myself again. I’ll probably have to take this medication until I die, but I’m okay with that-there is NO SHAME in asking for help and taking something your brain may need. I’m forever thankful that I found something that alleviates my severe anxiety and panic. This changed my life as well as saved my life from severe suffering of anxiety and panic."

• Dav...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 15, 2013

"Just finished starter pack of Viibryd. This medicine was great from the very beginning. Had a little GI upset at the start of 40mg. The best medicine I have taken for depression, it has given me a much better outlook on life. Told my DR yesterday, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU. Viibryd is awesome."

• Kri...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 12, 2015

"This by far is the best anti-depressant I've been on. If you're looking for a medication that does NOT cause drowsiness or weight gain, this is for you. Normally they say it takes time to feel effects, but I felt alertness and motivation right away. I had more energy and a clearer mind, better concentration. The recommended dose is to incrementally increase 10mg-40mg, but I stayed at 20mg - too much caused RLS and mild insomnia. I too struggle with SAD and this medication has really helped me get through the winter blues. Lost 10 lbs on this medication as I felt less hungry. Remember: there are so many natural ways to help with depression as well and I recommend that you explore these too. Good luck!"

• Lov...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 22, 2013

"I've tried Prozac, Zoloft, Celexa and none of them worked well. They would work maybe a month and the depression crept back into my life. I started taking Viibryd at the recommendation of a doctor and trusted friend, and my life has changed dramatically for the better. I don't have the wiped-out feeling, and my sex drive has stayed the same. This medicine has been a godsend for me. I had to fight to get my insurance to cover it, but it has been so worth it."

• Ano...
• May 8, 2020

"My issues are general anxiety, OCD skin picking, depression, mood swings, irritability, and, well, every other med I seem to get bad hives from. Doctor used this as our only next option combined with another anti-anxiety med. The titration pack for Viibryd is the key, it walks you up from 10 mg one week to 20 mg the next week, and that’s where I’ve been for about two months. I have never been able to stop picking my skin, even if nothing was there, and on this, I have. My depression is managed. Anxiety is a different beast, but also somewhat okay with the other med combo. I can say I still am irritable, but mood swings not so much, I’m either grumpy, edgy, or I’m not. Weight gain so far: 4.5 pounds."

• Bro...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 18, 2014

"This medicine worked miracles for me! I absolutely love it! It is very effective and works in days, instead of weeks! When I first started taking it at 40 mg, I was really out of it and sleepy, but I got used to it, and now it gives me energy and puts me in a great mood! Best antidepressant/anxiety medication ever, and always remember there are side effects to EVERY medicine."

• qrs...
• June 27, 2016

"I can live again! I have suffered from anxiety and depression for 12 years. I've tried it all... most recently, I was on Celexa and Lamictal combination. I took Celexa for 2 years, and then things went south again. My doctor mentioned Viibryd, and I was so scared to try a new medication because depression meds are a game of Russian roulette. I went straight to 40mg a day, and I am happy to say that after just a week, I feel awesome. I forgot how it felt to be 'normal'. And I am high on life after finally finding a solution! Only side effects are occasional brain fog and a little bit of restless legs. Every medication is different for everyone. Just keep trying until you find yours and don't give up."

• 4N ...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 16, 2013

"The first weeks were a bit difficult. I had diarrhea but I assure you this won't last. Take it with food, not just milk. I did have some nightmares from which I could not easily awaken when I stepped up to Viibryd 20 and was not careful about taking the medicine at exactly the same time, resolved by taking it in the morning instead of the evening. Viibryd has only a 24-hour half-life. I did have some temporary morning headaches when it was past time for me to take the medicine. The doctor advised taking Viibryd 20 at dinner time, which left enough in my system to avoid morning headaches. I'm back to just 40, feeling great! Hang in through the side effects-it's life-changing! Join our Viibryd support group on this site too! See you there!"

• Btt...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 29, 2014

"Had been on Effexor XR for 5 years, and noticed as I progressed toward menopause, my depression was worsening. I was just a shell of the person I was previously. I went to my doctor and was prescribed Viibryd. Within a week, I noted some gradual changes. It has been just short of a month, and I notice less sleepiness and concentration concerns. I also have less anxiety, and my irritable bowel syndrome symptoms are lessening too. So far, I am very pleased with it."

• btr...
• August 27, 2013

"I've been taking it for over a year. I have taken Lexapro before, but it stopped working. I take 40 mg a day. I take mine in the morning. I have to say that I still have a burning in my stomach and night sweats, but I absolutely love this medication. It's the best. I feel more myself. I don't have hateful outbursts, I don't yell at my boys, and I love the way I feel. So thankful my doctor tried me on this."

• Flg...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 2, 2014

"I've been on 40mg for almost 8 weeks now. Was working great in the beginning, especially weeks 3-5, but for some reason the beneficial mood effects wore off and I don't feel any different now than before. The only thing I can think of is around that same time I started seeing a shrink and he put me on Xanax XR 0.5mg 1-2 times per day. Could the Xanax XR have killed off the positive effects I was having with the Viibryd? Not sure yet. By the way, I had literally NO negative side effects from taking this medication. I always take it in the morning, never at night. Tried that once and it kept me up all night."

• Onc...
• January 26, 2016

"Since I started taking Viibryd, I have been happy and have had energy to do things again. My doctor gave me some samples of the starter box that started out at 10 mg for the first week. Then increased to 20 mg in the second week. I've been on 20 mg for two months, and I feel better than I've felt in years. Before I started taking it, I always felt down and out and always wanted to lay around on the couch. The only thing that I have to say about it is that in the first 4 or five days, my stomach stayed upset, and I felt very nauseated. But after about 5 days, it passed, and I started feeling great! If I could recommend this to everyone that is feeling depressed, I would! It is a wonder drug to me!"

• Pam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 29, 2013

"In reading the reviews, I take my 40mg dose of Viibryd in the morning with a light breakfast, as I am also type 2 diabetic. The titrated dosage worked to perfection, and I am focused, energetic, and not gaining weight. Perhaps the error is evening dosing. I once accidentally took it at bedtime and was awake for the whole night. My feeling is evening dosing is an error on the part of the practitioner."

• tcm...
• January 9, 2013

"I have had major depression for 10 years. I had been on handfuls of different antidepressant medicines and found that not one worked. I had also had suicidal feelings. My doctor put me on Viibryd and I am a totally different person. Aside from having diarrhea, which I can totally live with, this medication has changed my life. I no longer feel depressed. I have a new love of life. I am not short-tempered with my family. I feel extremely good and have patience, which I haven't had in years. Thank God for Viibryd. I have been getting samples from the doctor, so I hope that I can afford to keep taking it. It has made a HUGE difference in my life."

• Soc...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 30, 2013

"Viibryd has saved my life. I finally feel alive. I took it a month before senior prom. And I started to feel a change in less than two weeks. I had a blast at prom and danced the night away with a wonderful date I wouldn't have had the confidence to go with otherwise. I felt alive and glamorous. Now 5 months later I am a freshman in college and no longer experience the social anxiety I once felt. I find happiness in this beautiful life every day. I had no side effects."

• Anonymous
• November 21, 2011

"I have taken just about everything on the market, with 1 week of starting Viibryd, my life was completely changed. The best 30 days of my life, then I went from the sample pack to the prescription, and it has been downhill for almost 60 days. I have put on almost 15 lbs, the worst night terrors of my life, my sex drive in the 1st 30 days was through the roof, now nothing. I cannot sleep, my anxiety was back, and I became suicidal. I have been off of Viibryd for 6 days, the withdrawals are rough, and this is even after the step-down process. I was hoping that this would continue to be the best medication ever, but not for me."

• bla...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 13, 2013

"I'm a 29-year-old mother of 3. Two are twin toddlers. I dealt with anger since my teenage years. Yelling, tantrums, uncontrollable anger. Many times there would be no reason or very minor ones. Even as an adult, I would sit in my closet and tear my clothes down and scream until I felt better. Trying to hide this unhealthy release of anger. Finally, I got to where I would stay at home. My doctor diagnosed me with depression. I didn't believe her but took her advice. We started the beginner's pack. 10mg for 7 days, 20mg for 7 days, then onto 40mg. The first couple of days of each new mg come with some nausea. EAT WELL! Six months later and I am so happy. No more yelling at kids/hubby. Saved my marriage. DO NOT MISS A DOSE, EVEN BY AN HOUR. YOU WILL BECOME A MONSTER."

• InT...
• January 13, 2013

"I have major depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Most of the meds I tried over the last 14 years made me gain huge amounts of weight, killed my sex drive, had me twitching as I tried to sleep, or I had insomnia. I found that to keep the worst side effects (not sleeping/poor sleep) at bay, I had to take lower doses that were barely managing my depression and anxiety, and I was still gaining weight and had no sex drive. My new Dr. suggested Viibryd. I had minor GI issues and gas the first couple weeks, but those have gone. I am on 20mg/day and feel wonderful. I feel normal. No side effects! Seems from the reviews this is a love it or hate it medication. I would recommend that anyone at least try it."

• Cha...
• January 11, 2013

"I have tried almost every antidepressant out there in the last 20 years. Wellbutrin, Effexor, Prozac, Zoloft, and a few I can't remember with little to no effect. Viibryd has been the absolute best and made a huge difference. Life is much more enjoyable, and I have a lot more energy, actually wanting to get out and do things again. My irritability has gone way down. Another great thing is it doesn't decrease your sex drive at all, if anything, it has increased because I feel so much better."

• Sha...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 28, 2023

"I've tried many antidepressants over the years. At 42, I finally found one that's changed my life, and that's Viibryd. I had zero side effects except for increased intestinal motility, which did not lead to diarrhea like many others report. I have chronic constipation since I was a kid, obviously...that's where 90% of serotonin is made, which is why I have depression (go read about that). I have had ZERO negative side effects. Libido, orgasm...no issues. This medicine has changed my life. I always dreamt and wondered what it was like to feel the way I feel now. I'm four months in, up to 20mg, didn't need to increase to 40mg because of my success on the 20mg. If I'm an hour or two late taking it, I feel nothing adverse like others report. This has been a life-changing med for me personally. Good luck to anyone who is on their journey to a happier life. This was my godsend!"