Vilazodone and Sexual Dysfunction: What Users Say

• Man...
• February 26, 2020

Vilazodone for Depression "I've never written a review on a drug before, but felt compelled to do so with this one. I've struggled with depression my whole life. Was on Wellbutrin for many years before my hysterectomy. After my hysterectomy, I fell into a very deep depression, even when on my Wellbutrin. I couldn't get out of bed, slept all the time, was withdrawn, etc. My doctor started me on 10 mg of Viibryd for 2 weeks, then we moved up to 20 mg. At the 20 mg dose, I was so sleepy so we kept it at 10 mg. I feel like a new person! I'm stable, level, happy, can handle situations calmly... it literally saved my life. My sex drive seems to have gone down dramatically, but I will try to deal with that the best I can. Being happy and not crying all the time is worth me having to put more effort into the sex drive part. I think part of that could be due to the hysterectomy also. I'm truly grateful to have my life back."

• Rya...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 15, 2013

Vilazodone for Depression "What's dangerous about reading reviews online is that people are much more inclined to go online and scream about a medicine when it doesn't work for them, while those who it works for blissfully embrace its effects and don't feel the need to go online and write a glowing review. For the past 8 months, I've increasingly found myself experiencing the latter, and I have to say that Viibryd has changed my life. I had tried numerous other SSRIs that all left me feeling like a zombie. I had wanted to go on one that had less chance of sexual side effects, so before this, I tried Luvox, which was awful. Viibryd has nearly eliminated my social and general anxiety with positive sexual effects. I highly recommend it to anyone."

• Anonymous
• September 29, 2011

Vilazodone for Depression "I've taken Zoloft. Made me feel spacey and disconnected. Took Celexa and it pooped out on me, making me extremely drowsy and fatigued no matter what time of day I took it. Added Wellbutrin to combat the energy and motivational issues. Turned me into a bipolar irritable basket case. Stopped taking Wellbutrin after 3 weeks, titrating off Celexa, and starting Viibryd. It may be expensive. On day 2, the sexual dysfunction I experienced with all 3 other medicines had disappeared. Dare I say it, my libido was through the roof. Borderline nymphomaniac. And I have yet to feel the drowsiness that people are speaking of. Granted, it's now day 4 and I'm already taking it at night."

• Raj...
• February 14, 2014

Vilazodone for Depression "I'm a 70-year-old male, in excellent physical shape, and retired. The problem is depression and bipolar-2 condition, both of which have haunted me pretty much my entire life. In 1994, my depression became just unbearable, and I started on Prozac...it worked for a while...then it didn't...then we tried something else...then something else...you get the drift. My doctor and I decided to try Viibryd; this is day 10 and I'm taking 10 mg in the morning. This medicine is life-changing. The best news is I don't feel any sexual side effects--actually, my sex drive seems somewhat on the increase. Who's complaining about that?"

• pur...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 16, 2014

Vilazodone for Depression "I've been on Viibryd for 7 days and it's been great. I'm only on 10mg right now and will be moving to 20mg in the next couple of days. I only had soft stools once, but other than that, no other stomach issues. Some of the side effects I am having are weird vivid dreams, super increased libido, and out of 6 of the 7 days I've taken Viibryd, I've awakened out of my sleep to very intense orgasms. Other than that, I feel much better. The real test will be when my PDD occurs. If it can control my lows during my period, then we have a winner."

• pur...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 16, 2014

Vilazodone for Depression "I've been on Viibryd for 7 days and it's been great. I'm only on 10mg right now and will be moving to 20mg in the next couple of days. I only had soft stools once, but other than that, no other stomach issues. Some of the side effects I am having are weird vivid dreams, super increased libido, and out of 6 of the 7 days I've taken Viibryd, I've awakened out of my sleep to very intense orgasms. Other than that, I feel much better. The real test will be when my PDD occurs. If it can control my lows during my period, then we have a winner."

• Anonymous
• November 21, 2011

Vilazodone for Depression "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."

• Sha...
• December 19, 2019

Vilazodone for Major Depressive Disorder "In my experience with depression, it has been severely mentally painful. Prozac made me want to drink more, Lexapro took away my libido completely, which is even more depressing. I’ve tried Paxil, Wellbutrin, which simply made me feel high. Viibryd is not for everyone, trust me, it is a strong drug that works through our gut, which is where our happiness comes from. For me, however, it has been a miracle worker and has brought my all-time lows and pain to a point of motivation and ability to keep going no matter what. Not every day is a great day for me, just like everyone else. My life has become of purpose to a degree, and it’s the only antidepressant that does not affect my love life or overall physical state. The side effects and withdrawal if you miss a dose are scary and strong. I reap more benefits on it than off of it, however. Again, this strong medication and very expensive antidepressant is not for everyone, so don’t knock it if it did not work for you. Because it saved my life."

• cal...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 23, 2020

Vilazodone for Depression "Viibryd was okay for the first week. I felt a little better, and I wasn't having any side effects. When I upped my dose (I think from 10 mg to 20 mg?), I started to feel really good, like at peace with myself and the world around me for maybe the first time ever. It was awesome. I thought I had found the answer, but things went downhill by week 3. I developed a sexual dysfunction that got continually worse (libido intact, but unable to achieve orgasm; beyond frustrating). That was followed by a zombie-like effect that became the new me. I felt like I was an avatar walking through my life controlled by the real me, who was a few blocks over having a panic attack that didn't matter because nothing did, and that was fine by me. By the end of the fifth week, a friend who is experienced with SSRIs took me aside and had an intervention: it's not supposed to be like this; get on something else. I'm now on Trintellex; much lighter, much better for me."

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

For Anxiety "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."

• Rob...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 17, 2019

Vilazodone for Major Depressive Disorder "Viibryd is my med. I have major depression and bipolar I, and this med has changed my life - plus no sexual side effects. My anxiety is down, and I can function and enjoy life again. I am on 20 mg. I hope this works out for you and was helpful."

• dee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 4, 2020

Vilazodone for Depression "Tried for depression and anxiety. I switched from a combination of Zoloft and Wellbutrin, which worked excellently except the Zoloft caused sexual side effects. I only took the Viibryd for four days because it immediately worsened my depression and caused crying spells. I also experienced extreme fatigue, racing heart, night sweats, strange vivid dreams, diarrhea, and nausea. Perhaps these effects would've subsided had I stayed on it; however, since they came on so immediately and I felt no form of relief from the drug, I took them as signs that Viibryd just isn't right for my body."

• Beg...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 6, 2019

Vilazodone for Depression "Took Lexapro 20 mg for 7 months for situational anxiety and depression (wife had a 1.5-year affair after 17 years of marriage). Lexapro helped, but still had generalized anxiety, difficulty focusing, and sexual side effects. Got switched to Viibryd 10 mg 4 days ago. After 2 to 3 days, I noticed significant improvement in mood. Felt more like my pre-affair, pre-anxiety self. No more ruminating, much less “fight or flight.” Only slight reduction in sexual side effects so far. Notice I need less sleep, but I'm not exhausted. Hope that doesn’t turn into insomnia, we’ll see. Slightly looser stools, but not diarrhea. Overall, a big improvement over Lexapro."

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

Vilazodone for Anxiety "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."

• Ren...
• January 25, 2015

Vilazodone "I'm a 36-year-old male. I've been dealing with major anxiety and panic attacks for about 6 years. Been on benzos for as long as I can remember. I do tend to drink a couple of times a week, and while taking benzodiazepines, I would black out all the time. It almost ruined my life. Until one day, about 4 months ago, my doctor introduced me to Viibryd. It has changed my life. I've tried it all: Lexapro, Zoloft, Prozac, Wellbutrin, Zyprexa, and many others. Had many sexual side effects, among others. The first week with Viibryd, I had nausea. It's a good idea to eat before taking Viibryd. I now have very little, if any, panic attacks. They are easy to deal with and control now. I even drink on Viibryd, though I'm sure it's not recommended."

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

For Anxiety "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."

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

For Anxiety "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."

• Jos...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 10, 2014

Vilazodone for Depression "Well, started to get panic attacks about 1.5 years ago (after the loss of our first unborn child). I was put on Paxil (20 mg) first, which worked great but killed my sex drive. Got switched to Viibryd (40 mg) and stayed on it for about 5-6 months. Quit because it made me tired all of the time and thought mentally I had figured out how to control the panic attacks without meds. That worked for about 2 months until they came back with a vengeance. Got back on it and just been taking (20 mg). I haven't lost the weight (50 lbs) but haven't actually made it to the gym to try. I still feel tired all of the time, coupled with a 10-month-old baby girl, but I haven't had to take any Clonazepam to fight off an attack since I got back on. Works for me."

• bam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 29, 2015

Vilazodone for Depression "Viibryd is working well for me. I changed from Celexa to this drug due to not being effective anymore. Initially, it did give GI issues for about 4-5 days, but then eventually went away. Viibryd does have the least sexual side effects compared to the others. My dreams are pretty vivid, with occasional, well, I say, not so pleasant dreams. I went up to 40 mg along with 300 mg Lamictal and 30 mg Nortriptyline. The Viibryd makes me a lot less sleepy than the Celexa did. So far, all is well."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 15, 2016

Vilazodone for Major Depressive Disorder "30 y/o female struggling with OCD/MDD/GAD since 14 y/o. The pack I received started 1 wk at 10 mg, then 1 wk at 20 mg, then the next 2 wk at 40 mg. The second week, I was actually feeling hopeful that I may have found a medication that works for me again. Things quickly changed once I started the 40 mg dose. I wake up in a stupor-like fog that takes me about an hour to get out of. My dreams are so vivid and intense that I have difficulty shaking from them. I am now experiencing sexual side effects, dizziness, and very bad leg cramping. I almost got into an accident this morning because of the fog that I was in. Ironically, I was going to pick up this medication. Returning to the 20 mg dose until I can see the MD again. Seemed to work at a low dose, now scary."

• ga8...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 28, 2019

Vilazodone for Depression "Viibryd has worked the most of any medication I've ever taken. It's helped for GAD, depression, and, most surprisingly, social anxiety. I have virtually no symptoms, and I can hardly believe it. Side effects are few, weight neutral, sexual function quite good with perhaps a bit of a delayed orgasm, but tolerable for sure."

• Eva...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 26, 2012

Vilazodone for Depression "Like most of you, I have been on almost every medication to date. They work a few months and stop, so I gave up about 8 years ago and just dealt with it all. I told my doctor I needed something for depression and anxiety. He put me on Viibryd, and I slowly built my way up to 40 mg, which I'm still on to date. This is the first medication that has ever worked for this long of a period for me. And as far as being depressed, that is long gone. I have a lot of trouble sleeping, and when you do miss a dose, you can expect a super crazy dream that night. I'm a very moody person, and they have seemed to control my outbursts and keep me calm. As for sexual side effects, I have not noticed an increase or decrease. I have put on at least 10 extra lbs from it also. I'm very satisfied with the results and would give this medicine a 10-star rating."

• Anonymous
• September 8, 2011

Vilazodone for Depression "I attempted to switch from Prozac (which I take in combination with Lamictal and Wellbutrin) to Viibryd to get rid of the sexual side effects of Prozac. Despite my high hopes for the medicine, I got progressively worse while titrating from Prozac to Viibryd. After about a month, I sunk into a major depression and nearly had to be hospitalized, so I went back on Prozac. Viibryd seems to be working well for many other people, but unfortunately, I'm not one of them. No side effects from the Viibryd, although I wasn't off Prozac long enough to judge whether Viibryd would be better in terms of sexual side effects."

• dla...
• February 11, 2016

For Anxiety "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!"

• Vii...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 21, 2012

Vilazodone for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I used to take Zoloft for OCD, and shortly after, added Vyvanse (similar to Adderall) to the mix. Couldn't handle the sexual side effects and zombie-like feelings of Zoloft. Switched to Lexapro - horrible experience, and shortly after was only taking Vyvanse. After two months of intense OCD and anxiety due to Vyvanse, doc put me on Viibryd. I just began the 20 mg; the second day was difficult with stomach pains (be sure to take with protein). So far, I've seen an amazing difference and am very satisfied! Have had an increase in sexual drive and have also lost 3 lbs in the past week! The most difficult challenge is watching my alcohol consumption. Hoping things stay positive."