Vilazodone and Upset Stomach: What Users Say

• ac1...
• January 31, 2012

Vilazodone for Depression "Been on Viibryd for several months, have tried other medications in the past, but sexual side effects were too bad. When I started Viibryd, I had been depressed for several months. I found myself more withdrawn, low energy, unsocial, and unmotivated. Since then, I have felt like a new person, the only side effect was stomach issues during the first week. I now have lots of energy, very social, and motivated. I would recommend this to anyone considering an antidepressant and wants to avoid the sexual side effects. In my opinion, A+."

• Vib...
• October 5, 2020

For Anxiety "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."

• btr...
• August 27, 2013

Vilazodone for Depression "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."

• Onc...
• January 26, 2016

Vilazodone for Depression "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!"

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 28, 2025

Vilazodone "I’ve struggled with mental health issues most of my life: age… mid-50s. After significant family loss (death, estrangement), I found myself with crippling depression and anxiety. To the point where the internal chatter was unbearable. I couldn’t ride as a passenger in a car and was sometimes unable to drive myself. A very hard way to survive. Work was difficult for me, and I had FMLA for this. The last medication I was on prior to Viibryd was Trintellix. It did/didn’t work, if that makes sense. Anyway, my insurance refused. After researching, I found this Viibryd about 9 weeks ago and started taking it. Doc suggested a half dose for a week (given 20 mg Rx), but the first few days I experienced some dizziness and stomach discomfort (due to being dizzy), and I was very tired at night. On Day 3, I’m driving to work and noticed no internal chatter. I believed it to be working at that point. I continued a half dose for 12 days. I also take it at night. I feel so much better!"

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

Vilazodone for Anxiety "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."

• mom...
• October 6, 2018

Vilazodone for Depression "In the past 15 years, I started on Zoloft, 100 mg, to treat postpartum for 2 years and weaned off. Then back on Zoloft, 200 mg, for another 2 years after my brother's suicide, weaned off because of weight gain. Out of nowhere, after years of feeling okay, depression returns, uncontrollable crying, and no motivation to participate in anything. The doctor suggested Viibryd. Expensive, with my insurance, $240 a month. The doctor gave me a coupon, so it is only $10 for a 30-day supply. Starter pack: 10 mg, increasing to 20 mg after a week. I did have some stomach distress the first week. I take it in the morning with food. No weird dreams or other symptoms I’ve read about. Within the first 2 days, I did not have the urge to cry and was relieved for that. Energy has improved, and I’m feeling more optimistic, much more so than what I remember ever feeling with Zoloft. For me, this medication is wonderful, and I plan to stick with it. 2 weeks on it and no noticeable side effects, pleasantly pleased and so much calmer, actually laughing again."

• Wor...
• December 15, 2016

Vilazodone for Depression "My doctor gave me two sample packs and told me to take all the 10 mg tablets, and once I was done, I could go up to 20 mg if I needed it, but I continue to get a prescription for 20 mg and cut them in half so it lasts me twice as long. She told me I would have an upset stomach the first night, and that was literally the only bad side effect I had! I take it after dinner/before bed. Right away, it made me feel more awake, able to handle my stressors better, and gave me a general sense of well-being. I can still get aggravated, so I don't feel like a zombie, and I'm still able to have the big O. I am 36 and have tried 10 or so different antidepressants over the years since I was in my late teens, and nothing has ever worked as well as this."

• zer...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 20, 2012

Vilazodone for Depression "BEST ANTIDEPRESSANT EVER! I've tried many different antidepressants in the past. The only one I could ever tolerate was Pamelor. Although it made me mentally foggy and I put on a lot of weight, I used it for 19 years, but finally stopped taking it. Amazingly, I didn't fall into a depression for 4 years. Recently, however, I fell into a very deep depression after resigning from a job that I loved. Being 61, I knew I had no chance of finding employment. I finally sought the help of a physician who had me try Viibryd, as well as Valium for anxiety. After completing the trial pack, I had ZERO depression. The only side effect I had was a little stomach upset, which went away soon. TRY THIS MEDICATION for one month. You won't be sorry."

• Anonymous
• April 24, 2012

Vilazodone for Depression "Keeping a long story short, I have been on almost all the SSRIs and SNRIs and even a few atypicals out there with SOME relief, but I never got where I wanted to be. I stopped all medicines last June and did okay until mid-November when I relapsed into depression again. My doc told me to try Viibryd, and reluctantly I did. This medicine, by far, is the best one I have been on. There were some stomach issues for the first 3 weeks or so, and I have to take a very small dose of trazodone at bedtime to combat the insomnia side effect. BUT I have not felt this good in years. I feel happy and motivated again and I sleep well. I would recommend this to anyone who has had trouble finding a good antidepressant that works."

• nkd...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 30, 2013

Vilazodone for Depression "I'm in the second week, and I do not feel as sad and anxious. I had an upset stomach for a couple of days, but it wasn't too bad. I was diagnosed with being homozygous for the 1298C MTHFR mutation. Anyone dealing with depression should be tested. The problem with having this mutation is that you have a problem with methylation, so you can't make enough dopamine and serotonin. Also, you have a problem with norepinephrine, which causes anxiety. Defects on the 677/MTHFR gene can cause bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. To help with methylation, you need to take Methyl B12 and folate (not folic acid)... people with these defects can't process folic acid. That is why doctors add Deplin to prescribed medicines."

• Ano...
• May 9, 2019

Vilazodone for Depression "I have been on Viibryd for over a year. After Lexapro for 5 years and building tolerance, my doctor switched to Viibryd. It took my body forever to accept. I started at 5 mg, building up to 40 mg. The nausea was horrid. Stomach issues. I take it at night to avoid nausea. During the first 6 months, I had horrid nightmares, sleep paralysis, rage, exhaustion, anxiety, and headaches. The past 6 months I've had all the above, plus really dark thoughts, brain zaps of EVERY kind, paralyzing depression, and vision issues. The worst is missing a dose. ONE missed pill and my body feels strange, electricity jolts in my brain, and I can NOT function. I was out of town and ran out. After 3 days, I was bedridden. My body hurt, flu-like, wanted to die. I couldn't speak in complete sentences and had to have someone with me at all times, terrified. I stay in a constant state of confusion. My thoughts convinced me that I'm going completely insane. I will begin weaning myself off starting tonight. Would never recommend to anyone!"

• Rur...
• October 9, 2015

Vilazodone for Depression "I love this drug, but it is not for the casual or lazy user. I find I must take it at nearly the same time every day, or I get side effects. I take it first thing in the morning, and I avoid the sleepies by doing something semi-active for a short time. Also, never take this before bed... It can cause sleeplessness and nightmares. I take lansoprazole at the same time for GERD, so avoid any stomach upsets. The nightmares went away after about 4 weeks from starting. I feel so normal now-energy level has returned, and the blues are gone!"

• Len...
• November 16, 2015

Vilazodone for Major Depressive Disorder "The only reason I gave it a 9 is because I can tell immediately if I miss a dose, because it is as if my depression returns full fold, as far as crying, irritability, anger, and deep sadness. I use something else - Wellbutrin & Xanax bid for my anxiety. I have been on many antidepressants and have dealt with PTSD and MDD since dx when 19. Probably had it prior, but I was dx when I got to college, because I was an A student who could not function. I tried this because my alternating Lexapro and Celexa (not at the same time) was no longer working, and I am so happy that my NP found it. I had some tummy issues at first, but they were gone after the first three weeks, and I already have insomnia, so that has not changed. I am the young me again."

• Nym...
• November 15, 2014

Vilazodone for Major Depressive Disorder "I've been on Viibryd (40 mg) for a few months now, for major depression/anxiety. Before that, I took Prozac, but I felt like it had stopped working. The Viibryd is working well for me. I have more good days. I don't feel sedated, just more positive and functional. As far as side effects, I get an upset stomach if I don't eat before I take it. I took it right before bed one time and had a really vivid nightmare, so I try to take it early in the day. When I do miss a dose, I feel withdrawal more than I did with Prozac. Overall, it's effective for me, but I have to be more careful to avoid side effects."

• Iow...
• July 13, 2015

Vilazodone for Depression "Been on for a few months - up to 40 mg - feeling great as far as mood goes. Do have some breakthrough anxiety, but that will get better with time. Notice you do have to take with food - or your stomach does get really upset. I have also noticed weight gain or bloating. So the weight gain, being 10 pounds, may be some water weight as well. I've taken other meds that don't work this effectively, so will give this a definite try for a while and see if it continues to help me with my mood disorder. Bless all out there that have this terrible disorder...."

• RLC...
• October 2, 2019

Vilazodone for Major Depressive Disorder "I have been on several antidepressants: Lexapro, Celexa, Zoloft, Wellbutrin, and started taking Viibryd 3 years ago. It worked very well for me, and I am taking 40 mg-the highest recommended dose-but now I have developed resistance to it, so I am getting tired a lot, sleepy, etc. I will be weaning off with my doctor's help and starting a new one. I wanted to say I am sorry to hear from some of you that you have had severe side effects. That was not the case for me. Some mild stomach upset initially...I remember feeling a good feeling, alert even, like someone was shining a flashlight on my brain. It felt good after feeling so down. I also take Lamotrigine for anxiety, and the two worked very well together as well. I would recommend this drug for anyone who has suffered from major depressive disorder. It is worth trying because the results can be so positive! I was able to return to work full-time and maintain my job well."

• Dee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 3, 2013

Vilazodone for Depression "Giving it a 10 after only 3 days might sound odd, but compared to other meds I have been on, it's a 10. I was on Lexapro 20 mg and Wellbutrin for a year and a half. Stopped the meds cold turkey for a year. (Not a smart move.) I had no feelings at all, and I looked physically off. I had the distant look in my eyes all the time. Plus, I gained 40 lbs over the course of these 2 1/2 years. So, I finally go to a new doctor and explain my feelings, and he says I have SMD and anxiety. He mentioned this Viibryd. Day 1, I had that upset stomach feeling at night, had a hard time sleeping, same thing with Day 2. Today is day 3, and I feel awesome, slept well, and woke before my alarm. I love this. Can't wait to see what the future holds."

• Jec...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 13, 2022

Vilazodone for Major Depressive Disorder "Best thing that happened to me. I was plagued by depression for many years. Hopeless and suicidal. Repeated episodes of crying and unable to get out of bed. I tried every antidepressant out there. I felt even worse on them. I had a DNA test for psych meds. I only could take two different brands. Tried the first one, Pristiq, and it raised my heart rate. Switched to Viibryd. It was like the dark cloud lifted after 2 weeks. I have been on this med for 3 years and haven’t had a depressive episode since. I’m on 40 mg. The only issue I had the first week was stomach issues."

• Gho...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 12, 2015

Vilazodone for Depression "I have taken Zoloft for a while, but I was packing on the pounds and noticed I was getting kind of irritable when I'm normally very laid back. Doc gave me 2 sample packs of Viibryd to try. 10mg, I had some stomach upset (mostly diarrhea) and an INTENSE craving for sweets/carbs. These went away eventually. Then up to the 20mg. I found that I had zero appetite and literally had to force myself to eat. Normally, I'd be happy about this, but my mood became so dark (weeping/angry). I got to the point where I couldn't handle it anymore and had to stop. Hopefully, it works better for you all! Good luck! :)"

• Kav...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 13, 2017

Vilazodone for Major Depressive Disorder "I was on Cymbalta before this, and it made me numb. Took this starting at 10 mg and I'm on 40 mg now. Been taking since December, so two months now. Hard on my stomach at first, running to the bathroom. This med like lifted the fog from my outlook. I mean, like I actually feel good like I never have. Able to talk to people and initiate conversation, whereas before I would give monotone answers to questions. I think clearer, and my memory is better. This is a miracle for me. Not really any sexual side effects, and I am male. I had bad sexual side effects with Cymbalta. I take it in the morning with breakfast, and I find it goes in my body better with protein, like eggs or sausage. It has the effect of energizing me. Pricey after insurance without the coupon card."

• Sol...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 19, 2018

Vilazodone for Major Depressive Disorder "Viibryd is working great for depression and anxiety! Physically, I’m having bad trouble with diarrhea and stomach aches. I’ve only been on it a week, so I’m hoping these physical symptoms will diminish. I will put up with these physical symptoms hopefully for a long time because Viibryd is so effective. Has anyone experienced this?"

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

For Anxiety "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."

• Kat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 26, 2020

Vilazodone "Sadly, for me, Viibryd was the worst experience I've had with an antidepressant. I suffer from generalized anxiety disorder with social phobia and had a small depression the last few months. I've used in the past, Effexor, Celexa, Cymbalta, Paxil, Zoloft, to name a few, but Viibryd got me very sick. I started at 10 mg for 2 weeks, then went up to 20 mg for 4 weeks, then 30 mg for 2 weeks before going to 40 mg, but I felt agitated, nervous, had trouble breathing, was sweating a lot, was able to sleep only 4 hours per night, I even began to be aggressive, which I am not normally. My eyesight was decreasing. I had stomach problems. So my doctor stopped Viibryd by decreasing it, and I am now at 10 mg and feel much better. I will be done with this drug in a few days and I will take Zoloft again since I had no side effects from that with it plus I will start Elavil. Wish me luck!"

• mis...
• January 26, 2013

Vilazodone for Depression "The first 2 weeks are the worst. I had lots of tummy issues, but resolved with time. I'm on month 2 now, and it's working better than any other medications I have tried. (I have tried them all, with only Effexor being the only one that actually worked.) It's costly, but I hope with time the price will come down. (About 200 a month with insurance), but it's working, so it's worth it!"