Viibryd and Diarrhea: What Users Say

• Anonymous
• September 7, 2011

For Depression "I have atypical depression. I have tried Wellbutrin (allergic reaction), Zoloft (diarrhea, anxiety), Prozac (good experience), and Effexor, which made me crave alcohol every day even though I generally dislike alcohol and am not a regular drinker. All of these gave me delayed ejaculation problems except for the Wellbutrin. I pretty much gave up on medicines until I had a major depressive bout and went back to the psychiatrist who suggested I give Viibryd a try. It has made everything so much better! No side effects, high energy and motivation, and has stabilized my usually volatile temper greatly. I've read a lot of negative reviews out there so I was compelled to write this review because in my case, rare as it may be, Viibryd has worked."

• Mar...
• September 2, 2020

For Depression "I have had issues with MDD and GAD for years. I was originally put on Lexapro, and I quickly noticed a difference. I no longer felt depressed or hopeless, but I was tired all the time with little energy to do anything. After 6+ months, I went on Wellbutrin for a few days and was paranoid and on edge! I was put on Viibryd 10 mg for 1 week and 20 mg after that once per day. Initially, the side effects were nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea, drowsiness, and headaches. I stuck it out for 2 weeks like that. I began taking my meds at night instead of in the morning. The initial side effects went away, and I was able to sleep well, eat normally, and had energy to do things that I enjoyed. My focus and mood improved so much that my husband noticed instantly. This is one of the meds with the least sexual side effects. I was still able to continue with my sex life with few issues. Make sure to take your meds on time, a missed dose will quickly cause withdrawal symptoms like nausea, headaches, and irritability."

• dra...
• March 25, 2014

For Depression "I am at the end of the 2nd week of the starter pack, last 20 mg pill. I feel so much better on this medicine. My depression started after some horrible things happened in my family and it paralyzed me. I didn't want to do anything anymore. I wanted to be left alone. I finally feel happy again. I have been on Zoloft. That worked but I gained too much weight. Effexor didn't really help and Wellbutrin did nothing. This one made a huge difference and quickly. I had diarrhea the first day of each new dose but it quickly went away. No other side effects. I am also sleeping much better. The bottom line is, everyone is so completely different. It is all trial and error."

• Baz...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 31, 2020

For Major Depressive Disorder "Well, Viibryd. What to say, from looking at the general response, it either works amazingly or the side effects can be debilitating. As for my experience? This has been a wonderful drug. I have not had GeneSight testing (I wish I had) but have gone through the general ringer with the old-fashioned trial and error. No other SSRI/SNRI/DNRI/TCA has worked for me, but Viibryd has! I totally disagree that 20mg is the optimal dose, it’s all subjective. 20mg worked for me for 3 weeks, then completely pooped out. Now up to 40mg and two days in, and I feel great. So if it stops working and you feel it had worked prior, do not be afraid to increase after talking to your doctor versus stopping taking it. But yes, there are side effects - diarrhea (which went away) & headaches, increased RLS being the mainstay but tolerable. And my sex life has greatly improved on this drug. I give it a ten out of ten. FYI - I take Gabapentin for the RLS at night, which helped immensely. Good luck. Godspeed."

• Mom...
• October 4, 2011

For Depression "My doctor told me to eat lots of protein in the morning. The protein attaches to the active ingredient in the Viibryd. He said the worst side effects of this medicine would be nausea and diarrhea. He told me to eat the equivalent of an Egg McMuffin in the morning with my medicine. I'm up to 10mg and I eat 30-40g of protein with it. I do have diarrhea, but I'm hopeful that it will go away once my body is accustomed to the new protein requirement. I'm a cereal lover. Eggs, ham, and cheese are too much in the mornings some days, but I'm willing to do this because I feel so much better on this medication. I'm not snappy and I seem to have more energy."

• Anonymous
• November 6, 2011

For Depression "Viibryd is a good medicine... peanut butter toast helps with the nausea... Dr. said peanut butter is the key! Protein mostly, but if you are not a big eater in the morning, try the peanut butter. The nausea and diarrhea go away after a few weeks."

• Ann...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 24, 2019

For Major Depressive Disorder "Over the past 5 years, everyday was a struggle. I would wake up hoping everyday would be my last. I cannot even remember all of the antidepressants prescribed. Like almost all of the reviews, I too had diarrhea for about a week on Viibryd. However, I was coming out of my 'dark place' and continued taking as prescribed. I was given a starter pack that started with 10 mg for approximately 10 days, then increased to 20 mg per day, then 40 mg per day. After approximately 10 days, the diarrhea went away. Yes, I was feeling much better, out of the 'dark place,' and into a 'grey world.' My doctor then added Bupropion 150 mg per day. After 3 weeks of this combination, I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Getting out of bed is no longer dreadful. I am motivated to actually get out of bed and the house. Because of the severity of my depression, I would be willing to endure almost any side effect(s). Thankfully, the only side effect I am currently experiencing is a desire to live."

• Fem...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 23, 2014

For Depression "I have been on Viibryd for two weeks now (20 mg) for generalized anxiety and moderate depression, and I feel exceptionally better. I tapered off Lexapro about 2 years ago and was off antidepressants for the last couple of years. It was an emotional roller coaster every single day until I got on Viibryd. I experience some symptoms like dizziness and nausea/diarrhea, so I take it at night right before I go to sleep. I am a student athlete in college with an extremely busy schedule, and this medicine has helped keep me motivated. The feelings of hopelessness and emptiness are almost completely gone, and I feel like I can get through every day without the constant negative thoughts I was having."

• Amy...
• February 11, 2020

For Major Depressive Disorder "I’ve been on multiple meds over 20 years for depression that would work well, then eventually stopped helping. This medication has resolved my depression and anxiety. I had loose stools at first but it eventually stopped. No other side effects. I’m sorry to hear all of the side effects people are having. Each person has very individual responses to all meds and you won’t know until you try them. In the past, with different meds, I found if I waited a month, most side effects resolved. It’s been a lifesaver for me!"

• gla...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 12, 2014

For Major Depressive Disorder "I just want to say that after taking a lot of other antidepressant meds, this is THE ONE! Besides only having 1 side effect (diarrhea) that went away after 2 weeks, it's really changed my life!!! I recommend this to anyone who has tried other meds that have not worked."

• CAN...
• September 10, 2011

For Depression "I have battled depression with this 30 years. I've taken every medicine on the market. I now take this medicine with Xanax. Yes, I have diarrhea, but I've only taken 1 tablet and I feel better already. Please keep working. I can't believe the difference after just one pill."

• Anonymous
• September 30, 2011

For Depression "I have depression and generalized anxiety disorder. Had both positive and negative effects. First the negative (Gastrointestinal (diarrhea that goes away in time), numbness down arms and hands at night, insomnia, tingling in forehead in initial stages, swelling of face, hands, stomach, ankles, initial anxiety that subsided, up a few lbs but cannot say it is the medication yet, closely watching diet to see but do seem to get very hungry in evenings). The positive is I feel better, not as negative or anxious, dealing with my mother's Alzheimer's disease better."

• Dan...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 18, 2014

For Major Depressive Disorder "I am a 28-year-old male. I was diagnosed with High Functioning Autism (Asperger's) when I was 19 and a couple of years later with Treatment-Resistant Unipolar Major Depressive Disorder. I've lost several jobs and did poorly in school due to severe social anxiety and poor attendance. I always wanted to be alone and just sit in my room. I had a couple of suicide attempts when I was younger. After trying many antidepressants, my psychiatrist tried me on Viibryd. I began feeling better at the beginning of the 3rd week of treatment, and soon my depression was almost nonexistent. I do have several odd side effects: Diarrhea, Dilated Pupils, Brain Zaps, twitching/talking in sleep, etc. But I am still better off than before."

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

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."

• bir...
• December 14, 2014

For Depression "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."

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

For Depression "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!"

• tcm...
• January 9, 2013

For Depression "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."

• NW1...
• January 8, 2015

For Major Depressive Disorder "I've been on Viibryd for a month, just finished my starter pack with dosages ranging from 10mg to 40mg. This is the best medicine out there for me. I'm on top of things, being diagnosed with anxiety, Major Depression, and ADD. I take numerous medications. This has been a lifesaver. Only side effects I've experienced are gas and diarrhea in the morning, I take mine at night to help with sleep since it makes me so groggy and fuzzy-minded. I've been on 20 different medications, and Viibryd has surpassed them all. I would recommend this to anyone with major depression or obsessive-compulsive disorder."

• Ant...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 29, 2015

For Depression "I have been experiencing increasing anxiety the more I progress into menopause. Tried Cymbalta and it made me so drowsy that I was afraid of falling asleep while driving. Started on Viibryd about 2 months ago and I feel fabulous. My anxiety is totally under control, and I have the energy to go out and do things. Recently lost 5 pounds because I had the energy to work in the yard. There has been some diarrhea, but it does not bother me as the benefits are such a difference in how I feel."

• Wen...
• September 28, 2011

For Depression "I'm so happy to see that many people have had positive results from this medication. I was on it for 5 days and had diarrhea so bad I had to stop. I lost 5 pounds in 2 days (granted I'd like to lose a few, but not like that). I've been off it for 1 day now, and I'm still running to the bathroom (it's not as bad, but painful). I wish I would have had the experience others have had. But this drug just isn't for me. Unfortunately, it seems that most antidepressants cause a number of side effects for me. Keeping me stable is a challenge. (I have bipolar disorder)."

• Ale...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 19, 2018

For Depression "I am a senior citizen that has been on Viibryd for one month. This drug has been awesome for me. The only side effects were very slight nausea the first week and loose stool on day one. I'm on 20 mg, and I have never felt better in many, many, many years. I would highly recommend this drug, and also I take it exactly according to directions. I am taking it right after breakfast, and I just feel wonderful."

• Anonymous
• December 7, 2011

For Depression "After trying nearly every antidepressant on the market, my doctor suggested I try Viibryd. So today was my first day of week number two. I took 10mg for the first seven days, had severe diarrhea, was extremely tired (to the point I couldn't go to work or even get off the couch), and it did nothing for my depression. Today I started the 20mg pills, have much more energy, am thinking clearly, not depressed at all, side effects did stop after the first 3 days, and have yet to come back. Overall, I'm going to stick with it. I think this might actually work."

• 50...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 27, 2013

For Depression "I have been off and on antidepressants the last 10 years, and Wellbutrin did a great job after my son died. But I had terrible eye twitches and then bounced around to all the usual medicines. Viibryd is amazing. I had some diarrhea issues, no restless legs or weird dreams, but with the OxyContin and hydrocodone, I don't ever have issues sleeping really. And Xanax for my anxiety, I feel really sharp again, focused on life, not worried about what I can and can't do since my spinal injury. Life's good! Oh, and the sex has been amazing! I would recommend this to anyone."

• Myk...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 24, 2019

For Depression "I started taking it about 3 months ago. The beginning dose of 10 mg was rough. Insomnia, fogginess, nausea, diarrhea. Kicked it up to 20 mg 2 weeks later. Took about a month for the insomnia and everything else to calm down. The upside was I noticed a huge difference in my mood within 4 weeks. By about the 3 month mark, I was feeling more normal than I have in years. I know this medication is not for everyone, but it worked for me. I recently thought I have ADHD, but it turns out there is such a thing as residual depression. Mood is improved, but some symptoms like distraction and lack of motivation may endure. Just started 40 mg this week, and everything is going fine."

• Anonymous
• October 30, 2011

For Depression "Third week on Viibryd - been on 40 mg for five days. I was on Lexapro, but it seemed to poop out or my postpartum depression was too much for the maximum dose. Definitely did not like the diarrhea side effect as I have major stomach problems, but it does go away. I feel pretty good. Before the Viibryd, I was experiencing weepiness and major panic attacks. Feel much less depressed and anxious. It seems to be working. Sleeping better too. I've been on antidepressants for 20 years (Zoloft, Celexa, Effexor, Lexapro). Hope this one keeps doing what it's doing."