Perhaps you’re saying, “I’ve waited so long for Viibryd. I hear it’s revolutionary and has very few side effects. And it’s finally available!”
Yes, Viibryd is available in the US, so it’s a matter of heading to your pharmacy’s website – or give ’em a call – for availability. And get your psychiatrist or physician to place a prescription.
So many of you have waited a long time for Viibryd to hit pharmacy shelves. It’s my hope that it works well for you – with the side effects relief you desire.
Lots of great comments below, so be sure to check ’em out.
If you’re looking for tons of helpful mood and anxiety disorder info, all you have to do is review the Chipur titles.
Have been on wellbutrin 150mg 2x per day and and 40mg of prozac for many years. Dr. recently switched me from prozac to pristiq 100mg. DID ABSOLUTELY NOTHING! I just saw him today and got a 30 day supply of Viibryd. Will keep you posted as to how it works.
Thanks, Mam0355! I (we) really appreciate your chipur visit and comment. We’re all the stronger when many participate. Bill
I hope it works for me. Had to go off cymbalta/abilify due to dounut hole. Would cost me $2000. I am in such a depression that I can’t function, focus, etc. I feel like I want to jump off a bridge. Trying sooo hard to help myself.
Mair
Hi Mair…
Welcome to chipur, and thank you for your comment. Participation keeps chipur vital.
I know you’re having a tough time, and the bridge comment concerns me. If you’d like some more detailed help and referrals, please email me at bill@chipur.com.
Bill
Reading more and more comments re lower GI symptoms and feeling spacy…
Remember, Viibryd is directly influencing serotonin and is a 5HT1A
receptor partial agonist. Some 80% of our serotonin supply is located in
the gut, where it’s used to regulate intestinal movements. 5-HT1A
receptor agonists decrease blood pressure and heart rate.
I don’t believe these symptoms are permanent for most, but given the action of the med, it’s gonna’ take some getting used to…
Ah, okay, that makes perfect sense!
Hi everyone! Just a heads-up. If you haven’t read Viibryd’s Full
Prescribing Information, please do. There’s so much there that addresses
a lot of the questions and concerns I’m catching in the comments. Hey, I
want you to keep coming back – but knowledge is power! Here’s the link
http://www.frx.com/pi/viibryd_pi.pdf
I am so optimistic about Viibryd! I have been on many different antidepressants over the years-most recently Pristiq. It was awful and I wasn’t able to function in daily life other tha what absolutely had to be done. My doctor wanted to give Viibryd a shot-I was his guinnea pig. I have the sample packet and have finished my 3rd week. I’ve had the 40 mg for a week now and feel really good. I have energy and the diarrhea has gotten much better-I have to take it first thing in the morning with food and that seems to help. My head is clear and I can get things done again. I’m able to sleep at night. I feel my social being coming back. I really have high hopes-all the other meds stopped their effectiveness about 6 months in. I will keep you all posted, but fingers crossed!
Thanks for joining us, tt1125. We’ll look forward to your future posts…
I just switched from lexapro to viibryd 20 mg last week , my doc recommended it as it would increase my libido as I have no drive. She also stated lexapro is bad about weight gain , I’ve been on it 6 years and the new drug doesn’t cause weight gain. So far I have horrible headaches and upset stomach and feel loopys but this should go away soon. Anyone gain weight on this? Get a missing sex drive back ? Pls feel free to email me at bmelton41@gmail.com thanks
Hi Bmelton41!
Thanks for visiting chipur and contributing. Lots of Viibryd chat going on in the forum. Here’s a link. https://chipur.com/forum/meds-supplements-devices/ Be sure to check it out…
Bill
I have been taking
Effexor for close to 9 months at 235 MG
Geodone for close to 9 months at 60mg
Elavil for close to 5 months at 75mg
Also a side now, I take klonopin 1.0mg and ambien 10mg for insomnia and anxiety.
I went to a new psychiatrist and he told me that considering I am basically experiencing the same symptons and haven’t improved that he wanted to try Viibryd.
It took me two days to get the prescription filled because the local walmart could not get it into stock but after a single day I am already feeling better, more energetic, more talkative and sociable.
Maybe this is just the placebo effect and I am putting more weight into my initial experience with this medicine than I should but it is making me feel all the things I have tried for so long to feel in combination with psycho therapy.
The only side affect I am having right now is my stomach is a little queezy but I believe that is because I didn’t take my first dosage with food which was my fault for not reading the instructions but I plan to continue to take it with small meals from now on.
I am really hopeful that I have finally found a medicine that is going to work and I can stop going broke every month with ridiculous co-pays that I can hardly afford.
Also a quick question to anyone who knows, a lot of people seem to take this first thing in the morning my doctor told me I should take it right before I go to sleep at night. Anyone have some idea why he might suggest that rather than taking it in the morning?
Also is this considered a “stimulant”?
Hi Timothy…
I appreciate your stopping by and your contribution. Please be sure to hit the chipur forum – meds, supplements, devices. https://chipur.com/forum/meds-supplements-devices/ Tons of Viibryd chat…
Bill
I was just put on viibryd along with saphris 5mg. which I take at night. After many years of suffering with depression and panic attacks, and many different drugs and combination of drugs I am praying that this will be the answer.
Maryana
maryanaaz@aol.com
Since March I have been on several different AD’s that didnt work. We tried Celexa, which did nothing until after upping the dosage to the “normal” dose, I became mean, and anxiety stricken. We then tried Effexor at the 34.5 and I felt absolutely great for one month. My thought was that it was mixing with the celexa… After a month I had previous problems…anxiety was back as well as lethargy and sleeping 12 hours a night. My doctor decided to up the Effexor to 70 which did nothing and then eventually to 150mg which did nothing. She raised it so there was more seratonin added to my system (which is what celexa was) but to no avail. Who knows why I felt so good for a month. I should add that my situation at home and in general in life really are not stressful or bad, so I am one of those people that mainly have physical symptoms. I have been weening off of the Effexor and took my first Viibryd yesterday. I am having some major light headedness when I walk, but am fine sitting. Im going to skip today as I have to give a presentation tomorrow and cant be like this. Ill take my second 10mg after my presentation tomorrow. I dont know if its mixing with effexor or if its just getting those receptors going again after a long time of not working . Who knows, but I dont feel awful and thats all I care about at this point! =D
Since March I have been on several different AD’s that didnt work. We tried Celexa, which did nothing until after upping the dosage to the “normal” dose, I became mean, and anxiety stricken. We then tried Effexor at the 34.5 and I felt absolutely great for one month. My thought was that it was mixing with the celexa… After a month I had previous problems…anxiety was back as well as lethargy and sleeping 12 hours a night. My doctor decided to up the Effexor to 70 which did nothing and then eventually to 150mg which did nothing. She raised it so there was more seratonin added to my system (which is what celexa was) but to no avail. Who knows why I felt so good for a month. I should add that my situation at home and in general in life really are not stressful or bad, so I am one of those people that mainly have physical symptoms. I have been weening off of the Effexor and took my first Viibryd yesterday. I am having some major light headedness when I walk, but am fine sitting. Im going to skip today as I have to give a presentation tomorrow and cant be like this. Ill take my second 10mg after my presentation tomorrow. I dont know if its mixing with effexor or if its just getting those receptors going again after a long time of not working . Who knows, but I dont feel awful and thats all I care about at this point! =D
Thanks for your contribution, Mistik. Be sure to check out the chipur Meds, Supplements, Devices area of the forum. Lot’s of Viibryd chat going on. https://chipur.com/forum/meds-supplements-devices/
Bill
Just took my 1st 10 mg pill today and I pray to dear God this is the answer and miracle I’ve needed. I have tried everything and will really be devastated if this doesn’t work. I wish everyone good luck and may our suffering finally come to an end.
Hi TeAvila…
Thank you for visiting chipur and participating. Yes, may the suffering finally come to an end.
Incidentally, check-out the Meds, Supplements, Devices section of the chipur forum. Always lots of Viibryd chat going on. https://chipur.com/forum/meds-supplements-devices/
Bill
Hi all. I’ve been on Zoloft 200 mg day and Wellbutrin for over 10 years and they stopped working well for me. So pdoc tried Abilify….wasn’t on that 2 weeks and mania became crazy! Now starting Viibryd…on 2nd day of 10mg for 1 week then 20 mg for 1 week then 40 mg dose. I also take Klonopin 5mg 1 per night…have for over 19 years! I’m weaning off of my Zoloft still – tomorrow’s my last 50 mg dose. I’m very jerky, some feelings of palpitations and weeping at times- at other times I’m cleaning the windows and mopping the floors on my hands and knees,,,, and I’ve never been diagnosed with bi-polar d/o…just major recurrent dep d/o, gen anx and ocd. I hope this works but I’m always very skeptical of new meds! Prior to Zoloft was on Effexor (which caused my migraines to be so frequent I could not stand the med more than 1-2 years). Before that Prozac at highest clinical use…without any significant improvement over the 2-3 years I took it. So, any tips, advice or knowledge would be great. I don’t do counseling…I’m truly believe in my instance that my d/o’s are chemical…. So that’s all…just wanted to share my experience with Viibryd since there isn’t a lot of info. posted to date. I’ll try to keep the forum updated. Thanks.
Thanks UYT!
Hi. i am also being weaned off Zoloft and started Viibryd. I am on day 11. I started taking 10 mg and 100 mg of Zoloft. I am on 20 mg this week, and 50 mg of Zoloft. On Friday I will start the final dose of 40 mg and stop the Zoloft. I havent had anxiety attacks in a very long time. With this transition hoever, I have been having daily anxiety attack consisting of shortness of breath. The first day I cried terribly after, but havent since. My doctor prescribed Lorazepam to help with anxiety, but it hasnt helped much. I didn’t sleep the first week, and had very vivid dreams. My friend who is also on Viibrd aid to take in the am with food. I have done this and it has helped me sleep finally. I have been having uncontrolable jerking while in bed as well, which hasn’t gone away yet. Haven’t had any GI issues, except mild nausea. I also take Lamictal and adderall. I take the Lamitcal 200 mg at night. I have had increase in migraines, but that can’t be just the result of the change in meds. Could aI am feeling better this week, but still have moments of sadness and troubnle finding the right words to say. I am very hopeful that this will be the medication to change me. And I was previously on Lexapro, but the decrease in libidoturned me off ot it. I haven’t had any change in sex drive yet, but am hopeing it will increase with time. Hope this helps, and Good luck!!!
Hi MommaRN…
Sure appreciate your chipur visit and participation. I’m hoping Viibryd provides some long term answers – and relief – for you!
Bill
I am in my 4th week of Viibryd. I had not been on any antidepressents in 10yrs because of the carb cravings and the weight gain, clonopin seem to do the trick. But I recently lost my mom and have not been able to pull myself through. After 2 weeks, everything changed for me…my whole outlook on life was so much brighter and there seemed to be light at the end of the tunnel. I don’t know how long this side effect will last but I’ve seemed to lost my normal craving for sweets so thats a good thing, however I have definately noticed a difference in my sexual ability. However, I am sleeping like a baby again and life isn’t looking so bad anymore..so, if that’s one small consequence then I’ll take it.
I appreciate your chipur visit and comment. And I’m glad you’re finding a measure of relief. I think coming to know that “life isn’t looking so bad anymore” is a huge development.
Be sure to check-out the Meds, Supplements, Devices section of the chipur forum. There’s always a lot of Viibryd chat going on – https://chipur.com/forum/meds-supplements-devices/
Bill
Ok, so I love this site because it is helping me so much from hearing regular people talk about their switching over to Viibryd. After many years of different meds I was on Efexxor for some time now. Loved everything about it except that i found after a couple of hours of forgetting to take it I would get the “zaps” (which was like an alarm of OH take your med) which never happened with any other, then of course an immense decrease in sexual desire then I found that I was blowing up like a balloon and couldn’t lose the weight. I drew the line and talked with my doctor who interested me in Viibryd because of the “wonders” of low weight gain and SSE. So ok I’m on day 6 of 10mg and every other day Efexxor and today woke up with such jaw clenching anxiety that I swear i want to throw up.
Hi Jrey…
I’m glad you visited chipur and chose to participate. Be sure to check out the Meds, Supplements, Devices section of the chipur forum. Always positive and educational chat going on.https://chipur.com/forum/meds-supplements-devices/
Thanks Again…
Bill
Hi,
First time checking in here.
I have just been through a six week ordeal on Viibryd that culminated in a terribly uncomfortable (in some ways physically painful) bout with serotonin syndrome.
Six weeks ago psy doc took me off citalopram and put me on Viibryd. Over the course of the month, with a starter pack I gradually increased dosing of the Viibryd. What began as unusual grouchiness and peevishness grew into a full blown constellation of serotonin sickness syndrome, not diagnosed ’til I was in such a state of confusion, anger, difficulty with balance, body aches, itchiness and muscular twitching that I KNEW it had to be the Viibryd.
IT IS AWFUL. And nobody wants to take the blame for the drug doing this to me. Not my psy doc, not the pharmacist (who insist that they “work as a team” with the prescribers). Nice company “cover our butts” line. I’m sure it’s somewhere in the literature, the attached “this could happen to you” leaflet dispensed with the medicine, but people need to be told right up front about the dangers of serotonin sickness syndrome with this drug. Any SSRI really.
It’ll take “a couple of days” for the Viibryd to leave my system — so they say — during which time I continue to want to jump out of my skin and into an entirely different body.
This is my experience with Viibryd. I had a similar (though much faster) one to Cymbalta a few months ago.
I’m going back to my good old Wellbutrin, Lamictal and small dose of klonopin … I won’t be a guinea pig for any of these newer meds gain. It’s just too hellacious to tolerate this kind of thing.
Hi Burned in Boston…
Wow! What a detailed story – and one that anyone who endures a mood and/or anxiety disorder needs to read. What you described definitely happens, though all too often it doesn’t get a lot of press.
Taking any psychotropic medication can be dicey business. And the odds for trouble increase with a new med, sans a decent amount of clinical trial history. ‘Course, Viibryd has provided excellent results for many.
Bottom-line: I’m glad you’re on the mend and I appreciate your sharing your story!
Bill
Oh jeez. I know all SSRIs can cause serotonin syndrome in some people. I hope you’ve been doing well on the Wellbutrin! I know how it feels to have bad side effects. Prozac gave me a similar “fly out of my skin” feeling.
Viibryd really helped even out my moods and helped my anxiety at the 40mg dose. BUT, it killed what little libido I had, and I made me HUNGRY! I’ve gained 10lbs in the last 8 weeks.
Thanks for the visit and comment, ladygirl. Please feel free to check-out (and post in) the Meds, Supplements, Devices section of the chipur forum https://chipur.com/forum/meds-supplements-devices/.
Bill
Just started Viibryd ( 10mg ) 3 days for mild depression/anxiety and experienced stomach upset and diarrhea. Today is day 3 and my stomach has calmed down considerably. I hoping when I take the 20mg on day 8, my stomach doesn’t start up again. I was a Lexapro user but my Dr was eager for me to try Viibryd. I actually feel pretty good and I hope I don’t experience any strange side effects.
I hate Viibryd. I was moved to this medication to increase my energy level, affected by neurosurgery, and I feel horrible. As much as I hated the Lexapro due to low energy and possible weight gain, I at least didn’t feel irritable, angry, and on the verge of a major depressive episode. I feel more like a mental health patient than a mental health worker because of this awful medication. Which, BTW, did zilch to increase my energy level.
I LOVE viibryd! I’ve been on this med for 3 months now after previously trying Zoloft, Celexa, and Effexor. I put on 25 lbs in less than a year and was extremely drowsy all the time. After 6 weeks on Viibryd, I could tell a difference. It’s now better than ever and I feel like my old self again. Not to mention, the weight is coming off too.
about to start viibryd. any thoughts.
Just stick to it…it has definitely helped me
I’m on my 3rd almost 4th week now at 20mg…can say the 1st few days starting each dose I had stomach upset but it’s gone after a couple days…I take it at night and when I first started the 10mg I had a hard time sleeping…not really any issues with that now…I feel so much better actually…I also take 36 mg of concerta in the AM…I was so worried after reading some of the bad side effects some people were having but I’ve been fine…better than fine I feel like a normal person again…just stick thru it and tough it out…I’ve taken 2weeks 10 mg, no 20mg x 2wks then I’ll switch to 40mg…I’m kinda excited as to what 40mg will do because the positive effects far outweigh any negative as far as I’m concerned but everyone is different…just my 2 cents I’ll post my experience if anyone would like to know.
Oh one more thing, it does work better with food that’s for sure…if I forget to eat I feel shaky and irritable…if I eat I feel great…so def do not take on empty stomach
I recently was prescribed Viibyrd after taking Celexa for around four years. Celexa made me much less emotional ( almost numb ), but was not helping as much with mood. I started on the 10 mg dose for 7 days along with the Celexa 20 mg dose 1/day. After 7 days, I dropped the Celexa and started the 2 nd week of Viibryd (20mg) 1/ day. Began to feel better, even had a good laugh at a movie. Did notice a dull headache, and about 3 lbs, weight gain. Still no improvement in sexual dysfunction.
On the third week dosage went up to 40 mg. noticed my blood pressure was up about 20 points on top and 10 on bottom. , headaches increased, anxiety in chest muscles. Blood pressure would sometimes spike to 161/110, swelling in feet and ankles continued even after a night’s rest . Made the decisions to go back to Celexa and go see my PCP. Side effects scare me to much to continune them. Hope something else works.
Ha! I just put it on the chipur facebook page and now it’s letting me post here.
I just wanted to say that for the first time in years, I feel like I’m living instead of surviving. Sure, I’m having to deal with a lot more powerful old emotions I didn’t feel for a long time, at their full berth, but I’m extremely grateful!
I’m sure you’re more than okay with the trade-off. Glad it’s about living now instead of just getting-by. Thanks for your participation, Liz.
OH, and another thing, I’ve had absolutely NO interest in any kind of physical intimacy with anyone for over 2 years (I was in an abusive marriage, but have been out for a little bit over a year), and now I’m starting to have that girly fluttery feeling again! :) I’m psyched! :) I can watch “Star Trek” now and get the full effect I once long ago!
Prozac was helping but only ~60%. Transitioning to Viibryd, two days diarrhea, then occasional nausea. More vivid dreams. But feeling positive, useful, and smiling is remarkable. Definitely worth the side affects.
That’s great news, AH. Glad you’re enjoying some positive results after paying some dues. Thanks for your visit and sharing…
Bill
Hey, Chipur, are you working for Viibryd’s manufacturer or are you just fond of feeling important? This drug is an SSRI. SSRIs were found to be equivalent if not worse than placebos in long-term trials. SNRIs and other atypicals are another story. You’re posting misinformation. This upsets me…
Hi Jennifer!
No, I don’t work for Viibryd’s manufacturer – and don’t really get off on feeling important. Misinformation? I don’t think so; however, you’re entitled to your opinion and welcome to note it here anytime. Chipur readers – check-out Jennier’s site at practiceofmadness.com
Bill
This is a bit long, but I’m a detail person.
I’m 21, and I am seeing a clinical psychologist as well as using medicines for the treatment of depression, anxiety/panic, ADHD, and opioid abuse. I take a low dose Valium/Xanax combo for the anxiety, Dexedrine for ADHD, and Suboxone for the opioid abuse.
However, I had problems with the antidepressants. I started out on Paxil when I was 18, and I was miserable for a week or two and stopped. Then at 19 I started on Prozac for a few months, did not work too well, so we switched to Zoloft, then Lexapro, and finally back to Prozac. I had SSRI sexual side effects, some made me a zombie, and I had my reservations about switching to a different class (i.e. SNRIs, heterocyclics, and MAOIs). I stumbled across an article about Viibryd and was intrigued. So, I consulted with my psychiatrist and psychologist, and they both said to give it a go. I actually had never heard of this, and I am someone who reads PI sheets and talk to my pharmacist when starting/stopping medicines. I had read the PI, and I had little reservations.
I tried it, and followed instructions to go up SLOWLY to 20mg, but after a few weeks I didn’t need 20mg. 10mg worked with best since everyone is different; I felt the depression lift much more than anything else plus I don’t have side effects (there just was an adjustment period). Yet this drug remains expensive. My insurance/PBM decided to throw me under the bus and not cover this drug, and I consulted my GP. He had a lot of samples of the drug and taught me how to do ‘water titration’ to save tons of money. I work closely with my clinical psychologist of course, because the medicines only do so much. However, Viibryd has been the best for me. It does not cause sexual dysfunction for me as well as ‘zombification’ I experienced from traditional SSRIs. “Different strokes for different folks” describes how well antidepressants will work with different people.
Hi Tyler!
Thank you for joining us here on Chipur. I, for one, am glad you’re a detailed sort – and have shared in kind. It’s this kind of information that’s so helpful to readers. In addition to being posted here, you can be sure I’ll post on the Chipur Facebook Fan Page https://www.facebook.com/pages/Chipur/128077027224478?ref=hl I wish you all the very best for continued recovery. Thanks again for stopping by – and contributing…
Bill
Awesome! I’m so glad it’s helping you! Gives me hope. :)
Yes, I’m so glad I’m not the only one who is doing well on Viibryd!
I tend to be really sensitive to medication. Like, REALLY sensitive. Prozac made me even more depressed, with constant panic attacks and the complete inability to get out of bed. Zoloft made me into an apathetic zombie. Cymbalta kept me awake for three or four days straight, practically bouncing off the walls. After I got off Prozac a few months ago, I was so traumatized, I thought I’d never try anything else. But I’ve had a hard time with my depression this past year, plus anxiety, so I went back to my doctor again. She suggested Viibryd and gave me a sample packet. She also refilled my Ativan, which helps me so much just knowing that I have it and don’t have to endure the nightly panic attacks.
I’ve been on Viibryd for 11 days now and am up to 20mg. The only side effects I’ve had were diarrhea, nausea, and headaches. I had them when I first started on 10mg and they’ve come back since I bumped up to 20mg. Taking it with a good meal helps.
I’ve felt really good this past week and a half. I’ve been able to get things done and focus. I’m confident that it’s due to the Viibryd (though I think focusing on myself and taking better care of myself is helping, too). I really hope things continue to go well, because I’ve tried so many other antidepressants and had bad experiences with all of them. I’ll be thrilled if this is The One!
Hey, Elizabeth! I’m hoping it’s “The One” for you, as well. Thank you for stopping-by and contributing. The more input we have available for all, the much better. Best on your journey…
Bill