Help! Coming Off Of Viibryd (Page 5) (Top voted first)

I was wondering if any of you out there have come off of an SSRI and had severe panic attacks that lasted a month or longer. I am in such distress. I wasn't taking any sort of medication a few years ago and was fine. I almost went through a break-up last summer, got super depressed and my primary care physician started me on Viibryd. At first, it worked great, I felt happy and alive and things smoothed over with the boyfriend. Once he bumped me up to 40 mg however this past November I started to notice I was having panic attacks every now and then. I decided I wanted to get off of it and he cut me down to 20mg for a week, then 10 mg for a week and then nothing. The more I got off of Viibryd, the more panic attacks I would have. I would especially get them while driving.

I would get a feeling of not being able to breathe followed by tachycardia and my hands would go numb. I was taken t the ER so many times this past month and even hospitalized for a weekend after being off of the stuff. I believe the last Viibryd pill I took was on February9th (a month ago today) and my panic attacks have lessened but only because I have been taking .5 mg of lorazepam (ativan) 3 times a day. Whenever I don't take an ativan, its inevitable that a panic attack will come on. I am in such distress and don't want to get on another SSRI because while I was in the hospital, I was diagnosed with hyper seritonin syndrome from the viibryd. The doc I saw said I was taking too high of a dosage for only weighing 115 lbs. I want this torture to end and I just want some comfort in knowing someone out there went through this or something similar and that they made it through it.

REPLY

REPORT

My husband is weaning off this horrible medication!! Viibyrd is NOT WORKING!! It did in the beginning but recently it has made him even more angry and impatient than before. He has been on it for almost 2 years. He can not control his anger at all!! We have a 17 month old daughter and he will swear and scream right in front of her. It is really scary,it is like he goes into a different world! He recognizes it after a while of calming down but he admits he can't control it. He is a very very sweet and thoughtful husband and father most of the time. But when he gets the fits of rage,look out,there is no stopping him!! This med has changed him for the worst. He is in his 2nd week of weaning off,he went from 40mg,to 20mg for a week,and now he is on 10mg. I really really hope he will go back to his normal self. I am trying to look into a natural herb and holistic remedy that can help with his moods.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

What meds did you find we're compatible for you did you take them and did they work

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

I am also getting off of Vybriid, I took it for 3 months. I was ok when I was on the 10 and 20 mg, After about 3 weeks of being on the 40 mg, I gained 15 lbs right off the bat, I was feeling odd. I felt like I was going crazy. I felt bloated and miserable. I am 39 yrs old and I could also be suffering from the beginning of menopause. Today is my 2nd day completely off of Vybriid, I am very dizzy and I don't really feel that great. I am just hoping to get through this and maybe start looking into some bio-identical hormones and approach my moodiness and irritability from another direction.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

I’ve been taking Viibryd for a couple of years now. Mostly at 20mg. I think it helped me for a while with my depression which I’ve had on and off since teenage years. I am 40yr, F. My psychiatrist initially said take for one year. I don’t like taking this though and have wanted to wean myself off. I tried this last fall and cut back dose by cutting pills and became an irrational monster especially to my children. When I visited my psychiatrist I was crying and upset about this and the potency of the pill and he suggested I was just still depressed and should maybe increase my dose to 30 mg. I did this and just dug myself in further. Now if I miss a single day’s dose I have terrible night sweats and dream terrors that seem to put me in a cloud all day long. Over the last 9 months I’ve started experiencing dizzy spells every two months that last for a couple of weeks, nothing debilitating, but if I move my head too fast I get the spins. I was beginning to suspect this was from the Viibryd. I also think that I have started grinding my teeth at night and my jaw always feels very tight. I occasionally wake up in the middle of the night for two- three hours at a time and am wide awake. I’m very nervous to come off of this. I don’t think my PSyc is supportive in the way that I need. In fact, I think he’s a creep and I’m trying to find a new doctor. Oh and I think memory loss is a side effect too.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

Since most of us on here already know how bad this drug can be, I think we should try to get the word out the best we can to alert anyone who gets a new prescription or samples from their doctors to research, research, research before putting any new drug in our bodies. My daughter in law is just beginning a new business selling and educating people about essential oils. She is looking for something for me for depression.

Has anyone tried and/or had any luck with supplements? I suppose since most have been taking prescription anti-depressants that they've either not tried any or had no measurable results. I have a bottle each of the following: L-Tyrosine 500 mg capsules neurotransmitter support, St. John's Wort capsules 0.3% Hypericin and 5-HTP Time Release 200 mg (took this one for a couple of weeks with no improvement). I haven't talked to my doctor about them because most doctors (especially MDs) seem to be hard-wired to push prescription drugs. I'm sure there is a ton of info out there, especially from the companies who sell them. But finding unbiased, real life results is pretty hard. I plan to start trying the L-Tyrosine for one month and will report back with my results, if any.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

I went from 40mg viibryd to 10mg and to zero.
40mg for 10 months.
10mg for 2eeks.

Today is day 2 of no Viibryd. Terrible Itching. Last night Insomnia & itching.

Today being Friday I will not have access to my regular Psychiatrist.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

Are you still on Viibryd? I have been on it one month. Experiencing night sweats horribly, PMS was horrible, almost manic, felt like I did not know what to do with my head, couldn't stop the ridiculous thinking! Took the gradiant pack, 10,20,40mg. After bumping up to 40, couldn't bear the feeling of brain speeding, chest tight, my lips have turned purple a few times so I went back to 20, just got approved for a $50copay but really thinking there is no good reason to pay to feel this way, not even free is it fun!

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

I'm a 23 year-old female and I have been taking Viibryd for over 2 years now, and over the past 6 months I've started having a lot more side effects. I was fine until my doctor told me it should be taken with the biggest meal of the day. The day I started taking it with dinner instead of breakfast, I got brain zaps for 8 hours, once about every 5-10 minutes. This was even after I had just taken it. I cried myself to sleep for a week because I couldn't sleep with the zaps, and they came every night. Literally every time I fell asleep it would force me to wake up. Eventually they went away, but I still get mini-zaps without the shock between 3pm and dinner every single day. I feel like I lose consciousness for a half second, so I can't get any work done or drive for a few hours before dinner. It's tolerable, but I know it's not doing my body any good so I am going to start coming off of it. I've already tried twice to wean myself off little by little but I get panic attacks and even worse brain zaps than the first time.
It makes me feel better knowing that I'm not the only one feeling like this. To all of you who have succeeded in getting off Viibryd, congrats.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

I have taken Viibryd for 6 months. I used to take Lexapro...nothing major, just severe irritation towards husband and kids during that time of the month. Well, this summer my Dr said Viibryd was a better med. I have noticed if I skip a day on accident, I am really irritable. Well, I ran out on Tues. And my Dr needs to approve my script...I feel like a zombie...I either want to cry, sleep or yell. I've called my Dr's answering service all weekend, and my Dr has not called me back. I've NEVeR had there feelings. My head hurts , I can't get out of bed...I'm literally a crazy person right now. I took Lexapro for irritableness. I almost feel sorry for drug addicts when they withdrawal, this is miserable.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

I wanted to know how you were all doing? I was just in the ER last night after having bad side effects to Viibryd at the 20 mg dose. Was at 10 mgs the first week. Now I was on 20 mgs for 4 days and last night was just horrifying. At first with the 10 I had some dizziness and added physical anxiety symptoms but nothing extremely major. I never noticed that they got worse or anything. My sleep has been terrible. Barely any to speak of with vivid dreams and waking up very confused, anxious, and scared. Everything got worse at 20 mgs. My physical anxiety symptoms were through the roof. In my head and chest. (I started this for my anxiety and depression after trying effexor or as I like to call that junk hell in a pil, them I tried wellbutrin) I started getting headaches with the 20 mgs as well. Then the headaches and anxiety were getting worse every morning I took it. The last night I nodded off to a movie around 10 and woke up about a half hour later (at least I think I dont remember it so well) I had a splitting headache the worst ever. I went to sit in the living room with my mom (im 18) cause I wasvery panicked and confused. All I remember was freaking out with the worst panic attack of my life. Dont remember many details, just splitting pain in my head and worst tunnel vision, fear of dying, crying hystercally, and like almost fainting. My mom tried to calm me down but brought me to the ER. There I had calmed down some, my head hurt less. I had cat scan and blood tests. All normal. The doc said it shouldnt give me any huge side effects to stop after only 11 days. So I havent took it today. Been feeling a little confused at times. Was actually able to sleep when I got home (at 3 am). Got a nap today. And all those really bad physical anxiety symptoms are gone. Still anxious though. Dont like feeling confused and deluded. Anyone know how long thay might last?? (Ps im sorry for so much. I just wanted to get everything in) this "MEDICINE" was terrible and I do not recommend it.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

I also forgot to mention that when I got to the hospital my BODY was spiked. I never have BOTH issues.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

Oh my gosh, I just read about the itching. I have been taking benadryl for three days now, doesn't seem to stop the itching but I am able to not scratch the skin off due to severity of itchiness!This is just bad medicine. I have weaned myself down to 5mg every other day, just been 4 days, we will see.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

IT is so difficult to find the support of a doctor with meds. I have left two messages about going off this medicine in a week and haven't heard back, this from a 'Top Doc', support staff is what matters, they are the messengers!

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

Thank you for the information. I have gone down to 5mg, every other day, definitely have many of the issues listed here, but I am not going back on them. Just nice to understand some of the physical stuff is normal for coming off Viibryd.I wasn't on it for much over a month.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

I hear you, Leah. I've been itching for almost a week now. It's getting less and less but very frustrating! I had no idea that Viibryd could do so much to you until I ran across this site. I thought that all of the symptoms were just me. I thought I was going insane. I've had a lot of stress in my life the last year and I thought that I was just at my peak of what I could take. Thank God I went to a different doctor! Good luck to you! I hope it gets better!

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

I am 30 female. I have been taking viibryd for about 4 months along with 2mg Xanax prescribed 3x a day I don't always take that many just as needed. Befor viibryd I have taken zoloft Wellbutrin among many more the zoloft worked good but sexual side effects made me want to try something different. Doc told me viibryd has no sexual side effects so I was all about it but it seemed nothing changed in that dept. so after 5 years or so of being on medication I asked if it would be a good idea if I tried to just come off the viibryd not take any antidepressants but keep my Xanax for panic n anger issues which is also one reason I was on the other meds I've tried. My mind is very confused I hope this isn't too scattered anyway now I'm only taking Xanax has anyone heard voices no I'm not crazy but the night befor last every time I would start to doze off my Mind would feel odd kind of like it was being pulled 2 ways hard to explain muffle led n going in circles and I heard a man yelling very loud my husband asleep right next to me. My heart started racing I was so scared it sounded like he was right there I could just lay there n shake, not too long after I heard a woman speaking softly but quickly my heart was beating out of my chest i don't know what they were saying but it was scary I told my husband the next day and I got the reaction I expected the are you crazy look ha... Slept fine last night but my days have always been slightly confused n takes my eyes longer to catch up with my brain like I said that's been going on for a while also but I'm just a confused person I have anger issues very hard to control my temper meds helped but would like to see a clear day not sure what I'm trying to sY or even ask of anyone reading this my mind is abnormal. I guess I'm asking does anyone else out there have any of the issues I have talked about I have many more but I don't know how to explain them please someone out there help me understand what's really wrong with me!!!

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

I am three days off Viibryd and still have itching. I tapered down to appx. 3mg every other day this last week and am three days no Viibryd. The itching is so bad, I have raw spots on, I cannot scratch it enough. I take Benadryl midmorning and before bed or it keeps me up. I wouldn't be surprised to hear about this, negatively, in the news. Shall we call them?

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

My lips also go numb not sure about that either I could list so many things that I feel each day on and off meds but it would take days and I would sound crazy . My doctor told me I could come off it all at once since I've only been on it 4 months but I haven't been off medication for even 1 day in years n years I guess I will have to wait n see how I do I just don't want to have to take meds just to get through the day but if I have to I guess I will thanks for your reply

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

I suggest tapering down slowly. I would NOT go off of this cold turkey. You could end ip in the hospital or psych ward. I started slowly, under the advisement of my physician. I took half the dose every other day & the full dose on the other days for a week. The 2nd week the half dose for one week, then I cut the pills in fourths (5mg) until I was completely out. I took it very slowly. It worked well for me. Good luck!

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

Would not suggest flushing the rest of your prescription down the toilet in frustration as I did. After the third day without taking I was so dizzy I was unable to stand much less walk. Movement of my head side to side made me nauseous-vomiting-I can only describe it as someone scrambling the inside of my brain-churning over and over-7 days later I am still experiencing dizziness, trouble balancing-when laying down still having swirling in my head. Vibryd is a drug that should only be used with extreme caution-the reason I flushed the pills in the first place was in a moment of sheer frustration and anger over how the pills only increased my agitation and crying jags. My kids said the medicine makes you scream one minute and cry the next- they said they would rather I went back to sleeping all the time which I did with Zoloft.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

I started with the starter pack 2 weeks ago. First day I took the 10mg in the morning, was severely dizzy all day. Waite...

7 REPLIES

Hi guys, I've never been on this site but am needing some advice and encouragement, I'm 19 years old and have be...

4 REPLIES

I have been on viibryd for one pack. I just refilled the 40 for the.next time. At the beginning it was good until I got ...

6 REPLIES

Hello all, I started taking Viibryd back in August of 2013. My doctor prescribed me 40 mg daily. I was also taking .25 X...

1 REPLY

I have been on vibryd for about two months now. I have noticed hair loss and some diarrhea. With the diarrhea I have blo...

2 REPLIES

I am going off Wellbutrin and have started Viibryd I have terrible lethargy. I feel like I am carrying around 15 pounds ...

1 REPLY

My husband needs to get off Viibryd. He has had every side effect possible and then some!! How should I taper his dose? ...

1 REPLY

I have been on effexor started the ususal dose and went up to 150 for depression and anxiety, worked at first actually o...

4 REPLIES

Due to some mild anxiety and low level depression I was put on Viibryd two months ago to supplement the Wellbutrin 150mg...

4 REPLIES

Like most people here, I've been on tons of antidepressants and especially SSRIs because I have depression and anger...

3 REPLIES