Viibryd Withdrawal

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Going off Viibryd: From 40mg, I went to 7 days of 20mg then 7 days of 10mg. I felt the affects and mostly it was anxiety/irritability. I was able to work but kept to myself. I did not socialize. I felt sick. When I went off totally it was/is horrible. I'm on my 6th day. I was unable to go to work. I was unable to drive. I was unable to leave my house for fear of flipping out and ending up in jail or hospital. I feel rage. I want to break things. I have yelled at the top of my lungs to two people on the phone. I'm confused, dizzy, disoriented, itchy (that's not new) and out of it. I'm confined to my house until further notice. Very scared and very confused.

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1

I am very sorry that you are going through this. Have things gotten any better, yet?

These types of medications are very hard to get off of and there have been many posts similar to yours.

Did your doctor set up this taper schedule?

It was a very rapid one and usually more time is given between each dosage change, with the lower dosage actually being alternated days for awhile. For instance you may take it for 6 days, then one day off, then for 5 days and 2 days off, then for 4 days and 3 days off and etc.

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2

Sunday afternoon (yesterday) things upgraded to "bearable". I think if freaked out after seeing a post on here that said it would/may take wks or months - I was ready to lose it. I'm a strong person but I could only take so much doing this on my own. However, Sunday afternoon I felt a little better and today I didn't feel worse or better than late Sunday so that was good. I'll take it. I'm going to try to work tomorrow. Still lightheaded/dizzy, itchy, nauseated - physical effects I can handle but the emotional (crying), feeling of rage and jealous of everyone (families, engagements, people having fun - any post on FB basically) was just killing. I'v never have been an envious person (usually I'm the one having all the fun). So yes, I think now there is a light at the end of the tunnel and thank goodness cause this boat was going to sink! Thank you so much for responding. These forums and others who write about their experiences is what REALLY got me through - knowing I wasn't alone and that what I was feeling was a side affect not my brain melting.

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3

Hello there! I am currentlly weaning off of Viibryd myself after being on it for the past...2 years or so? I was up to 40MG. Then went down to 20 MG for 2 weeks, and am now on day 3 of 10MG which I will do for two weeks, then I'll be completely off. Havint Ativan at hand helps with the mood swings etc. but, I am definitely having withdrawal symptoms each time I decrease. I think right at the two week mark my body starts to adjust to the new lower dosage and I'm feeling better, but then I've been going down at that point. Soo. Right now, day 3 or 10MG from 20, I feel extremely emotional, neurotic, jealous, "not good enough", sad, depressed, irritable, angry, dizzy, loss of train of thought, an all around "sick" feeling...sleeping a LOT...exhausted, body aches--mostly my lower back, but my whole body has that general "hungover" feeling, if you will. Nice to see any posts about Viibryd. I've been on Lexapro before, and was expecting withdrawal effects, just, you can never really be too prepared for these side effects. I'm just toughing it out and hoping they'll get better!

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4

Feeling scared and confused is normal with these drugs as well as coming off of them. I don't know if you have tried organic supplements, but they do help...Valerian root..passion flower are just a couple that help with anxiety. They take a little longer to work, but they don't kill you or have dangerous side effects like the prescription drugs.

Like I mentioned in another post, I am going back to seeing a Naturopathic MD.....they know the human body better than Allopathic doctors. Allopathic doctors have their place...for example surgeries etc., but they really don't understand or bother to learn about the side effects of these dangerous drugs...especially combinations. If it hadn't been for a young intern in the emergency room recognizing the symptoms were Serotonin Toxicity, I would have died. As soon as I started cutting down on the milligrams of the Viibryd the symptoms started to ease up within 3 days. It is important to see a therapist/psychiatrist while detoxing off of pain meds or anti-depressants. I am not cutting back and tapering off these drugs without the care of a doctor, but I am still going to go back to also seeing a Naturopathic MD. I saw one for decades and she was incredible. I wish we hadn't moved or I would still be seeing her. I found one in the yellow pages and I am going to give her a call and set up an appointment. I need to get natural chemicals back in balance in my body and get rid of the toxins from the drugs.

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5

I've tried to go off Viibryd twice now- the first time-(granted)-as not through consulting with my Doctor but an attempt to stop it 'cold turkey.' Irrationally hoping the side effects would subside in no more than 3 or 4 days, I kept trying to stick it out. - The only side effects I noticed were extreme itchiness-everywhere, and a flu-like feeling. Both became progressively worse, the itching to the point of causing red bruises (& in some cases cuts) all over my skin from the scratching-(I'm not a cutter for the record), and feeling very nauseous. After attempting to deal with this, (not wanting to have to 'start over' with the withdrawal process at some point in the future after committing so much time and pain already and hoping it would be over soon), I finally realized it would just keep getting worse for who knows how long, and once stopping it, I'd have to titrate off,- and I restarted it-(thankfully noticing the withdrawal symptoms subsiding within about 12 to 24 hours).
Now, months later, my Doctor has instructed me to stop Viibryd, concerned that taking this, (in combination with Adderall, which he also decreased), was pushing me too far into mania. He stressed the need for me to stop the Viibryd ASAP, but realizing I had such a hard time with it the first time, he told me, if I had to, I could cut the dose in half- (20 mg) for no more than 1 week, then I had to stop it. I did this for the week and did fine; did not notice any withdrawal problems. After being off of it completely for 2 days I started the itchiness again and mild flu-like symptoms. By day 3 both had progressed to much worse.- The weekend was starting so I couldn't contact my Doctor, so, not wanting to itch and feel sicker, which I knew would be the case, I resumed taking the 20mg.- I've been taking this now for a couple of days-(through the weekend).
Starting today I've noticed a bad headache and other flu-like symptoms again, and I'm wondering if it might be some withdrawal from being at the 20mg so long now (or perhaps side effects of restarting it after being off of it a few days?) (Or these symptoms, I realize, could be unrelated to the Viibryd).
I intend to contact my Doctor tomorrow however, I'm assuming because Viibryd is a relatively new medication, (at least in this area), he does not seem very familiar with best practice for managing this medication.- (For example, he knew nothing of the side effects I was experiencing of itchiness, night sweats, and explosive head syndrome-(all relatively uncommon side effects I realized the Viibryd was causing after visiting forums such as this one)- when I was taking the full 4-mg dose once a day; (splitting it into 20 in the am / 20 at night helped.) The other example being his decision to have me abruptly (after 1 week) stop the Viibryd with minimal titration, when, based on these forums, the titration process seems very important). I'd like to be prepared to consult with him when speaking with him about this.

My questions are-- have others experienced these specific withdrawal symptoms? How long did the symptoms last? Is it avoidable through any slow titration process?- If so, what is recommended?-(that would be the shortest process feasible given that I know my Doctor is anxious for me to be off of it- and I'm anxious to be past the withdrawal symptoms)-which brings me back to the question- Is it possible to experience no withdrawal symptoms if titrating off Viibryd slowly enough?
And- are there any medications that will effectively treat the withdrawal symptoms?- Especially if my Doctor continues to feel strongly I need to stop it quickly. The previous time I tried Benadryl for the itching and over-the-counter pain relievers for the flu-like symptoms and both did not seem to touch the symptoms. I didn't try a cortisone cream or a med specifically for nausea.- Any recommendations? Or I'm wondering if there simply is nothing that would counteract the withdrawal since they are not caused by an external source (like a rash) or illness (such as a flu or food poisoning).

If you took the time to read all of my post I appreciate your time :)

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6

I am finally completely off the Viibryd for one week today..It has been a living hell, and I have also had the headaches with nose bleeds and horrendous nightmares along with excessive sweating and flu like symptoms. I did a lot, and I mean a lot of research on withdrawal help with this drug and I found a place called Neuro Genetic Solutions. They have natural supplements designed specifically for people tapering off of anti-depressants and anti-anxiety drugs..ie..Viibryd and diazepam. I ordered three of the main products per their intructions...these meds deplete the body of all kinds of vitamins, nutrients, amino acids..etc...they are dangerous and I have found that using organic supplements helped with the withdrawal effects when I was coming off of oxycontin and soma, so these organic supplements should work to help with the withdrawals off the viibryd. I can't stress enough to get off of this medicine. I ended up in the hospital in July for serotonin toxicity from this drug..it almost killed me.

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7

I was only viibryd for 10days when I broke out w hives. I initially thought it was bed bugs until 24hrs later my lip started swelling up. I went to dr and got steroid shot but had to stop viibryd cold turkey. I was initially having chills and shortness of breath which I was very worried related to the allergic reaction not resolving. I was exhausted from all the Benadryl I was taking and regular crankiness and irritability turned to all out rage. I was embarrassed and ashamed by my behavior. Even tho my swollen lip and hives had resolved after day 3, I was continuously itchy. I was again worried the allergic reaction was still ongoing. I also just felt ill, bit nauseous tired but somehow couldn't sleep. I was anxious, starting to have heart palpitations and thought I was going to faint when I stood. Then I read some forums on Viibryd withdrawal - Thank you! I believe 90% of what I was going through was viibryd WD. My dr half dismissed it saying scientifically know way to know. But when you read other peoples words that match yours so well you KNOW! I had my husband read them and he went from angry and resentful not truly believing me earlier in week to compassion. I appreciate everyone reaching out and hope my words help someone else know it's not all in their heads!

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8

I started Viibryd over 2 years ago when I was told it was a brand new drug and to give it a try. I started on 10mg, then slowly went to 20mg, then finally stopped at 40mg over about a months time. I had tried so many drugs and I actually liked how i left on this one. I didn't have too many side effects coming on so i actually liked it. While taking the med though, I've had no interest in intercourse what so ever, gained weight and a few other side effetcs but I was finally feeling normal and happy, except for my lonely fiance not getting any. Now after 2 years, everyone around me started getting worried because I changed into a completely different person. I didnt't want to get out of bed, didn't do any of the hobbies I loved, my fiancee was getting threatening to leave me, I started getting depressed and angry for no reason. After pleading with my Dr., we decided it was best to titrate off and start on Wellbutrin XL. I am also on another med to help with the depression so I knew I would be somewhat stable. WIthin the first few days of titrating off the Viibyrd I got the worst migraine of my life. My whole body got stiff and I could barely move without being in pain, I felt like I had the flu, I lost my appetite completey, my chest started feeling tight and i felt just worn out. That was almost a week ago today. So far, none of these symptoms have gone away yet. I would never wish this pain on anyone but I'm actually happy! I know this pain will pass and I will come out of this a stronger and better person for my poor fiancee who's been dealing with my cranky ass for far too long. Everyone who is going through this keep your heads up, it gets better.

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9

5 days with no viibryd feel itchiness inside the nose and allergy like symptoms, urge to rub my face and scalp, electric shocks when looking around quickly, a hypersensitivity in my neck when I take naps, the Simpsons are slowly going away and at this rate I estimate a month to complete recovery, gosh I want to mention it is frustrating these drugs are so dam complicated and viibryd is expensive and unaffordable even with insurance, and the docs are a**holes and the medical system suks no one cares and no doc has sympathetic and compassionate feelings for you, that's why groups of people with the same problem should gather and talk about the experiences, I find this more helpful than going to a doctor for a 200 bucks - 10 minutes appointment that leaves you with no progress.

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10

I too am tapering off of Viibryd. Have been on it 2 years and am sick and tired of weight gain (15 lbs), poor memory, non-existent libido, and inability to orgasm. The so-called evidence about it not affecting your libido like cheaper drugs is absolute BS. Took 1/3 off the 40 mg for a week, 20 for a week, and trying to go down to 10 starting tomorrow. Stomach issues and bad dreams have been the only side effects so far. The libido is already starting to reappear, thank the Lord.

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11

I have been on viibryd for over 2 years. About a month ago, I lost my job of 9 years because of alcohol. I've not been upset, happy, sad, or anything. It occurred to me that I'm no better for being on an antidepressant so I quit some days ago. I don't drink daily since I got fired, wake up call. While this withdrawal sh*t is something else, I don't feel the need to drown it. This accidental me-time has me thinking about how I got here. I worked hard for my career years ago. The last couple of years, I've drank more, cared less. Viibryd makes you numb, not happy. Numb gives consequences little impact. Im kicking myself for not seeing the big picture, hindsight's always 20/20. I chose to continue taking viibryd after I had sufficient time to accept and move on from the initial reasons I sought help. I was the driver of my life for 34 years and a passenger for the last 2. Being a passenger exempted me from dealing head on with my life, just going with the flow. I didn't have to deal with the loss of my child or my mother losing her mind. I became more of a spectator of a sort. As time passed, guess what? I didn't have to deal with anything! Some time ago though, the viibryd pooped out and I wanted to preserve the status quo. Ya don't need a 'script for beer. Enough wasn't enough until it was too much.
Now I sit scratching, spinning, remembering how hard it was to adjust to viibryd in the first place; insomnia, disassociation, gi issues(recurrent), the very first of many brain zaps,....and calm. I thought I gained control over my loss. Instead, I lost control. I haven't felt sadness, happiness, loneliness, fear, joy, etc., in a long time. The medication is not to blame, I wasn't depressed (or anything), it performed its function. I realize everyone and their situation is different. Any medication that messes with your head has potential for success or disaster. What's most common in these posts is lack of physician continuity of care. My outcome to date wasn't predictable because these medications are prescribed according to which drug rep last visited, what the last patient 'said' they done okay with, what your prescription plan will pay for, and so on, not because you are a short-term/long-term candidate, suffer from a chemical imbalance, were dealt a crappy life, or whatever YOUR situation may be.
This is my story. These are my decisions, my experience, my overall failure. If just one person finds this helpful, I've accomplished my intention. Meanwhile, I will tough out the dizziness, itching, nausea, insomnia, body aches, and whatever other withdrawal symptoms may present so that I can be me again.
Just an afterthought, I was on trazadone long ago for a short time when I was transitioning to a night shift job. My doctor actually took my situation into consideration. I complained of ongoing exhaustion and crankiness due to lack of sleep. I was on trazadone until I got a sleep routine established and was easily able to discontinue the med.

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12

My daughter stopped this drug cold turkey and is experiencing extreme itchiness. She was staying at a friends house for a while and thought it might be bed bugs or something like that, but it is not. She now has awful sores all over her body. Using calamine lotion helps a bit. How long did everyone's itching last may I ask? Is there anything that can be done to stop it?

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13

I too have started the forced phased withdrawal from viibryd, my dr. Retired with no replacement . I I have beed taking 40 mg for almost three years. I dad a start up pack i am using for my phase off, is 40 to 20 to 10mg and of course no doctor available to consult. I am 2/3 done with the 20 and am having some severe anger and anxiety issues. I also had my ambien cut off cold turkey. I can not find a psychiatrist with an openning for two months. Life sucks for me and my family.

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14

Today is my 8th day without Viibryd. I took it for a total of 3 weeks after my insurance quit paying for Lexapro. I tried generic Lexapro, had withdrawal symptoms and my doctor gave me the sample pack. After a week on the samples I wanted to die. The irony? I was not on this for depression, but for anxiety. He told me to increase the dose to 40 mg a day.
9 days ago I went outside to do some yard work. The Viibryd had been giving me some pretty bad side affects, I was trying to push past them. I had what felt like a heat stroke. My head felt like it was about to pop, my heart was racing and I could not get out of bed. The doctor told me to quit cold turkey.
This has been AWESOME (sarcasm). Every day is entering a new gate of hell! I was expecting the brain zaps, the nausea, the fatigue. But is has progressed into something new- this itching is driving me CRAZY and I have horrible nightmares. No Benadryl does not help, calamine lotion does not help, the only thing that helps temporarily is brushing my skin with a hair brush. To the point where I am bruised all over. Almost forgot! My lips and face swelled up today - that was fun. For some reason when I look in the mirror my features look different. It started when I began taking it.
Bottom line- 9 days down. Today is different from yesterday, so I must be making progress. All this for 3 weeks of taking Viibryd? This is not logical at all. If it has made such horrific changes to me in such a short period of time I cannot imagine the long term affects. For those of you suffering from debilitating depression, my heart goes out to you. Yes, my situation sucks and I am depressed, sad and cannot hold a conversation over 10 seconds with "coming off the top rope" but what I am going through is very minor compared to everyone trying to find a solution. I am going to continue to post my progress (or lack of)- if for no other reason then maybe it will help the next person. So for now, I am going to go brush my body and head with a bristle hairbrush, drink lots of fluids, take vitamins, and frankly be a miserable "B", and once I finally get to sleep (more like "if") I can look forward to some pretty vivid nightmares. C'mon tomorrow- you cant get here soon enough!

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15

Talked to the viibryd company with no help. They have no standard withdrawal plan and said your doctor should be able to help, if you have one that is.
I don't know what the head zap is, and I don't have the itching problems but insomnia and strong vibrio dreams are part of the symptoms.

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16

Hi, I am weaning off Viibryd. I have been on it for 2+ years ... I don't even remember. It was great in the beginning but the itching started to get out of control. If I was missed my dose, I scratched all night in my sleep and then if I was late for my dose and then it started happening even if I took my dose on time. I am weaning now and it is like missing your dose so struggling through this itch withdrawal is hell, no matter how slow I wean, it doesn't matter since the itch was happening even when I wasn't late on my dose by the end. I am down to cutting a 5 mg pill into thirds and still scratching like crazy. I wonder if I should just quit cold turkey and suffer and hope it ends sooner, maybe I am prolonging it by taking bits of it... I don't know. It is terrible. My depression / anxiety is mostly okay right now, my dreams are better but still a little bit of a problem. I just want to be done with this drug!

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17

Felt same way, the doctor put me back on the 40 and all is well...... For now

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18

manicmoe Hi I'm Connie. I read your post & saw that u too, take Adderall. I take 3-20 mg tabs in the am & 2-20 mg tabs at lunch. I take it for fatigue as I have Chronic Fatigue/Chronic Epstein Barr Virus & 3 other medical prblms that cause fatigue. I wasn't sure I understood why ur dr took u off Viibryd. Are u not suppose 2 take Viibryd & Adderall together??

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19

I know how you feel my doctor took me off Viibrad cold turkey I'm so nausea and dry mouth day 7 for me

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