Viibryd Side Effects (Page 8) (Top voted first)

What if any side effects are people experiencing on viibryd

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Hi spotsworth – I just decided to research any correlation between Viibryd and joint issues and am so appreciative that you have shared your story. I’ve been taking Viibryd since June ’13. I’ve suffered with some form of depression most of my life but it became pretty severe in ’13 so decided to ty my first anti-depressant. It has been an absolute miracle for my mental state. I’ve never felt more like myself and have been tremendously happy, mostly anxiety free and have much better coping abilities. However, I noticed about 9 months after starting Viibryd (spring ’14), I started getting weird joint issues. I just accepted it’s part of aging and I should minimize or adapt my workouts.

I’ve been a lifelong athlete (D1 college soccer player, 3-time marathoner, many half marathons, etc.). I became allergic to NSAIDs 4-5 years ago, so I significantly scaled back running and started pilates and yoga b/c I couldn’t take any anti-inflammatories (and running caused lots of inflammation in my feet and knees). That seemed to work well until last Spring and the last 9 months have been brutal. I attempted to train for a half marathon last May and after 10 days, my knee completely blew up (3 times the size), which resulted in pain meds and crutches until my Orthopedic doc gave me a 7-day course of Prednisone. I’ve taking Prednisone a bunch of times over the past 10 years for Sinus Disease (I also have Samter’s Triad which is related to Chronic Sinusitis) and know how well it can work for inflammation. I’ve never experienced Prednisone side effects like this though. While my knee was back to normal in two days, I felt like I had been in a car accident (horrible pain throughout my entire body and utter exhaustion – was sleeping 12-14 hours straight). And to add insult to injury, I put on 15 pounds just from the Prednisone (I had never experienced weight gain from this medication before). My Orthopedic suspected my knee might be a bigger arthritis issue so told me to keep an eye out for other joint/skin issues (the skin around my knee and down my shin was very red too) and referred me to a Rheumatologist.

I’m going back to my Rheumatologist next week for the third time. He’s tested me for Lupus, RA and a few other things…all tests came back normal. I’ve had a muscle enzyme and thyroid test which both came back normal. I’ve also been referred to a Neurologist for a sleep study which takes place next week to determine if I have sleep apnea and/or narcolepsy. Since I last saw my Rheumatologist 3 months ago, I’ve had some skin patches on my right lower back that won’t go away (which he told me to look out for in case it’s Psoriatic Arthritis), terrible back pains and the normal joint swelling/inflammation that spreads from my hands/fingers/wrists/elbows/feet.

I can’t believe it’s taken me this long to conclude Viibryd could be the culprit for all my recent physical issues. I’ve already contacted my Psychiatrist to start the weaning process as I’m hoping the awful pain and exhaustion starts to subside. Sorry for the novel, but wanted to share my story in hopes it could help others as you all have helped me tremendously.

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Yikes! I am replying to all who mention all over body pain. My short course of Vii in '12-'13 prob did cause my major body pain. By summer of '13, after Prozac, from taking that to get off of Vii, I saw a pain mgmt dr! I thought the pain was PN related from past chemo. But MY GOD have I went downhill w/ pain faster than I age (almost 42). I've been freaking bedridden & fin stopped the Cymbalta (from '13-'15/gained 30lbs!) & now doing great on 2nd try of Lexapro. It's early yet.

So in Fall of '13, saw a rheum. after oncologist noted my SED rate was 86! Holy moly! No wonder in so much pain. Get yours checked! She fin decided to listen to my complaints (since going on Vii!) about thinking I had MS! & she ordered labs for inflammation! CRP was also high. Labs don't lie. And I get labs done a lot. Granted, they nvr checked prior to Vii, but that's because I wasn't hurting to the bone all over! I nvr complained until after Vii!

So what does Forrest Labs know. Hmm....I am sure I'll be shot done from drug reps. My rheum says its Fibro now....until it "shows itself." He might be thinking Lupus? Or Cancer???

All I know is I had never read about achy posts 2-3 yrs ago. I was the one speaking out about demonic dreams.

Also, yes auditory hallucinations are very real w/ Vii. Mine came like a faint to loud bee over & over in my right ear & made my face flinch as I laid in bed. Thankfully, Prozac saved me. But I hate Prozac because of its reflux causing problems for me & it just makes me mad at my DH. Lol. The ultimate divorce drug for some!

Hang in there if on Vii. I was in the 60mg crowd. That was prescribed. And when I tried going down to 40 mg, it didn't work as well. I've learned I have more GAD & SAD. So SSRI's work better. Cymbalta was no AD & Lexapro is working was SAD! I stopped the Wellbutrin many mos ago because I needed Xanax by 4pm everyday on it. But boy, is that a great PURIFIED caffeine & mood lifter!??

If anyone wants to direct me to a convo page about all meds, I'd love to help. I do feel my experiences outside of Vii, are + & worth sharing.

Basically, I have run out of energy discussing Vii. Posts don't lie & no need for me to share my story anymore. I was sadly, attacked at every turn by a drug rep 1-2 yrs ago. She wanted me to "go away." Hahaha.

At that time...umm...no. I just made my voice louder! Hugs y'all!

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Margie-

By the way, not to dismiss you Dr but you could have cut the 20mg in half and taken 10mg before stopping. I'm sensitive to med withdrawn and I probably would have cut the 10's into 5's lol.

I think Drs wean many of us too fast. These pills are safe to cut. My prescribing Dr is a psychiatrist and pharmacist & said it was absolutely ok to cut these.

That's too late of advice as you've been off 2 weeks already. I will mention that flu like aches are also a top w/drawl symptom so maybe that is contributing to your joint pain right now as well.

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I've been on it for a yr now and slowly titrating down to get off of it. I've developed horrible joint pain in my fingers, hands, toes, feet & back. I can hardly walk & I have always been an active person. It hurts to put my feet on the floor in the mornings! I have to wear slippers b/c walking on a bare floor hurts too much. This is just the latest side effect. The first few months were great other than the vivid dreams. Then it turned into nightmares, I became very depressed & crying all of the time and I've gained 30 lbs. My eating habits have always been healthy but I can not loose the weight no matter how much I try. After I decreased from 40 down to 30mg it was like night & day difference. I felt normal and happy again. But that only lasted a few months again. This drug does not seem to stay stable and just quits working. I'm now down to 20 in an effort to get off of it. I am in so much physical pain unlike I've never felt before. Mentally I'm doing fine. I hope to be off in the next couple of weeks and see if the joint pain goes away.

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I have been on this drug for nine months and it is supposed to be taken at the same time everyday (I actually do set an alarm) and should be taken with at least 400 calories. When I do not follow these instructions I get brain zaps, sleep paralysis, and hallucinations. When I follow these two simple things I have virtually no side effects.

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I too have these same symptoms. I have talked to my GP several times about it and she seems think it has nothing to do with viibryd. In fact I have been sent to a neuro specialist and even had to get an mri of my brain. Everything looks normal, yet no cause for my symptoms. It feels like a seizure and lightening in my head along with horrible night terrors ! I have also felt the zaps in my throat when swallowing cold beverages. I feel them in my head with any change in temperature as well. Has anyone else experienced this?

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Lol! That's why I've been sharing my story a few times a year (when I get the emails on replies/love this site!). There's just something really creepy about an FDA approved drug that is so wonderful at causing sleep paralysis & such lucid (scary side) dreams.

Being that I am a Vii survivor, I don't dig for new info, but for those who take it, feel free to update as many of the Vii convo's out there w/ an explanation from the manuf. as to their opinion. Or perhaps there will be a legal suit that I would participate in.

I've posted before about the drugs ability to provide more than just zaps while weaning. I would consider it more like electric shock treatment! Nuclear like explosions complete w/ sound effects & a bright orange glow, all while sleeping peacefully! It's a harsh wake up. I've dealt w/ those sleeping (myoclonal?) seizures several times a week since taking Vii.

Anyone trying to escape Vii, talk to your Dr. & try Prozac when weaning. Or maybe? Lexapro? After struggling w/ Prozac not helping depression after Vii, then Cymbalta for 18?! mos or longer...weight gain....& still not feeling better, I decided to try Lexapro. I had 2 failed attempts due to overactive & exhausting dreams & went back to Cymbalta. Knowing that I really need a med for GAD (or I really feel blue by dreary weather!), I decided to give Lexapro a 3rd try. I've been on it for many mos. now & it works great. Just 10mg. I can tell it works a little like Effexor or Vii. I never had scary dreams on Cymbalta & Lexapro is ok or I would've stopped it by now. It's from Aurobindo Pharm & I know I need to remain w/ that pharm co. I am so certain that my prior 2 tries on Lexapro were made my a diff pharm co. I just couldn't wake up rested after having dreams about the contents of my home in some alley & having to move the contents back. Or super intense flying dreams. Now I just dream about losing my car. Boring, but so happy w/ boring dreams! Lol. Good luck everyone! Only you know how crazy meds :) will work for you. But, our brains are more similar than you think & that's why side effects are so similar w/ every med. But you have to ask yourself why...w/ Vii & such gory bloody evil dreams?!

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Yes! Other than the throat symptoms, I have had all of those and my docs (gp and psych) have said it's the Viibryd. Since I stopped taking it, they have all gone away. Symptoms did get worse at first, though, so I wouldn't recommend quitting without the guidance of a psychiatrist who is familiar with Viibryd. Hang in there!

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I was on Viibryd for a short time after my ex-primary care provider put me on it. This medication was a nightmare for me also. The brain zaps and hallucinations were so bad while I was on it that I ended up having to go to the emergency room at least 4 different times before I could see the psychiatrist there to change it. I now have TMJ as a result of taking this medication. If I knew that this drug was so bad I would have never let my doctor prescribe it to me.

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Yes. Worked perfectly for SAD, PMS, & GAD for me. I've commented many times about Vii. For me tho, it was after the sleep paralysis hit. I took it at night, missed a dose once, & had my 1st SP attack. (Well, each attack was like 20+ attacks as I fell in & out of sleep uncontrollably). Just be on the lookout for terror filled dreams. And if it happens, don't get down about it. Prozac worked perfectly to finally get off of Vii. And 3 yrs. later, I am doing much better on 10 mg. Lexapro by Aurobindo Pharm. It takes emotions out of situations, helps w/ all above. It's an SSRI. I've discovered that SNRI's work best for SAD & GAD. Which is basically want Vii is. I was also on Wellbutrin w/ Vii & be careful as that might be too much dopamine (forehead headaches), & cause anxiety & make chance of SP worse? Idk. Don't mean to frighten you. I've given up on WB after 7 yrs. on/off, due to anxiety. I was needing 2 (.25) Xanax by 4pm daily while on WB. Sad as WB works so well.

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Ditto side effects. Physicians have no clue.

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Re: Rob (# 594)

It’s been a year now since I got off vibryd and I’m still suffering the effects of it. I was on it for about 3 months and my anxiety got so high I felt I might explode. My joints ached so badly..... and my depression returned full force. I couldn’t eat or sleep and lost about 30 lbs. Now I take multiple meds to control the damage vibryd did to me.

I wish they’d take that med off the market.
I think it’s dangerous.

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44 yr old female...Oh my god...I thought this was a miracle med...Until I started reading this thread. I read me in most replies. The joint pain is worst! If I stop and relax at the end of a day at work on my feet, it's almost impossible for me to get moving again...Hips and knees and just in last couple days, my knee. I just thought (beating myself up) it was some slight weight gain and hard work at work-now I want to look at the bio. I've also been having reoccurring bad dreams about a specific event in my life that was horribly traumatic. I wake up sobbing. But- I felt that the depression was better. I've been on the drug rep. Sample as im between insurance and it's very expensive. I'm beginning to doubt now if I should rush to the dr and get back on my pill that was moderately working... I also just started seeing a therapist so I'm hoping I get some relief there...But now I'm terrified about the joint pain- why? What could this drug be doing to me? How are we all experiencing this joint pain and nightmares/bad dreams and "Seeing things"?...It takes me a cocktail of melatonin, benadryl and xanax to get to sleep and I haven't had a full night sleep in quite some time....Viibryd patient for 3 months.

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I'm keeping a log and here is my info for each day so far.

1 stomach cramps- diarrhea, insomnia
2 stomach cramps, diarrhea, nausea, brain zaps (after taking naproxen) insomnia
3 strong stomach cramp lasted ony for a few seconds- reg bowel movement, very calm after taking .5xanax which usually wouldn’t have helped too much because my dr has me on 1mg, but slightly irritated/anxious after apple cider. insomnia
4 no symptoms but didn’t take viibryd in the morning, took it at night
5 diarrhea in the AM only, probably because I took it last night before going to bed. No stomach cramps
6- very very tired all day.. drank 3 or 4 cups of coffee and they had no effect, loose stool but not diarrhea, irritated but not anxious. Not overly irrated, just annoyed for an hour or so.

Also on day 5 I went out with a friend, let her know to keep an eye because of the new bed and alcohol but I had 4 beers and felt completely fine the next day. Im not having any kinds of problems with drinking in moderation on this med but haven't been on it for too long so I will take it slow.

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I have been on vii for going on 4weeks. Switching from Zoloft to this. I have had not a lot os side effects but I did miss 1 day of taking my new meds and I will NEVER do that again. Dreams were bad and I woke up feeling like I wanted to cry all day. The dreams were so real and I couldn't stop!! Memory not the best but doc thinks this is all from changing meds. All I can do is hope this will all work out in the end and we have to hit rough patches along the way....which does suck! Please let me know if this has happened to you

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This medication was a disaster. 10mg, 20mg were ok, the jump to 40mg really messed me up. Extreme sadness and ANGER. Being treated for MDD, but this was NOT what I needed. Lost all interest in things. Pretty much did the opposit of what was needed. Didn't even go out to see my new motorcycle for over a month! Off it now and better in many ways.Going for a "break" for a bit before I try anything else.

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Yes that is a side effect buy a night guard for your teeth I had one made at the Dentist mine was expensive a local pharmacy ie :CVS,Walgreens haveit. Viibryd isvery
good expect I have had side effects I woke up with a swollen check I don't know if it is from the teeth grinding
and I had a horrible nightmare a few days ago and that abnormal mouth taste I am beginning to thing the side effects out way the good feeling when your health is being at risk

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When I first started i experienced a lot of nausea an stomach ache after taking the med. I am having bad side effects now that are more disturbing than a belly ache. Horrible nightmares/vivid dreams I wake in a cold sweat and don't ever feel rested. I also have been in a really hopeless, frantic and depressed mood. I know I am not myself. I also did very bad on Zoloft about 8 years ago. But this is worse.

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I am having the same problems. Nothing ever has ruined my sleep.... It is so scary isn't it. I wake up so disoriented!

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My 18 yr.old son started taking Viibryd about four weeks ago for depression and anxiety. Almost immediately, he was calmer, and with the help of some Ambien, has been sleeping. However, during the past week or so, he has been complaining of nightmares... specifically, of waking up in the night and thinking he's seeing people or animals in his room. At first, he just laughed it off, but last night, he said the bad dreams were relentless, and he was actually afraid. The warning labels say to report "hallucinations" to the doctor immediately, as they are signs of a serious side-effect, but do dreams count? He thought it might be the Ambien, but he skipped that last night, and the dreams were worse than ever. His plan is to wean back down to 20 mg. He was up to 40 mg for a few days, but cut back to 30 mg.

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