Viibryd Withdrawal Symptoms/life

I've been on Viibryd for about 2 years now, I think? I started on 10mg, then went up to 20, then 40. At first the side affects were bad--EXTREME dizziness, mood swings, some nausea...but all around no worse than Lexapro side affects...maybe even fewer side affects than with Lexapro. (I was told Viibryd was the "newer bumped up version" of Lex)

Anyhow--I am now tapering down to get off the Viibryd as I feel it's not working for me. I just feel stagnant, no better, no worse. Maybe worse? I'm not sure and can't tell until I'm off it I guess. I knew the withdrawal would not be fun. I've been tapered by my Dr. from 40mg for two weeks, to 20mg for two weeks, and now 10mg for two weeks. I am on day 3 of 10 mg, and last night i was a moody/crying/depressive/exhausted mess. Dizzy. Confused. Loss of train of thought. feeling "not good enough" in general. I hope it all passes. I know withdrawal can definitely make those feelings intensified and leave you feeling "what is WRONG with me?!" Also--I gained almost 20 lbs on Viibryd. Constantlly crave sweets/baked goods/sugar!! Almost unavoidably so! I've always been around 98 lbs (I'm very petite, small framed) and now weigh 117 at last dr. weigh in. The weight gain alone is a little depressing, but I've always thought I'd rather gain a little weight and feel happy! They just don't seem to be working anymore. So the only way my Dr. and I can figure if I'm better off without, is to taper off.

The withdrawal is totally scr*wing up my life for he moment, but I am hopeful i will all pass!! I do believe the exhaustion, moodiness, crying spells, dizziness, sometimes lack of appetite, craving of sweets, sleeping way too much, body aches, lower back pain, general "sick" feeling, and depression are temporary and intensified right now. I think the mental/emotional is the worst of it. :/

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Hi Melissa,

I'm so sorry to hear about all that you're going through. The side effects and withdrawal symptoms you've been experiencing are not uncommon. I find it interesting that some prescription medications cause the same problems that they are meant to treat, sometimes much worse! It must be very frustrating to go through all that.

Have you ever considered homeopathic treatments in addition to prescription meds? Essential oils are great if you've never tried them! Also, I know this is probably the last thing on your mind as of late, but studies show that exercise really does help to lift the mood. Personally, all of the endorphins that are created make an immense difference in my mood even when I'm feeling like there is no way out. I suffered from severe seasonal depression and the times that I forced myself to get off the sofa and get active, were some of the only times I wasn't hurting mentally.

I hope my input is helpful to you, please post back if you have any questions!

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melissa, i have social anxiety, panice attacks, anxiety attacks, agoraphobia. has crippled my life for 30jyr.so much cousleing, behavior therapy. so many pills over the years.they always made me worse. not on viibryd . first week was stomach issures, although manageable. on finishing my second week of treatment.also on xanax and make it so tolerablel i can tell a big difference. everyone reacts different and i wish u would just hang in there and ask doctor for for something to help manage adverse reactions. hang in there it will be woth it. i take it at night with trazadone to help sleep. works great and wake up early and ready to go, good luck. i sure do unerstand.

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To bill-- I gave them almost 2 yeasts to work. I've been on others before and am pretty aware of whether or not they are. ON viibryd (after the initial side effects) I was just stagnant. Not necessarily worse, just the same. That's why I'm not getting off of it. It's the withdrawals now that are bad.

Jenna-- you are so right about exercise. I know it is/would be helpful.... It is just so hard at some moments of withdrawal to kind of slap yourself and say "Get up and so something!" Lol. I used to be so into fitness and exercise before...

I guess this is actually day 6 of 10mg in my tapering off schedule. I think my body/mind feels more stable and adjusted to the mg change now. I'll stay on the 10 for scorner week or so then I'll be on nothing! I'm hoping after the initial withdrawal there I'll feel free and better! Then again, after withdrawal symptoms, there's gotta be a period of feeling somewhat better to just NOT feel withdrawal! I'll keep posting. There isn't too much out there about viibryd yet I feel.

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I have been of Viibryd for a week. went from 20 to 10.5 to 10 to 5 to 2.5 mg. I am still having horrible symptoms--dizzy, extremely irritable, internal tremor, extreme anxiety, no sleep unless sedative. Has anyone successfully detoxed from this drug and how long did the effects last after off the drug. I am finding this unbearable and I have family to raise, including special needs daughter. Please let me know how long this might take. AND I am thinking there must be some kind of recourse for putting this drug on the market. I know they tell POSSIBLE side effects, but it sure seems that way too m any are having extreme side effects. I am afraid these effects might be permanent

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BST - hope things are better. I'm right behind you with tapering off and am ready to be done with it. I travel extensively and need to be "up" and positive no matter my mood. Wishing you success and God bless you for the sacrifice you make for your special needs child.

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I was hospitalized with what I felt sure was an anxiety attack. Stress I am convinced can kill. My ( ex-primary physician) as of now had prescribed my meds. I took as prescribed. I had monthly check up and had a horrible pain and compression in my shoulder to neck area.,I ask the PA ( whom I saw 99% of time) to help me get off Viibryd. She gave me partial sample and explained how to take to safely get off. Hospitalized the primary doctor knew nothing of me. Therefore, I was blatantly removed from this med and other meds removed to half which put me in a tail spin of horrible withdrawal . 35 lb less from inanity to eat, shaking uncontrollably in stomach and bowel are. I found myself with impacted bowels( horrid removing 4-5 hr ordeal. This is just a highlight of what withdrawal . Please do not take this drug my no means!

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