This month a new antidepressant came to market. Viibryd continues the trend of ever stranger new drug names (generic name vilazodone) and comes with the claim that it won’t lead to sexual dysfunction in the vast majority of users. Whether this turns out to be the case will likely determine whether Viibryd is a hugely popular new drug or just another strangely named addition to an already saturated field of SSRI type antidepressants. Viibryd is technically in a class of its own, having both serotonin reuptake properties and functioning as a post synaptic partial serotonin agonist.
The SSRI drugs prevent the reuptake of serotonin from the space between nerve endings, and lead to an increased concentration of serotonin in this space. Viibryd in addition to this function is a partial serotonin agonist. An agonist is any drug that simulates the activity of a chemical in the body. This additional function could at least in theory alter the usually side effects of an SSRI as well as alter its potential benefits.
In two relatively small studies Viibryd was found to be effective as an antidepressant, but had a very low incidence of sexual dysfunction. Specifically the incidence of orgasmic dysfunction in women and ejaculatory delay or dysfunction in men was less than 3% and very near the rates with placebo. The published rates of these side effects with all of the currently available SSRIs, including fluoxitine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), paroxitine (Paxil) and others, as well as with the SNRIs like venlafaxine (Effexor) and Cymbalta are greater than 15%, and in my experience prescribing these drugs are even higher. By far the most common SSRI and venlafaxine side effects are various aspects of sexual dysfunction, especially orgasmic dysfunction. These are common enough and annoying enough that I often see patients in the office who have stopped their antidepressant medications because of their sexual dysfunction side effects.
The major factor that Viibryd is going to have to overcome is that there are several highly effective generic SSRI antidepressants on the market that are available on the discount pharmacy $4./ month offerings. As a branded antidepressant which will almost certainly be much higher priced Viibryd is going to have to show a clear benefit to gain traction in this highly competitive and saturated market. If Viibryd is found by patients and physicians to be as effective as the currently available SSRIs at treatment of depression, and really not cause orgasmic dysfunction in women and have a very low incidence of sexual dysfunction overall it is going to be a nice addition to our options for treatment of depression. I’ll reserve my judgement at this time, as prior releases of new SSRIs were touted as having lower likelyhood of these side effects. I remember the claim that Celexa side effects of sexual dysfunction were low, but in aftermarket experience Celexa (citalopram) turned out to cause only minimal if any less frequent sexual dysfunction that the SSRIs already on the market.
Viibryd is reported to have a bit higher incidence of gastrointestinal side effects than most of the SSRIs, and to avoid these side effects it is recommended that patients taper up fairly quickly in dosage. It will be interesting to see if this leads to taking an extra week or two for clinical efficacy. One of the issues we face in prescribing antidepressants in general is that they don’t work immediately, rather tend to take 2-4 weeks to start to help. Adding another week or two of ramp up in dosing may be a bit of a drawback to acceptance or Viibryd by patients. I expect the role of Viibryd to be as a second choice of an antidepressant in patients who experience bothersome sexual dysfunction on another SSRI, and Viibryd is tried as a way to avoid that problem.
Viibryd was developed by Clinical Data which was acquired by Forrest Laboratories earlier this year. Forrest also has Lexapro and Celexa as branded antidepressants, and is expected to make a big marketing push for this new product. From the surge of drug reps at my office it certainly seems like they are throwing all of their weight behind I’m anxious to see if Viibryd lives up to its marketing hype and really does work without causing sexual dysfunction. If so I expect it to be hugely successful. The market for antidepressants is huge, with Effexor and Cymbalta, two branded SNRIs having sales of over $2 billion annually. Expect the $1.1 billion Forrest paid for Clinical Data to be a bargain if Viibryd works as advertised. I plan to go slow and see how this all pans out.
Just started Viibryd. I am researching it and found this thread. My fear is weight gain. I see alot of comments about sexual function however what is the general results with weight? I have took paxil effexor and massive weight gain and lost it all recently and now I am terrified of being on anti depressants again.
Has anyone ever complained about having problems with there lungs? Been on V for 5 days and my lungs hurt after I take the 10 mg pill..Took myself off and I feel a lot better…Guess I need to call my Dr…
Ashley: Your symptoms are from Effexor withdrawal. They should pass with time, be patient. DrP.
Last week, I attempted to stop taking Effexor by cutting my 75 mg/day dose down to 37.5/day. I had HORRIBLE side effects and my PCP and I decided to try Viibryd. I am on day 4 of the starter pack (10 mg and no Effexor) and I am still dealing with motion-sickness like dizziness. I am also having a difficult time pinpointing what time of day to take my medicine. I always took my Effexor at night and I wonder if taking the Viibryd in the a.m. is what is causing me to have such awful dizziness throughout the day. When I took the Viibryd at night on the first night, I had insomnia. My frustration level is peaking and I am about ready to throw in the towel and just go back to being fat and happy on Effexor. Can anyone give me any suggestions?
John: This seems odd. I have no advice except to discuss this with your physician. DrP
I’ve been off Viibryd for 6 weeks, (I quit it cold turkey after about 3 weeks after I became incredibly depressed), and am still experiencing side effects. I’m scared. Still have sexual dysfunction, as well a weird numbness everywhere, some digestive issues, and my previous OCD/Anxiety symptoms are not coming back like before. Basically it’s like I’m still on it.
I’m really worried. Any advice would be appreciated.
Scot: Everyone is different. Often sexual side effects of SSRIs are not dose dependent. DrP.
Dr. P.
I’m on day 9 of Viibryd at 10 mg and am having sexual side effects in the form of low libido and delayed ejaculation. Much milder than what I experienced on other SSRIs but still frustrating especially given Viibryd’s claims. I’m hesitant to increase my dosage to 20 mg. Is it safe to assume these side effects will be worse at 20 mg?
Gloria: Those are fairly common side effects. DrP.
I’m on my third day of V at 10mg. I feel very drowsy with a slight headache and I still feel shaky and anxious. I was told it would take a week for the medicine to actually make me feel better. I was given V for anxiety…..is anyone else taking this medicine for anxiety? Is the drowsiness normal? I feel like i’m drunk during the day. Is that normal?
Pixieth: There are no regularly effecive antidotes to the sexual dysfunction side effects of the SSRIs. There are really no consistently effective and safe diet pills. If you mean phentermine it could have Serotonin excess type side effects added to Viibryd. DrP.
My boyfriend has been tasking Viibryd for 4 weeks now and he has experienced sexual disfunction (not everytime-but enough that its is frustrating). Also it has zapped his energy. What can he do to counter act these side effects? Is there something he can take to get his energy back? He was taking a diet pill too…is that ok to take with this med? Thank you!
I have been on 10 mg of Viibryd for 7 days now. I have had no appetite, I have thrown up almost every day, I can’t sleep, terrible diarrhea, and headaches. My doc added this to counteract the anxiety I get with wellbutrin 150 mg. I also take 30 mg of buspar. (I’ve had 5 of the major life events in the last 12 months, so please don’t judge.) Then I found out today, even with insurance it will cost me 100 a month. NO THANK YOU! I will just have to up my buspar and see if that helps.
I have been on Viibryd 40 mg. for over a year. I’m not quite sure how it is affecting my depression but I will say I have experienced some light headiness at times and don’t know if that’s attributable to the drug. In addition, if by some chance I don’t take the pill even one day by mistake, I wake up horribly exhausted, light headed and could cry all day. Is this normal?
Amanda: Nausea is more common than diarrhea. Can start at any dose, usually only lasts a few days or a week or two. The rest of your questions have no set answer. DrP.
I just started taking Viibryd this morning and why I decided to look up the reviews afterwards, I’ll never know! I am terrified of becoming nauseous… No one has said when the nausea starts? I am taking half of my Zoloft while on the first row of pills on the starter pack, did anyone else get onto this med. this way? I already have internal hemorrhoids and don’t need more uncomfortable bowel movements, however, I am young and feel that I should be enjoying a healthy sex drive and I’m not! Is this the right med for me to try?
PAD: I know of no supplements to help. DrP.
I have been taking Vybrid since March and now cannto aceive orgasm.
From what I am seeing in the posts, Forest’s labs claims re: rate of sexual dysfunction side effects appear to be severely skewed.
I do think Vibryd is working on my anxiety/depression, but inability to achieve orgasm causes a new anxiety, albeit minor in comparison.
Are there any supplements I can take to help achieve orgasm?
I have never felt better in my whole life!!! In the past, I’ve tried just about everything on the market for gerenalized anx. I could’nt have a an orgasam for well over a year while on Paxil. I have been on Viibryd for a little over a month and I would be happy to stand up in front of a tv camera and profess my love for this stuff. Even my wife sees the diffrence in me, and our sex life.
Marie B: If anorgasmia is a side effect this early it is not likely to improve with time. It is a side effect common to most SSRI meds, but possibly less common on Viibryd. DrP.
Just started the 20mg dose, 2nd week. Can not have an orgasam. Very frustrating. Should I keep taking it and see if that gets better with time?
I am wanting feedback from people who take Viibryd for an anxiety disorder, and NOT for depression. I was diagnosed with Agoraphobia in 1998, and I have been on Paxil every since. It works fine for everyday anxiety, but not for my “major” situations….planes, heights, roller coasters (which I used to LOVE)!! My Dr. gave me a couple sample packs of V to take with my Paxil since I need to taper down the Paxil. I’m not concerned about the sexual side effects, but more with the GI issues. Where I work, I can’t be sitting on the toilet all day!! I’ve also read on here about sleep/dreaming issues. One of my main concerns is that I have read that people have felt anxious on V!?! Since I want to try this to rid my anxiousness, that is a HUGE side effect I don’t NEED nor WANT…lol ANY and ALL responses would be greatly appreciated from people with my disorder and/or from Dr. Pullen. SCARED to death to start taking this, and won’t until I hear from you guys…THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!
Christie: The intestinal symptoms are common, sometimes resolve with time. You need to discuss these with your physician. DrP.
I have been taken Viibryd for about a week and have noticed abdominal pain, major headaches, back pain, nervousness, bruising, nausea/vomiting and bloody diarrhea. I have Crohn’s disease and do not need to have any more complications….dont know what to do.
I’ve only been on it for 4 days at 10 MG and already it’s worked better than anything I’ve taken before. As a single dad, I haven’t lost my temper at my daughter and nothing has stressed me out. I feel sort of dazed but maybe that’s just cause I’m not used to feeling so relaxed and not uptight. I find myself whistling and talking excitably to myself (hope that’s not too weird of a side-effect, if it’s considered one). Another thing is my dreams have been very vivid-even just short naps.
Started 5 days ago after 6 months of Celexa, Prozac and no orgasms. I have IBSc and have had loose stools for 3 days. No complaint there. I was taking Prozac for OCD, anxiety, and depression. I ALSO have Epilepsy, take Lamictal and Klonopin. I have an appt with my neurologist in 3 days, I’m sure since Viibryd is so new there aren’t very many studies of people with Epilepsy taking it. Scares me, but the Prozac “withdrawl” symptoms would not go away after 6 weeks(dizziness & sweats), after 5 doses of Viibryd they have finally gone away.
My daughter was given this drug. Took it for 6 weeks. Started with mild digestive problems that worsened over time. Last 2 weeks on drug she had constant nausea, no appetite, and diarrhea. She felt so bad she would not get out of bed. She has been back on Prozac a week but her digestive track has not fully healed. What the heck does this drug do to your gut? This drug did not help her at all — it really sat her back! Wish she had never taken it!!!
I have been on just about every SSRI on the market. My Doctor put me on Viibryd and for the first two weeks, I would spontaneously wretch, had horrific diarrhea and what can only be described as brain zaps. However, I’m a month in now and it was all of a sudden that I experienced a rush of energy and my desire to have sex came roaring back. It has been many, many years since I have been able to orgasm without struggle. My depression has lifted, I can have incredible sex again, and the nausea is gone. For those things I will take the diarrhea and brain zaps!!!
Hello,
This is my first post on a depression related forum. Been on Viibryd for 6 days @ 10mg. My only complaint is the GI issues which i was hoping would only last 3-4 days. I take my pill with food (high protein, carbs, fruit) and I still usually get diarehea 2-3 hours after taking it. It seems to clear up 4-5 hours after I take the pill.
I have not had any sleep issues or any other problems. I did notice a delayed orgasm last night, but then tonight I didn’t…so maybe it was just me? LOL.
Anyway, I can’t tell if it’s working. I feel like my energy level is higher but tough to tell. I might try to taper up to 20mgs tomorrow and see what happens? If I have GI issues for more than 3-4 more days I might give it a rest.
I was on Wellbutrin and felt AMAZING…only problem was it hightened my anxiety and made me sweat really bad. Was on it 5 weeks and had to stop.
Lexapro made me a zombie, had to take naps all the time…delayed orgasm, low libido, and gained 10 lbs. Awful.
I am almost done with trying meds honestly.
Vic: GI side effects are common. If they persist after 9+ weeks there is a good chance they may not resolve with more time in my opinion. As always no guarantee these are from the Viibryd, and if a concern you need to see your physician to see if other causes need evaluation. DrP.
I’ve been on 40 mgs of Viibryd for 9 1/2 weeks. It’s working fine except for many stomach cramps after eating lunch. Is this unusual or should I give it more time for this side effect to go away?
Viibryd was bad news for me. Took it for three weeks and had every side effect listed. Nausea, diarrhea, muscle twitches, pain in arms and legs, night sweats, horrible dreams, panic attacks in the middle of the night. Overall, I felt like I was being poisoned. Pain in forearms and hands continues after two weeks off the drug.
Previously, I had taken Lexapro for a year with no problems except itching hands and feet.
I was diagnosed with PCOC and some patients with that have anxiety and depression. My OBGYN sent me to a psychiatrist to help when the wellbutrin was not helping with my mood and panic attacks. I have been taking this for a week along with Ativan for when the anxiety gets to high levels till Viibryd settles in and I regain better coping skills. I do have bad nausea, stomach pain a bit when I take it with lunch and get tired where I fell asleep between 8:30 and 9:00 pm. I tried switching to the night time last night but had a bad nights sleep and my next dose is up to 20 so I hope the symptoms don’t worsen. This drug is really helping me not to blow my top with my 3 kids and traveling husband. So far good I hope the nausea will go away.
I have been on Viibryd since December. I have decided to ask my doctor to take me off it when I see her on Monday. I was hospitilized in January due to Seretonin syndrome-I was previously on Ultram (tramadol) for fibromyalgia and it was not completely out of my system prior to my psychiatrist ramping me up to 40mg. Even though that situation got straightened out I just can no longer deal with the extreme fatigue and Diarrahea! I always take it with a meal, not just “food” but a MEAL and it almost always gives me horrible diarrahea the next few times I eat anything. IF it was helping my depression more than it is, I MIGHT think about staying on it, but it really isn’t helping anymore. When I first started taking it, I thought it was great I really could feel a difference, but now…not really. When you spend most days sitting on a couch crying watching the world go by, something isn’t right. Most days I really don’t care if tomorrow comes for me or not, so I guess it is time to try something else. I just don’t understand why it seemed to help at first, and now nothing. Same thing every other antidepressant has done.
I have bi-polar depression and have had depression all of my life. The only one that really helped me was Prozac. I was on it for 13 yrs. and then it stopped. I’ve taken so many anti-depressants and I’m on Wellbutrin 100mgs. I’m extremely sensitive to medications and I can’t even go up on the Wellbutrin. My doctor gave me Viibryd to try and he told me that it shouldn’t bother me sexually. He had two other patients on it and one didn’t have any problems and the other did. I said I would try. I had such high hopes. I started out 10 mgs. after a few days I started having nausea, cramps, my restless legs got worse and my atril fibulation increased due to rapid heart rate and fluttering. I wasn’t going to give up and then it was time for the 20 mgs. I couldn’t even tolerate it for one night. I was up all night. My arms and legs felt like they were running with electricity in them. I was so disappointed. Viibryd did help me get to sleep, but it couldn’t keep me to sleep. I only get about 3 hrs. of sleep each night. My sexual side effects decreased more and more even though I went back down to 10 mg. I did have a decrease in appetite which was good. I hope others have good results from this medication. I don’t understand why an anti-depressant is suppose to make you happy and then takes your sexual satisfaction away. How depressing is that?
I’ve been on Viibryd for 5 weeks. 10mg the first week, 20mg weeks 2 through 4. I had bad gastro effects and some nausea for the first 4 weeks and was experiencing increasing worsening sexual side effects, beginning with difficulty ejactulating and then ultimately difficult maintaining an erection, and mood had improved from depressed to adequate (though frustrated with the side effects). The doctor lowered the dosage from 20mg to 10mg and added 150mg of Wellbutrin XL. It’s been 5 days since then. The gastro effects have decreased somewhat but are still present, but the sexual dysfunction is there. I’m tempted to cease taking it altogether tomorrow.
As a male who has suffered with erection and ejaculation problems with other SSRI and SNRI I had high hopes for Viibryd. It started fine but after 3 months I had to stop the drug, the side effects were so bad. Even tried 2 or 3 day “pill holidays” but with little effect. Returned to normal sexual function after 1 week off Viibryd. Very disapointed. Also, I had to take Imodium every day w/Viibryd because diarrha was so bad. This is no wonder drug.
Eileen: The bowel symptoms often improve with time, though not always. Most SSRIs, and Viibryd, can take 3-4 weeks to start to see major improvement. Everyone is different. Hope you do well. DrP.
Ive been on Zoloft for years…worked but no sex drive…after 11 years stopped working…switched to Celexa…no change… Tried pristiq but felt dizzy and anxious. Sent back to Paxil …fatass and too many life stressors left me depressed… Decided to ask about viibryd. So far I’m on day 8 had very big blow up mood wise yesterday .and some bowel issues… Early on. I still feel moody and wonder if this ramping up of the Med will work. I started exerscing again. ..but I’m tired of feeling like crap and unappreciated….typically his long until I feel better? Being on SSRI s forever I figured thus would work maybe differently . Will thus irritability go away soon? Hard to sleep ( I wAbted to sleep all the time before) is this a sign that the chemical is finding it’s way around my body? Please advise
Scott Carter,…
If you are in your 2nd or 3rd month, don’t despair,..For about a month I could not either buddy,.. or at least it was quite a challenge,… Just press through it!,.. I did, because I was so desperately,.. Depressed,.. and just as soon as it was an issue,.. It was not! hang in there,.. it WILL pass!
Marsha: This is not a typical symptom. I’d suggest discussing this with your physician. DrP.
I have been taking Vyiibryd for 7-8 weeks now. The main side effect I have is having difficulty waking up in the mornings without extreme difficulty. I have been late for work on a few occasions due to this problem. I am now on 40mg so should I cut the pills in half to see if it corrects this side effect? I have Fibro with CFS and it definitely has controlled my fibro symptoms and given me more energy during the day after I finally get myself awake.
This Drug is a MIRACLE!!! I have taken everything on the face of the earth for the last almost 20 years… and it has always been off,..on,…off,..on, because the sexual side effects were far to much,.. Even on old faithful Wellbutrin,..and like my first Psychiatrist said, “Michael, most men would rather be depressed then have their, “other man down there” not working”. The day I took my first 10mg dose, I FELT IT! Then I thought,.. Maybe I am just crazy? It couldn’t be! But it WAS ! I began taking Viibryd, 2 weeks after approval, like the end of June,.. I feel better than I have in YEARS!! One small note,.. I did have some sexual retardation,..(orgasmic) issues on about the 2nd month,.. But because the drug was so AMAZING, I wanted to press through, because it claimed it had no sexual side effects,.. I am happy to say after the month passed everything returned to,.. BEYOND NORMAL,.. BETTER THAN NORMAl,.. It was like I had been missing a part of my sexual WOW for the last 10 years.. Almost 9 months into treatment with Viibryd, and I am Thrilled with the results! Thanks Forest Labs!!!!
I have been taking Viibryd for 3 weeks now.Insomnia,Nausea,Major headaches,Fatigue and Diarrahea have not let up since starting Viibryd!I am also experiencing sexual side effects.Not sure if this is the right medication for me.
My doctor just told me about this medicine and I am anxious to give it a try. I have tried many drugs over the years for my depression, and all I want to do is sleep. I just want to feel like eveyone else, normal.
I am currently on Viibryd after trying Lexapro and Cymbalta. Cymbalta worked wonderful for my symptoms on anxiety and minor depression but I became so fatigued that it would interfere with my work! My Dr gave me Viibryd and I love it! I had minor stomach ache for a day but it is great. My issue is that insurance companies are NOT covering it. My Dr even tried explaining the others caused major fatigue and they are still not covering it. I can’t do 115.00 per month!
But, my opinion is that this is a breakthrough!
Steph: Maybe worth a try. Ask your doctor. DrP.
My psychologist suggested this antidepressant after Lexapro gave me a horrible ringing in my ears. I was just going up from 2.5 to 5mgs. He believes me to be serotonin sensitive. My main issue is anxiety for which I’m on a benzo now. I don’t want to be on a benzo any longer (4 mos) because of dependance, I’m very afraid of that. I need something to help with panic attacks and GAD. I’ve tried Paxil, Zoloft, Wellbutrin, Celexa and Trazadone. I’m at the end of my rope. Would Viibryd be a viable option for me?
I may be the first person on here to have the sexual side effects. I am happy with Viibyrd for stoping the mood swings and depression but I am experiencing lack of ejaculation during sex.
Jdizzle: With other SSRIs I’ve not had success adding bupropion for sexual dysfunction help. Talking to your doctor about maybe reducing the dose seems reasonable. DrP.