Viibyrd

Posted by lorraine3 @lorraine3, Mar 9, 2018

I would be very interested to learn of anyone's experience with Viibyrd. I had been taking Paxil for years, but it was no longer working. I am a lifelong anxiety sufferer, and after doing some research, thought Lexapro might be best for me. However, doctor strongly believed Viibyrd was the way to go, so I switched to 10 mg Viibyrd one week ago. The side effects have been awful - brain zaps, vertigo, GI issues, nausea, brain fog. I have read that these side effects will not last forever, and that if you can get through the first horrible few weeks, the drug is a lifesaver for many. Can anyone in this group with real-life experience of Viibyrd comment? Thanks.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Depression & Anxiety Support Group.

Lisa Lucier, Moderator | @lisalucier | Sep 4, 2018

In reply to @ebeth "I did not see a response from anyone. I have been on Viibryd for 7 days...." + (show)

Hello, @ebeth -- welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Hoping that @shellminski @lorraine3 @parus @littlelulu @chipper will return and share some of their thoughts on vilazodone (Viibryd), including whether they had luck with it and whether (or if so, for how long) they may have had any suicidal thoughts with this medication. Also would love to see @susirep @anon40779520 @pixie115 @pinto @roxie43 @swager1884 @eazinn2001 @lexiesmom share some of their vilazodone (Viibryd) experiences and insights.

While waiting for the others to chime in, I thought you might be interested in reading some of this Mayo Clinic information on vilazodone (Viibryd): https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/vilazodone-oral-route/description/drg-20074798

How has the medication gone so far for you, @ebeth?

nic5 | @nic5 | Oct 25, 2018

I took lexapro for 2.5yrs and it worked great. I then went to pristiq because I believe the lexapro bottomed out. After 1.5 months on Pristique I had major depression/anxiety with suicidal visions. I then am now on Viibryd. This my third week on Viibryd 10mg the first week , 20mg the second week , 40mg the third week. I am having brain zaps if I take it a hour late. I expierence horrible sleep paralysis and nightmares plus worse anxiety and confusion/brain fog. Sent me to ER for 24hr hold. Wheening off now. Try GABA pentin.

Parus | @parus | Oct 25, 2018

@nic5 I am sorry you are having these scary experiences with medications. No one likes these type of events.

grldisney | @grldisney | Mar 14, 2019

Recently my doctor prescribed Viibyrd, after trying many many medications that didn't seem to help at all. Finally, my doctor gave me samples of Viibyrd. I noticed a huge difference within weeks. Went to turn in my prescription to the pharmacy............. A woppin $290 A MONTH. I was able to get a coupon to reduce it down to $168 a month, but even that is extremely crazy for my budget since my so called husband decided to take off to another state. His insurance sucks along with his sucky job, but that another story. Does anyone know how I can get it cheaper? I feel like this seems impossible, but i need to figure out a way so I can continue to eat.

Lisa Lucier, Moderator | @lisalucier | Mar 14, 2019

In reply to @grldisney "Recently my doctor prescribed Viibyrd, after trying many many medications that didn't seem to help at..." + (show)

Hi, @grldisney, and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. You may have noted I moved your post to this existing discussion on vilazodone (Viibryd) so that may connect with others who have experience with this medication. Simply click VIEW & REPLY in your email notification to get to your post and read through any past posts you'd like in this thread.

@nic5 @parus @ebeth @johnbishop and @hopeful33250 may have some thoughts for you.

Have you by chance spoken to the drug manufacturer to see if they offer any further patient assistance?

John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Mar 15, 2019

Hello @grldisney, I would like to add my welcome to Connect along with @lisalucier and other members. Have you looked into the patient assistance program? Here are a few sites that may help you get lower prices for Viibryd.

U.S. Patient Assistance Programs
-- https://www.allergan.com/responsibility/patient-resources/patient-assistance-programs/viibryd

Viibryd Savings Program
-- https://www.allergansavingscard.com/viibryd

Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Mar 17, 2019

In reply to @grldisney "Recently my doctor prescribed Viibyrd, after trying many many medications that didn't seem to help at..." + (show)

Hello @grldisney,

I am sorry to hear that the medicine that helps most seems to be out of your price range. Costs of prescription drugs is a real problem for many people. From what you have posted I'm assuming that there is no generic for this drug?

Some of the "warehouse pharmacies" like Costco and Sam's Club offer nice discounts because they buy such large quantities. I have often combined a GoodRx coupon with Costco's prices and come up with a better cost. Have you tried that?

Also, like Lisa, @lisalucier, said you might check with your pharmacist to see if the manufacturer offers some discounts based on financial need.

Often, pharmacists can be great resources for help with medications since meds are their main specialty. I would encourage you to talk with your pharmacist to see what other options might be available to you.

I would like to hear how you are doing with this. Will you post an update?

Parus | @parus | Mar 17, 2019

@grldisney There is a generic for Viibrid. Speaking with a pharmacist is a place to start. In my area if a Doctor prescribed a name brand the pharmacy cannot substitute with a generic without a doctor’s order. If you are seeing a doctor that won’t try the generic without having tried thus first I would be looking for another doctor. A doctor that won’t prescribe a generic is a red flag for me.