Viibryd Withdrawal: All You Need to Know

“Viibryd withdrawal symptoms can include headache, nausea, and dizziness as the most frequent, but other effects may also be present.”

– Talkspace therapist Svetlana Stuck, PA-C

Recognizing the signs of withdrawal can help you take care of yourself during the process. If things get too difficult, it’s essential to let your doctor know. They can suggest coping tools or other medications that might help.

Physical symptoms

Physical side effects of stopping Viibryd are common and can show up in several ways. You might feel new sensations in your body or shifts in your comfort level. You may feel sick in ways you don’t normally. Withdrawal side effects can range in intensity depending on factors like dosage, how long you’ve used a medication, and other personal health factors like weight and age. Most side effects are just your body’s response to chemical changes as the drug leaves your system. 

Physical symptoms of coming off Viibryd can include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Brain zaps (electric shock sensations)
• Tingling skin
• Sweating more than normal
• Diarrhea
• Nightmares
• Vivid dreams
• Fatigue
• Tremors
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)

Emotional and cognitive symptoms

There are several emotional and cognitive symptoms of Viibryd withdrawal. Coming off this medication can change how you think and feel. You might become anxious, sensitive, or more irritable. Mood swings and difficulty concentrating are also common. These are all normal reactions to stopping Viibryd, and understanding them can help you feel less worried if they do occur. 

Emotional and cognitive symptoms of coming off Viibryd can include:

• Anxiety
• Restlessness
• Mood swings or irritability
• Emotional instability or numbness
• Crying spells
• Confusion or brain fog
• Trouble concentrating 
• Memory issues
• Increased sensitivity
• Heightened stress response
• Depressed mood

Sleep disturbances

Sleep is often one of the first things that’s impacted when you stop treatment with a drug like Viibryd. It might be difficult to fall asleep, or you may wake up more often than usual throughout the night. It’s not uncommon to have nightmares or very vivid dreams. Sleep paralysis is another possible outcome of quitting Viibryd. You might be exhausted, but still toss and turn with insomnia most nights.

Sleep disturbances that can occur when coming off Viibryd can include:

• Insomnia
• Difficulty sleeping
• Nightmares
• Vivid dreams
• Feeling fatigued even after a full night’s sleep
• Frequently waking throughout the night
• Night sweats 
• Sleep paralysis (rare, but possible)

Strategies for Managing Viibryd Withdrawal

Fortunately, with the right strategies, information, and support, withdrawal from Viibryd doesn’t have to be unbearable. The following methods and tips can help you stop taking this medication safely and effectively with minimal or no noticeable side effects.

Gradual tapering

Your doctor will help you develop a plan that lets you gradually reduce your dose over time. The process can take several weeks, but a gradual approach helps minimize withdrawal symptoms by giving your body time to adapt while you slowly reduce the dose you take. 

Symptom management

Seeking professional help

Occasionally, Viibryd withdrawal symptoms can feel like too much to handle on your own, but you’re not alone. If you’re struggling, contact a mental health professional or your doctor for guidance and symptom management tips. If your withdrawal is severe, your doctor might slow your taper schedule even further or offer medications to help manage the most uncomfortable symptoms.

FAQs About Viibryd Withdrawal

Understanding as much as possible about Viibryd withdrawal will help you go through the process with less stress and more confidence.

How long does it take to taper off Viibryd?

Tapering off Viibryd can take one to two weeks, but longer tapers may last over a month. The more extended your taper plan is, the less likely you are to have withdrawal symptoms. This can be important if you’ve been on Viibryd for a long time or take a higher dose.

While there’s no universal tapering schedule for Viibryd, and randomized clinical data isn’t available, your doctor or a mental health professional can help. They’ll be able to determine a dose adjustment that works for you based on your symptoms and treatment experience.

A Viibryd taper schedule depends on several factors, including:

• Dosage
• Age and weight
• How often you take it
• Other medications you’re currently on
• Other substances you use
• Your personal health
• Other mental health conditions
• How physically active you are

How long do Viibryd withdrawal symptoms last?

Viibryd’s half-life is estimated at about 25 hours, meaning that after 25 hours, about 50% of the drug is still in your system. This means the drug can clear completely out of your body in about five days. A longer half-life typically means a drug will cause milder or delayed withdrawal symptoms. 

How does Viibryd compare to other antidepressants?

It’s important to consider potential withdrawal symptoms when starting or stopping a new drug. So, how is Viibryd different from SSRIs and other classes of antidepressants when it comes to withdrawal? Viibryd shares many withdrawal symptoms with common SSRIs, including nausea, anxiety, irritability, headache, sweating, insomnia, and dizziness. For example, when you compare Viibryd vs Lexapro, Viibryd is more likely to cause gastrointestinal issues and mood swings, while Lexapro often triggers “brain zaps.”

Moving Forward: Tapering Safely with Support

Coming off of Viibryd doesn’t have to be an overwhelming experience when you have professional support. With a gradual, guided approach, withdrawal can be minimal and manageable. Advocating for yourself and your mental health means you don’t have to go through medication changes alone. This is your journey, and you should have the tools you need to get through any alterations to your treatment plan as smoothly and efficiently as possible. 

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