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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 10 to 34 of 125. Go back in thread:
Posted by joe schmoe on July 6, 2011, at 21:12:33
In reply to Day 3 of Viibryd, posted by joe schmoe on July 3, 2011, at 15:47:30
So far this feels very much like a straight Celexa withdrawal. Fatigue, can't get a full night's sleep, and lot of napping or attempted napping. When I stand up or move around (or look around) I get dizzy.
Had an episode last night of feeling hot, sweating and a racing heartrate/fast pulse for about an hour. Both are symptoms of serotonin syndrome, but fortunately they went away.
I'm curious what Viibryd feels like to someone starting it "clean." For most people I suspect it will be like it is for me: as much about stopping the previous antidepressant as it is about starting Viibryd.
I bought some more dark chocolate because it actually tastes pretty good, unlike a week ago. I am using it as a taste test, since I am curious whether my perception of bitterness will increase as the Viibryd dose goes up the way it increased while on Celexa.
Posted by bearfan on July 6, 2011, at 22:14:41
In reply to Day 6 of Viibryd, posted by joe schmoe on July 6, 2011, at 21:12:33
I've also started Viibryd. So far if I'm not really impressed. It's somewhat sedating, but not overly so. Have not been super social or feel much more in the way of motivation (although this could be the depression). Reminds me of Lexapro (not overly sedating or activating). I would like to give it at least 2-3 weeks before re-evaluating.
Posted by joe schmoe on July 7, 2011, at 21:45:36
In reply to Day 7 of Viibryd, posted by bearfan on July 6, 2011, at 22:14:41
Well, I am on Day 7.
Tried a couple of beers tonight, a Scotch Ale and a Milk Stout. Both are relatively sweet beers (the former due to caramelized malts, the latter due to the addition of lactose, a non-fermentable sugar, to the beer) yet they both tasted somewhat bitter to me and not sweet.
I wonder if this means my serotonin levels are rising again towards Celexa levels. Not much point in drinking beer if it tastes like this.
Still feeling very dizzy and strange when I am standing up and walking around. Going to the food store was not particularly pleasant. I still blame this on Celexa withdrawal though, since I have experienced the same thing before when stopping Celexa.
Posted by Phillipa on July 7, 2011, at 21:48:13
In reply to Re: Day 7 of Viibryd, posted by joe schmoe on July 7, 2011, at 21:45:36
Brain zaps the tiniest piece of a second where you turn your head or eyes and feel dizzy? Phillipa
Posted by joe schmoe on July 8, 2011, at 0:11:38
In reply to Re: Day 7 of Viibryd » joe schmoe, posted by Phillipa on July 7, 2011, at 21:48:13
> Brain zaps the tiniest piece of a second where you turn your head or eyes and feel dizzy? Phillipa
Well, "dizzy" is putting it lightly. More like "altered state of reality" often accompanied by a tingling sensation or worse.
I seem to have a harder time than most coming off Celexa. The effects can last for months for me. I am kind of surprised that the Viibryd is not preventing it. I guess the dosages are not comparable.
Posted by bearfan on July 8, 2011, at 0:40:46
In reply to Re: Day 7 of Viibryd, posted by joe schmoe on July 8, 2011, at 0:11:38
My experience with Lexapro/Celexa withdrawals haven't been that hard to deal with. I did have quite a bit of trouble with Paxil and Effexor however. There is some dizziness accompanied by Viibryd, which might be associated with some of the Serotonin agonist activity much in the same way in how Buspar has. Unfortunately, Viibryd hasn't been on of those drugs that 'kicks in' fast. I've been on it for a little more than a week and haven't been really impressed with ability to make me more proactive in social environments or make me more motivated. There is however, a noticeable anxiolytic effect, which I hope continues. As far a side effects, there are some spaciness, laziness, dizziness and tiredness that are noticeable, and slight digestive issues (although not as bad as some other SSRIs). I want to try to give it at least 3-4 weeks, before deciding to go back to something stronger.
Posted by joe schmoe on July 8, 2011, at 2:07:07
In reply to Re: Day 7 of Viibryd, posted by bearfan on July 8, 2011, at 0:40:46
Well yeah, the first week you are only at 10 mg, the second 20 mg, you don't even start the recommended final dose till the third week (40 mg) so if you are using a starter pack like me, I definitely wouldn't judge it for a month or more at least.
Posted by Phillipa on July 8, 2011, at 19:52:53
In reply to Re: Day 7 of Viibryd, posted by joe schmoe on July 8, 2011, at 2:07:07
Comes in a starter pack? Any reason why I wonder? Phillipa
Posted by joe schmoe on July 8, 2011, at 23:31:25
In reply to Re: Day 7 of Viibryd » joe schmoe, posted by Phillipa on July 8, 2011, at 19:52:53
> Comes in a starter pack? Any reason why I wonder? Phillipa
Probably because of the three different dosages you use when titrating up, or whatever it's called when you increase dosage over time.
Posted by joe schmoe on July 9, 2011, at 15:07:09
In reply to Re: Day 7 of Viibryd, posted by joe schmoe on July 8, 2011, at 23:31:25
Well, I don't want to get too graphic, but the sexual side of things is definitely improving in every way.
Had "morning wood" for the first time I can remember in years!
Posted by Phillipa on July 9, 2011, at 19:16:36
In reply to Day 9 of Viibryd, posted by joe schmoe on July 9, 2011, at 15:07:09
I guess that's good!!! Phillipa
Posted by sigismund on July 10, 2011, at 2:18:59
In reply to Re: Day 9 of Viibryd » joe schmoe, posted by Phillipa on July 9, 2011, at 19:16:36
>I guess that's good!!!
It most certainly is, and suggests to me as well that you had some deep sleep.
Posted by joe schmoe on July 10, 2011, at 12:39:25
In reply to Re: Day 9 of Viibryd, posted by sigismund on July 10, 2011, at 2:18:59
I am pretty convinced at this point that the dizziness/spaceyness I have been feeling lately when standing up is not purely Celexa withdrawal, it is due to the Viibryd. There is no doubt that I feel much more dizzy as the day and evening go on (I have been taking Viibryd with breakfast, which for me is around noon). So I am going to switch to taking it shortly before bed (always with food) and see how that goes.
Hopefully the dizziness is just a temporary effect of getting used to the drug. In any case taking it at night should help.
I should mention I have had a few instances of restless leg syndrome while waking up from a nap in my easy chair. I have had this before from time to time over the years, so it is nothing alarming, especially since it only lasted a few minutes (I think it happened twice in the past ten days). But it is a weird enough sensation (if you've never experienced it, I can't convey what it's like) that I want to note it before I forget. Hasn't happened in bed at night, fortunately.
Posted by mtdewcmu on July 10, 2011, at 15:49:32
In reply to Day 10 of Viibryd, posted by joe schmoe on July 10, 2011, at 12:39:25
> I am pretty convinced at this point that the dizziness/spaceyness I have been feeling lately when standing up is not purely Celexa withdrawal, it is due to the Viibryd. There is no doubt that I feel much more dizzy as the day and evening go on (I have been taking Viibryd with breakfast, which for me is around noon). So I am going to switch to taking it shortly before bed (always with food) and see how that goes.
Part of Viibryd's effect is the same as Buspar. Buspar made me dizzy.
Posted by Lamdage on July 10, 2011, at 18:49:17
In reply to Re: Day 10 of Viibryd » joe schmoe, posted by mtdewcmu on July 10, 2011, at 15:49:32
Id like to see more new meds coming.. new maoi. how sweet would it be to have a nice variety
Posted by bearfan on July 10, 2011, at 18:55:19
In reply to Re: Day 10 of Viibryd, posted by Lamdage on July 10, 2011, at 18:49:17
There already is a new maoi in the works; it called tririma
No diet restrictions and as strong as the traditional ones. Its a strong Rima.
Posted by mtdewcmu on July 10, 2011, at 19:49:38
In reply to Re: Day 10 of Viibryd and new moai, posted by bearfan on July 10, 2011, at 18:55:19
> There already is a new maoi in the works; it called tririma
> No diet restrictions and as strong as the traditional ones. Its a strong Rima.That sounds almost too good to be true. Which part of Tririma eliminates the tyramine effect? The fact that it's reversible? Or the fact that it's selective for MAO-A? Wikipedia says MAO-A breaks down serotonin and norepinephrine, but MAO-B breaks down dopamine. So wouldn't Tririma sacrifice some effects on dopamine?
Posted by Phillipa on July 10, 2011, at 19:51:03
In reply to Re: Day 10 of Viibryd and new moai, posted by bearfan on July 10, 2011, at 18:55:19
Bearfan an oral med or patch? I can see the patch not requiring diet restriction but a pill goes through the digestive system? When's it due out? Phillipa
Posted by bearfan on July 10, 2011, at 20:14:21
In reply to Re: Day 10 of Viibryd and new moai » bearfan, posted by Phillipa on July 10, 2011, at 19:51:03
As far as I know its oral. Its similar to moclobermide but much stronger and taken one a day instead. Its in stage 2 trials do it should be availible a year or two. Although it wouldn't be a first line treatment
Posted by bearfan on July 10, 2011, at 20:15:51
In reply to Re: Day 10 of Viibryd and new moai » bearfan, posted by Phillipa on July 10, 2011, at 19:51:03
As far as I know its oral. Its similar to moclobermide but much stronger and taken one a day instead. Its in stage 2 trials do it should be availible a year or two. Although it wouldn't be a first line treatment
Posted by jhj on July 11, 2011, at 6:24:10
In reply to Re: Day 10 of Viibryd and new moai, posted by bearfan on July 10, 2011, at 20:15:51
One or Two years? i think you are too optimisticjhj
Posted by joe schmoe on July 12, 2011, at 15:52:11
In reply to Day 10 of Viibryd, posted by joe schmoe on July 10, 2011, at 12:39:25
Taking the Viibryd at night has gotten rid of the dizziness. Furthermore, my sense of taste has improved again - beers and dark chocolate taste pretty good, not too bitter. The longer between taking the medicine and tasting the food, the better, as far as bitterness is concerned.
Three more nights (including tonight) of the 20mg and then, onto the 40mg...where I'll really find out what this medicine feels like.
Posted by joe schmoe on July 15, 2011, at 13:47:47
In reply to Day 12 of Viibryd, posted by joe schmoe on July 12, 2011, at 15:52:11
Have been having trouble sleeping. I never had this when starting an ssri, then again I normally took them in the morning. I think a lot of these effects are probably temporary. Today I take my first 40mg pill. I don't want to do it during the day as I have a lot of work to do and don't want to risk the dizziness and fatigue returning. I will probably take it earlier in the evening though than I have been. Once I get a day when I can afford to experiment I will try taking it in the morning again - maybe I am used to the medicine enough for the dizziness to be gone (or maybe it was a parting present from going off Celexa).
Posted by iforgotmypassword on July 18, 2011, at 15:37:27
In reply to Re: Day 10 of Viibryd and new moai » bearfan, posted by mtdewcmu on July 10, 2011, at 19:49:38
that the 5-ht1a agonism is actually there, despite the research otherwise
Posted by joe schmoe on July 18, 2011, at 16:08:20
In reply to the dizziness might be a good sign, posted by iforgotmypassword on July 18, 2011, at 15:37:27
Have had several side effects. Loose bowels for a day or two at 20 mg, but that seems to have subsided. Still have some difficulty getting to sleep, and have had some bouts of restless legs. Dizziness and fatigue have virtually disappeared, so I am taking the medicine earlier and earlier in the day again in the hopes it will make it easier for me to get to sleep. Once asleep, I sleep well.
My sense of taste seems good (beers aren't too bitter) despite taking the medicine earlier in the day.
Have been on 40mg for the past three days (and now today) and so far, so good.
I still have a strong appetite for sweets and carbs and have not lost any weight. On the other hand, sexual thoughts and sensations are much improved over Celexa.
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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