Does Viibryd affect sleep? (+3 factors)

In this article, we will discuss whether Viibryd affects sleep or not. We will dig deep into the common factors regarding the effects of Viibryd on the sleep cycle. We will discuss some common side effects of Viibryd and the ways to overcome sleep-related effects. 

Does Viibryd affect sleep?

Yes, Viibryd affects sleep in patients. Viibryd, like many other antidepressants, may affect the sleep of the patients varyingly. Insomnia or lack of sleep is one of the most important adverse effects of taking Viibryd. 

Viibryd is an antidepressant medication that belongs to the serotonin modulator drug class. Viibryd is used to treat major depressive disorder by selectively enhancing the serotonergic activity in the brain (1). 

Sleep disturbances are common side effects of most antidepressants. Some patients taking antidepressants suffer from either excessive sleepiness or somnolence while some experience insomnia or sleeplessness.

Insomnia is a common sleep disorder in which you have trouble falling and staying asleep. Insomnia can occur mainly due to stressful conditions, thoughts, and surroundings. Insomnia may disrupt your daily activities and decrease your quality of life by making you sleepy all day (2). 

However, it is important to contact your healthcare provider regarding any sleep disturbances particularly insomnia or lack of sleep after starting your treatment with Viibryd. 

What does research suggest?

According to research studies, insomnia is one of the most significant adverse effects of Viibryd. A random study was conducted to evaluate the effect of Viibryd on sleep disturbances in patients (3).

For this study, 10 healthy young men were either given 20mg of Viibryd per day or a placebo. The results of this experiment indicated a total lack of sleep in patients who were given Viibryd (3).

There was a reduction in the total sleep time and wakefulness after sleep in patients who were given Viibryd. This study suggests that Viibryd may also result in sleep disturbances even at lower than therapeutic doses. A reduction in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep was also observed by the use of Viibryd (3). 

What factors impact Viibryd-associated sleep disturbances?

The following factors may affect Viibryd associated sleep disturbances in patients:

• Dosage- The sleep disturbances due to Viibryd depend upon its dosage. Viibryd may cause sleep disturbances particularly insomnia even at lower than therapeutic doses (3). 

• Timing- The administration of Viibryd majorly serves as an important factor for inducing sleep disturbances. Taking Viibryd at night may cause excessive sleeplessness and insomnia.

• Concurrent medications- Taking medications along with Viibryd that interfere with its mechanism may lead to additional sleep disturbances. 

• Pre-existing health conditions- Patients with pre-existing sleep disturbances such as somnolence or insomnia may suffer from additional effects after taking Viibryd. 

• Individual patient variations- Patients and their response to medications may differ from person to person. Some patients are severely affected with insomnia due to Viibryd while others may not be affected by it. 

Viibryd stays in your body for about 5 days before eliminating. Therefore, it may severely affect and interact with other medications or conditions and cause insomnia even at lower therapeutic doses. 

How to manage sleep disturbances while taking Viibryd?

To manage sleep disturbances while taking Viibryd, you must closely monitor yourself for any sleep-related side effects and discuss them openly with your healthcare provider. 

You must monitor yourself and your signs and symptoms. If sleep disturbances due to Viibryd are affecting your mental alertness and daily productivity then you must seek medical help. 

Your doctor may lower your dosage of Viibryd. If the sleep-related side effects persist, then your doctor might switch you to another antidepressant with lower sleep disturbances. 

If you suffer from insomnia after taking Viibryd at night time, then you must consider changing the timing to daytime to avoid nighttime insomnia and sleeplessness.

In my opinion

In my opinion as a pharmacist, I would add that antidepressants in general are associated with causing sleep disturbances. However, if you feel that Viibryd-associated insomnia is excessive then you must seek medical help.   

However, in the early course of treatment with Viibryd, you must give time to your body to adjust and adapt well to the medication. In case of severe insomnia, you must consult your doctor. 

References