Fetzima for Depression User Reviews (Page 2)

• Jillb...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 6, 2014

"I've been taking this for almost 2 months. After doing more research I've realized it isn't for me. I feel no worse or better then when I started it. I have post traumatic stress disorder and this doesn't seem to be helping at all."

• asdfg...
• June 4, 2014

"The potential side effect list became my life. I got everything, the extreme sweating, nausea, dry mouth, constipation... all of it. Had to stop going to my daily kickboxing classes completely because I'd get dizzy and throw up every five minutes until I stopped working out. I had to plan taking it around being able to spend two hours in bed not moving in air conditioning just to keep it down. Saw 0 effect on mood, I was switched to a new one yesterday and hopefully life gets better."

• Seve
• February 12, 2016

"So far (knock on wood) I have not experiences any MAJOR side effects but I plan on checking back here after being on the medication for longer than a week. I have noticed the sweating (not severe though) my doctor did warn me about it before I started taking it. The first day I had a HORRIBLE headache and was dizzy most of the day. It was gone after my first nights sleep on it. I can't make a good or bad judgment on it YET however if in a month I experience any thing else I will check it - well I'll check in here either way because these forums with REAL experiences helped me when I was first introduced to this drug as I had never heard of it before."

• ksm
• June 19, 2014

"I was only able to take it 4 days on day four I got very I'll started as uncontrollable depression then violent vomiting. I proceed with Dr advice to go back to old medicines. I've been off it 2 days. I can't eat without severe stomach pain no matter what I eat."

• TLC
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 22, 2020

"I was taken off my other medications to see if this one would be more effective. I started with the 20mg for 2 days I did feel crummy but I was also taken off the other meds cold turkey so I figured it was from that. Day 3 I started the 40mg and within 30 minutes I just started to feel unwell then got this horrible pressure in my neck and head that continued to get worse. I also became nauseated, shaky, and weak. I called my PCP and she told me that I should probably go to the ER. When I arrived my blood pressure was 184/124 which is normally 100/60. I felt horrible. I was informed that I had a very bad adverse reaction to this medication and should stop immediately. It is 5 days later and my blood pressure is now normal but not 100 percent. This was just my experience, I know that this medication does work well for others and I hope it does that for you, no one deserves to live with depression, anxiety and etc.. it's horrible and I hope you find something that works!!"

• AXFL
• May 2, 2015

"I've been on Fetzima for about 2 months. I've noticed improvement of my mood and general outlook, and have experienced some of the typical and more minor side effects, but the ocular symptoms are most worrisome. After about a month on this med, my lower right eye lid began twitching intermittently. It does so on a regular basis, and now I am experiencing a strange tightening in my eyes and blurred vision. It flares up randomly, and generally my eyes now feel like they're too big for their sockets. Progressive worsening concerns me as does permanent damage to my eyes. My doctor recommended a daily dosage of Magnesium and increased water intake. Unsure if I should continue to try and stabilize the symptoms, or stop all together!"

• Ballo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 2, 2020

"I’ve added Fetzima to my maximum dose of Wellbutrin (which I have no negative effects from and been on for years) and it became clear to me a week in that there is a large change in mood for me. It takes some getting used to for sure ... my dreams are vivid but not unpleasant. I’m definitely more focused, less anxious, and have nice happy almost euphoric parts of the day. I’m very sexual? Which was unexpected but I’ll take it lol. So the top strange effect right now are isolated goosebumps, heightened sexual drive, vivid dreams and occasionally flushing for me. From the reviews it really seems like a love-it or hate-it med, and you know quickly what you think of it. I love it and it’s a 50/50 shot so worth a try!"

• Tina...
• January 19, 2016

"I tried 40 mg of this medication for about 8 weeks. Initially (1st 2 weeks) it seemed to work. Then, for the last 6 weeks, it seemed not to work. I had side effects of tummy pain, leg cramps and irritability. My doctor insisted I was getting better and just needed a higher dose. So she put me on 80 mg of this medication. I began to experience extreme bursts of anger and negativity, which of course only worsened the depression. I also had horrid stomach pain and couldn't tolerate it. After going off the medicine, I felt much better. No expense, no leg cramps, heart rate down, rage bursts abruptly stopped after about a week. Yay, I guess. Back to Amitriptyline..."

• xannx...
• October 27, 2015

"I was on fetzima for about 8 months ending at 100 mg. I now have severe dry eyes with possible glaucoma. This medicine make me very manic with severe dry mouth, eyes and dry skin. I thought is was my sinuses that gave me the terrible pain in my eyes so after waiting to see a specialist ENT and eye Dr. I am stuck with lose of vision . I have been on antidepressents for years and have never had a problem like this. I Have been off fetzima for 2 months a still suffering the side effects."

• bamakc
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 8, 2015

"I was switched from celexa to fetzima. I started on 20mg for a few days then increased to 40mg. It did not helped my depression at all. I was crying and repetitive thoughts. Side effects were awful: constipation, dizziness, retrograde ejaculation, anxiety, irritability etc...I switched to viibyrd. So far its a lot better."

• Wish...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 21, 2017

"So this drug was awesome for everything except it made me rage full. I could orgasm, no sleepiness, felt a little nausea but all meds have yucky side effects that go away after a while. It helped with concentration and motivation!! Wow I was a super star at work. Or maybe I was so used to the others SSRI's that gave me brain fog! I could jump out of bed with no problem in the morning which I never would get before. But it made me snappy, angry, mad and boil my blood! It didn't do well for anxiety. I think it gave me more. This drug must have a stimulant in it, more than one of the other ones that are more sedating. It was also the top highest tier for cost! Too much right now bc its a newer drug. Doesn't work for anxiety!"

• Alter...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 29, 2016

"Been on 40mg of Fetzima for about 3 months and love it! So helpful for mood and energy. I also have increased sex drive and zero cravings, hence, inevitable weight loss. 40mg is the only dose I have taken, so my experience might be different if dose was higher or lower. This drug reminds me of Wellbutrin (which is NDRI), but slightly less stimulating. Cons: still brand name only, so can be expensive depending on where you live and insurance situation. Also, Fetzima is only approved to treat depression, so no improvement in anxiety symptoms. Vistaril helps with this, especially if you or your doctor are hesitant about benzos."

• Mels
• May 14, 2014

"I was started on 40mg for 2 weeks..I felt like someone was pulling out the floor from under me and tipping the room. I was decreased to 20mg with unfortunately no improvement. I was previously on Cymbalta that seemed to "stop working". I'm now currently on Paxil which will hopefully help with my sadness and anxiety"

• Keep...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 15, 2017

"I struggled with symptoms of depression/anxiety since childhood, something that was the result of a naturally sensitive disposition, family history and a history of bullying and self-worth issues. I took this medication for 2 years and it was the only one that I could tolerate well that worked. I had previously been on Lexapro, Prozac, Cymbalta, and Wellbutrin, which I had to discontinue due to seizures, though it was effective. This medication, along with psychotherapy and a lot of work put into rebuilding a social network, helped me recover from very persistent depression. I still struggle with anxiety from time to time but it's nothing major. It gave me the momentum to keep going during a very challenging period of my life."

• brbor...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 4, 2021

"I started taking Fetzima in hopes of finding relief from my depression. I have tried meds off and on for nearly 40 years, nothing seems to bring relief. I suffer from severe trauma from things I endured as a child. This medicine made me feel terrible. I have never experienced the type of depression where I couldn't function. This made me literally not want to do anything. I could hardly get up off the couch. Things I would normally love to do, i just couldn't seem to get it done. Then I would beat myself up because I couldn't get anything done. I've stopped the medicine and will go back to therapy."

• Chuck...
• June 22, 2015

"I transitioned from Venlafaxine for Fetzima over 3 weeks. Migraines during this timeframe. I have been on only Fetzima for 5 weeks. My overall mood and ability to concentrate is much improved but the side effects are bothersome. One side effect not mentioned here is what I am guessing is an hormonal imbalance. My nipples are sensitive and swollen (I am a 58 yo male) and have outbreaks of acne mostly on my neck area. My blood pressure went for normal to hypertension stage one. Increased headaches (not migraine quality) and blurred vision. Fits of anger/irritated feelings especially when driving. But I do feel emotionally better than when taking Bupropion and Venlafaxine."

• Anxio...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 13, 2019

"Fetzima is ruining my life. Its like poison. After being on Paxil for 4 years. I weaned off it with Dr’s direction. After withdrawal were so awful my Dr put me on Fetzima. First 2 weeks I experienced all day gut rot. Dr said that wasn't Fetzima causing it. Week 3 & 4 were pure torture. From vomiting daily, diarrhea, crying nonstop, fits of rage, chest heaviness, lost 12 lbs. Cant eat, feel like I'm loosing my mind. After 30 days I stopped these meds cold turkey. I'd rather suffer with GAD then live on these kinds of meds. Never been so sick. Haven't been able to work. In my opinion Fetzima is garbage....."

• Eano
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 31, 2020

"I started fetzima in the middle of January 2020 it is now March. Unfortunately it isn’t doing much in helping my anxiety, my obsessive thoughts. It has helped me from feeling destitute. My energy is up. I think it has less side effects than other SSRIs and SNRI. About my obsessive thoughts - I think about things that upset me in the past. I did do this before I wasn’t on anything but I feel like I do it more often then I use to. Also I read these reviews and see people were in “rage” on this medication - pretty scary. So now I’m thinking I’m like that too lol. I try my best to remember that everything will be okay. Something that has helped ..it seems.. is I take a break of it for a day. Next day I seem to have better clarity. Make sure to advocate for yourself for what’s best for you. They tell you to try different medications I haven’t found much difference in most of them. Good luck to you - love"

• CGuz
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 1, 2014

"Only was able to take this for two days. Second day I felt just awful. Similar to Wellbutrin. I don't think my body can handle norepinephrine increase. I also got painful urination that lasted days after I took my last pill... ouch it hurt."

• Vkano
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 4, 2019

"By day 4 on Fetzima I was having so much anger and rage it scared me. Not a common reaction for me. I was talking extremely fast, reacting to almost anything with anger. I did research on Fetzima, called my Dr. immediately and changed off Fetzima and back to my previous medication. It was the most horrible experience. I've never had a medication affect me in such a terrible way. I'm doing great being back on my previous medication. STAY AWAY FROM FETZIMA!!!"

• Ben_Y
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 25, 2015

"My doctor gave me this medicine as a treatment for my depression, I also suffer with anxiety. I tried it for a few days and I have to say the side effects really beat me up. I would wake up feeling so crazy and on the second day I had an intense crying/yelling manic anxiety attack. The next day I was laying down feeling relaxed when my heart rate and blood pressure suddenly shot up. I didn't feel anxious or anything it was just my heart rate that shot up it lasted about 30 mins and it was scary to say the least. This drug may be effective for some people but as for me it simply didn't work, maybe if I took it longer but I was risking my heart health. I'm 25 years old I'm to young to be living like someone 3x my age"

• Dmac
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 9, 2015

"I am on my third week, 20mlgm first two now 40. Doc plans on two weeks at 40 then 80. I:m not sure if I will stay there or what just yet. The only side effect thus far was about a week of lightheadedness upon rising, which has since subsided. I do believe the depression doesn't feel quit as heavy and the three hours I do sleep were better sounder sleep. I have tried everything there is and this is wook for a whole then side effects outweigh bennifit or just stop working. I am hoping that the seemingly quick response continues. This could be the one. Hopefully the saratonin reuptake adds to it's effectiveness. Waiting to see../"

• Scott
• Taken for 10 years or more
• May 27, 2019

"Tried many antidepressants. SNRI are far superior to all SSRI for my MDD, but at the higher recommended dosages. Effexor XR at 225mg had been the best fairly better than Pristiq and much better than Welbutrin. Won't take Cymbalta or any other hepatic side effects possibilities. Did try in for 6 weeks with no improvement. My insurance covers Fetzima 40mg not much help 80mg vast improvements and 120mg first 2 weeks no difference after that 15 to 20% improvement. Wellbutrin no help. Zoloft importance and no help after 4 weeks so no go. My advice try Effexor XR and don't give up on it until 4 weeks at 225mg. Especially if SSRI aren't working. I had no known side effects at any listed does and been on antidepressants for 17 years"

• sue
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 15, 2020

"I have had amazing success for depression with Fetzima 80 mg daily of this med. I take it in the morning. The depressive symptoms I was feeling disappeared after less than a week. It is so great to feel back to 'normal' again. I do sweat WAY more, and if I have even a mild alcoholic drink my face gets really flushed and I sweat even more. But it's a great medication for me."

• Jess...
• March 27, 2015

"I have been on cymbalta for years. Recently I went through a series of extreme life changes. Cymbalta didn't seem to be working. I went into a deep depression. My doctor switched me to fetzima. I am on day 10 my medication. I have notice extreme sweating and out burst of anger. I was more laid back on Cymbalta. I am hoping if I give it a little more time that maybe the effects will get better."