I have missed mulitple times (seperately) and was wondering how it has affected others as well as how they overcome these effects.
Anybody experience effects of missing a dose of Effexor?
- Asked
- 18 Jan 2010 by Bsteinbrueck
- Updated
- 29 September 2021 (3 weeks ago)
- Topics
- effexor, depression, bipolar disorder
62 Answers
itsmetoo2
18 Jan 2010
Really you should try to avoid missing a dose. But keep in mind that it will stay in your system for at least 14 days. I always say do not push your luck.
To Good Health
Bsteinbrueck
18 Jan 2010
Yeah, trust me i know. :) I'm just looking more for how it's dealt with when a dose has been missed... Any thoughts?
itsmetoo2
18 Jan 2010
You will be fine : )
BuddhaChrist
9 Feb 2018
It will stay in your system for 14 days, but I can attest to the fact that I feel significant side effects from missing a dose by as little as 5 hours.
Dallasite63
6 Mar 2018
Effexor does not stay in your system for 14 days. It stays in your system less than 36 hours. Do not miss a dose. If you do, take it as soon as you remember. I have been taking Effexor for the last 15 to 18 years.
Phillygirl1101
27 Dec 2018
In my experience you’ll start feeling a little depressed on the 2nd or 3rd day of not taking it. The depression got a little bit more each day and the depression will get worse and worse. If someone looked at me wrong I would cry. I’m wondering if I double up on it for a day or 2, will that help me get out of this funk???
adassel
18 Jan 2010
I am also on effexor xr and I do get weird side effects if I miss a dose. Somtimes I get strange headaches. What sort of things r happening to u?
Bsteinbrueck
18 Jan 2010
I get very tired and unmotivated the day after. I'm trying to figure out how to get myself out of it next time without just sleeping the day away.
sairy mary
2 Feb 2010
I feel tired and unmotivated while taking the blooming tablets!!! its not a nice feeling when you have missed a dose though, i feel drowsy, sick, confused and even struggle with my speech!
taliarozencwaig
6 Nov 2016
Yeah sometimes I have trouble with my speech too! I also get very nauseous and feel super dizzy and unstable. Similar to when I'm drunk! It's very unsettling and unpleasant. I got very nervous because I didn't know why I was feeling like this. I originally thought it was a side effect of missing a day of vyvanse because I thought I felt weird because of the sudden increase in the medication in my system, so I felt weird and dizzy when I took it the next day.
QxeenofHearts
15 Nov 2016
I also get these feelings! On top of that though, I feel my heart beating faster.
DeepSeaTreasures
11 Feb 2017
If I somehow skip ONE single dose of Effexor - I am a total MESS ! I get very tired, super emotional, I cry uncontrobally, headache... It's not worth the side effects! It's worse than anything.. I do not recommend chancing the possibilities of missing a dose!! Nothing to mess around with.
Cooper21
11 Jun 2017
Im taking 225mg. For the past 3 months.. each time I miss a dose worse and worse side effects occur for me. The first time I missed one I got brain zaps (a weird funny feeling you get that makes me twitch my head uncontrollably) then the next missed dose was the same as the first except nausea was introduced.. then third dose I missed I was super nauseous disoriented, and felt out of place. And now currently experiencing my 4th missed dose side effect (due to running out) seems like depression.. so don't miss a dose would have to be the best advice I can give anyone on this medication. It's not worth it!
flying high
25 Mar 2018
I am on Pristiq 200, I have very high clinical depression as well as chemical depression I also have post traumatic stress my psychiatrist says I have a lot of dark stuff . this will never come outta my brain. I went away for two days this weekend and could not find my tablets. I started hearing noises in my head and hallucinating its usual on the first day noises in the head bad headaches and on tenterhooks. on the second day try that 4 times worse I do not recommend it to anyone.
when i take my meds regularly I am fine, my anxiety stays away unless I experience a stressfull time.
so for me Pristiq is good.
Providing I take them.
sgtkennedy2504
10 Feb 2010
I am on Effexor XR 225 mg. When I have missed doses, I am usually fine on the first day, but by the second day I will be very depressed and feel like I have no energy. I know you know this, but it's best just to try not to miss it. My therapist said that Effexor has a particularly short duration of its effectiveness when you miss doses, so if you have a problem missing them a lot, maybe it would be better to try another medication? What helped me was having my prescriptions automatically refilled because I usually missed doses when I ran out. It helped me a lot to make sure I filled my prescription before I had missed any doses because once I had missed one, I found it difficult to get myself to pick up more. I hope this helps
jdoggt
12 Feb 2010
well it usually takes about a week before you start to go through the withdrawls from it..thats why it is important for you not to miss a dose.but if you do dont double up just wait till your next time to take it and stay on a schedule try to take your meds at the same time every day..and if you are having trouble remebering to take it keep it right on your cofee table that way you will see it and remember..good luck
Cooper21
8 Feb 2017
Just as another question, what do you mean by take it at the same time everyday? Does that mean to wake up everyday (including weekends) i get up at 545am on weekdays and whenever on the weekends.. Does that mean I should try to wake up at 545 on the weekends too? Or is it going to be okay if I just take them when I wake up on the weekends?
Cooper21
8 Feb 2017
Sorry I just realized you posted this about 7 years ago but I'm new to effexor
Stripesnsmiles7
14 Feb 2017
Cooper21,
You don't have to take it at the exact same time every day, but I wouldn't take it anymore than a couple hours off from when you usually would. I've been on Effexor for two years now and it works better for me to take it at night before bed so usually anytime between 9-11pm I'll take it every night and I've never had a problem that way. Hope this helps!
SalineLizard
15 Apr 2017
I have the easiest time remembering by using a weekly pill organizer I keep in my purse on work days, and then by leaving it in plain sight at home rather than the cabinet and when I see it, stop everything I'm doing and taking it right then and there so I don't forget again.
David1305B
27 May 2017
I'm only new to this thread. I'm on 225mg Venlafaxine in the morning with 40mg Propropanol, 10mg Ramipril and some others for blood pressure. In the evening I take 150mg Venlafaxine and 120mg Mirtazapine.
I have really strange dreams and suicidal thoughts. I'm also under the mental health team (due to loss of my partner and daughter) but seem to be struggling as no one really understands how I feel. Sorry to be a mean but just wondering how other people feel on the drug.
Cate3355
7 Sep 2017
David1305B,
I get crazy dreams on effexor too, not to mention a whole host of otherside effects like nightsweats all the time! I also have serious lows if i miss doses (sometimes when im on it to.) These are normal side effects, I think its a pretty hardcore antidepressant and perhaps leads to more intense withdrawals or sideffects than others (I have only ever been on effexor so im not sure) but ive found that after my first few months it has really helped me get out of the debilitating depression and anxiety I was experiencing before I took it, im much more stable now. My advice is to stick with it, but also be very open about problems with it with your doctor and any counsellors or psychiatrists.
Kaitlinburdette
23 Apr 2018
Wrong. I feel horrible withdrawal effects 25- 48 hours after my last dose.
Kaitlinburdette
23 Apr 2018
Wrong. I feel horrible withdrawal effects 25- 48 hours after my last dose.
Mandyj341
7 Sep 2018
I’m on 150 mg Effexor I’m diagnosed bi polar, if I miss a dose even just one I become manic it seems to me that it happens offilly quick. Is this normal? I’m a very forgetful person as well and worse so when I miss a dose lol I know how that sounds lol. So my hubby does my meds for me gets it all together and I’ll get frustrated at him to because I feel like an idiot but if it wasn’t for him I’d be in way tougher shape.
Anyways I recently forgot two days in a row I didn’t get manic but last night I kept waking up and felt like I had been standing on my head all night just felt like my body was going to explode more uncomfortable then pain. Has anyone experienced this. I took a robaxocete as well I’m type one diabetic so a lot of factors I’m trying to rule it out. And to boot I can’t take any allergy meds my blood sugars go extremely high I end up in hospital.
Sorry for the novel but ty to anyone willing to answer me or share about them.
me_us_we
18 Oct 2019
I'm commenting even though this is an old post. People still read them years later...
It only takes hours for some people to experience physical withdrawal symptoms from Effexor XR. Especially those of us who experience brain zaps, headaches and nausea from missing or being late with a dose. If you experience these things, look up the thread about whooshing sounds in your head when you move your eyes. Doesn't affect everyone taking Effexor but it happens within just hours of being late with a dose.
ladynred2010
13 Mar 2010
yes. I have missed doses (mostly due to not re-filling in time) and I have experienced dizziness. I mean, any movement of my head or eyes makes me "dizzy" (the best way to describe it) almost like seeing trails. Its hard to explain. Have you experienced this? My Dr says this is a common side effect and she noted effexor has some pretty marked/prevalent side effects, more than most others.
Inactive
29 Apr 2010
If you have a cell phone, you should have an alarm setting on it.
I use mine to remind me to take my pills. you can set them to go off every day at what ever time you need to take your pills. I have 5 alarms on my phone and can set 5 different settings. You can set your alarm for the times you need your meds.
I tell you, it work great, I haven't missed any pills sense I've did this.
Stephaniejeane
30 Jan 2017
I missed one dose yesterday because I have a stomach bug I can't move my eyes without being dizzy even though I took it this am. I didn't feel any symptoms yesterday
Maddaz
23 Jun 2017
This is how I feel! Dizzy, nauseous. It feels like my blood pressure is low. Feels like my heart is beating behind my eyes. My son isn't able to go to daycare today as I'm to scared to drive him there feeling this way. Has anyone switched to another antidepressant with less side effects and good results?
Erikam63
10 Mar 2018
I know this is an 8 year old post but I experience the same thing!!! Should I be concerned and switch meds?
ksayers13
5 Apr 2018
This is exactly what I feel like when I miss a dose of Effexor!
Shar-pei3
6 Apr 2018
I am on 150mg and if I miss 1 pill (which I take every morning) I suffer with a zinging in my my head, nausea and sleep paralysis. The last time I forgot I had repeated heart palpitations and had trouble waking up after each episode, it was really frightening. I’ve been on antidepressants for 10 years and can’t see myself ever coming off them.
Mari202amt
14 May 2018
It is the worst! I've missed due to running out. I had to call out of work because I can't get out of bed. Feeling sooo dizzy and strange like I can't hold my self together. No one should ever drive if ever feeling like this! It's like feeling worst kind of drunkenness. I came here to see if I was the only one experiencing this. I need to make sure i get automatic refills this time because I definitely don't want to deal with the side effects.
nickib78
28 May 2018
i'm the same, i can't miss a dose. it's like a pain behind my eyes, that makes me feel sick ,
the_real_ston
11 Jul 2018
This is exaaaactly what I feel when I miss a dose. DON'T WORRY THOUGH! It's a completely harmless side effect. Yea it feels a bit strange, but I always find that exercising or participating in some activity which draws your attention gets me to stop noticing it as much (if I don't have ready access to another dose). Honestly, having these side effects when I miss a dose reminds me that "oh yea, I guess this drug IS in my system and doing its job so much so that I can tell immediately when it's not there"
tracylee719093
28 Apr 2010
I was on Effexor ER a few years ago..if i missed a dose..w/in 24hrs I started feelin the effects... crying uncontrollably was the major one... so major I cant member the other ones if there were anymore.
I got off of it cause the effects of missin or taking it late were so severe.
Hope you do better.
Princess22008
28 Apr 2010
When I was taking it, if i missed a dose I would get like adrenalin rushes. It was really weird to feel like that. That was the only thing that i felt that was noticeable.
Kittyb
1 Sep 2016
I'm only on Effexor 75 mg extended release , but I've been on Effexor for years. When I miss one dose I become very dizzy, nauseated , and have diarrhea. This usually lasts for approximately 6-8 hours if not longer until next dose has been in my system for a while. I used to be on Effexor 300mg daily but weaned off that high of dose with psychiatrist help due to unwanted side effects.
Inactive
1 Sep 2016
Yes, I quit taking Effexor for this very reason, amongst many other intolerable side effects! Worst antidepressant for me that I ever took. Gave me extreme anxiety and brain zaps and whooshing in my head, to name only a few.
But many people have taken it successfully for years.
"G"
the_real_ston
11 Jul 2018
To anyone reading this post, I'd be careful to think that these side effects are a reason to not take Effexor... They're exactly what you're supposed to expect when you stop taking the drug, and they (brain zaps, dizziness, whooshing, etc) are completely harmless. I'd try to suck it up, because if your overall mood is stabilized by the drug effectively without too many on-dose side effects (ED, weight loss/gain, etc), then you've probably found a good drug for you... anyway just my opinion.
taylor_elwood
25 Jan 2017
I love Effexor. I take 150 mg daily for depression/anxiety. I currently am finishing clinical rotations for school and have forgotten to take it the past 2 days. I feel extremely light headed, nauseous and the only term I can use is "I just don't feel right". I can't describe it but I feel icky and not like I should feel. As long as I take it when I get home tonight I'll be okay tomorrow. I've never missed more than 2 doses because the effects of that were so unsavory that I was sure not to forget a 3rd dose. After this I will start keeping a few in my purse as well as at home
migrainesuf1166
26 Jan 2017
I took cymbalta for years and it's similar to Effexor, it's also a SNRI and they have a short half life. They exit your body very fast so you feel it very quickly if you miss a dose. I would feel it the same way as you all describe. For me I would also get dizzy, very much like motion sickness, nauseas, headaches, depressed, very emotional, just all around sick. This would all happen within one missed dose. This is why when my latest option given was to go to Effexor, I still have not started it. For the 1st time in many years I am not on any antidepressants and feel great. Fingers crossed. I would try the idea the poster had about the daily alarm/reminder on your phone. Great idea!
cpike
28 Jan 2017
I have been taking 150mg of Effexor a day, and I missed a dose last night. The result is a very strange headache that hurts no matter how I move, a queasy stomach, and overall sense of feeling "unwell". I took my dose when I realized I could not function and realized why. I am waiting for it to kick in to see if it will help alleviate the side effects.
It prompted me to look online to see if this was a normal reaction to missing a dose. It's comforting--in a sense-- to know this is common and that it is a result of missed meds and not some virus I have picked up. This is really an awful feeling and I don't wish it on anyone.
saramacgal
23 May 2018
How long did it take you to feel somewhat normal after taking the dose after the missed one? I missed mine last night. Within 12 hours of missing it I felt like crap. Just took it an hour ago and am wondering when I will start to feel better.
kimbrella4452
9 Jan 2019
The very next day I could tell my panic and anxiety had calmed back now.
saramacgal
21 Oct 2019
I never did follow upon this, so I will now. The flu-like symptoms, brain "whooshes" and general gross feelings were totally gone about 2 hours after I took my dose. Thank. God. It's not nice. I can't ever see myself being able to get off them after experiencing that. Ever.
Beckirainbowmrs
7 May 2017
I think im very late to this convo but I missed one dose today and was curious. Im on 225mg and have been for 10 years- works reasonably wellthough i have my wobbles. When i miss a dose i get the dizzy when you move your head, brain zaps and become really irratable and low in mood. Generally starts about 6 hrs after i miss a dose. I also routinely get whoosing in my head, crazy crazy vivid dreams and a rapid heart rate though thats probably because im unfit!! Anyone have any more unusual
Side effects whilst taking it normally? Do you find weight fluctuations effect the way your dose effects you?
chuck1957
8 May 2017
Beck; you really have most covered we all react differently. I wish you would of said when you take it am or pm, aS THEY SAY IF YOU ARE TWO CLOSE TO TONIGHTS DOSE SKIP IT BUT IF YOU STILL HAVE 8 HOURS OR MORE IT WOULD BE SAFE TO TAKE AT LEAST PART OF YOUR DOSE WITHOUT ANY PROBLEMS I KNOW ONE OTHER THINK IS IT MESSES WITH MY EYES AT TIMES IF MY DOSE IS TO FAR OFF AND ALSO I GET THOSE NASTY ZAPS THE FEEL LIKE ELECTRIC ZAPS IN YOUR HEAD AND THEY COME AND GO THEY DO NO DAMAGE BUT
really my friend we have to get you like a pill container many pharmacies or dollar stores have them for just over a buck and you fill it weekly that way you look at it and know you have taken it. ALSO, TRY AND TAKE IT ABOUT THE SAME TIME EACH DAY. IT REALLY IS IMPORTANT TO TAKE IT DAILY.
chuck1957 ps by the way I have not noticed any changes in my weight or really any of the weird dreams and such your asking about you really should talk to the doctor on these I have taken this for about 15 to 20 years and am good with it Chuck1957 also remember we are all different and because I don't and you do do not mean it does not happen. But please try and take it about the same time each day and you well notice a big difference. chuck.
Nan1104
27 May 2017
I just found this while looking up if anyone else had symptoms after a missed dose. This is the only medication I've ever been on that I have such a strong reaction from missing a dose. I'm on 150 XR once a day. If I miss my dose which I always take in the AM , by the evening I begin feeling anxious, vivid dreams and horrible night sweats. By the next morning my mood goes downhill fast. I take my next dose but while I wait for that to work I fall into a depressive state and can become impulsive ( like almost quitting my job) and have sucicidal thoughts. I also take Wellbutrin 300 mg per day which if I miss my Effexor I miss that too. It's very scary how fast the effect is. Effexor is a strong drug.
Lurchie
9 Feb 2018
Several people have mentioned "brain zaps." Can you elaborate a bit on this? I experience a weird weird pulsating ringing sound in my ears when I miss a dose (I have horrible tinnitus anyway, but this is different) Is this what you're referring to?
Hollielolliepop
24 Feb 2018
It's the worst feeling. The brain zap best described for me is like someone turned you off and back on again suddenly. Like when you blinked you missed an hour of time but you know you didn't.. absolutely horrid feeling. Anyone found any thing to help it whilst the meds are getting back into your system?
Becklina
19 Jun 2017
I take 75mg daily (very low dose I know) but have been on this dose for 3 years now and it's enough to keep my panic attacks away. I take my dose every morning. Today was the first day ever I missed a dose, unexpectedly had to stay the night away so did not pack my meds. By early afternoon was feeling as others described "just not well" by late afternoon was full on nauseated after eating, a little while after that, was vomiting. Still feel very nauseated. And like I just need to vomit for relief :(
I finally returned home and took my missed dose. Shall see if it helps. I did think (as a previous member did) I was getting a virus until it dawned on me I missed it and did a web search and found this thread.
If this happens in one missed dose, and such a low one at that, it's going to be hell ever stopping Effexor altogether
Tgus
23 Jul 2017
+1 for dizziness and drastic mood change 24 hours after missing a dose.
Sometimes if I do not take my dose in the morning I am fine throughout the day. I will actually feel a small afternoon boost of energy.
If I do not take the dose during the evening and wait for the next morning then I have emotional dreams and wake up depressed. I have a much more difficult time keeping my thoughts positive and rational. My mind will pull me to more and more negative thoughts, then sort of spin out fairy tales of how my situation (whatever it may be that morning) will only get worse.
Does anyone have experience stopping this medication? My experience this morning is making me unnerved at how drastic the effects are... Thanks
Kells1984
17 Aug 2017
I hate the side affects of missing a dosage but I doubt I will ever be off them
WildcatVet
19 Nov 2017
I had to stop Effexor when my diagnosis and medications changed for Bipolar ll disorder. I was taking the maximum dosage of 225mg/day and my doctor gave me a reducing schedule to use over a three week period. I had no problem at all with having any symptoms of discontinuation syndrome.
The key is to do it slowly as prescribed by your doctor or psych nurse.
Further Information
- Effexor Information for Consumers
- Effexor Information for Healthcare Professionals (includes dosage details)
- Side Effects of Effexor (detailed)
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