Fetzima for Depression User Reviews (Page 2)

• AXF...
• May 2, 2015

"I've been on Fetzima for about 2 months. I've noticed improvement in 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 eyelid 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 altogether!"

• Jil...
• 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 than when I started it. I have post-traumatic stress disorder, and this doesn't seem to be helping at all."

• Tin...
• 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..."

• asd...
• 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."

• xan...
• 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 makes me very manic, with severe dry mouth, eyes, and dry skin. I thought it was my sinuses that gave me the terrible pain in my eyes, so after waiting to see a specialist ENT and eye doctor, I am stuck with loss of vision. I have been on antidepressants for years and have never had a problem like this. I have been off Fetzima for 2 months and am still suffering the side effects."

• Pai...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 28, 2016

"My experience with this medication is terrible. I have moved up to 40 mg daily. I have had a rapid heartbeat all day. The mood swings are terrible, runny nose, the sweats, body aching, headache, and just feel very irritable. The dreams are more like nightmares. I am not sure how they still market this drug, but I would not recommend this to anyone. It is not an antidepressant but an anti-feel-good product. I have never written a review before but feel so strongly that other people should not get involved in this drug."

• Bal...
• 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 have 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 effects 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!"

• 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 20 mg 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 40 mg, 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, etc. It's horrible, and I hope you find something that works!!"

• ksm...
• June 19, 2014

"I was only able to take it 4 days. On day four, I got very ill. Started as uncontrollable depression, then violent vomiting. I proceeded 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."

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

"So this drug was awesome for everything except it made me rageful. 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 superstar at work. Or maybe I was so used to the other SSRIs 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 because it's a newer drug. Doesn't work for anxiety!"

• bam...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 8, 2015

"I was switched from Celexa to Fetzima. I started on 20 mg for a few days, then increased to 40 mg. It did not help my depression at all. I was crying and had repetitive thoughts. Side effects were awful: constipation, dizziness, retrograde ejaculation, anxiety, irritability, etc. I switched to Viibryd. So far, it's a lot better."

• Chu...
• June 22, 2015

"I transitioned from Venlafaxine to Fetzima over 3 weeks. Migraines during this timeframe. I have been on only Fetzima for 5 weeks. My overall mood and ability to concentrate are much improved, but the side effects are bothersome. One side effect not mentioned here is what I am guessing is a hormonal imbalance. My nipples are sensitive and swollen (I am a 58-year-old male) and have outbreaks of acne mostly on my neck area. My blood pressure went from 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."

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

"Been on 40 mg 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. 40 mg is the only dose I have taken, so my experience might be different if the 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 the 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."

• Kee...
• 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."

• Mel...
• May 14, 2014

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

• Dma...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 9, 2015

"I am on my third week, 20 mg 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 quite as heavy, and the three hours I do sleep were better, sounder sleep. I have tried everything there is, and this is working for a while, then side effects outweigh benefits or just stop working. I am hoping that the seemingly quick response continues. This could be the one. Hopefully, the serotonin reuptake adds to its effectiveness. Waiting to see..."

• Ben...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 25, 2015

"My doctor gave me this medicine as a treatment for my depression, I also suffer from 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 lying 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 minutes, 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 too young to be living like someone three times my age."

• Vka...
• 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 doctor 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!!!"

• 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."

• Ean...
• 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 fewer side effects than other SSRIs and SNRIs. 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 than I used 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 from it for a day. The 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."

• brb...
• 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."

• Jes...
• 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 of my medication. I have noticed extreme sweating and outbursts 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."

• Asd...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 22, 2018

"I started on 20 mg of Fetzima for one week and am now on the second week at 40 mg. Fetzima is NOT FOR ME, as side effects thus far include insomnia, major mood swings, uncontrollable crying over ???, tingling of the body, heart pounding, muscle aches, and redness of the eyes, eyelids, and skin around the eyes. Using my facial lotions—which never bothered me pre-Fetzima—results in a burning sensation on the skin. I also have constant ringing in my ears, head rushes, and pre-seizure-like auras (I’ve had a few med-related seizures in the past). I feel angry and irritated like never before. I yelled at another driver (not that he could hear or see me), calling him an ** idiot. I rarely swear, so this was quite a sign of “me not being me.” THAT SAID, I’m going to speak with my MD and cease further Fetzima intake pronto."

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

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

• Wom...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 23, 2018

"Trying this for depression, nothing major, lost my motivation and enjoyment for the usual things. Horrible vomiting a few hours after the first 20 mg. Pharmacy says try Gravol with it. Tried it for 12 days, had chills; my extremities are frozen, feet, nose, and hands like blocks of ice. Nausea is debilitating; I felt exhausted 24/7. So I stopped for 5 days to allow the nausea to go away. Tried again after 5 days of break. Day one okay, days 2, 3, 4, and 5 the nausea is back and overwhelming. As soon as I try to get mobile, the nausea sets in. Sleep is non-existent. I don’t think this drug is for me. Back to the doctor I go."