Fetzima User Reviews & Ratings (Page 3)

• Jen...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 23, 2021

For Major Depressive Disorder "I suffer from BPD, MDD, bipolar, anxiety disorder. I have been on every antidepressant known to man. Fetzima was a game changer. It is the only one that works for me. Zero side effects. I am on 120 mg. Combined with Lamictal, my depression is under control, and I finally have a grip on life. So thankful for Fetzima."

• 6xx...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 8, 2017

For Major Depressive Disorder "I have been on Fetzima for around 18 months, and this is truly a miracle drug. I have MDD, PTSD, GAD, and BED. I come from a family based in the medical field, and as such, I have tried every drug on the books. Almost two years ago, my anxiety got so bad that every night I felt like I was going to suffocate and die in my sleep. I was having multiple daily panic attacks. I was started on 40 mg of Fetzima, and before the week was out, my panic attacks had all but ceased. I'm now on 80 mg. I can't remember the last time I had one as bad as the panic attacks I was having before I started Fetzima. I gave it a 9/10 because I'm still sweating as a side effect. I also take Vyvanse, Propranolol, and Abilify as needed."

• xan...
• October 27, 2015

For Depression "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

For Depression "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

For Depression "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!"

• Mee...
• June 28, 2020

For Major Depressive Disorder "I have MDD, GAD, residual PTSD symptoms, and nerve damage that causes pain and loads of other issues. I started this in February-March 2019 after two other failed antidepressants and adverse reactions. I've had two med increases over the last year and currently just started the second to get me up to max dosage (similar drugs have been used to treat chronic pain, so that's the theory my doctor is going off of). It has been a lifesaver in conjunction with Buspar for my anxiety. It got rid of most of the urges that came with suicidal idealization and self-harm urges during the hardest time of my life (becoming disabled because of the nerve damage). It has helped with my energy levels (MDD + chronic pain = extreme fatigue) and has helped make therapy more effective for me. The side effects I've experienced are the increase in sweating, lower salt in my body, which makes it harder to stay hydrated, and nausea when starting it and at med increases, but it goes away within about a week."

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

For Depression "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!!"

• i m...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 23, 2015

For Major Depressive Disorder "Other meds not effective and troubling to doctor. I started FETZIMA 40 mg 5 days ago, including taper off Wellbutrin and Escitalopram. Side effects: heavy sweating, a couple of headaches, occasional nausea, frequent diarrhea, little bouts of grouchiness, inconsistent sleep, feel unsteady - improved mood, better energy. I'm hoping for negative effects to stop or be manageable. I see Dr. in a week. I'll hang in there till then."

• 8...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 2, 2016

For Major Depressive Disorder "For the last 8 months, Fetzima has worked very well (after the initial transition period from my last medication). Over the last 15 years, I have been on many effective anti-depressants, but after about 2-3 years, these medications start to become ineffective (Zoloft, Lexapro, Cymbalta, etc.). Started taking Fetzima 8 months ago, and the first month involved a lot of agitation/anger (very unlike me) and also having to adjust the dosage upward... now at 120. Since then, it has been a good experience. Feel centered and have energy. One very good side effect has been pain relief from my arthritis in my knees and back. I have dry mouth with this and every other anti-depressant I have taken. The drug is very expensive."

• I...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 16, 2015

For Major Depressive Disorder "I am going to try a different A/D, as this is NOT working out. I started out taking 80 mg of Fetzima 3 months ago, and the doctor lowered my dose to 40 mg about 6 weeks ago because of anxiety. Fetzima has worked for my depression, but my anxiety is through the roof! I also sweat like a pig, and that causes my electrolytes to flush out. Then I start getting severe body cramps. One moment I feel hot as can be, then the next I am cold as ice. I have 'never' had side effects like this on any other A/D, and I am done with this!!"

• ksm...
• June 19, 2014

For Depression "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

For Depression "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

For Depression "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."

• In...
• April 4, 2019

For Major Depressive Disorder "I have been on meds throughout the years since I was around 18. I finally gave in and tried meds. Needless to say, it hasn't been successful. I've never had a positive experience. They work for some time and then quit, or don't work at all. My latest med provider had me take the genetic test to see what medications would metabolize correctly. Fetzima was listed as one of them. Needless to say, it has worked wonders. While I still have depression, and one antidepressant isn't enough, this one hasn't given me a lot of side effects that others have. I am on another one as a mood booster. Because of the known irritation side effect, my provider had me take the initial dosing for roughly a week before titrating up to 40 mg. I am now on 80 mg and doing well. I am glad I asked for this medication. I have gotten my energy back and not always wanting to be sleeping, not motivated, or other issues I faced when I'm not on a medication that works."

• Les...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 2, 2015

For Major Depressive Disorder "I've been on the max dosage of 120 mg for 3 months now and feel more human than I have in years. The only reason I didn't give it a 10 rating is because I do have side effects that include: severe sweating, easy bruising, occasional aggressiveness (may just be my personality as I get it under control pretty quickly), my blood pressure (normally very low) has seen a changeable elevation, increased flatulence, and migraines linger longer (though I get them less often). While I would love to find a medication that has me feeling this human without the side effects, so far, this one has worked better than any of the others I've tried."

• Jad...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 3, 2020

For Major Depressive Disorder "I have been on Fetzima for at least 4 years. It worked extremely well for me. No side effects after the initial 8-week period. The last year I have been passing out when I stand too long, random racing pulse, unstable blood pressure. My PCP referred me to a cardiologist who diagnosed possible POTS. After going over my med list, he said it's probably the Fetzima as it's listed as a side effect. Geesh, who would have thought! So now no Fetzima, and I feel crappy, but I don't pass out. There is nothing anywhere on long-term side effects, so beware."

• 707...
• February 4, 2016

For Major Depressive Disorder "Have major depressive disorder, PTSD, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, and chronic pain, high BP and cholesterol, low thyroid. Started taking Fetzima 20 mg for two days and then 40 mg daily for the past seven days. It stopped the traumatic thoughts at night but need to quit it due to so many awful side effects... slight nausea and light headaches the first few days, awful insomnia, very dry mouth, sore eyes and less clear vision, twitching in corner of eye, hot sweats switching to my whole body feeling cold, muscle cramps in legs, bad constipation. So sad because it was the only antidepressant that worked for the PTSD. It probably did raise my blood pressure, but I did not check... got bad headaches like I do when BP is up. Good luck, everyone."

• Hob...
• April 14, 2023

For Major Depressive Disorder "Excellent, I’ve tried all the SNRIs, this is the best. Plus, it can have the side effects of constipation, which is excellent for me because I suffer from IBSD, so my episodes of diarrhea are much less and milder. No effect on my weight or appetite. No CNS effects like drowsiness or fogginess or anything. I am on 40 mg per day. I am a long-time sufferer of treatment-resistant depression. I hope this feedback is helpful."

• Chu...
• June 22, 2015

For Depression "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."

• Asi...
• October 25, 2018

For Major Depressive Disorder "Seriously - where do I begin? I switched after weaning down from Zoloft to Fetzima, it has been the most horrible experience in my life. The amount of EXTREME RAGE I felt. I had so much frustration and anger. I felt over things that were only minor inconveniences or annoyances before. It was the most horrifying experience. I snapped at everyone, said things I would never have said in a normal state of mind, and cried uncontrollably, especially after snapping at people and feeling extremely guilty and embarrassed. I couldn't think clearly, let alone get any work done. I stopped taking it after a little over a week. I'm so done with this. It's making me want to give up. Hope I can find something that will work... :( This med has left me feeling hopeless."

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

For Depression "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."

• Tir...
• January 14, 2016

For Major Depressive Disorder "I have adult ADD, anxiety, and chronic pain. Had to switch docs (he moved), and the new one insisted I try Fetzima. I have been on it for a week. In addition to severe nausea and vomiting, my stomach is rigid. I have been having bursts of rage that have started to become directed inward. Thoughts of self-harm (though not ones I would act upon). Have had flashes of suicidal ideas and am sad. I wasn't sad at all before I took this drug-just anxious and couldn't focus. I have had serious problems with all antidepressants I have tried in the past. I'm reacting in a similar way, though it is less severe, and my anxiety (when I'm not angry) is marginally improved. Not enough benefit to outweigh thoughts of self-harm and suicide!"

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

For Depression "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."

• Doo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 5, 2020

For Major Depressive Disorder "Some good results from Fetzima, but it made me incredibly aggressive and reckless. And I was talking and talking and talking all the time. Trying to pick fights with strangers. So, yeah, had to quit it."

• The...
• September 26, 2015

For Major Depressive Disorder "I started taking Fetzima as an alternative to citalopram, as it was no longer effective for me. I immediately started feeling sick (queasy, lightheaded). My doctor told me those were withdrawal symptoms, but I still feel them weeks later. I quickly became irritable and have gotten worse and worse. I'm hot and sweaty most of the time, but when I'm cold, I also sweat. The irritable and constant crying have caused me to gain weight, as I'm eating all the time to try to feel better."