Levomilnacipran and Anger: What Users Say

• Mom...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 8, 2015

Levomilnacipran for Depression "I have had severe depression since my teens and have been on antidepressants for many years. Fortunately, I have had beneficial effects from several over the years. The most effective treatment to date has been a combination of Wellbutrin and Cymbalta. I took that combination for ten+ years and, unfortunately, I recently started slipping downward, increased depression, and feeling out of control. I was prescribed Fetzima (transitioned off Cymbalta) and completed the starter pack with the only benefit being increased energy. My Dr. then increased the dosage to 80 mg and have been at 80 mg for two + weeks. I have never felt (for lack of a better word) so crazy in my life! I have been so irritable, angry, depressed, and unreasonable and feeling."

• Sop...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 5, 2017

Levomilnacipran for Major Depressive Disorder "I've tried 20+ meds over the last 30 years to treat depression. I've had wonderful results with Fetzima and Trileptal. I've been on the medication about 18 months now. Some GI issues, some sweating, though not as intense as others have mentioned. As I've increased dosage, I definitely experienced rage, but it subsided within a week. I've had an increase in blood pressure, but it was already high, and a med adjustment solved it. A weird side effect: I talk a lot more than I did before. I can stop myself, but the tendency is new. I can deal with these side effects. They've not been intense or long-lasting. My depression was horrible for 7+ years. I've gone from failed suicide attempts to feeling good again. I'm very grateful for this drug."

• Som...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 21, 2015

Levomilnacipran for Major Depressive Disorder "I've been on Fetzima for 3 months. I take the 40 mg extended release. This has been the best medication I have been on. I have increased energy. I can focus and stay on task. I do not feel hopeless and have an opinion now. The side effects I have are dry mouth, constipation, my face and chest will turn red and feel hot to me at times, and my neck will break out. I have also had some irritability and anger. I feel like this is because I walked around in a fog with no thoughts or opinions for so long that now I'm engaged in life and paying attention. Some things that used to not bother me do now. For me, my effects from this medication have not changed at all. The benefits definitely outweigh the mild side effects."

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

Levomilnacipran 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."

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

Levomilnacipran 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!"

• Chu...
• June 22, 2015

Levomilnacipran 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."

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

Levomilnacipran 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."

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

Levomilnacipran for Major Depressive Disorder "I have changed my rating from 4 to 1. Upon recommendation of my counselor, I saw a psychiatrist to regulate my antidepressant medication. Thank the Lord!!! Psychiatrist switched me to another antidepressant that has been on the market for a long time. It is actually the first one I was ever prescribed, Zoloft. I'm into my 6th day off Fetzima, and I'm starting to feel like my old self again. Fetzima had me in a state of mental anguish. I wanted to harm myself. I was so sad, so sad, then rages, then shame over the ugliest behavior ever. I hate this medication."

• Ssf...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 20, 2015

Levomilnacipran for Major Depressive Disorder "I started with 20 mg and stayed on that for 1 month. I didn't see much of a change with my issues but was a tiny bit better. I went to 40 mg for 4 months and I felt some improvement, but I became depressed again. I have just started 80 mg last week. I was feeling angry and nervous and not sleeping at all for about 4 days. I'm on the 6th day now, and those side effects are almost gone. I'll update after a little more time goes by. But I am feeling a little more motivated and awake."

• Vka...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 4, 2019

Levomilnacipran for Depression "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!!!"

• Vka...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 4, 2019

Levomilnacipran for Depression "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!!!"

• Reb...
• April 10, 2017

Levomilnacipran for Major Depressive Disorder "This is the second time I have taken Fetzima ER and have been on it for 9 months. I quit the first time due to not being able to afford it. I have MDD, anxiety disorder, panic disorder with agoraphobia, and BPD. I take the 40 mg a day. At first, when I started Fetzima, I was happy, almost euphoric, and my depression and most of my anxiety completely disappeared. Recently, within the past couple of months, my rage has returned, I'm easily agitated and highly irritable, I have had to take my Klonopin daily for extreme anxiety, my personality has changed, and my depression has gotten much worse to the point where I cry several times a day and feel hopeless. I'm not sure whether I need to decrease or increase or try something else at this point."

• Jan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 10, 2020

Levomilnacipran for Major Depressive Disorder "Absolutely awful. Took it for 5 days and became a complete rage monster, just like the other reviewers. I hope you can all find something that works for you, whatever that ends up being (even if it's this!) and remember: many things exist that you can't see right now, and a purpose for living is no different. Good luck, mental health warriors!"

• Nic...
• January 29, 2016

Levomilnacipran for Major Depressive Disorder "Started taking 60 mg in the morning for 9 days and then increased the dosage to 80 mg for major depression along with anxiety. The main effects I felt were extreme agitation, irritation, and anger. It was next to impossible to concentrate on anything. My body and brain were very restless. Realizing that antidepressants take some time before they reach full effect, I tried my best to push myself to stay on it to see if I experienced any improvements. I didn’t. So, after 5 weeks, I stopped taking it."

• Nic...
• January 29, 2016

Levomilnacipran for Major Depressive Disorder "Started taking 60 mg in the morning for 9 days and then increased the dosage to 80 mg for major depression along with anxiety. The main effects I felt were extreme agitation, irritation, and anger. It was next to impossible to concentrate on anything. My body and brain were very restless. Realizing that antidepressants take some time before they reach full effect, I tried my best to push myself to stay on it to see if I experienced any improvements. I didn’t. So, after 5 weeks, I stopped taking it."

• Jes...
• March 27, 2015

Levomilnacipran for Depression "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."

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

Levomilnacipran for Depression "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."

• Toa...
• July 12, 2018

Levomilnacipran for Major Depressive Disorder "Told my doctor I wanted to switch my meds because I’ve been on a huge dose of Celexa for years now. Was hoping to bring my mood back up and gain some motivation back. It’s been a month since I started Fetzima, and I’ve been crying every night. I feel angry and have worse depressed thoughts. On top of that, they’re way more expensive than my Celexa (something like $140 CAD for 30 tablets, I have no insurance)."

• Lin...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 26, 2018

Levomilnacipran for Major Depressive Disorder "After sobbing for the past few days and literally breaking down, my husband became really upset. He started reading about Fetzima and came to the quick conclusion it was the drug making me sick. I’ve had extremely hostile moments, road rage, anxiety, feeling hopeless, and today I even blurted out I feel I might die. I know it’s the Fetzima. I don’t think I will make it until the drug wears off. I've been on it for 2 months. It was not until the symptoms had gotten so severe that I figured it out. To make everything worse, when I reported these symptoms to my doctor, nothing was changed."

• bra...
• May 29, 2016

Levomilnacipran for Depression "Spent 3 days only on this. It made me so angry I just wanted to hurt someone, also, on day 2, my eyes started twitching off and on all day. Stopped taking this on day 4...guess what? 2 months later, my eyes still twitch daily!"

• Eme...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 23, 2021

Levomilnacipran for Major Depressive Disorder "I've been on this medication for approx a month now. Sleeping a bit better, thoughts are a bit clearer, but I feel so angry and aggressive. Anxiety is through the roof, and it's making my home/work life a pure nightmare. I feel nauseous most mornings, and a couple of times my chest became very tight with excessive sweating. It's early, but so far not impressed at all."

• Eme...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 23, 2021

Levomilnacipran for Major Depressive Disorder "I've been on this medication for approx a month now. Sleeping a bit better, thoughts are a bit clearer, but I feel so angry and aggressive. Anxiety is through the roof, and it's making my home/work life a pure nightmare. I feel nauseous most mornings, and a couple of times my chest became very tight with excessive sweating. It's early, but so far not impressed at all."

• Tmg...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 26, 2017

Levomilnacipran for Major Depressive Disorder "The three days that I took this medication for my depression, I had a horrible experience. I felt as though the medicine turned me into someone that I didn't recognize. I became so angry and irate that I could rip someone's head off. I couldn't control my feelings. Crying, sadness, angry, and felt like I was manic. I even quit my job. My life is now ruined."

• okf...
• August 11, 2016

Levomilnacipran for Depression "I took this medicine for a few days. The rage I had at all times was so intense it frightened me. It made me have thoughts of hurting others to the point I could not work for fear of hurting people I work with. I had to board my cats to keep from hurting them. I have been off this drug for a year, but now when I try other antidepressants, the rage seems to come back."

• Lau...
• April 5, 2021

For Depression "I started on Cymbalta to reduce my back pain, praying for a Hail Mary because I tried everything plus surgery, and nothing worked. Cymbalta literally changed my life as far as pain goes, but it made me absolutely exhausted. My doctor switched me to Fetzima, and the energy came back but still helped with the pain. I started at 20 mg, and when I went up to 40 mg, I started getting really angry and went back down to 20 mg. I take it like every other day now, although I should take it every day. Out of everything that I’ve tried in the past, an SNRI was my lifesaver! I give it a 10 for pain but maybe a 5 for depression as I think it makes me more angry, but if I stick to 20 mg, I’m okay."