Levomilnacipran and Nausea: What Users Say

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 22, 2020

For Major Depressive Disorder "Diagnosed with MDD, GAD, and complex PTSD. This Fetzima medication has literally been a miracle drug for me. Been on different SSRIs and never felt well. I have never felt cognitively sharper, able to function throughout the day, and without feeling sedated. No more negative thoughts and self-loathing, low energy, agitation, and irritability, inability to leave the house and be productive and crushes my GAD as well. Thank you for giving me this opportunity to live a life I have never known. If you can push through a few weeks of nausea, dizziness, and not feeling great, you will get to a good place. Give it time to work."

• Ano...
• August 27, 2020

For Major Depressive Disorder "I have C-PTSD and MDD. I was put on Effexor XR, and I hated it. I slept 20 hours a day, had no energy for anything, had constant nausea, so a new doctor prescribed Fetzima 30 mg. I have no side effects at all! Last week, I was sitting on my balcony, and I felt happy. I almost cried, I had not felt this kind of simple bliss in more than 10 years. No other antidepressants ever worked for me, and I tried many. Speaking of sleep, my sleep has improved so much on Fetzima. No nightmares like on Effexor XR, I feel rested after 8 hours, and I actually want to get out of bed when I wake up. I do notice that I speak a lot and faster on Fetzima, but it's not as bad for me as other people reported. And I have so, so much more energy. I know other people had very bad experiences, but in my opinion, it's really worth trying, you might be one of those people who'll be lucky enough to finally have a chance to really get better, just like me!"

• The...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 4, 2015

For Depression "I had recently lost just about everything I had but my truck, and was suffering from major depression. Couldn't even find the strength or will to get off my grandmother's couch. The doc gave me the first 3 weeks dosage (2 20mg then up to 40). The very first day I noticed changes. I had my energy back, I wanted to do things again. The side effects didn't kick in until day 4. Nausea, constipation, and overall foul stomach. My stomach made noises that I've never before heard it make. It was putting me in such a great mood that I just pushed through it and in about a week, with lots of antacid and stool softener, it subsided. This medicine has helped me tremendously so far in my battle with depression."

• Non...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 23, 2019

For Depression "Prozac quit after 10 wonderful years. Tried many others. Nothing. Then Fetzima can’t get by 20 mg tablet due to nausea, bloating. Then attack either gallbladder or something else? Severe vomiting. Did Fetzima trigger gastrointestinal problems? Hasn’t improved mood either. Going off. What to try next? This is a crazy circle. Hopefully, one day there will be something better than “try this,” “try that” approach. At 70, ready to give up."

• Mrs...
• May 25, 2017

For Major Depressive Disorder "I was on 120 mg. Was great for my mood, but I had several side effects including: increased blood pressure, tachycardia, urinary hesitation, constipation, bloating, stomach pain, dry mouth, nausea, and UTI. My Dr. told me to choose whether I wanted to feel good mentally or physically. Looking for a new Dr. I think I deserve both. One without the other is simply existing, and I want to live life happy and healthy."

• Cap...
• July 29, 2015

For Major Depressive Disorder "I have had MDD for a while along with anxiety. I have tried so many medications and am medication resistant. Prior to taking Fetzima, I was on Topamax, which helped me quite a bit when I was not in a good place. However, it was not helping anymore, so my doc thought maybe going to an SNRI may help. I had mostly been on SSRIs before. The Fetzima really helped me with motivation and getting engaged in my day. I am taking 80 mg right now. I had tried the 120 mg but went back down since I couldn't tell a difference between the two. I have been on Fetzima now for about 4-5 months. I really don't have any side effects. The first week or two, I had a little nausea, but no SE now."

• asd...
• June 4, 2014

For Depression "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."

• 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."

• 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!"

• 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."

• 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!"

• 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."

• Tif...
• May 18, 2017

For Major Depressive Disorder "I've tried damn near every med you can think of. I have MDD, GAD, PTSD, ADHD. Wellbutrin stopped working after 3 years, and I don't do well on SSRIs (Fetzima is SNRI). So I said, everyone is built different, so trial and error/guinea pig it is. 20 mg once daily for 2 days, then up to 40 mg/day. Day 1 had completely 0 side effects. Day 2 nausea and vomiting lasted until day 5, which is when constipation began. BUT my depression is under control despite environmental factors I can't control. I am less emotional, moody, or irritable in general. Suicidal thoughts don't last as long as before. I'm not a zombie. No weight gain. It's good. Not great. 7/10 for me. Started 80 mg today, nauseous but will subside. I'm pretty stable. Give it a chance."

• Nat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 13, 2018

For Major Depressive Disorder "Today was day 5 of Fetzima, and although I was initially a fan, I no longer am one. I definitely felt an increase in energy my first 2 days on it. On day 3, I went back to my usual sleepy self, and I also started experiencing some of the side effects. Nausea, increased heart rate, weird anxiety (feeling on edge)... it wasn’t a very nice combo of problems to deal with, lol. I’m seeing my doctor tomorrow and coming off of this thing. I don’t think SNRIs work for someone like me who is super sensitive and a highly anxious person."

• Jam...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 14, 2016

For Major Depressive Disorder "I've tried Zoloft, Prozac, Effexor, Viibryd, and now this. Started with 20s for two days before going to 40s. First three days, I was vomiting, nauseous, and itchy. When that subsided, the depression got way worse (which is huge considering how bad it was before). I cry and sleep way more. I feel suicidal and reckless. Calling my doc first thing Monday morning to change plans because this is not working."

• Dev...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 12, 2017

For Major Depressive Disorder "I have taken Fetzima for 16 months, and I have had mostly ups and some downs. The ups: Fetzima has helped my social anxiety and with feeling worthless. Before Fetzima, anytime I would get around a lot of people, it was like I went into a brain fog and couldn't think. After Fetzima, the best way I can describe it is, I can feel my anxiety starting and the feeling of it building up, but then it stops; it doesn't develop into wanting to retreat and be alone. I feel like I can do things that I mentally couldn't before Fetzima. The downs: there have been times it seemed like it stopped working, as long as a month at a time. Early on, I got nauseous, which lasted about a year. I take Adderall too, and I realized what time of day I take both matters as well."

• Tis...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 24, 2018

For Major Depressive Disorder "Well, my Wellbutrin stopped working after 4 years. Explained as tolerance. Switched to Fetzima for 1+ year. First 5 days, I took a lot of naps, dizziness, nausea, and, surprisingly, constipation. By week 2, it subsided and mood was better, but not fantastic. Fetzima was a crutch because I was functional and could get around, but not as well as I used to. But without this crutch, I would be hopping around, if not immobilized, so to speak. It did its job, just nothing special. Better on it than off of it. But depression is back now. I don't recommend Fetzima, but if it works, it works. Give it a chance. Wait 2-3 weeks to see how you feel. I tapered off it and I start back on Wellbutrin today (which for me has been the best med I've ever taken). Best of luck. Remember, each individual has a unique brain chemistry, so meds are always trial and error. If you don't like it, tell your doctor and don't be afraid to switch, just heed warning to withdrawals and taper off accordingly."

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

For Depression "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."

• Pau...
• November 25, 2016

For Depression "I too have experienced a lot of loss, especially with my divorce. I started up on the Fetzima recently, and I'm experiencing fairly persistent symptoms of nausea. I was at 40 mg, but I'm finding that I am having to titrate because I just can't take the effects of the nausea. I'm trying to stick it out, perhaps go down to 20 mg a day and see where I'm at at this point. I've also tried many medications, and I'm feeling extremely frustrated and somewhat hopeless. Have other people had similar experiences on this medication as far as getting over the hump of nausea? There just doesn't seem to be a lot of options."

• DoJ...
• November 14, 2015

For Major Depressive Disorder "Was only able to manage a week on this drug. 40 mg. The side effects were pretty intense and intolerable. Cold sweats, nausea, headaches, and sexual dysfunction were very strong. Maybe some other less noticeable side effects as well, didn't stay on long enough to pinpoint. I did not notice any benefits during my brief use. I am also taking bupropion and did not adjust my dose after starting Fetzima, which I now realize I should have considered. Fetzima has a 1:2 serotonin:norepinephrine reuptake inhibition ratio, most SNRIs have between 20:1 to 5:1, so Fetzima is fairly unique and probably could have replaced my SSRI and bupropion. Found something new and won't be trying again, the side effects were just too bad."

• Kel...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 29, 2017

For Major Depressive Disorder "Another fail. I had the opposite side effects as most people, though. I was drained. I was the opposite of constipated. I got chills/goosebumps, but painful ones. I had some sweats, but mostly painful goosebumps. I already feel like crap with depression. I don't need another medicine to make me feel worse. Cymbalta had a similar effect on me. I was sick and drained. Effexor didn't have that issue, just some nausea, and I did feel energized, but it would take me 10 minutes to urinate. Fetzima was my 20th antidepressant. I am looking into a clinical trial of ECT and Ketamine. I am over those useless medicines. I can't believe this garbage retails for $400/month. I got it at no cost with the savings card for the first month."

• Kel...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 29, 2017

For Major Depressive Disorder "Another fail. I had the opposite side effects as most people, though. I was drained. I was the opposite of constipated. I got chills/goosebumps, but painful ones. I had some sweats, but mostly painful goosebumps. I already feel like crap with depression. I don't need another medicine to make me feel worse. Cymbalta had a similar effect on me. I was sick and drained. Effexor didn't have that issue, just some nausea, and I did feel energized, but it would take me 10 minutes to urinate. Fetzima was my 20th antidepressant. I am looking into a clinical trial of ECT and Ketamine. I am over those useless medicines. I can't believe this garbage retails for $400/month. I got it at no cost with the savings card for the first month."

• Clo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 22, 2019

For Major Depressive Disorder "After over 25 years on every major antidepressant there is, I would find after a few years it stopped working. So this time my doctor suggested Fetzima. I took 20 mg the first 2 days, then 40 mg for a week, now I have been on 80 mg for 4 days. Although my mood is better for the most part, I’m so nauseous and constipated I don’t think I can continue this. I see my doctor next week, in the meantime, I’m going to go back down to 40 mg. Disappointed as I had high hopes for this one."