Effexor and Nausea: What Users Say

• Ale...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 6, 2019

For Depression "Reading reviews online will freak you out about this drug, and as someone who used it for panic disorder and extreme anxiety (as well as depression), these reviews on here definitely terrified me. First off, relax. Taking any new drug for the first time can be scary because your body's adjusting, but freaking out about any little symptom will only make your experience worse. Now on to my experience: The first couple of weeks, I experienced nausea and maybe a bit of sleeplessness, but nothing too crazy. Lost a bit of weight too as it suppressed my appetite. I really do believe this drug helped calm my nervous system enough so that I was able to function normally again, and so far after the first month, I don't experience side effects at all. Don't be scared about all the wacky reviews, people can psych themselves out when influenced by others' opinions."

• xyz...
• July 31, 2013

For Depression "I have taken Effexor on and off for nearly ten years for depression and anxiety brought on by a sudden traumatic situation. It took a week or so for the side effects to disappear when I first started. I felt so well that I weaned myself off it, which took at least a week with side effects. I have done this twice, thinking I was very well and able to cope when I take the medication. However, I have come to realize that I need to stay on it, and my husband now understands that it keeps me well, happy, and balanced. If I miss a tablet, I feel quite nauseous and a bit unbalanced, even though I only take 75mg once a day. I have come to realize that there are a lot of people out there, including many high-profile people, who need Effexor."

• Mis...
• September 21, 2013

For Depression "I am 46 years old and have taken Effexor since 2000. It helps me balance myself. It really works, and it calms me down and relaxes. But never miss it for a day or so, it will give you dizziness or nausea. I would like people out there to know that Effexor is the best antidepressant. It helps me focus on my life in every way. Thank you for saving my life, Effexor."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 8, 2019

For Autism "I took this about 3 weeks ago. I started on 75 mg. I felt nausea the first day. Then the second day was easier, just a headache and a little nausea and panic. But as the week went on, the symptoms went away and I felt a lot better. The reason why I don't give it a full 10 is that if you take it late, after the 24-hour period since your last dose, you start to experience withdrawal. It is different for everyone, but I was fine. I'm autistic, suffer from acute anxiety, PTSD, and severe depression. It has saved my life so far. I am scared of horror stories, but as an autistic adult, I look at it as an opportunity."

• Ban...
• October 25, 2019

For Major Depressive Disorder "I started this medication, Effexor, in combination with therapy for major depressive disorder, anxiety, and borderline personality disorder. I worked up to 150 mg from 37.5 mg. It has helped me immensely. I’m less irritable, I have energy again, I stopped sleeping 14 hours a day, my anxiety is better, and I feel happier than I have in a long time. I have forgotten to take it for a day and didn’t notice any symptoms at that point. I had a bit of a headache and maybe some nausea at first and with the dosage increase, but it was mild and went away after a day or so."

• OLo...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 3, 2014

For Depression "I took this for a few years in my late teens for severe depression and self-harm tendencies. It worked well for me. The only downfall is the effects one experiences if one forgets a dose or stops taking the medicine without approval from one's medical provider. In my opinion, the honest truth is this: it can be a wonderful miracle for severe depression and anxiety. It can make a person more outgoing in their environment and provide someone with more energy. The only downfall I ever experienced with it was the withdrawal effects if I forgot a dose. Brain zaps, nausea, general ill feeling. If one takes it as directed, however, they shouldn't experience these. Never quit this medicine on your own without talking to your doctor."

• Hap...
• February 25, 2015

For Major Depressive Disorder "I switched to Effexor after taking Prozac for years, and it just didn't seem to be working for me anymore. I'm so glad my doctor suggested I switch to Effexor. I've been taking it for about 2 years, and it seems to be working great for me. I very rarely have a down day. You must take it as directed and not miss dosages. I can't miss more than 1 day's dosage, or I will get nauseous and dizzy."

• Anonymous
• November 6, 2011

For Depression "Effexor gave me my life back again. I was so severely depressed that I had to struggle to find a reason to live every day. I was very suicidal. I was no longer able to function. 4 weeks after starting Effexor, I was returned to my 'normal' self. I was happy and could feel pleasure again, and I was excited about life. I have experienced a few minor side effects like constipation and nausea with dosage increases, but the benefits far outweigh the minor side effects!"

• Anonymous
• March 20, 2012

For Anxiety and Stress "Before I started taking Effexor, I would get severely depressed, anxious, and my brain wouldn't stop. I have been on Effexor now for 4 weeks, and I feel good. I don't feel so anxious or down on myself. Even people around me have commented, and they don't know I am taking pills. The side effects I do feel are as follows: nausea (went away after 2 weeks), loss of appetite, no sexual desire, and blurred vision. Sounds like a lot, but I'd rather deal with these issues than be on a constant downward spiral."

• Anonymous
• July 17, 2019

For Depression "I have finally had the courage to go through withdrawal symptoms, agitation. Headaches, nausea, electric shock in my head. I am free of this drug, and for the first time in years, I feel like a human being. I am alert and feel a range of emotions. I was feeling nothing, numb for many years. This drug should be taken with great caution. I feel it is dangerous."

• pma...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• January 13, 2019

For Major Depressive Disorder "About 15 years ago, I started menopause, had terrible anxiety and depression. Tried talk therapy, did not work. Tried several antidepressants until Effexor. I started out with 37.5, then upped to 75 mg, then eventually upped to 225 mg. I have been on that dose ever since. It has been a lifesaver. Anxiety and depression no more. I do have some side effects. I do get heated quite easily, I have had vomiting on occasion, nausea. I have thought about getting off the Effexor until I heard about the withdrawals. Most antidepressants are addicting and have withdrawals. I am going to talk to my doctor about a change since I have been on this medication for so long. But otherwise, it has been a miracle worker."

• Bet...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• September 3, 2019

For Depression "I have been on 300 mg for the past 5 years. I cannot handle the withdrawal symptoms, as the feeling of being completely disconnected from reality is too intense, let alone the nausea, etc. I'm 25 and worry that this will eventually do irreversible damage. The side effects are not worth it for me, but again, I cannot stop taking it even though I want to."

• InT...
• January 13, 2013

For Depression "My doctor prescribed this for my depression, bipolar disorder, and panic attacks. Within an hour of taking it, I couldn't keep my eyes open. Four hours later, I was wide awake, jittery, nauseous, and having the worst panic attack I had ever had. Needless to say, I didn't try to take another dose, even if my body had to get used to the medication."

• Cre...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 10, 2013

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I have been suffering from Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder for a few years now and have tried everything under the sun, but with the Effexor, I am feeling great. It does have some side effects, though, but they lasted for a few days and are now gone. They include the following: jitters, drowsiness, and a touch of nausea. Although with the sadness and anxiety under control, I now realize all the physical symptoms of PMDD. I'd rather have the physical symptoms over the emotions any day."

• blu...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 27, 2016

For Depression "Effexor has been absolutely brilliant for me. I was on and off Lexapro for years, it made the anxiety less, but I felt blunted and almost more depressed, as there was no meaning in my life. I have hardly any side effects with Effexor (75mg): nausea the first couple weeks, excess sweat for about 6 months, orgasms slightly less intense, but still very enjoyable and probably easier to reach as I'm more relaxed. I find I have less control over sugar/carb cravings and am a bit lower energy and have thus gained some weight - maybe 5 kilos. All in all, I was very reluctant to try this, but it has changed my life for the better. Sometimes I worry about withdrawal and safety in pregnancy, but I think Effexor saved my life, so that's the main thing!"

• Sta...
• April 1, 2021

For Major Depressive Disorder "Please research this drug extensively before beginning! 26-year-old female and have been suffering with severe depression since childhood. Have tried various types of medications for my depression over the years, and can honestly say, Effexor was by far and large the worst antidepressant I've ever taken. The side effects were horrible: severe headaches, nausea, dizziness, nightmares, waking up in pools of sweat, hit my lowest of lows, and had frequent suicidal thoughts. If I forgot to take my medicine within a couple of hours of my dosage time, I couldn't function with work, chores, etc. Tapering off this drug very slowly was an absolute miserable experience. I'm someone that tries to find some good in even bad experiences, however, I have not a single positive thing to say about this drug. I wouldn't even want my worst enemy to feel a minute of the side effects I did on this drug. If I could give a '0' rating for this drug, I would. Will never touch this medication another day of my life!"

• App...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 4, 2023

For Depression "I was on 150 mg of Effexor for anxiety, depression, and ADHD for 8 months. It was great at first. I no longer woke up at dawn with anxiety attacks and could finally go to work, it also helped my anxiety when starting Ritalin. After a while, I started to feel very unmotivated and just numb, with no emotions. My sex drive went away, which before was super high, and I also couldn't orgasm, and if I did, it felt not as great. I stopped this medication because after missing just one dose, I had terrible vertigo to the point where I couldn't even stand without feeling like I was going to fall or throw up. I also got nausea and anxiety, along with tremendous fatigue and brain zaps, which I despise so much. Weaning off this medication now, and honestly, it's torture."

• Anonymous
• May 11, 2012

For Depression "I was on this medication for about 3 years for depression/anxiety. During the time I took this medication, it completely numbed any emotion that a normal person would get. About six months ago, I decided that I was ready to discontinue my use of this medication and slowly reduced my doses. Coming down from this was extremely difficult and painful. I would have the craziest/scariest dreams, intense night sweats, severe headaches, uncontrollable body shaking and muscle twitching, some nausea/vomiting, but the worst of all the side effects was when my heart would race so fast it felt like it was going to break out of my chest, and my heart would feel like it was skipping beats, and each time that happened, I would get an intense head rush."

• Ann...
• March 3, 2016

For Depression "I have tried nearly all antidepressant/anxiety medication, and venlafaxine has been one of the best for me. My mood is more balanced, my sleep is improved, and I am more motivated than before starting the medication. The side effect of nausea lasts a short while after taking a dose (37.5 mg 2x daily for me), but the overall positive effects are worthwhile. I found that venlafaxine has a quicker effect than other SNRIs, with fewer side effects."

• Jef...
• October 11, 2018

For Major Depressive Disorder "The psychiatrist started me at 37.5 mg, going up to 150 mg. Was on that dose for 2 months with no positive effect, but a muscle ache, which my psych didn't think was the drug (but it turned out to be the drug causing it). He made me go up to a 375 mg dose over the next month (despite feeling worse with every increase), which made my muscle ache unbearable. Couldn't get out of bed due to pain, desperately wanted to sleep to get away from it. Tapered down, and by 75 mg had no muscle ache whatsoever but suffered horrible nausea, brain zaps, and shakiness from withdrawal that I am still feeling very strongly after being completely off the drug for 1 and a half weeks. My brain feels like mud. In the future, if I think a drug is causing bad side effects over 2 months in, I am going to go off it because of this terrible experience. My depression is significantly worse than it was before I started Effexor."

• Rac...
• May 2, 2015

For Depression "I developed depression when I was 14 after being bullied at school for some time. I decided that I had enough of all the crying and suicidal thoughts just before my 16th. My doctor put me on Zoloft in April 2014, which gave me urinary retention. He swapped me to another one, which I can't remember the name of, but I had a terrible allergic reaction to it. Finally, I was put on Effexor for 6 months until I was ready to come off them in October 2014. I experienced no depression for a few months until I became stressed with school. I started Effexor again in April 2015 and will continue on it because it works very, very well for me. At first, I experienced a little bit of nausea with Effexor, but it passed after a couple of weeks, then it's perfect!"

• Xmy...
• October 11, 2011

For Depression "One of the best medications I have taken for depression. One warning is do not run out of this medication, because you will experience terrible withdrawals, and when you re-take it, the nausea is terrible. If I can stay on this medicine for a long time, I will be happy, never had better control of my depression than I do on Effexor."

• N2H...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 7, 2018

For Depression "I dreaded taking Effexor. It put me into a darker mood, outlook was foggy, nausea, headache, loss of libido, incapacitating loss of motivation, and extreme/intolerable drowsiness. I was in an important meeting with engineers, and I couldn't keep my eyes open no matter how desperately hard I tried. For me, there was no upside to the medication. It was an entirely negative experience. Had to discontinue and will never take it again. Yikes!"

• And...
• July 7, 2017

For Depression "This medication worked for me for a few years for my anxiety, but eventually made me feel worse. When my new doctor recommended tapering me off, I had 2 weeks of pure hell. I was fortunate enough not to experience the brain zaps others experienced, but I had diarrhea, suicidal thoughts, terrible migraines, dizziness, couldn't eat, nausea, non-stop crying...the list goes on. I was a mess for 2 weeks straight and could barely work. I do not recommend starting this unless you plan to be on it for life. The withdrawal symptoms were not worth it, please try something else. This drug should not be on the market!!"

• luc...
• August 21, 2010

For Depression "I've never been so happy in my life. It's not a fake, life is strangely perfect happiness. It's not the 'I'm in my head, three feet away from everything and no one knows me' feeling I've gotten from previous antidepressants. I feel balanced and for the first time in my life (I'm 28, female), feel like I am actually coming from a well-grounded place. As others have said, when a dose is late or missed, the effects are pretty awful. The longer I've been on it, though, they are getting less intense. The first few times I was late, I became very quickly, extremely depressed, lethargic, dizzy, nauseous, and irritable. I was having shooting, lightning-like feelings in my brain that would cause me to stop dead in my tracks and look pretty crazy."