Venlafaxine and Dizziness: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Hap...
• February 25, 2015

Venlafaxine 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."

• Bug...
• March 15, 2016

Venlafaxine for Anxiety "I have very bad anxiety, moderate panic attacks, and horrible night terrors. I just couldn't take it anymore. This was the first medication I tried. It has helped me so much, I can't even explain it to you. Yes, I still have anxiety, but it is mild now. I almost never have nightmares anymore. As soon as I miss a dose, I get lightheaded, dizzy, and feel like crap. It has very bad withdrawals. I have almost no side effects. This medicine has been great for me. I've been on it for almost a year. I am at 150 mg."

• Anonymous
• June 11, 2009

Venlafaxine for Anxiety "I am 26 years old and I have been on Effexor for anxiety. When first starting the medication, I had severe nausea for about 2 weeks, but I stuck with it. Thankfully, the nausea went away and now I feel so much better. I feel smarter, more grounded, and able to make appropriate decisions. Before going on Effexor, it was like I was always working hypervigilantly to ensure nothing bad happened. Now I am able to relax and go with the flow. The only drawback is the severe withdrawal symptoms of dizziness and 'brain jolts.' I notice these beginning even if I am just an hour late taking my pill."

• The...
• October 23, 2014

Venlafaxine for Depression "I started this medicine in nursing school. Very much so needed. I started seeing myself with less worry, and a more 'whatever' type of mentality. I figured that worked for me. However, my biggest problem has been the weight gain. Before I knew it, I gained at least 25 lbs. I'm a very active person and I watch what I eat, especially since I am a cardiac nurse. Also, make sure you NEVER miss a day of the medication. My side effects would be vertigo and shooting nerve pains in my head. I just upped my dosage to 150mg hoping it will increase my energy and help with weight loss. I was really bad off emotionally before, so besides everything above, I have my life back."

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

Venlafaxine for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "You have to get through the uptake before judging. I am taking 75 mg of XR, and it took 12 days for the nervousness, hot flashes, complete loss of appetite, and weird nerve sensations to subside. I now feel great and have a sense of calm and happiness that I did not have before with GAD and mild depression. I don't worry as much. I'd give this drug a ten (10) if it wasn't for the delayed ejaculation (I'm 47) during intercourse. Ativan helped get me through the uptake. Buspar (hot flashes, dizziness) and Mirtazapine (weight gain) did not work for me."

• Anonymous
• February 28, 2013

For Hot Flashes "I've been taking Effexor for about 9 months. My doctor prescribed it to me for hot flashes. I don't have any problems with depression or anxiety. My husband and I have been married for 37 years, and have never had any sexual problems until I started taking Effexor. I don't have any desire anymore. After 37 years, I do know that is an important part of marriage. I'm coming off the Effexor and so far the side effects are nausea and dizziness."

• Tay...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 3, 2016

Venlafaxine for Depression "I've been taking Effexor for 5 months now, and I can say it definitely has worked for me. It can take time to actually start working, though, so give it some time. The only downfall is if I forget to take it for a day, I start getting dizzy, brain zaps, and headaches. I am now waiting to refill it, and haven't taken it for about a week, and the symptoms are still occurring. Even with that said, I would recommend this medicine for depression/anxiety. I no longer cry all the time for no reason. Definitely has changed my life (:"

• Sof...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 30, 2015

Venlafaxine for Depression "I take the drug in the morning when I wake up. The first thing is eating, then 75 mg with a bottle of water, and I make sure during the day to drink plenty of water because this drug affects your renal and hepatic system. Every three months, or according to your MD, you should do routine labs. Remember, the drug won't take effect fast; it is going to be two weeks to check out how you are tolerating the dose. During these first two weeks, you may feel somnolence, dizziness, tiredness, and an urge to sleep. That's normal, but you can also feel like you can't control your life, not being focused, and unhappy. That can also occur in the starting period, as it did for me. The maximum effect of the drug/dose will take effect in three months. Monitor your suicidal thoughts with any anti-depression medication."

• Anonymous
• December 7, 2012

Venlafaxine for Depression "I was on Effexor for a few months only and found it to be not particularly helpful. I had weight gain, extreme tiredness during the day and feeling 'blah'. I decided to go off them, and it took me longer to get off them than I had been taking them. The withdrawal was terrible. I had head spins that would last all day, couldn't focus, extreme dizziness if I turned too quickly, etc."

• Anonymous
• December 7, 2012

Venlafaxine for Depression "I was on Effexor for a few months only and found it to be not particularly helpful. I had weight gain, extreme tiredness during the day and feeling 'blah'. I decided to go off them, and it took me longer to get off them than I had been taking them. The withdrawal was terrible. I had head spins that would last all day, couldn't focus, extreme dizziness if I turned too quickly, etc."

• Jam...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 13, 2022

For Autism "I have autism. I did not know this when I was first prescribed venlafaxine. The diagnosis came 10 months after I started taking it. I had been suffering from extreme anxiety and depression. Each time I complained to my doctor I was feeling worse, he kept increasing the dose, reaching 225 mg. I became so ill: muscular problems, eye pain, dizziness, migraines, paranoia, and delusions. I felt I’d lost my mind, and the suicidal thoughts got worse as the dose increased. I was so close to taking my life. I stopped taking them against my doctor's wishes, as I linked the drug to my physical and mental health changes. I stopped having suicidal thoughts within 24 hours (I have never had such strong suicidal thoughts in my life before, just a deep unhappiness with my life). The brain zaps, body shakes, and dizziness have been horrendous. I’m a week off the drug now, no suicidal thoughts, muscular issues improving, thinking clearer, still getting brain zaps and dizziness, it’s improving each day."

• ind...
• March 29, 2019

Venlafaxine for Depression "It took the drug company 11 years to get this approved. This drug should not be allowed on the market. I have been on SSRIs for 15 years and was switched to this pill, which is the worst. I was constantly dizzy on this, also anxious and brain-zapped. If you take this medication an hour late, you are sick. It has a very short half-life. Going off of it, if you can, is like one bad trip. I had breathing issues, my whole body ached so painfully, vertigo, so dizzy, vomiting, and I tapered off slowly. It will take you 6 months to a year to taper off and get ready for the issues you will continue to have. Don't take it. When I read the reviews, I thought it would be different for me because of the lies from my doctor. These reviews aren't lying, or they haven't tried going off. The XR is the only one that is approved??? The other Effexor is banned now. Please go on something else. Not an SNRI, it will bring you to your knees to pray you never took it."

• ind...
• March 29, 2019

Venlafaxine for Depression "It took the drug company 11 years to get this approved. This drug should not be allowed on the market. I have been on SSRIs for 15 years and was switched to this pill, which is the worst. I was constantly dizzy on this, also anxious and brain-zapped. If you take this medication an hour late, you are sick. It has a very short half-life. Going off of it, if you can, is like one bad trip. I had breathing issues, my whole body ached so painfully, vertigo, so dizzy, vomiting, and I tapered off slowly. It will take you 6 months to a year to taper off and get ready for the issues you will continue to have. Don't take it. When I read the reviews, I thought it would be different for me because of the lies from my doctor. These reviews aren't lying, or they haven't tried going off. The XR is the only one that is approved??? The other Effexor is banned now. Please go on something else. Not an SNRI, it will bring you to your knees to pray you never took it."

• jay...
• November 10, 2016

Venlafaxine for Panic Disorder "Had panic attacks and social anxiety starting in adolescence. Powered through until postpartum depression after my second child and began having severe mood swings, irritability, and panic attacks (dizzy spells, heart racing, fainting, chest pain) even when I wasn't feeling stress. Started Effexor on 37.5 mg and had almost immediate success (within a week). Felt a little hyper and would feel like I was getting a low jolt of electricity through my legs, but otherwise fine. Gained a bit of weight, but I think that's only because I was finally able to eat without stomach pain. Increased to 70 mg after two months when panic attacks began again, love this drug! Finally have a normal life."

• Hol...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 25, 2017

Venlafaxine for Panic Disorder "The good: tried after 3 years of agoraphobia and relying on diazepam to even go down the road. 7 months later, I'm at university, living a normal life, going to job interviews, socializing with friends, and I'm going abroad (for the first time in 6 years!) next week. Venlafaxine saved my life. The bad: you have to take it twice a day, which is annoying if you're a disorganized student like me! Also, if I forget to take a tablet by even a few hours, ZZZZAP! The brain zaps are so intense it feels like my head is being pounded by a defibrillator, plus dizziness, etc. Other notable side effects for me are excessive night sweats and dry mouth. The good outweighs the bad 100% though... I love venlafaxine for how much it's helped me."

• Jim...
• September 7, 2015

Venlafaxine for Major Depressive Disorder "Started at 75, then gradually increased to 300 mg over the course of about a year. Has worked so well for me. 300 mg is optimal for me. If I drop below that, my symptoms return within a few days. It has horrible withdrawal effects, though: nausea, headache, dizziness, weakness. It's worth it to me, though. I can think clearly, focus on work, not irritated, not depressed, or having horrible thoughts on repeat all day. Have not had thoughts of harming myself since I've been on it. Also, I have social anxiety. Now I can go places without fear and heart pounding. I've tried Paxil and Wellbutrin, but this is it for me. Hope this helped."

• Sha...
• April 19, 2018

Venlafaxine for Depression "I have taken Effexor XR for almost 5 years. I was diagnosed with severe PTSD, depression, and anxiety. I take 150 mg in the morning. I don’t forget to take it because if I don’t take it in the morning, I start having withdrawal symptoms by 4 p.m. My lips get numb, and vertigo starts. The longer I wait, the worse it gets. I really had to discipline myself to take it routinely because forgetting enough times is hell, so generally, I never miss a dose. However, a few times a year it happens, and I remember. Overall, it’s the first drug I’ve stayed on because if I forget, it reminds me with the withdrawal symptoms. Generally, I feel very happy and able to deal with life. I’ve put my life back together after my trauma and feel empowered. I’ve set some great future goals and a timeline. There is nothing I can’t work at."

• Saz...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 27, 2018

Venlafaxine for Depression "My experience with this drug was horrific. At 150 mg, I hit a new low, I was impulsive, severely anxious, and constantly in tears. I was so desperate to be off this med that I went cold turkey. Huge mistake. Developed discontinuation syndrome: fever, tremors, panic attacks, vertigo, hives, flu-like symptoms, night terrors, constant vomiting. Got to the point I couldn’t even keep down water. By day 6, I was hospitalized with severe dehydration and exhaustion. Was immediately hooked up to an IV to replace fluids and given anti-sickness meds. Doctors introduced a lower dose and I am now tapering. Down to 18 mg, so nearly there. Have to take it slowly as I’m extremely sensitive to this medication. Another 2 weeks and I will be free of it. Can't wait to have my life back!"

• ind...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 27, 2019

Venlafaxine for Panic Disorder "When I read the reviews about Effexor XR, I couldn't believe what some people had written, and I took it anyway because I had been on Citalopram for ten years. Wow, now I want to go off of Effexor XR because it makes me feel unfocused, brain zaps happen just before I am to take my next dose. If you miss a dose, OMG.... dizziness, brain zaps, headache, crying spells.... from 1 missed dose. I had a QT heart issue. Took this med with Clarithromycin and had to go to the hospital, it put me into Tachycardia, my heart rate was 190 bpm. Had two shots to slow my heart. Now I am weaning from 150mg to 75mg, wish me luck. I hate this bad boy. Never again."

• Sue...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 21, 2020

For Hot Flashes "I was given this med, Effexor, by my oncologist for hot flashes. I've been on it for 4 years. If I forgot one dose, the withdrawal is horrific! Brain zaps, dizzy, disoriented, nauseated, shaking, flu-like aches from missing one dose are crazy. I've been tapering from 150 mg to 75 mg, and it's taken 2 years. Your brain has to heal. For me, it takes a nightmare of two months to level out. Please weigh the pros and cons. It has ruined my life. I'm a total introvert and used to be a social person."

• And...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 25, 2019

Venlafaxine for Anxiety "I started taking Effexor 75 mg for my anxiety at 22 years old when Lexapro and Prozac were no longer working for me. I immediately felt relief after I started taking it. I am very bad at taking it at the same time every day/remembering to take it every single day and have experienced some of the most horrendous withdrawal symptoms. I start to notice it about 6-7 hours after a missed dose. I’ll start to feel off balance, headache, fatigue, flu-like feeling, vomiting, etc. This drug is amazing if you remember to take it, but it is definitely something you need to be on long-term. Highly addictive and horrible withdrawal symptoms."

• Ell...
• January 7, 2020

Venlafaxine for Depression "Our son, 16 years old, was put on Effexor XR in January 2019 for depression, after Prozac wasn't working on him. The dose was slowly increased to 225 mg. At the time, his psychiatrist went on holiday, and he developed dilated pupils, racing heart, jiggling, sweating. Took him to the GP, who immediately took an ECG, reduced his meds, said that he was developing serotonin syndrome. The psychiatrist did not have a replacement while away and had planned to add another antidepressant as Effexor wasn't working. The reduction side effects have been horrible, made more manageable by using micronutrients, but still losing a lot of school time. From August to December, we have gone down from 225 mg to 42, reductions have become smaller and slower as the dose reduces. Nausea, vomiting, dizziness, head zaps, fatigue, and insomnia are his side effects. I wish I had done more homework. Since reading more, using it on those under 18 is not recommended."

• Bar...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 30, 2019

Venlafaxine for Depression "My prescription was for anxiety, pain, and depression. After taking it for a year, I beg to discontinue taking it. PLEASE READ OTHER REVIEWS ON THE INTERNET REGARDING WITHDRAWALS. I have spinal cord damage and have gone through withdrawals from opioids. The withdrawals from this were ten times worse and took almost a year. After going to the lowest dose, I was ready to start the every other day. That did not work. One day and brain zaps, dizziness, nausea, and a horrible sense of unwell. I took the pill apart and reduced it by ten little grains each week. It did not matter. Each ten was a horrible withdrawal. Down to five grains and stopped. I still had brain zaps and incredibly horrid withdrawals for weeks. This drug should not be on the market."

• pri...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 18, 2013

For Hot Flashes "I have just started taking venlafaxine ER 37.5 mg once daily. Only one tab taken for severe hot flashes and my chest is tight, out of breath, dizzy. According to the side effects, these are considered a possible allergic reaction. Calling my doctor before taking again."

• Mar...
• September 7, 2015

Venlafaxine for Depression "I started with Prozac and could not sleep at all. With Effexor 150 mg, I could sleep standing up and was so sedated that I could not function. Withdrawal from 150 mg to 75 to 37.5 mg was OK, but after that withdrawal was hell with dizziness and nausea. Changing back to 75 mg, I still slept well, had a good sense of well-being, and could still function. With it 20 years now."