Venlafaxine and Dizziness: What Users Say (Page 3)

• 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."

• Mar...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 8, 2020

For Anxiety and Stress "DO NOT TAKE THIS DRUG, venlafaxine! I went on this medicine due to a temporary life event that caused a great deal of stress. Started at 75 mg and eventually moved up to 150 mg. I was not warned about any side effects or withdrawal. I had been on the med for almost a year and forgot to take it one day. By lunch, I was vomiting and felt horrible. It took about a day or two for me to start to feel better. I NEVER skipped again and was terrified of trying to come off of this medicine. I only stayed on it longer because I was afraid of the withdrawal. I finally worked with my doctor to try to come off of it. He was great and did what he could to make it tolerable. I still had to pull apart the capsules and take out a few of the balls each day. I felt awful: brain zaps, nausea, confusion, dizziness, memory issues, and headaches. If I had known how incredibly life-altering this drug is, I never would’ve started it. I have been 100% off of this drug for about 2 weeks now, and I still don’t feel close to normal."

• Ano...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 17, 2015

Venlafaxine for Depression "I've taken this medication for about 5 years now after having no success with other antidepressants. I take 75 mg every day. On the rare occasion that I run out of pills or miss a dosage, the side effects are incredibly hellish. The nausea and dizziness are hindering, and I have found nothing that can help these side effects."

• Tha...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 17, 2014

For Fibromyalgia "I love it. I get dizzy and almost black out when I hop up. So I learned to get up slow. My pain has turned dull now instead of sharp and menacing like it's been for almost 5 years. Taking this with Oxycodone and Robaxin helps me get through each day. Still not well enough where I can exercise due to horrible muscle inflammation. Started on the 25 mg... moved to 75 mg... now I'm taking the 150 mg XR and I can say that I think I should stay here."

• Sta...
• April 1, 2021

Venlafaxine 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!"

• Dru...
• January 17, 2020

Venlafaxine for Depression "I've been on Effexor for 3 or 4 months. So far, I've noticed things are more pleasurable, and I have a tiny bit more energy. Still have depressed days, though. As for the anxiety... still there, and hasn't improved much. Panic attacks aren't as frequent or intense, but I still get them. My anxiety is so bad it's to the point I can barely leave the house unless I really have to. If you're on this drug, you're going to want to stay on it and make sure you don't skip doses. I get major withdrawal symptoms like extreme dizziness and headaches. Make sure you wean off it. Overall, still depressed and definitely still anxious. The effects of relief are mild and sometimes hard to notice. I still rate it a 7 because if it has helped anything, it's the panic attacks, which are easily the worst mental experience you can go through aside from being tortured to death. It's very tormenting. But because Effexor hasn't relieved much else, I'd consider trying something new."

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

Venlafaxine 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

Venlafaxine 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."

• Anonymous
• October 20, 2012

Venlafaxine for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I have been taking Effexor XR for about 3 weeks now for depression and generalized anxiety disorder. For the first three days, I felt a little dizzy but continued with the medication, and the dizziness went away once my body got used to it. I get a dry mouth and have lost interest in sex and cannot reach orgasm. I do feel a lot more focused at work and can think more clearly. I do find if I don't take the medication right on time around 9 a.m. every morning, I get a headache and agitated, so I try to take it at the same time every day. Despite the dry mouth and loss of sex drive, I will continue with it for another month or two and see what happens when I see my doc again."

• Eff...
• July 27, 2015

Venlafaxine for Depression "I just dropped in on the internet to see if there was something 'better' or maybe 'newer' than my Effexor, but after several sites, I know I'm still in good hands. I've been on 150 mg Effexor, or venlafaxine, for more than ten years, and I've lived a normal life since the right medication-finding game. Yes, the withdrawals within 24 hours are dizziness so bad you shouldn't drive, but I've asked my doctor to write a second prescription for the non-XR version in half strength, and I keep that filled for emergencies, or it's open to fill in another city if I have to fill it unexpectedly. Or if I miss my dose and need it to kick in immediately."

• Zil...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 9, 2016

Venlafaxine for Major Depressive Disorder "Effexor has finally made me feel like myself again... Can't remember the last time I was me, it's been at least 7 or 8 years. Tried Lexapro, Wellbutrin, Zoloft with no relief and bad side effects. Celexa worked so-so. Effexor has given me my motivation and happiness back. Only side effects for me are night sweats and slight headache/dizziness if I forget a dose... worth it, in my opinion, to be me again! Don't forget counseling/therapy too... Didn't feel the most helpful most days (I cried every time I went), but I can tell my maladaptive thought patterns have changed."

• Hop...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 10, 2019

Venlafaxine for Depression "I started taking 37.5 mg of Effexor XR with breakfast in the middle of December for my depression after being on Celexa for many years. I'm a 44-year-old female, and I was told to just switch over. I was dizzy, spacey, and sleepy for a couple of weeks, a lot of gas, bouts of stomach upset/poops. I struggled with bad anxiety during the first 10 days, and then that leveled out. I lacked motivation, although I knew what I wanted to WANT to do, just had no focus. My PMS was worsened at the beginning of February and again in March. Completely drained, like fighting a tranquilizer. In April, mind wandering between past and present sadness. I was then bumped to 75 mg daily, and I'm at day 7, it's been a long week. Day 5, I had really bad anxiety-fearful, I felt paranoid for a few hours for no reason. Then at 7 pm, a surge of energy for a couple of hours, sleep wasn't good. Day 6, I was teary and felt hopeless. Today, I feel chill, not so spacey. Probably my best day, my appetite is okay, smaller, frequent meals plus a few snacks. I feel that this medication is good."

• LGG...
• March 28, 2015

Venlafaxine for Depression "I had been on Zoloft (50 mg/day) for depression for 8 years. Following a major chronic health condition, a medical specialist was concerned the Zoloft was no longer effective. Increasing to 100 mg/day was disastrous - head spins, dry, dry mouth, vertigo - so a psychiatrist recommended Effexor. Initial 75 mg/day, then 150 mg/day after a fortnight. Initially, I was unable to orgasm, but this lasted only about a month (same when I started Zoloft). Main concern is weird dreams most nights. The only thing I can tie this to is the Effexor. I have been researching online and it seems I'm not the only one. What a relief to discover - I was becoming quite concerned (and irritated). But hey, I feel so much better that I can live with it. I'm smiling again."

• LGG...
• March 28, 2015

Venlafaxine for Depression "I had been on Zoloft (50 mg/day) for depression for 8 years. Following a major chronic health condition, a medical specialist was concerned the Zoloft was no longer effective. Increasing to 100 mg/day was disastrous - head spins, dry, dry mouth, vertigo - so a psychiatrist recommended Effexor. Initial 75 mg/day, then 150 mg/day after a fortnight. Initially, I was unable to orgasm, but this lasted only about a month (same when I started Zoloft). Main concern is weird dreams most nights. The only thing I can tie this to is the Effexor. I have been researching online and it seems I'm not the only one. What a relief to discover - I was becoming quite concerned (and irritated). But hey, I feel so much better that I can live with it. I'm smiling again."

• Lev...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 12, 2019

Venlafaxine for Anxiety "Suffered from anxiety from a kid. Didn't get diagnosed until I was in my 30s. Was on Celexa for a couple of years, but found that it never really kept the episodes away. Doctor decided a switch to Effexor might help. The electrical shocks and the way it made my nerves feel was something else for a good month or two before it started to calm down. Always feel on edge with this drug at 75 mg. Don't miss a dose or go too long between the 24 hours, or you'll notice weird head episodes. I found taking it before bed was the best way for me. At one point, the doctor thought it might help going up to 150, but that sent me to the hospital with serotonin syndrome, lasted 2 days. After 3 years, I started having shaking and dizziness symptoms similar to someone with MS or Parkinson's, along with other neurological issues. Noticing the symptoms are worse close to the time of needing to take the next dose. Looking to get off the medication this year."

• Sti...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 16, 2022

Venlafaxine for Major Depressive Disorder "Took it for about a week and started feeling great. But within a few days, my blood pressure increased, I started getting migraines, so I had to stop. The withdrawal was horrific. So dizzy I could barely walk. Headache 24/7. And the brain zaps were unbearable; they always came out of nowhere and left me feeling dazed and afraid for my sanity. Not worth trying it, in my opinion. When you try to get off of it, God help you. You’ll regret ever hearing the name. I can’t believe this medication is legal!"

• Bea...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• May 7, 2020

Venlafaxine for Major Depressive Disorder "I've been taking this medication for around five years. It has helped me a lot. I no longer have constant suicidal thoughts or feel as sad and as angry as I did before taking this medication. However, the withdrawal can be terrible. If I miss taking my medication by an hour, I begin to feel dizzy. As time progresses, it becomes a throbbing headache and a feeling of vertigo."

• Bea...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• May 7, 2020

Venlafaxine for Major Depressive Disorder "I've been taking this medication for around five years. It has helped me a lot. I no longer have constant suicidal thoughts or feel as sad and as angry as I did before taking this medication. However, the withdrawal can be terrible. If I miss taking my medication by an hour, I begin to feel dizzy. As time progresses, it becomes a throbbing headache and a feeling of vertigo."

• dow...
• August 1, 2008

Venlafaxine for Depression "Changed to Effexor XR 75 mg about 2 months ago from Celexa 20 mg. Having some dizziness and tiredness, maybe not feeling quite myself, so experimentation with the dosage is probably in order. Otherwise, no problems. Serious diarrhea side effect from Celexa stopped immediately upon changing treatment. But I am disturbed by some of the comments on this site about withdrawal from this medication. I have had no problem drinking in moderation while on this drug."

• jim...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 18, 2019

Venlafaxine for Anxiety "Stopped after the first capsule. I had nausea, headache, dizzy, disoriented, rise in blood pressure to 170/93, blurred vision, extreme fatigue, difficulty breathing, tightness in chest, caused onset of IBS. I couldn’t get out of bed for 36 hours."

• Blu...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• April 22, 2019

Venlafaxine for Anxiety "After starting Effexor (went up to 200 mg) for my anxiety/panic attacks, I felt great. No more anxiety or panic attacks at all, and it was amazing. After having suffered so much, I thought the side effects were worth it at first. Then I gained 15 pounds. If I didn’t take it exactly at the same time every day, I would get dizziness and headaches and often had headaches even if I properly took it. I had constipation, so I had to take meds for that. Then after a while, the stomach pains started and only got worse until I had to start taking meds for that too. So after 8 years, I felt it wasn’t working as well as before for the anxiety, and I was fed up with the side effects, so I decided to change meds. Getting off of it was hard (lots of side effects), and it had to be done VERY slowly (took months). Now I have been off it for 4 years, and my stomach is still destroyed (heartburn & reflux), and I still need to take meds for my stomach!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 7, 2016

Venlafaxine for Major Depressive Disorder "I had been off all meds for 10 years when I had a major relapse and knew it was time to medicate again. Effexor is hard to get on, lots of dizziness and exhaustion. Also, if I am late taking it, I feel awful. Headaches, anxiety, mood swings. Don't ever miss a dose! I can't stress this enough. Withdrawal hits hard and fast, even within 12 hours. Sweats, chills, headache, dreams, whole-body pain. HOWEVER, it does help me get through the day. I have suicidal depression and clinical anxiety, so for me, it is worth some struggle to stay with Effexor because it does give me relief. It calms my brain, allows me to get moving with my day, and not have the threat of my own self-destructive tendencies."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 11, 2015

Venlafaxine for Depression "I was switched from Prozac to this (150 mg), and it is amazing! It really helped me, but I will say, DO NOT FORGET TO TAKE IT! My side effects of missing one day were these really weird dreams and a horrible headache, but if I was off of it for more than a day, I felt super dizzy."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 1, 2015

Venlafaxine for Depression "I was given this medication after a major panic episode, and I noticed a good change a few weeks after taking it. It helps your mind wander and not focus on the bad things. It also just made me a generally happier person. However, I skipped a few days (I'm on the 75 mg), and the side effects were terrible. I got hot flashes, awful nightmares, I was so dizzy I could barely walk, I was disoriented and couldn't focus on anything, and I was absolutely exhausted. I started taking it normally again, but it makes me a little nervous to stop taking it permanently... Before taking this medication, I would definitely weigh 'do I want to be on this for a really long time?' or 'I can tough this out.'"

• Bio...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 16, 2018

Venlafaxine for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Prior to taking Effexor, I had daily panic attacks, suffered from agoraphobia, and would cry for hours at night without any reason (I was a mess). 35 mg Effexor put me completely back to normal-no more anxiety, but plenty of happiness and typical emotions. I would go as far as saying it cured me. However, the side effects are brutal. The first 2 months were daily dry mouth, dizziness, 'brain zaps,' and constipation so bad it put me in the hospital. If I miss a day, the dizziness hits hard until I take the next pill. Overall, I think it is still worth the trouble because I'm mentally healthier than ever before."