Venlafaxine and Dizziness: What Users Say (Page 4)

• And...
• July 7, 2017

Venlafaxine 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!!"

• Gig...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 28, 2017

For Hot Flashes "This drug did help with hot flashes, but BEWARE! It's horrible if you miss a dose or when you need to get off of it. Brain 'zaps,' dizziness, crying jags, depression, and more can last for months, even when you wean off according to directions. The withdrawal is horrendous. Please be very thoughtful before you decide to take this drug."

• Unb...
• January 14, 2015

Venlafaxine for Major Depressive Disorder "I was started at a low 75 mg. This was a very dark time emotionally for me because I felt like I was taking candy, not medicine. As we slowly increased the dose, the heaviness of depression began to lift, but I also became VERY sleepy. Other early side effects were dizziness, insomnia, minor stupor, vivid dreams, stomach cramps, and worsened anxiety. All these are gone except anxiety. We added a sleep aid and Buspar to take as needed for anxiety and insomnia. But I had to up the venlafaxine XR to my doctor's max outpatient dose of 225 mg to get rid of the unmanageable depression. This dose combined with CBT (therapy) has greatly increased the quality of my life. But NEVER FORGET A PILL! Withdrawal is awful! Sobbing, 'shocks,' lethargy."

• mmf...
• June 23, 2009

Venlafaxine for Depression "I have been on Effexor for 4 years. My doctor at the time told me I was depressed, but since then I was tested for severe sleep apnea. I have tried unsuccessfully 3 times to get off of it. I was taking 150 mg. One doctor told me to start taking the 150 every other day, then eventually stop. Horrible side effects: dizzy, irritable, bad dreams, sleepy, and general flu-like symptoms. I wish I had been told about the possible withdrawal symptoms at the time my doctor had given it to me. Effexor gave me sweats, and I've gained a ton of weight. My new doctor has me on Wellbutrin and is slowly lowering the dosage. I'm on 37.5 right now, and so far, so good."

• 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."

• upa...
• January 26, 2016

Venlafaxine for Major Depressive Disorder "This is my second time on Effexor in the 7 months. I began taking 34.5 mg in June 2015, then it was upped to 75 mg after 2 weeks. The first week, the side effects were really bad, but they only lasted the one week, and then I felt great. Best thing I ever did, but then I started feeling better to the point I didn't even think about the medication and missed about 4 doses before I noticed. After missing that many, I just stopped taking it. About a month later, the depression was back and worse than ever. I just got put back on it, started last night, and the side effects are back, but I have to push through because I know they are temporary, and if I have to feel dizzy and nauseated for a week for the depression to lessen, it's worth it to me."

• 911...
• December 21, 2015

Venlafaxine for Depression "I was given Effexor after Lexapro stopped helping me. I was on it approximately 1 year. But what I know now, that I wish I would have known then... the withdrawals are horrible! I am dizzy all the time, feel like the room is spinning. The pharmacist said this could last up to 3 months. I went off of it very slowly! I have been without it for about a month now. I have never been an addict of any kind, but I feel like one with this. I know that taking more will make these side effects go away, and I think about this pill all day, every day. Please research before you start this medication. I would not wish this on my worst enemy!"

• 911...
• December 21, 2015

Venlafaxine for Depression "I was given Effexor after Lexapro stopped helping me. I was on it approximately 1 year. But what I know now, that I wish I would have known then... the withdrawals are horrible! I am dizzy all the time, feel like the room is spinning. The pharmacist said this could last up to 3 months. I went off of it very slowly! I have been without it for about a month now. I have never been an addict of any kind, but I feel like one with this. I know that taking more will make these side effects go away, and I think about this pill all day, every day. Please research before you start this medication. I would not wish this on my worst enemy!"

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• June 12, 2009

Venlafaxine for Depression "Just finished coming off OxyContin after 6 years of use. Took Effexor 75 mg throughout. Now a member of NA and tried to wean myself off - horrible side effects from the withdrawal, dizziness, panic attacks, severe depression, and social withdrawal. Went back on at 75 mg and now feel that the drug is pretty hard to get used to again. Can't seem to win."

• 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."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• November 9, 2009

Venlafaxine for Depression "I've been on tons of antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications throughout the years. When I started taking Effexor XR, I was thrilled, I felt so much better... minus all of the side effects. The side effects are just awful. I sweat constantly, I have awful headaches, no sex drive, and I gained 15 pounds. And now the medication has stopped working, sort of... I don't feel sad or happy... I just kind of feel here. I've tried to get off of Effexor, but I get those brain zaps/vertigo feelings and vomit, so I stop and keep taking it. I guess it helps some people, but if I can ever get off of it, I will be going back to another medication."

• 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!"

• Pol...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 25, 2016

Venlafaxine for Major Depressive Disorder "I've been taking venlafaxine 150 mg XR for nearly 3 years, along with an antipsychotic to treat bipolar 2. Having tried all kinds of antidepressants, this is the one that's worked for me. The downside is the withdrawal symptoms should you miss a dose, but these go away as soon as you take it again. Dizzy spells/feeling drunk is the only way I can describe them. It has a short half-life of 7 hrs, which indicates that they have these symptoms. I've had no side effects and would recommend venlafaxine over other antidepressants, including citalopram and mirtazapine."

• MAD...
• August 23, 2011

Venlafaxine for Depression "I have been taking Effexor for 4 weeks. The side effects have been miserable. I have tried taking it in the morning and at night, but I'm always tired and dizzy. Sometimes I even feel like a zombie. I must say, the only good thing about Effexor (for me) is it has decreased my anxiety, unless I skip a day... then watch out and get out of my way. The comments regarding withdrawal scare me. Please tell me this gets better."

• kma...
• January 4, 2012

Venlafaxine for Depression "I have suffered from MDD, GAD, SAD, OCD, panic attacks, agoraphobia, and PTSD for the past 25 years. I have tried several other SSRIs and was recently switched to Effexor XR. I was prescribed 37.5 and was to build up to 150 mgs. The side effects were so severe I could not get past the initial dose. I took it for the past 6 weeks, and it abruptly quit working. I could not tolerate increasing to 75 mg. I will be switching to Celexa. The side effects include tachycardia, sweating, hypostatic, extreme blurry vision, nausea, headaches, insomnia, and weight gain of 5 lbs. I experienced 'spatial disorientation' where I would get waves of vertigo. I had great depression relief for about 3 weeks, but the side effects were too numerous to tolerate."

• Nor...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 16, 2016

Venlafaxine for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I started to take this med one week ago for my GAD. I'm feeling a bit 'lighter' in the head, but I also have a bit more anxiety, and I feel dizzy. I've read that this is totally normal, and I have been a benzo addict, so I had EXTREME anxiety when I was in rehab getting off that stuff. Now my life is looking brighter, and I have a lot of faith in this med. Just went from 37 mg to 75 mg once a day. I'm looking forward to sharing my experience here in one month :)"

• Was...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 2, 2014

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "I started taking Effexor XR about two weeks ago on a very low dose. I am also taking Levbid twice a day. Between those two, my symptoms are almost non-existent. The doctor wants to raise the dosage next week, and I am okay with that since it is supposed to help my anxiety, which is a trigger for my irritable bowel syndrome symptoms. I will say, the first week, the side effects were horrible. I had enlarged pupils, nausea, constipation, and dizziness. They went away exactly at the 7-day mark, and now I am starting to have hope I can have a normal life once again."

• aca...
• December 10, 2015

Venlafaxine for Depression "I have been on Zoloft, Lexapro, and Effexor. Effexor has been the one that worked for me, the other two were nightmares. I took Effexor during a particularly bad time after high school, and it saved my life. I had wanted to die back then. Just recently, these past couple of years, I've noticed my depression creeping back, and the death of a family member has added some anxiety in there as well. I told my doctor I needed something, or I was gonna spiral downward. I am taking the lowest dosage, 37.5 MG, I believe. It's been two weeks, and I've had some expected side effects: nausea, constipation, trouble sleeping, and a little bit of dizziness. Nothing terrible. Within three or four days, I noticed a change. It's worked for me, and I'm glad I'm back on it."

• Anonymous
• March 23, 2009

Venlafaxine for Depression "After I started taking this medicine, I got Restless Leg Syndrome - when I went off of the medicine, it went away. I was always tired while taking the medicine. When I quit, I got dizzy twice and fell within the first week after I stopped taking it."

• Anonymous
• October 16, 2010

Venlafaxine for Depression "I was given Effexor XR for depression. I had the usual side effects at first: dizziness, nausea, weird dreams, and tingling. I was able to beat most of these by taking the medication at the same time every night. The downside was if I was late by a few hours taking it, the dreams and tingling feeling returned bad. I was started on 75 mg, and that worked for a few months, then the dosage was upped to 150 mg. This worked for a few months as well, then I hit rock bottom again and the dosage was upped again to 225 mg. Unfortunately, this only worked for a few months. A year after this, I was given it again, this time, it only worked for a couple of weeks. This was not the medicine for me."

• 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."