Venlafaxine and Headaches: What Users Say (Page 4)

• 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."

• ron...
• October 22, 2019

Venlafaxine for Depression "This drug ruined my life. I stopped taking it months ago, and I still suffer constant headaches, weakness, body aches. I can't do anything. I feel like I don't have enough power for taking a bath and brushing my teeth."

• Fed...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 8, 2018

Venlafaxine for Depression "I was given a dosage of 75 mg for a month, then up to 150 mg. It has been the worst experience I've had with any medication. After 10 weeks, my new psychologist has started weaning me off. It will take 4 months in order to avoid the worse effects. Anxiety, suicidal thoughts, headaches, stomach problems... just a few of my side effects."

• 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!"

• KE1...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 16, 2016

Venlafaxine for Depression "I was on Effexor for almost 4 weeks to treat dissociation/derealization that was caused by too high of dosages of Zoloft and Celexa. I went from 12.5 mg twice a day to 37.5 mg twice a day over 3 weeks. I had horrible headaches and blurry vision the entire time. By the third week, the dissociation was MOSTLY gone, but then I was having random panic episodes where I thought I was losing my mind and just didn't want to live anymore. The psychiatrist thought the extended release would ease that symptom, and it made it worse. I went from not wanting to live with dissociation to not wanting to live at all. I've been tapering off over the past few days, and I was awakened at 5 am this morning with HORRIBLE anxiety and suicidal thoughts, and my husband tried calming me down, but I barely felt like I knew or recognized him. Both my psychologist and the head of psychiatry at the Mayo Clinic agreed I need to stop taking it immediately (take 1/2 of 25 mg if I experience 'brain zaps' or any horrible side effects), but this medication is NOT for me, and they're thinking no SSRI or SNRI chemically reacts well with me after trying 3 and having worse side effects than what I was taking it for. I haven't been out to eat with my husband in 4 months. Everything in the world now looks different, and I still have anxiety and blurry vision. As this medication leaves my system in the next few days, I pray my mind will get back to the way it was 4 months ago. Thank you, and I hope everyone going through anything horrible with Effexor finds relief soon."

• Kel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 6, 2019

For Post Traumatic Stress Disorder "I started venlafaxine 37 mg about 3 months ago. I am having a great experience with my medicine. I have PTSD and anxiety. I have suffered from sleep hallucinations since age 14. I would have the hallucinations about 3 to 5 times per week at times. The side effects with this medicine aren’t bad at all for me. I take my medicine around 8 pm and get drowsy about 1 hour later, but that’s okay because I go to sleep around 9:30 pm. No headaches or stomach issues with it. I would keep an open mind with trying this drug and give it a few weeks to get through any initial side effects. Since this medicine, I have not had any sleep hallucinations, and I feel great. My anxiety all went away, and I feel like I am living my best life!!!"

• Chr...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 14, 2019

For Anxiety "I took venlafaxine for severe anxiety and depression after trying other antidepressants that had no effect over a four-year period. With venlafaxine, I only had limited side effects, including blurred vision and mild headaches, and my anxiety reduced after two weeks, but I continued taking the drug for another six weeks. By then, my anxiety had gone, and my zest for life had returned. I weaned myself off the tablets within 5 days and had no side effects from this. Two months later, I still feel good."

• 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."

• SNL...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 27, 2019

Venlafaxine for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I am taking Effexor 37.5 mg and have been on it for 5 days now. This is for severe anxiety and major depression. I noticed a change the very first day, with the anxiety level going way down. I have had a consistent headache for the full 5 days and throat/neck pain. No appetite and just feeling overall yucky and sick. I am going to hang in there to see how it goes. My Dr. also prescribed Trazodone to take at night for insomnia, and I have been sleeping better. I take the Effexor in the morning. So for now, I will stick it out and hope the side effects will go away."

• THE...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 10, 2016

Venlafaxine for Depression "thought it was a miracle drug at first until I ceased feeling emotions, and I was only ever on a low dose of 75 mg. Been trying to wean off this drug for 3 months now, and I had brain zaps (feels like an electrical impulse going through my head), no appetite, diarrhea, headaches, dysphoria, aches and pains throughout my muscles and joints, dissociation (feels like I'm watching myself watch paint dry), tremors, and sweats. I feel hopeless and like this drug has taken my life from me for the past few months. I would NEVER recommend this to anyone ever."

• PTS...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 13, 2014

For Post Traumatic Stress Disorder "I have CPTSD. Currently taking the 'California Rocket Fuel' combo of Effexor and Remeron. (Also taking prazosin, propranolol, lorazepam, and Saphris.) I found that the Effexor helped with my anxiety, flashbacks, and depression a little bit. I noticed headaches at first and an increase in blood pressure. I cannot miss my dose or I get bad withdrawal symptoms (headaches, flu-like symptoms, diarrhea, brain zaps, dizziness, weakness, and fatigue), which only subside 6 to 12 hours after I take the missed dose."

• Sho...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 3, 2016

Venlafaxine for Anxiety "My experience was a waking nightmare. I was started on a low dose to treat anxiety. It didn't help at all. My doctor kept slowly increasing my dose while I suffered from extreme anxiety with no relief. I had weight gain, night sweats, oddly long menstrual cycles, cramps, the urge to drink alcohol. I went to another doctor that said the dose needed to be at least 225 to treat anxiety, I was on 125, so he increased the dosage. This made the side effects much worse and the weight gain. I didn't care about anything, I wasn't myself. I decided after 20 lb gain to stop and got tapered off. I became extremely ill, it was like having the flu every day for weeks. I've been completely off for a few weeks now. I have headaches still and extreme anger, like rage."

• Car...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 11, 2019

For Anxiety "I have had depression and social anxiety my entire life. Finally, I listened to a physician’s advice to try venlafaxine 37.5 mg. It’s been 7 weeks, and it has helped me tremendously. The side effects are constipation, occasional headaches, and loss of appetite with some weight loss. Issues that would suddenly trigger sharp attitude changes (negative and damaging to myself) no longer conquer me, and I am able to take a step back from the panic. I intend to continue on this dosage for as long as possible."

• 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!"

• Bre...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 4, 2018

Venlafaxine for Major Depressive Disorder "I switched to this from Prozac after trying many different SSRIs. Some didn't do anything, some helped quite a bit. Effexor XR, being an SNRI, made a world of difference compared to Prozac. At first, I did get some mild headaches and was a little jittery, but once I got used to it after a few weeks, the side effects abated. Just stick with it and don't let the side effects at first deter you."

• tee...
• April 23, 2017

For Hot Flashes "After reading all the comments, I thought I'd ask a question. I just started taking venlafaxine yesterday. Last night, I noticed my tummy was upset. I got up this morning with a mild headache. Is this normal?"

• Hel...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 18, 2016

For Anxiety and Stress "I have been prescribed Effexor for over 6 years. Initially, it worked great. Now they have made me go on a generic version, venlafaxine HCl ER. The manufacturer is TEVA. And I have had major anxiety, hives, headaches, can't sleep, night sweats, just to name a few. I have heard from others they cannot take the generic form. However, when I requested the name brand, my insurance wouldn't cover it. In going to fill my prescription, it was going to cost $963 to fill. I was shocked. What is a person to do? Is there any help for those of us who can't take the generic format? And how do we find out what is actually in this to know what we are allergic to? Any help is appreciated..."

• Not...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 20, 2017

For Fibromyalgia "I began on a low dose of the ER 37.5 and immediately noticed the dry mouth, headaches, and burning pit in my stomach 24/7. Then came the blurry vision, urinary issues, and by day 10, the most debilitating stiff and painful back you can imagine. I knew it had to be related to the meds since this is NOT a Fibro symptom (at least for me) nor did I do anything to injure myself. Before I discovered it was the meds, I had gone to a walk-in clinic (or hobble-in clinic) and was given muscle relaxers. Nothing worked. Not ibuprofen, hot or cold compresses, or muscle relaxers. After researching further, I found that this medication can cause severe muscle stiffness. I then asked my doctor's nurse if this was true, and she said yes, she experienced it herself."

• Ele...
• March 4, 2019

Venlafaxine for Depression "I've been taking this for about half a year now. It's been working great for me. My depression is a bit better, I get fewer suicidal thoughts, and my social anxiety is reduced. However, I still do feel anxious (in non-social situations) most of the time, but at least I haven't had a panic attack in quite a while. I'm taking 75 mg every morning. The first week on it, I had severe headaches and felt really dizzy, but it lasted only a week, so that was fine. As for side effects, like any medication for anxiety and depression, my sex drive became nonexistent. One other thing - it causes you to have wild dreams, but to me, this is more of an advantage."

• Tin...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• September 22, 2015

Venlafaxine for Major Depressive Disorder "I took Effexor for many years. I believe I was becoming resistant to it because it wasn't addressing my depression anymore. I tapered off as slowly as possible, and I can safely say it is the worst withdrawal I have ever had in my life. Nausea, dizziness, sickly feeling, huge brain zaps, lethargy, headaches. It was horrible. I am so glad to be off of it. My new medication, Wellbutrin and Lexapro, are much better at controlling my chronic major depression. I will never be off drugs, but I would never take this drug again."

• Anonymous
• March 24, 2012

Venlafaxine for Anxiety and Stress "I had a lot more thoughts than usual. Thoughts weren't so bad. I still felt gloomy and stressed. But horrible withdrawal effects. Upset stomach, headache, nausea."

• KAP...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 14, 2019

Venlafaxine for Anxiety "Doctor wanted to take me off Xanax and try Effexor. It was the XR 37.5 dose. I took one dose, and that was the worst experience I ever had-just about landed in the emergency room. Awful headache, severe dizziness, and nausea. I tried walking to the bathroom, and I didn't know where my feet were landing, and my heart was racing. Thank goodness I only took one dose of this. Obviously, everyone cannot tolerate it. Xanax it is for me (0.5 mg once or twice daily). Never ever had any side effects from that."

• Gaz...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 26, 2015

For Anxiety "29-year-old male - Quite a bubbly person, really, but suffers from bad periods of anxiety and depression with a lot of self-confidence issues. I have tried all types of SSRIs: fluoxetine, citalopram, escitalopram, propranolol (beta-blocker), and none of them seemed to work or do anything about the anxiety. Suffered from dizziness, lack of motivation, breathing problems, twitches, and emotional problems. Within a week of taking venlafaxine, I felt brilliant with hardly any side effects. A little bit sweaty during the day and a slight headache at first, but they really do make an impact. I have heard a lot about coming off them, but I will take each day as it comes and stay on these for as long as advised. Definitely rate these tablets."

• Dus...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 20, 2019

For Depression "I have had depression for 15+ years and have been on and off several antidepressants; venlafaxine is the only one that has helped me cope. It's hard getting on and off it. The withdrawal is bad for me if I forget to take it, but I am on 350 mg, so I guess it would be. Like with all meds, go see your doctor. I had liver function problems, so I had to come off it for a time, and they stepped withdrew it (25 mg reduction every few days), and it wasn't really that bad except for worsening mood. Once sorted, I went back on it. Again, starting on venlafaxine isn't great; every increase of meds gives me a headache/nausea/sleeplessness/jitters, but this stops after a day or two. I'm still depressed on it, but I rarely cut myself anymore (used to be several times a month). I can get up for work and cope pretty well. I only get really dark a couple of times a month, and I can usually ride it. For me, it's like an umbrella; the rain is still pouring, but I'm not as wet through."

• Suz...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 12, 2019

Venlafaxine for Anxiety "My panic attacks started in 2012. I started taking Zoloft 50 mg, which was working well until 2018 when my panic attacks came back, and the worst was that my hands started shaking, which I think can be side effects of Zoloft. Since June 2018, my psychiatrist prescribed me Effexor XR. I started 37.5 mg for 1 week and then 75 mg and increased it to 112.5 mg since August 2018. I am very happy, and I feel that it is working. Side effects were a little nausea (if I take it with food, it is much less), sometimes I have headaches, and in summer I was sweating a lot, and sometimes I feel tachycardia. I believe tolerating the side effects is much easier than having panic attacks. The only problem that I have is my hands are still shaking, especially when I am doing delicate things."