Venlafaxine and Headaches: What Users Say (Page 5)

• 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?"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 31, 2019

Venlafaxine for Major Depressive Disorder "Completely lost myself, I complained that it made me not feel right. My wife told me I needed to give it long enough to work, she was sure it was just my body getting used to it. I was completely shut down, was numb, no emotion, didn’t care about anything but myself and was completely in my own head, left my family. Had zero emotion, none at all. Alienated myself from family. I have always had an addictive personality, but I started drinking again and smoking (pot and cigarettes). Had horrible insomnia, compulsive lies about even simple things. Blew through money. Tons of anxiety, my blood pressure went through the roof, cholesterol climbed like crazy, headaches, nausea, and restlessness. Restless legs were horrible. Vivid dreams. Bouts of anger and rage. Brain snaps and blurry vision. Worst med of my life. I was spiraling out of control. Withdrawal was horrendous but so worth it."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• July 8, 2011

Venlafaxine for Depression "I was on Effexor XR for about 4 years (started at age 18, weaned off at 22). Over the years, my dosage fluctuated between 37.5 and 300 mgs. It helped immensely throughout the first year. I was still feeling lethargic and such, but no longer had suicidal thoughts. The only side effects I had were ones that appeared when I'd miss a dose: night sweats, weird dreams, headaches. Annoying, but basically harmless. After three years of being on this medicine, I realized it was no longer doing things for me that I couldn't do myself. I was supposed to be taking 37.5 mgs daily, but weaned myself off of it over a course of several months (check with your doctor first). I had little to no withdrawal symptoms and no major signs of returning depression."

• Dri...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 16, 2022

Venlafaxine for Depression "I wanted it to work so bad. I’m devastated. The Effexor made my mouth and tongue hurt so unbearably bad, severe dry mouth with a horrible taste. Felt intense pressure behind or under my ears, like just before it's trying to pop. I was severely short of breath along with this yawning urge which made me hyperventilate. My head was pounding like a jackhammer, my pupils and eyes felt huge even though they weren’t, and please forgive my lack of better words, but I felt “cracked out.” Hungry, but felt nauseous smelling food, I felt in a stupor and slept 15 hours and would have the most horrifying intense vivid dreams that were just about impossible to tell if they were real or not (not even exaggerating), making me feel very confused and overwhelmed. I stopped being able to cry or feel emotions. I am a very emotional person and watched my memorial video of my beloved cat I’m devastated over, and I felt nothing for her. That is not normal for me. Terrifying experience. Never will take again."

• Don...
• December 13, 2017

Venlafaxine for Depression "This medication worked well while I was taking it. Under the supervision of my doctor, I have been slowly getting off of this medication. This has been the worst experience for me. Dizzy, headache, nausea, brain fog. I wish I would have never chosen to take this medication. I urge anyone looking to start this medication to talk with your doctor and try something else first. If you ever want to stop taking this medication, it is a terribly uncomfortable process."

• Jaz...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 28, 2021

Venlafaxine for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Being anxious is not being depressed. I was on Lexapro for anxiety after a traumatic event. I have suffered from migraines for years. The doc switched me to Effexor ER 75 mg a few days ago. I am already noticing a difference in my mood and haven't had a headache (a miracle for me). Still have a long break-in period ahead, but I am hopeful. Will keep you posted."

• 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."

• Laa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 28, 2019

Venlafaxine "I went on this two months ago, and the first few days I experienced all of the worst side effects: dry mouth, extreme nausea, lost all of my appetite, I was dry retching, had headaches, and vivid dreams. I wanted to quit and spoke to my GP twice. I am on a 75 mg dose and was taking it at night but swapped to the morning. I now honestly feel like the person I was meant to be. This tablet has worked wonders for me. All side effects have gone (I did lose a lot of weight in this period, and I didn’t have weight to lose), and everyone around me has noticed a difference in me, and I genuinely feel happier. I do believe I may just naturally lack serotonin."

• 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..."

• del...
• March 3, 2018

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "I was put on this medication for anxiety, ironically related to IBS-D symptoms and the pain of each flare (excruciating sometimes). The first week and a half or two weeks was hell. I was constantly tired during the day and out of it and then couldn't sleep at night. I would have awful pounding headaches and just felt like I was dying. This apparently is common when first starting the drug. Power through it. By the middle of week 2, I was starting to feel better, and now I feel nothing. If you miss a dose by more than about 4 hours (if you sleep in, for example, since I take it in the morning), you start to get a headache, but usually, it goes away once you take the medication. You're not supposed to take NSAIDs with this medication, so if you get pain, take Tylenol (acetaminophen) and try some caffeine too (this helped me the most). It has significantly improved my IBS and also helped my anxiety."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 24, 2018

For Hot Flashes "DON’T MISS a DOSE! Severe nausea, shakes, and vomiting! Yes, it does help with hot flashes, but the sweating, shivering, headaches, and stomach issues when you miss a dose by even a few hours is terrible!"

• 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."

• HNG...
• September 13, 2020

Venlafaxine for Panic Disorder "I’m not going to come on here and be dramatic and tell you to absolutely stay away from Effexor XR because it’s “the drug from nightmares.” Every person’s body is unique, and everybody responds to medicine in different ways. However, Effexor XR absolutely did not work for me. From day 1, it has caused more problems than it solved. Not only did it not help with my panic/anxiety disorder, but it made me get my period 3 times in 6 weeks, and I only know this because every time my dosage was switched, I would get my period again, which was also awful because I have PMDD. I’ve tried several medications. Last but not least, I’m currently coming off of it, and the withdrawal is awful. I’ve been sick and throwing up for 2 days straight with HORRIBLE panic attacks and headaches. I’m super lethargic and honestly just feel like I have the flu and was told by my primary that it was all from stopping this medicine. Like I said, everybody is going to react differently. It was not the drug for me."

• MrT...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 9, 2019

Venlafaxine for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Started Effexor XR in 12/2018. Started with the lowest dose and worked up to 150 mg capsule daily. Starting the medication, my BP was normal, I just had bad anxiety and at times panic attacks. I thought all was well and didn't think much of it, but each time I went to see the Dr., my BP would raise just slightly higher each visit. My wife told me I wasn't acting myself, so I decided to make an appointment, and my BP had gone from normal to 175/130. The Dr. immediately cut my dose to 75 mg a day, which had brought it down to the 140s over 90s. This medicine can make some people's BP go through the roof, and when you stop taking it, the withdrawal effects are terrible. When you're coming off Effexor, your BP can also run severely high along with dizziness, muscle/joint aches & pains, some chest discomfort, headache, and possibly brain zaps. While Effexor does work well for a lot of people, it did nothing for me except give me high blood pressure and nearly put me in the hospital. Always monitor your BP on this medication. Best of luck to you."

• 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."

• Ale...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 17, 2018

For Anxiety "I bought the medication, and I was terrified to start. After 3 months, I eventually started taking it, and the side effects were not good: sweating and nausea, headache, bad taste in my mouth. I stopped after 2 days. I was rethinking because I needed to do something for my anxiety and the bad thoughts after my sister and mother passed away. I started again, today is my 4th pill, and I feel much, much better. I don’t feel much interest in drinking or eating. Still a bit of nausea, but tolerable. It is a feeling of well-being in my whole body. I found some peace. I am not sleepy or tired or nervous. I feel balanced. I am on 37.5 mg. I hope my review helps. Probably everybody reacts differently, but for me, this medication is heaven."

• nor...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 18, 2023

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "After months and months of looking at this prescription sitting in my drawer, I finally decided to try it. My anxiety was getting worse by the day, along with an overall low mood and intrusive, horrible thoughts. I never thought I would be one of 'those' people with anxiety problems, but 2 kids later, here we are. My doctor first tried me with sertraline, and after one pill, I swore never again, I could not lift my head. He then replaced it with citalopram, which made me think I was dying with chest pains. I have never taken medication, I almost refuse to take a paracetamol. My doctor suggested we try an SNRI, and immediately I came on here, read the reviews, and thought absolutely not! But things got so bad I just decided what is the worst that could happen. Here I am writing this just 6 days into starting venlafaxine 37.5 mg XR. Side effects have gone, which were nausea and a pounding headache, but not bad enough for me to throw in the towel after 2 days, my anxiety has decreased by about 70%!"

• 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."

• Mol...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 31, 2020

For Depression "Venlafaxine is the absolute worst medication I have ever been on. I was put on it about a year ago for my depression and anxiety. Not only have I still struggled with both, but I have had the WORST side effects. Over the course of time (the past year), the side effects are worsening. Nightmares, night sweats, constant nausea, vomiting, stomach issues, headaches, dry mouth. I have never had such a terrible experience, never again."

• 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."

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 11, 2019

Venlafaxine for Depression "I have been on Effexor CE 37.5 mg for a month now. I was feeling better up until a few days ago, so I went and saw my doctor, so she upped my medication to 75 mg. So ever since she upped my dosage, I've been having severe headache, neck pain, nausea, feeling like my depression is getting worse, no motivation, crying spells throughout the day. So I'm going to give it a few more days, and if I'm still feeling the same, I'm asking to get tapered off of it. I just don't feel like myself, I just feel depressed all over again before I started it. I'm scared to get tapered off, though, because of the withdrawal symptoms I've been hearing."

• Cri...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 14, 2021

Venlafaxine for Depression "I love Effexor!!!! I have had bipolar depression, extreme depression, CPTSD, and a lot of anxiety for as long as I can remember. Within a few weeks (I had to start a low dose and gradually increase due to bad reactions to most bipolar drugs). So when I got to about 175 mg, I started to have no suicidal thoughts AT ALL!! I am so happy to have those thoughts out of my head. I still have some issues, but this drug gave me my life back - with no side effects except extreme fatigue until I got used to it. Now I have no tiredness at all. HOWEVER, HUGE DISCLAIMER. DO NOT STOP TAKING THIS DRUG EVEN FOR A DAY!!!!! You must wean off this. I actually thought it was the end of me when I couldn't get my meds for 2 days. I vomited the entire time, like I couldn't stop. Extreme sweating, hallucinations, not severe, but still scary. Nightmares and the most painful headache that would not stop. The vomiting was the worst. I wasn't able to hold anything down, and I mean extreme cramping of the stomach area. Please be careful."

• Anonymous
• July 12, 2009

Venlafaxine for Depression "I've been on Effexor XR for about 9 years now (150 mg once a day). I originally started taking it for A.D.D. and mild depression. It has worked incredibly for me. I went from no attention span to extremely focused. I also went through some events that increased my depression, and by upping the dosage, I was fine. The only side effects I've had are extreme withdrawal symptoms if I miss a dose (severe headaches and jitters) and a decreased sex drive. I would strongly recommend this drug."

• Nik...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 1, 2015

Venlafaxine for Depression "So I had been on 75 mg in the past for about a year and hadn't fazed me to stop taking. Anyway, years later, I found myself extremely depressed to the point I had thought all past experiences of being depressed were nothing in comparison. I went on 75 mg to begin with, then 150 mg, which worked great for me until I too wanted to stop taking after a while because I felt I was at a different point in my life. Just missing one day of this drug gives you hell, I had bad headaches and a zapping feeling like I wasn't completely sane. So after much research and deciding to tackle this a different way, I have been taking 150 mg every second day and 75 mg every other opposite day. I've had barely any side effects, I can't wait to finally be Effexor free!!"