Venlafaxine and Nausea: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Ban...
• October 25, 2019

Venlafaxine for Major Depressive Disorder "I started this medication, Effexor, in combination with therapy for major depressive disorder, anxiety, and borderline personality disorder. I worked up to 150 mg from 37.5 mg. It has helped me immensely. I’m less irritable, I have energy again, I stopped sleeping 14 hours a day, my anxiety is better, and I feel happier than I have in a long time. I have forgotten to take it for a day and didn’t notice any symptoms at that point. I had a bit of a headache and maybe some nausea at first and with the dosage increase, but it was mild and went away after a day or so."

• Sha...
• March 11, 2017

Venlafaxine for Social Anxiety Disorder "I'm taking 75 mg of Effexor XR, and my life is changing for the better. I no longer feel stressed when I'm around people. Socializing is not such an ordeal anymore. My social anxiety started when I was 12. I wish Effexor was around back then. I hope Effexor helps everyone. The first 10 days are not easy: anxiety, teeth clenching, nausea, and diarrhea. Hang in there and give it time to work."

• FIN...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 28, 2016

For Hot Flashes "My doctor prescribed this, along with other meds, for hot flashes due to perimenopause. I read up, at the time did not find anything too alarming. What I SHOULD have been researching was the WITHDRAWAL process for this drug. If I'd read that first, I would have asked for a different treatment route. First, it didn't help the hot flashes. So, last week, after starting at 37.5 and being upped to 75, 6 months ago, my doctor advised me to quit. COLD TURKEY. No tapering, he didn't appear alarmed, no big deal. My last dose was on a Wednesday morning. Friday morning, I awoke with a KILLER throbbing headache, dizziness, nausea. I tried to manage with OTC medications like Excedrin and Benadryl. After vomiting and experiencing visual delays, meclizine helped. Pupils were, and still are, PINPOINT."

• OLo...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 3, 2014

Venlafaxine for Depression "I took this for a few years in my late teens for severe depression and self-harm tendencies. It worked well for me. The only downfall is the effects one experiences if one forgets a dose or stops taking the medicine without approval from one's medical provider. In my opinion, the honest truth is this: it can be a wonderful miracle for severe depression and anxiety. It can make a person more outgoing in their environment and provide someone with more energy. The only downfall I ever experienced with it was the withdrawal effects if I forgot a dose. Brain zaps, nausea, general ill feeling. If one takes it as directed, however, they shouldn't experience these. Never quit this medicine on your own without talking to your doctor."

• Lau...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 13, 2019

Venlafaxine for Anxiety "Effexor has been a lifesaver for me! I tried Zoloft first because that’s what worked for a lot of my friends. Zoloft made me very sick, so I was switched to Effexor XR, and I feel amazing!! I had been living my life after having kids, but sick to my stomach 24/7 and having major anxiety attacks. I’d have to leave work, but no more. I still get anxious here and there but am able to cope with it now! Effexor isn’t for everyone, but it worked and still works for me. The only thing I can say is a downside to it is I don’t always sleep as well as I did before starting it, but life could be worse."

• can...
• May 21, 2020

For Post Traumatic Stress Disorder "This drug has literally saved my life. I agree with others that the initial side effects can be bad, so sleepy for the first week but switched to taking it at night. I take the slow release after dinner (better tolerated with food), helped me sleep, which helped me to feel a little better initially. The dose to start was 37.5 mg for 3 weeks, then up to 75 mg. So sweaty!!! If I don't take it with food, I get horrible nausea. Sex drive decreased slightly initially, and weight gain of about 5 kgs. Now I've been on it for about 6 months. Slowly losing the weight, sleeping great, no suicidal thoughts/ideation, or maybe just a couple fleeting thoughts, decrease in obsessive thoughts, no nightmares, decrease in impulsive behaviors, disassociation, emotional regulation!! Highs and lows kind of dulled, I would say. Experiencing the gray areas for the first time in 20 years. Feeling 'normal', increase in interest in social activities. Honestly, this is the best antidepressant I've ever had. I will never stop taking it!!"

• mil...
• June 7, 2017

For Hot Flashes "I was having about 10 to 12 hot flashes a day. At night, it was unbearable. My OB-GYN told me about the medication and started me on 37.5 mg per day. In three days, I was not having any hot flashes at all, it was great! Four months later, my hot flashes began again, so he upped my dose to 75 milligrams. This worked for the hot flashes yet again. The only issue is, I went out of town for the weekend and forgot to take my meds with me. I missed 3 days on the medication, and the withdrawal symptoms hit me like a ton of bricks. I felt jittery, had a severe headache, I felt drained, and my body felt flu-like. Don't miss doses!!!"

• Mik...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 12, 2022

For Anxiety and Stress "Have suffered horrendous anxiety for years. Tried every type of medication to no avail. I currently take propranolol to help heart rate and shakes, but had a bad few years where even this wasn't helping. Was put on mirtazapine (highest dose) for a year, this only helped my appetite, so I then became housebound with agoraphobia. I was at my wits' end until I was given 75 mg twice daily of venlafaxine. Now, at first the side effects were nasty, very nasty. I'd feel extremely nauseous, yawn every minute followed by gagging sensations, and completely lose my appetite. Also, when I went to bed, I'd shake, sweat, and feel very agitated. This lasted for about 2 weeks, and then all of a sudden they disappeared, and I feel amazing. Nerves have gone, and I honestly feel like a new man. I don't even have brain fog anymore. It's like somebody went into my body and took control. Best drug ever. Highly recommended for anxiety and depression."

• Aks...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 24, 2019

Venlafaxine for Depression "This stuff is awful. Feels like MDMA but with only the bad effects. Jaw clenching, can't focus, nausea, shaking. I was literally scared. I called the advice nurse after trying to make myself throw it up because I felt so terrible. Stay away from this drug."

• ssh...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• October 3, 2019

Venlafaxine for Depression "Started weaning off Effexor 150mg 1 year ago. Got to 37.5mg with hardly any side effects. Then weaning off 37.5mg was terrible. Headache/head pounding, nausea, vertigo, diarrhea, extreme tiredness, random crying spells, very emotional, etc. Did a lot of research and trusted that it’d get easier with time. 4 wks later, finally feeling physically well again... Then it got bad. Sense of constant dread, horrible anxiety, heart racing, emotional as hell, trouble sleeping, extremely depressed, and felt like a zombie. Missing work, sleeping all day, no motivation to do anything. Went back to doc and she put me back on the 37.5mg. Extremely disappointed not to get off this medication. Been 3 days since getting back on it, starting to feel somewhat normal again, just want my life back. Wish I’d received more info when I was first prescribed it - had no idea it would be such a nightmare to try to get off of it. This experience has shaken up my whole world. BEWARE."

• Anx...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 22, 2015

Venlafaxine for Anxiety "This medication has helped me immensely! I tried Lexapro, but had too many negative side effects. Effexor took about 6 weeks to fully work, but it really brought me out of the depths of my anxiety-fueled depression. I finally feel myself after many years of living in the fog. The side effects for the first 2 weeks for me were: insomnia, increased anxiety/depression, hot flashes, and nausea. These all disappeared after the initial 2 weeks and it's totally worth getting through that rough patch. Once Effexor started working, I thought, OMG! I'm back! My body is dependent on it, though. If I miss a dose, I get dizzy and nauseous. Just know you must wean yourself off and not go cold turkey so you don't feel sick."

• Anx...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 22, 2015

Venlafaxine for Anxiety "This medication has helped me immensely! I tried Lexapro, but had too many negative side effects. Effexor took about 6 weeks to fully work, but it really brought me out of the depths of my anxiety-fueled depression. I finally feel myself after many years of living in the fog. The side effects for the first 2 weeks for me were: insomnia, increased anxiety/depression, hot flashes, and nausea. These all disappeared after the initial 2 weeks and it's totally worth getting through that rough patch. Once Effexor started working, I thought, OMG! I'm back! My body is dependent on it, though. If I miss a dose, I get dizzy and nauseous. Just know you must wean yourself off and not go cold turkey so you don't feel sick."

• Rog...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 26, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "I am so excited about my initial experience with this drug. For the first time in 13 years of treatment for anxiety (GAD & social), I have experienced an extended period of relief. I took an SSRI for most of the past decade, and it seemed somewhat helpful but never really gave me sustained relief. I am now at 6 weeks on Venlafaxine (75 mg for 12 days, 150 mg for 30 days, now at 225 mg), and I am feeling much calmer. Most exciting, I still get panicked thoughts, but don’t seem to have the associated fear feelings. I am so hopeful that this will last! Side effects are very noticeable but bearable: headache, some nausea, minor dizziness, a dry mouth, and frustratingly slow urination. I hope those will go away with time, but I’ve been on the 225 mg for a week, and they have been consistent. If it means I can live without the constant struggle with fear, then it's worth it."

• Mun...
• June 4, 2015

Venlafaxine for Anxiety "Downside of this med is the first few days, it's tough getting in a regular sleeping sync, it can cause nausea without food or with too much water at one time, and you can't go off abruptly or start taking large doses right away because it can have side effects. However, this medication leaves an unbelievable amount of satisfaction feeling after it takes effect. It took effect on me instantly, but that's my body. I take it midday or late morning after a good meal so it doesn't interrupt my sleep as much. If you don't have slow release, splitting it up might be a good idea, with at least a few hours in between. It prevents me from overeating, but it also prevents me from starving myself because if I don't eat enough I'll feel nauseated."

• Fin...
• September 16, 2019

Venlafaxine for Depression "Effexor almost ruined my life. When I was 13 and didn't fit in with my peers, my doctor decided that I must need antidepressants. This medication was useless in treating my depression as I was not actually clinically depressed. I was just a teenager going through teenage crap. I tried to go off the medications but would get sick with seizures when I tried. One day at age 26, I decided enough was enough and went off cold turkey. It was rough. I could not go to work, was getting seizures daily, and living with constant nausea. But after 3 months, I started to get better. The seizures became fewer and farther between, and the nausea stopped. Fast forward 10 years and I'm in a good career, am in great physical shape, have a stable mood, good self-esteem, an excellent credit score, and live the life I used to dream of living. Getting off Effexor was the best thing I have ever done for myself. It cleared my mind and allowed me to find myself."

• Use...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 14, 2024

Venlafaxine for Postpartum Depression "I have struggled with postpartum depression for the last 8 months. Originally, I tried Zoloft and it made me feel so much worse. Effexor has saved me and been such a blessing. I've been taking it for a little over three weeks and my depression is gone. I did have side effects that are starting to fade, such as nausea. I'm on 37.5 and my doctor is going to up my dose in a few weeks. Don't let the negative reviews frighten you, this drug really works."

• Bil...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 16, 2017

Venlafaxine for Depression "The positive: it has an almost immediate effect. From day one, there's a lift in mood. Effexor XR also gives a feeling of energy, both mental and physical. I've also noticed a significant decrease in my social anxiety, I can talk to anyone without feeling nervous - this 'extra' effect began, again, on day one. The negative: slight feelings of nausea with a definite decrease in appetite. I don't really enjoy my meals as much while on Effexor. I've also noticed a form of insomnia since starting - early awakenings and not being able to get back to sleep."

• Ale...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 1, 2019

Venlafaxine for Depression "I’ve been on Effexor for about a year. I take 75 mg ER a day for depression associated with bipolar disorder and anxiety/panic attacks, which were at such a high level that it led to pseudo seizures. I have had amazing results. I had my first winter without a major depressive episode, and the episodes that I have now are nowhere near as intense. My anxiety is at all-time lows as well, and I am able to hold a job for the first time. This is all in conjunction with cognitive behavioral therapy and lifestyle changes. But the withdrawal symptoms from missing a dose are HORRIBLE! You get brain zaps, which are similar to vertigo, and flu-like symptoms such as aches/pains and upset stomach. This is in addition to your depression and anxiety levels skyrocketing. When I first started the med, I had some nausea and dry mouth for a couple of weeks, but it passed quickly. Overall, I have had amazing results."

• pea...
• May 23, 2016

Venlafaxine for Depression "I suffered depression and anxiety at a very difficult time in my life 5 years ago and have been on Effexor 75 mg since then. It took the edge off highly stressful situations and helped me to cope in a calm and positive way. :) Life has been good since then, even though family problems have endured (thankfully to a lesser extent). The side effect of nausea was to be expected during the first few weeks, but after that, no problems at all. Effexor has been a wonder for me. :) :) :)"

• Lau...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 10, 2018

Venlafaxine for Social Anxiety Disorder "I started on Effexor four weeks ago at 37.5 mg for a week and was advised to increase to 75 mg. My initial side effects for the first three days were excessive fatigue, I think I slept for two days straight. I also had nausea and sweating. After four days, the side effects stopped, except the nausea still continues. My overall mental health is a lot better. I am calmer, less stressed, and able to concentrate better. I have also lost 6 kg since starting the medication. So far, I'm happy on it, the nausea is slowly subsiding but is still there."

• Dan...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 27, 2020

For Anxiety "I've been on venlafaxine 75 mg for 7 months. Have been dealing with general anxiety and OCD all my adult life but never taken meds before. First positive effect was not tearing up all the time over a sudden wave of grief. At 2 months, I wasn't depressed at all anymore. I don't get stuck in the obsessive anxiety spirals anymore. I think I still experience the feelings of fear, sadness, and regret, but they don't consume me every day and color my every thought. During the first 2 weeks, I experienced dry mouth, nausea, and headaches. I take the dose in the morning, and if I forget, the next night I will wake up in a cold sweat. I haven't noticed other side effects. If I forget for ~12 hours, I don't notice a difference. I'm a 30-year-old woman."

• Bra...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 5, 2014

Venlafaxine for Depression "This medicine literally saved my life. I took 75mg and the first day I took it, I noticed a difference in my mood. I woke up in the morning and actually felt like getting out of bed. I smiled and enjoyed being around people and was in a pleasant mood. I was getting my life back! The only side effect I noticed was that I was pretty nauseous the first week and lost my appetite. But, it wasn't bad at all! I stopped taking the medicine suddenly when I found out I was pregnant and the only side effect I noticed when I stopped was being dizzy for about a week. But that could've been because I was pregnant too. Unfortunately, I had a miscarriage, and started taking Effexor again. Looking forward to being happy again."

• Mum...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• March 22, 2016

For Bipolar Disorder "I have been on venlafaxine for almost 10 years. After being diagnosed with severe depression when I was in my twenties, I was prescribed Prozac, on which I couldn't function, and then Paxil, which worked okay at first. Several years later, after years of both manic and depressive episodes, the worst full-blown manic episode got me re-diagnosed as bipolar. I was prescribed venlafaxine, a very small dose, which made me violently ill for over 2 weeks, but after that, it improved, and I felt better. My dosage has been upped numerous times. I am now at 225 mg and have been for a couple of years. It has been a lifesaver. I feel like I have a new life: one without rages, anxiety, and depression. My family is much more stable now that I am stable."

• The...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 14, 2013

For Fibromyalgia "Been on this medicine for fibromyalgia for 4 days, and it has made a lot of difference already. I am on a very low dose at the moment, 37.5mg, and am titrating up to 75mg after the first week. I feel sick in the morning before I eat (which I don't usually do until lunchtime), but after a coffee, this feeling subsides enough to manage. I have tried about 6 other medicines over the past 12 months, and the side effects of them all were intolerable. However, if I can take this medicine with the effect it has already had, then I will be happy."

• Gig...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 11, 2017

For Hot Flashes "I am on day 3 of venlafaxine (37.5 mg) for hot flashes. I quit HRT a year ago at age 63 and began horrible and frequent hot flashes and haven't slept well in a year. On this med, day 1 I felt some nausea, but the intensity of flashes was greatly reduced. On day 2, nausea went away, but I was super sleepy. Today is day 3, and I have no side effects. The hot flashes happen less frequently and with way less intensity. My doctor says to wait a week or two, and things will continue to improve. So pleased with this medication! And the generic was only $8 for 30 pills."