Venlafaxine and Nausea: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Mam...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 19, 2019

For Hot Flashes "I've been on the 37.5 mg dose for 3 weeks now, and it has been a life changer. I am sleeping at night again instead of being woken up every half hour with hot flashes. I have way more energy, the post-cancer fatigue is resolving, and I'm feeling like I'm getting my life back. I don't know that people understand the impact that those hot flashes have on your quality of life. Some minor nausea, a bit of sleepiness, but I take it faithfully at 8:00 PM at night, so the effects are not too bad. Did I say how much better I'm sleeping... oh... and can wear sweaters to work again."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• November 6, 2011

Venlafaxine for Depression "Effexor gave me my life back again. I was so severely depressed that I had to struggle to find a reason to live every day. I was very suicidal. I was no longer able to function. 4 weeks after starting Effexor, I was returned to my 'normal' self. I was happy and could feel pleasure again, and I was excited about life. I have experienced a few minor side effects like constipation and nausea with dosage increases, but the benefits far outweigh the minor side effects!"

• 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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 8, 2019

Venlafaxine for Autism "I took this about 3 weeks ago. I started on 75 mg. I felt nausea the first day. Then the second day was easier, just a headache and a little nausea and panic. But as the week went on, the symptoms went away and I felt a lot better. The reason why I don't give it a full 10 is that if you take it late, after the 24-hour period since your last dose, you start to experience withdrawal. It is different for everyone, but I was fine. I'm autistic, suffer from acute anxiety, PTSD, and severe depression. It has saved my life so far. I am scared of horror stories, but as an autistic adult, I look at it as an opportunity."

• Lyn...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 5, 2019

For Hot Flashes "Started taking 37.5mg Effexor (same time every morning) one week ago for severe day and night hot flashes. Had minimal nausea and dizziness for the first two days, and now nothing. My daytime hot flashes are completely gone with the venlafaxine (they were every couple of hours all day long) and my night sweats/flashes are almost completely gone as well. I have had the last two nights without a single flash and have slept great! I tried everything possible over the counter and 'natural' but the Effexor is the only thing that has truly worked and worked fast for those hot flashes"

• abd...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 21, 2021

Venlafaxine for Depression "I read a lot before taking this medicine because I heard about its horrible side effects and withdrawal symptoms, but finally, I decided to take it as I believe all depression medications have side effects and withdrawal symptoms, and for sure it won't be worse than depression. And if it's approved by the FDA and allowed in most countries, then for sure it has also positive effects more than negative ones. After I took it, I felt it change the depression after the first dose! Now, after 3 months of it, it's the best medication I've tried so far. But please know it has different effects from person to person. For me, the side effects were some nausea and night sweating, and that was only for one day. After that, no side effects happened. So finally, I tell you don't be afraid to take it - it is a safe and strong antidepressant."

• 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!!!"

• Anonymous
• March 20, 2012

Venlafaxine for Anxiety and Stress "Before I started taking Effexor, I would get severely depressed, anxious, and my brain wouldn't stop. I have been on Effexor now for 4 weeks, and I feel good. I don't feel so anxious or down on myself. Even people around me have commented, and they don't know I am taking pills. The side effects I do feel are as follows: nausea (went away after 2 weeks), loss of appetite, no sexual desire, and blurred vision. Sounds like a lot, but I'd rather deal with these issues than be on a constant downward spiral."

• Hap...
• February 25, 2015

Venlafaxine for Major Depressive Disorder "I switched to Effexor after taking Prozac for years, and it just didn't seem to be working for me anymore. I'm so glad my doctor suggested I switch to Effexor. I've been taking it for about 2 years, and it seems to be working great for me. I very rarely have a down day. You must take it as directed and not miss dosages. I can't miss more than 1 day's dosage, or I will get nauseous and dizzy."

• 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. :) :) :)"

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• Hom...
• January 10, 2020

For Anxiety and Stress "Used Ireven (venlafaxine). Started at 75 mg. A small bit woozy, increased heart rate, sweats, and hyperactivity. This eased after a couple of days. I increased from 75 mg to 150 mg. Same effect on increase, but quickly subsided. Life was easier, emotions more manageable, and generally a bit happier. Although, I did experience really, really vivid dreams and fatigue. After Christmas, I decided it was a good time to come off them. This is where it got bad. First off, I should have consulted a doctor and weaned off, but being me, I didn't. Cold turkey is not a good idea, trust me on this one. It was absolutely awful. Vision, motor control, nausea, cramps, pains all over, shaking and tremors, awful migraine, no pupils, I couldn't coordinate my mind and body to work in sync. Admittedly, I should have followed a doctor's instructions and am writing this review to advise others to do exactly that. Overall, it worked well for its purpose, just be mindful when coming to the end: do it slowly."

• InT...
• January 13, 2013

Venlafaxine for Depression "My doctor prescribed this for my depression, bipolar disorder, and panic attacks. Within an hour of taking it, I couldn't keep my eyes open. Four hours later, I was wide awake, jittery, nauseous, and having the worst panic attack I had ever had. Needless to say, I didn't try to take another dose, even if my body had to get used to the medication."

• hhh...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 28, 2020

Venlafaxine for Depression "Started taking Effexor in the luteal phase of my period (approx. 10 days before menstruation) for premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and it has CHANGED MY LIFE. I feel the best I've felt. I cannot even access the dark and awful thoughts/insecurities/self-loathing that used to be a constant during this period. The only side effects I've felt were a slight bit of nausea/lightheadedness in the first few days and difficulty sleeping (I keep waking up at 6 a.m., but feel pretty refreshed, so it's okay). Will report back on how it feels to go off them at the end of this phase."

• 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."

• 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."

• Cre...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 10, 2013

Venlafaxine for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I have been suffering from Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder for a few years now and have tried everything under the sun, but with the Effexor, I am feeling great. It does have some side effects, though, but they lasted for a few days and are now gone. They include the following: jitters, drowsiness, and a touch of nausea. Although with the sadness and anxiety under control, I now realize all the physical symptoms of PMDD. I'd rather have the physical symptoms over the emotions any day."

• Ano...
• October 2, 2013

Venlafaxine for Depression "I took 225 mg of Effexor XR for about 6 years for MDD and was doing well until I started to notice a drop in its effectiveness. I then tried Lexapro (terrible) and Cymbalta. The latter worked well for about a year and a half, until, again, its effectiveness waned. My physician suggested that, since Effexor XR had worked in the past, I give it another shot. I've been back on 150 mg now for over a year and a half and am doing well on it. The medicine, along with talk therapy, has helped significantly. The side effects I experience are: increased sweating, dry mouth, and loss of libido. Also, missing a dose for more than a day is miserable, as it causes nausea, a 'disconnected head' feeling, and slight anxiety."

• MzT...
• January 25, 2014

Venlafaxine for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "My body responded very negatively to this medicine, and I had to be pulled off of it. I had a lot of side effects with no relief for my generalized anxiety disorder it was prescribed for. Side effects: tremors, blurred vision, ringing in ears, constipation, irregular period, insomnia, nightmares, light-headedness, coldness in extremities, suicidal feelings, murderous feelings, cloudy head, weight gain, nausea, metallic-tasting dry mouth."

• Pur...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• April 23, 2014

Venlafaxine for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Once the correct dosage was established, my anxiety and panic attacks steadily improved. I underwent prolonged treatment due to a nasty relapse after the first round, following the birth of my first child. In the last stretch, I was on this medicine for 8 years. Dosage peaked at 150 mg, and after a couple of years following complete symptoms remission, we started dropping the dose VERY gradually. I have been off it for 9 months now. I had only mild adjustment side effects when starting the medicine: headache and nausea - both transient. During treatment, I had very low libido and poor appetite. Over time, while initial symptoms positively disappeared, I became more irritable, but the doctor did not attribute this to the medicine but circumstance/nature."

• Jim...
• September 7, 2015

Venlafaxine for Major Depressive Disorder "Started at 75, then gradually increased to 300 mg over the course of about a year. Has worked so well for me. 300 mg is optimal for me. If I drop below that, my symptoms return within a few days. It has horrible withdrawal effects, though: nausea, headache, dizziness, weakness. It's worth it to me, though. I can think clearly, focus on work, not irritated, not depressed, or having horrible thoughts on repeat all day. Have not had thoughts of harming myself since I've been on it. Also, I have social anxiety. Now I can go places without fear and heart pounding. I've tried Paxil and Wellbutrin, but this is it for me. Hope this helped."