Venlafaxine and Nausea: What Users Say (Page 3)

• 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."

• Anonymous
• June 11, 2009

Venlafaxine for Anxiety "I am 26 years old and I have been on Effexor for anxiety. When first starting the medication, I had severe nausea for about 2 weeks, but I stuck with it. Thankfully, the nausea went away and now I feel so much better. I feel smarter, more grounded, and able to make appropriate decisions. Before going on Effexor, it was like I was always working hypervigilantly to ensure nothing bad happened. Now I am able to relax and go with the flow. The only drawback is the severe withdrawal symptoms of dizziness and 'brain jolts.' I notice these beginning even if I am just an hour late taking my pill."

• Anonymous
• February 28, 2013

For Hot Flashes "I've been taking Effexor for about 9 months. My doctor prescribed it to me for hot flashes. I don't have any problems with depression or anxiety. My husband and I have been married for 37 years, and have never had any sexual problems until I started taking Effexor. I don't have any desire anymore. After 37 years, I do know that is an important part of marriage. I'm coming off the Effexor and so far the side effects are nausea and dizziness."

• 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."

• Kac...
• November 6, 2019

For Hot Flashes "I started into peri-menopause in 2009, hot flashes and night sweats. The doctor put me on venlafaxine, it helped a lot with both, but after being on it for 10 years now, I wanted to try to go off. I tried a couple of other times just briefly, but the headaches got to me. This time, I was more determined, so I properly weaned myself off of it. Having said that, I got past the headaches, nausea, and diarrhea, but I have been very anxious and nervous since I went off of it, and the hot flashes returned and are worse than ever. I found myself getting upset or mad about the most silly things, which I never was as a nervous or anxious person. So, I went back on them today as I just couldn’t handle the side effects of not taking them. By the way, I had been off of them for almost a month. I wish there was a better solution, but for my own health and sanity, I am going to continue to take them."

• Ann...
• November 2, 2019

For Anxiety "I've been taking 75 mg venlafaxine slow release once a day for 5 1/2 weeks and would recommend it! Day 1 I took it at 8 pm, woke up at 1 am with horrible nausea and vomiting, was really shaky and sweaty. Day 2 freezing but had sweaty palms, clenched jaw, couldn't focus, felt exhausted and had a headache. Day 3-7 felt stoned, slept a lot, no appetite. Day 8 felt really high, had huge pupils and sweaty palms. Day 9 appetite started to come back, but was shaky and exhausted in the evening. Day 10-14 spotting and tired. Day 16 exhausted, couldn't focus, had night sweats. Day 16-23 spotting and felt very dopey. Day 26 felt good. Day 27 a period started (I'm on the pill). Day 28 felt OK. Day 29 forgot to take the meds, took the missed pill in the morning, no adverse side effects. Day 30-31 tired, but OK. Day 32-38 felt like my normal self, without the anxiety and constant rumination! Stick with it for 6 weeks, it takes a while for your body to get used to it."

• 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."

• ODa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 7, 2017

For Hot Flashes "I was on the estradiol 25 patch for nine years after a complete hysterectomy. Concerned about breast cancer, my doctor put me on venlafaxine 37.5 mg to help with hot flashes plus anxiety after my son passed away. The effect was unbelievable. Minimal hot flashes, and my grief and sadness were not nearly as bad as before. It was immediate. I was nauseated for a couple of weeks at first, which passed. I also had anxiety for about two weeks, which has passed. It has done wonders for me. I suggest that you not give up on it at the beginning because after about a month it really calmed me and helped with both situations that I needed help with. Hope this helps. Did not increase my dose as of yet... four months."

• 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!"

• Wor...
• September 25, 2019

Venlafaxine for Anxiety "I was prescribed Effexor 37.5 mg ER by my doctor to help with menopause symptoms (mood swings, hot flashes, etc.), and I have mild generalized anxiety disorder. She said it would help also. I took one pill at 10 pm. By 11 pm, I had the worst anxiety I've ever experienced: shaking, hot/cold flashes, nausea, diarrhea, muscle rigidity, and complete loss of appetite. I tried to ride it out. By day 4, I still had the symptoms and ended up inpatient psychiatric. It's been 9 days now since I took just the one pill, and I'm still dealing with these side effects. My anxiety is higher than I've ever felt it. I feel like I'm in a constant fight or flight state. I'm having multiple panic attacks a day. I still can't eat or drink much. I've lost 12 lbs in a week. The psychiatrist at the hospital said this drug at this dose can induce an 'anxiety episode' in some people. How long this episode is going to last, no idea, but I hope it goes away soon."

• 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."

• pma...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• January 13, 2019

Venlafaxine for Major Depressive Disorder "About 15 years ago, I started menopause, had terrible anxiety and depression. Tried talk therapy, did not work. Tried several antidepressants until Effexor. I started out with 37.5, then upped to 75 mg, then eventually upped to 225 mg. I have been on that dose ever since. It has been a lifesaver. Anxiety and depression no more. I do have some side effects. I do get heated quite easily, I have had vomiting on occasion, nausea. I have thought about getting off the Effexor until I heard about the withdrawals. Most antidepressants are addicting and have withdrawals. I am going to talk to my doctor about a change since I have been on this medication for so long. But otherwise, it has been a miracle worker."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• July 17, 2019

Venlafaxine for Depression "I have finally had the courage to go through withdrawal symptoms, agitation. Headaches, nausea, electric shock in my head. I am free of this drug, and for the first time in years, I feel like a human being. I am alert and feel a range of emotions. I was feeling nothing, numb for many years. This drug should be taken with great caution. I feel it is dangerous."

• Jer...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 24, 2019

Venlafaxine for Anxiety "Was on 150 mg for the past 3 years. I tried to get off them earlier last year to no avail, for the withdrawals from this drug seem to be incredibly dangerous and life-halting. For 2 months now, I have been going down in dosage from 75 mg to 37.50 mg and now 0 mg. Throbbing shocks in my head, convulsions, bad stomach pains, nausea, mentally destroyed - random crying and rage from anything that catches my emotional attention (dropping a pencil, etc.). I do not recommend this drug. It may have helped me get through some hard times, but in my honest opinion, I feel this should be illegal. I have had to take time off from work, for I cannot function appropriately."

• 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."

• Bet...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• September 3, 2019

Venlafaxine for Depression "I have been on 300 mg for the past 5 years. I cannot handle the withdrawal symptoms, as the feeling of being completely disconnected from reality is too intense, let alone the nausea, etc. I'm 25 and worry that this will eventually do irreversible damage. The side effects are not worth it for me, but again, I cannot stop taking it even though I want to."

• 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."

• Byr...
• February 12, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "I can't rate this medicine just yet because it's only day 4, but after the first few days of nausea, headaches, and a foggy feeling, I smiled and had good thoughts today. I know it's way too soon, and I'm only on 37.5 mg so far, but I have a good outlook on this medicine now. I see my therapist on Monday, and I'm hopeful for the first time in a long time after battling this for 11 years. They started me on buspirone 15 mg, and it did absolutely nothing. I started lashing out and hated every moment of it, so after 2 months I tried 20 mg Celexa, and again nothing, but I was hyper the first few days, then went to lashing out again at everything. I couldn't drive to work without freaking out the entire 15 minutes. I was supposed to try Pristiq, but my insurance wouldn't cover 400.00 and said they would cover Effexor/venlafaxine. I'll update in a month again, but give it a try."

• Sue...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 21, 2020

For Hot Flashes "I was given this med, Effexor, by my oncologist for hot flashes. I've been on it for 4 years. If I forgot one dose, the withdrawal is horrific! Brain zaps, dizzy, disoriented, nauseated, shaking, flu-like aches from missing one dose are crazy. I've been tapering from 150 mg to 75 mg, and it's taken 2 years. Your brain has to heal. For me, it takes a nightmare of two months to level out. Please weigh the pros and cons. It has ruined my life. I'm a total introvert and used to be a social person."

• Cha...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 21, 2019

Venlafaxine for Depression "These pills are horrible. The lights are so much brighter now. I always feel sick to my stomach. I have no motivation to do anything. I wake up 5-6 times a night having cold sweats. I always feel exhausted. My hands and feet are constantly sweating. Do not take this drug. The withdrawals are atrocious."

• Rid...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 18, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "This drug venlafaxine was a nightmare for me. Problems started after the first dose. The expected dry mouth, but also severe nausea. After the second dose, the nausea was the most extreme I have ever experienced, and I began to vomit. Completely killed my appetite. Unable to sleep and spent the second night pacing, suffering anxiety attacks and taking Gravol. Day three even worse--another night of no sleep and a day of throwing up. Day four added diarrhea to the mix. Called Dr and said I would rather deal with the anxiety I had before starting. Just a horrible experience."

• Hap...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 11, 2019

Venlafaxine for Depression "This is rubbish, don’t take it. I was feeling bad after going through some difficult times in my life and thought I was depressed because I didn’t seem to be as happy as I was before, so I went to a doctor, and she told me I had depression and prescribed the Effexor 75 mg with sleeping pills. She told me I need to take Effexor for six months, but first with sleeping pills for two weeks. I took only two pills for two days! It was awful, I felt like a zombie. I couldn’t function or think or concentrate or feel. Nausea and slurred speech, extreme fatigue. I stopped the medicine after the second pill. I immediately felt better, meds are not for everyone. It would have been a life mistake to take this medication for me."

• 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."

• 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."