Venlafaxine and Nausea: What Users Say (Page 4)

• 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."

• Osg...
• January 6, 2017

Venlafaxine for Depression "I used Effexor XR for depression and anxiety for almost two years. Effexor has terrible anxiety and nausea the first several days. I started at 37.5 mg with .5 Clonazepam in the morning and before night, then upped to 75 mg. Clonazepam was removed once my sleep was restored. Great drug, gave me life and energy. Side effects: lowered erection, sex drive, and orgasm. Kept me going well, gave much more energy compared to Lexapro. Getting off after 2 years was not a problem. I was slowly reducing the dose every 2-3 weeks."

• Man...
• January 7, 2021

Venlafaxine for Major Depressive Disorder "I was in the hospital for suicidal ideation, and they gave me Effexor. I remember I was sick the first night (nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain), but after the second day, I magically felt better. The depression felt like it went away, and I was ready to be released and start my life back. Well, this turned into an EXTREME manic episode less than a week later. I left my relationship of four years, I ran off and engaged in dangerous activities, and shut everyone out of my life. But I felt “happy.” I was out of my mind. I don’t have bipolar disorder, but this is exactly what it felt like. Two months later, this all came crashing down, and I ended right back in a psych ward again after trying to commit suicide. My therapist told me she calls it “sideffexor” because it’s a hit or miss medicine, it either really works or makes things worse. If you start this medicine, I highly recommend being closely monitored, it can be dangerous."

• 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."

• Tin...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 22, 2016

For Hot Flashes "My doctor put me on this medicine for hot flashes and the roller coaster of emotions that come along with pre-menopause. 37.5 mg. After I took the first dose, I started sweating, shaking, got nauseous, and started violently vomiting, along with diarrhea. I had the dry heaves for 4 hours. Very scary. I almost went to the ER. I will not be taking this medicine! I'd rather have the hot flashes!"

• blu...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 27, 2016

Venlafaxine for Depression "Effexor has been absolutely brilliant for me. I was on and off Lexapro for years, it made the anxiety less, but I felt blunted and almost more depressed, as there was no meaning in my life. I have hardly any side effects with Effexor (75mg): nausea the first couple weeks, excess sweat for about 6 months, orgasms slightly less intense, but still very enjoyable and probably easier to reach as I'm more relaxed. I find I have less control over sugar/carb cravings and am a bit lower energy and have thus gained some weight - maybe 5 kilos. All in all, I was very reluctant to try this, but it has changed my life for the better. Sometimes I worry about withdrawal and safety in pregnancy, but I think Effexor saved my life, so that's the main thing!"

• Mar...
• September 7, 2015

Venlafaxine for Depression "I started with Prozac and could not sleep at all. With Effexor 150 mg, I could sleep standing up and was so sedated that I could not function. Withdrawal from 150 mg to 75 to 37.5 mg was OK, but after that withdrawal was hell with dizziness and nausea. Changing back to 75 mg, I still slept well, had a good sense of well-being, and could still function. With it 20 years now."

• Jeo...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• February 28, 2016

Venlafaxine for Depression "Used it during menopause for extreme emotional distress. That was 15 years ago. It was slowly increased from 33 mg to 225 mg due to ineffectiveness. I finally decided after reading up on it that it wasn't worth the side effects that I had if I ran out or if I wanted to get off. Well, I decided to get off. Please do not go on this drug if there is a chance you will ever want to go off of it. It took me 4 months to wean myself off. This past week was the first week I have been completely off. It has been an excruciatingly long 4 months. I took my time, but the withdrawal is bad. I cannot imagine withdrawal from other drugs being much worse. Feel sick to my stomach, joints ache beyond belief. Emotionally I am a mess, but I try, I try!"

• moe...
• February 11, 2018

For Hot Flashes "A new primary care physician suggested Effexor to treat my hot flashes. I was so sleep deprived and miserable but didn't want the risk of HRT. The very first day I took it, my flashes practically vanished. After a week, I just get a little warm maybe once or twice a day. The first day or two taking Effexor, I experienced a little nausea and tiredness, but it has since stopped. I take the 37.5 mg dose once a day. My only regret is that this wasn't offered sooner."

• Mad...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 9, 2019

Venlafaxine for Anxiety "Took this before bed and woke up at 3:30 am, nauseous, bad diarrhea, sweating, and shaking. Had no appetite all day and was dehydrated. Tried napping, and my heart was pounding just laying there. The next day, I had a migraine up until day three and felt awful. Will not take again. Should be called Sideffexor."

• Mar...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 8, 2020

For Anxiety and Stress "DO NOT TAKE THIS DRUG, venlafaxine! I went on this medicine due to a temporary life event that caused a great deal of stress. Started at 75 mg and eventually moved up to 150 mg. I was not warned about any side effects or withdrawal. I had been on the med for almost a year and forgot to take it one day. By lunch, I was vomiting and felt horrible. It took about a day or two for me to start to feel better. I NEVER skipped again and was terrified of trying to come off of this medicine. I only stayed on it longer because I was afraid of the withdrawal. I finally worked with my doctor to try to come off of it. He was great and did what he could to make it tolerable. I still had to pull apart the capsules and take out a few of the balls each day. I felt awful: brain zaps, nausea, confusion, dizziness, memory issues, and headaches. If I had known how incredibly life-altering this drug is, I never would’ve started it. I have been 100% off of this drug for about 2 weeks now, and I still don’t feel close to normal."

• TFa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 11, 2019

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome "I have struggled with chronic stomach issues since I was very young. The symptoms (severe bloating, pain, severe/uncontrollable diarrhea, cramping, nausea, vomiting, bloody stool, etc.) are debilitating at times. I was put on this medication for anxiety, but it has treated 80 percent of my stomach issues. It's been life-changing for me."

• Rap...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• August 24, 2020

For Anxiety and Stress "Been on venlafaxine for 7 yrs. After a long battle with severe anxiety and stress that led to long bouts of depression, I was finally prescribed venlafaxine modified release. Eventually settled on 150 mg, which slowly but surely started to work alongside my body, and I felt better. Missing 2 days or more was a nightmare and resulted in nausea, insomnia, jitters, and the horrible brain lag (the only way I can describe it). I'm now in a much better place in my life, and my doctor and I are decreasing my dose slowly. Long-term side effects I've had are a complete loss of any sleeping pattern combined with horrible night restlessness (feeling like all your skin is ever so slightly itchy), and now that my dose is being decreased, I'm noticing I'm having uncontrollable anger outbursts along with increased night tremors. If this drug works for you, the pros are greatly outweighed by the side effects. But those side effects can be debilitating sometimes. Take with extreme caution."

• Ano...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 17, 2015

Venlafaxine for Depression "I've taken this medication for about 5 years now after having no success with other antidepressants. I take 75 mg every day. On the rare occasion that I run out of pills or miss a dosage, the side effects are incredibly hellish. The nausea and dizziness are hindering, and I have found nothing that can help these side effects."

• 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!"

• App...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 4, 2023

Venlafaxine for Depression "I was on 150 mg of Effexor for anxiety, depression, and ADHD for 8 months. It was great at first. I no longer woke up at dawn with anxiety attacks and could finally go to work, it also helped my anxiety when starting Ritalin. After a while, I started to feel very unmotivated and just numb, with no emotions. My sex drive went away, which before was super high, and I also couldn't orgasm, and if I did, it felt not as great. I stopped this medication because after missing just one dose, I had terrible vertigo to the point where I couldn't even stand without feeling like I was going to fall or throw up. I also got nausea and anxiety, along with tremendous fatigue and brain zaps, which I despise so much. Weaning off this medication now, and honestly, it's torture."

• Hol...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 19, 2017

Venlafaxine for Depression "I have been tapering off Effexor for the past few weeks. I was originally prescribed 150 mg per day, and the dose was too much for me. I was brought down to 112.5 and stayed on that dose for almost 2 years. My mood was greatly improved, and my anxiety was nearly non-existent. The downside was that I was always tired and taking naps constantly-most of my weekends were spent sleeping. I'd drink a few cups of coffee in the morning, and I could barely keep my eyes open. I became a napper and would nap for 2-4 hours at a shot. I became extremely lazy and gained about 25 pounds due to a complete lack of energy. The side effects of missing a dose were extreme nausea and horrible headaches."

• Anonymous
• May 11, 2012

Venlafaxine for Depression "I was on this medication for about 3 years for depression/anxiety. During the time I took this medication, it completely numbed any emotion that a normal person would get. About six months ago, I decided that I was ready to discontinue my use of this medication and slowly reduced my doses. Coming down from this was extremely difficult and painful. I would have the craziest/scariest dreams, intense night sweats, severe headaches, uncontrollable body shaking and muscle twitching, some nausea/vomiting, but the worst of all the side effects was when my heart would race so fast it felt like it was going to break out of my chest, and my heart would feel like it was skipping beats, and each time that happened, I would get an intense head rush."

• Tee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 8, 2021

Venlafaxine for Anxiety "I started taking Effexor XR 3 days ago. So far, I have just been nauseated, so I got nausea meds. I’m starting to feel a difference already. I feel the effects of the meds pretty early. I am really hoping this is my ‘miracle’ pill."

• Tee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 8, 2021

Venlafaxine for Anxiety "I started taking Effexor XR 3 days ago. So far, I have just been nauseated, so I got nausea meds. I’m starting to feel a difference already. I feel the effects of the meds pretty early. I am really hoping this is my ‘miracle’ pill."

• ket...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 28, 2024

Venlafaxine for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Effexor changed my 4 years battle with anxiety. It was rough in the start. I was sick, dizzy, feeling worse... But you have to take benzos in the start so you don't have a horrible time when your body adjusts to it. Now I can finally live normal and work on everything that caused this. And for all people, trauma is. And the only thing that will set you free forever is to find someone to work with you on causes. But you have to be better to work on it."

• Ano...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 28, 2020

Venlafaxine for Depression "I was on Effexor XR for a few months and ended up stopping it around 1 year ago because the only thing it did was barely keeping me alive, that's about it. I have C-PTSD, MDD, and ASD. Feeling nauseous all the time, no emotions at all except vague sadness. Then I started taking it again a few months ago because I had another MDD episode. This time the side effects were even worse. I gained 15 pounds in 3 months, I spent my entire days in bed completely numb. I had nightmares, and at some point, it got so bad that I was sleeping 20 hours a day. I didn't have anxiety attacks in years and started to have them again. It's a pretty rough price to pay not to feel suicidal. A doctor switched me to Fetzima 2 weeks ago, and I already feel so much better. Better than I've been in years, in fact. I know Venlafaxine works for some people, but for me, it was the worst antidepressant I've ever had in my life. The 2/10 is for keeping me alive for a few weeks, otherwise, I'd give it 1/10."

• Ann...
• March 3, 2016

Venlafaxine for Depression "I have tried nearly all antidepressant/anxiety medication, and venlafaxine has been one of the best for me. My mood is more balanced, my sleep is improved, and I am more motivated than before starting the medication. The side effect of nausea lasts a short while after taking a dose (37.5 mg 2x daily for me), but the overall positive effects are worthwhile. I found that venlafaxine has a quicker effect than other SNRIs, with fewer side effects."

• jim...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 18, 2019

Venlafaxine for Anxiety "Stopped after the first capsule. I had nausea, headache, dizzy, disoriented, rise in blood pressure to 170/93, blurred vision, extreme fatigue, difficulty breathing, tightness in chest, caused onset of IBS. I couldn’t get out of bed for 36 hours."

• Nde...
• May 18, 2016

Venlafaxine for Anxiety "I had been struggling with OCD and anxiety and rage issues for a very long time. I decided to get help after my daughter was born. I was put on a myriad of different pills until Effexor. It calmed me down, and my OCD is almost non-existent. But miss a dose and you will be sick like you've never felt before! Think of the worst flu you ever had... it's kind of like that but worse. And all the anxiety comes back in full force. It has really helped me to function, but I would never have gotten on it if I knew how bad it was to get off it. Try everything else before taking this. It will help but at what cost?"